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.

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    General notes
    If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey, either the battery in the SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is faulty or the starter battery is discharged. •► Check the bat ...

    Front air bags
    The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest. Driver's air bag 1 deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air bag 2 depl ...

    Changing gea
    The automatic transmission shifts to the individual gears automatically when it is in transmission position D. This automatic gearshifting behavior is determined by:  - a shift range restr ...