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 the coolant level
    Only check the coolant level when the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down. ► Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, ...

    Engaging reverse gear R
    Only shift the automatic transmission to R when the vehicle is stationary. - When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal. - Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first poin ...

    MB Info call button
    Press and hold MB Info call button 1 for more than two seconds. This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center. The indicator lamp in MB Info call button 1 flashes wh ...