Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 Operator's Manual

Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 Operator's Manual | PDF

Owner's Manual covering the operation, driving and specifications of North American Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 models.

The first-generation M-Class developed from the AAVision concept presented in 1996 and reached the market in 1997. Designed to combine Mercedes-Benz passenger-car comfort and safety with the versatility and off-road ability of an SUV, the W163 became an important part of the company's international expansion.

Production began at the new Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, the first major Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility outside Germany. The platform used a separate frame, independent suspension on both axles and electronically assisted permanent four-wheel drive instead of the conventional differential locks commonly found in other off-road vehicles of the period.

This Operator's Manual applies to versions produced before the model-series update. In addition to explaining the controls and interior equipment, it contains dedicated sections covering off-road operation, LOW RANGE, the 4-ETS+ traction system, trailer towing and cargo-area organization.

Models included in this W163 Series Operator's Manual

• Mercedes-Benz ML 320, type 163.154, equipped with the 3.2-liter M112 V6 engine.
• Mercedes-Benz ML 430, type 163.172, equipped with the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine.
• Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG, type 163.174, equipped with the 5.5-liter M113 V8 engine.

Access, seating and interior equipment

• Keys, remote control and start lock-out.
• Central locking and emergency unlocking.
• Anti-theft alarm, glass-breakage sensor and tow-away protection.
• Manual or power front seats.
• Heated seats and head-restraint adjustment.
• Seat belts, tensioners, airbags and BabySmart.
• Adjustable steering wheel and power mirrors.
• Trip computer and FSS maintenance system.

Climate control, roof and passenger compartment

The manual explains the heating, air-conditioning, recirculation and defrosting settings. It also covers the power windows, rear quarter windows, conventional sliding/pop-up roof and Skyview Top.

Additional instructions describe the interior lighting, storage compartments, cup holders, telephone and garage-door opener. Illustrations make it easier to locate the controls and understand their different positions.

Passengers and cargo space

• Split rear bench seat and easy-entry function.
• Rear head restraints.
• Optional third-row seats.
• Removable cargo-floor plates.
• Enlarged cargo area.
• Tie-down rings and hooks.
• Partition net and cargo-area cover.
• Loading and cargo-securing instructions.

On-road and off-road driving

The documentation covers engine starting, automatic-transmission operation, parking-brake use, fuel-efficient driving and tire behavior. It also provides recommendations for snow, deep water, foreign travel and trailer towing.

A dedicated section explains how to prepare the vehicle for off-road use, select a route, ascend and descend slopes, cross uneven terrain and carry out the necessary checks after leaving the trail.

Traction, braking and stability

• Permanent four-wheel drive.
• 4-ETS+ electronic traction system.
• LOW RANGE transfer-case mode.
• ABS antilock braking system.
• BAS brake assist system.
• EBP electronic brake proportioning.
• ESP electronic stability program.
• Cruise control.

Tele Aid, warnings and maintenance

The Tele Aid section provides instructions for emergency calls, information requests and roadside assistance. The manual also identifies warnings relating to the engine, brakes, SRS, traction system, LOW RANGE, engine oil, coolant and FSS maintenance.

Routine checks and practical procedures

• Engine-oil, coolant and automatic-transmission-fluid checks.
• Fuses and electrical outlet.
• Wheels, tires and inflation pressure.
• Spare wheel, jack, tools and air pump.
• Battery and jump starting.
• Vehicle towing and recovery.
• Manual transmission-selector release.
• Bulb replacement and headlamp adjustment.
• Remote-control battery replacement and synchronization.
• Emergency operation of the sliding roof and Skyview Top.

These instructions provide useful assistance for routine situations and help preserve the correct documentation for the vehicle. They do not replace workshop-manual diagnostics or repair procedures.

Cleaning and preservation

The manual provides recommendations for cleaning the bodywork, underbody, engine compartment, trim, windows, lamps and light-alloy wheels. It also covers care of the instrument cluster, steering wheel, seat belts, upholstery and interior components.

Technical data and service products

The documentation identifies the vehicle labels and provides model-specific specifications. It covers the engines, transmission, electrical system, wheels, tires, dimensions, weights, capacities and Poly-V-belt routing.

The engine-oil, fuel, brake-fluid, coolant and air-conditioning-refrigerant specifications reflect the standards applicable when the manual was published and should be checked before modern equivalents are used.

File details

• Format: PDF.
• Language: English.
• Pages: 317.
• File size: 10.4 MB.
• Delivery: instant download link.