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:

    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 ...

    DEF
    Important safety notes For BlueTEC vehicles only. DEF is a non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless, odorless and water-soluble fluid. Rinse surfaces that have come into contact with DEF immediately ...

    Activating the rear view camera
    Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock. Make sure that the "rear view camera" function is selected in COMAND (see the separate operating instructions for ...