Under the Hood

The ML350 carries a 232-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, while the ML500 comes with a 288-hp, 5.0-liter V-8. Both models use a five-speed-automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The permanently engaged four-wheel-drive system has a Low-range gear setting, and it distributes power among the four wheels as needed to maintain traction. Unlike its X5 and RX 330 rivals, Mercedes insists that the M-Class is a true offroad vehicle.

    See also:

    Checking tire pressure electronically
    ► Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock. ► Press and hold the button on the multifunction steering wheel until the standard display appears in the mu ...

    Tire ply composition and material used
    Describes the number of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. These are made of steel, nylon, polyester and other materials. ...

    Load index
    Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data in the example. In addition to the load bearing index, load index 1 may be imprinted after the letters that identify speed index 6 ...