shop talk

M-Class Shop talk

1999 ML320 fuse box. Other years may differ.

1999 ML320 fuse and relay assignments. Other years may differ.

Fuse F2 check
When the left turn signal behaves erratically check F2.

Fuse F10 check
Model year 98 and 99: If the cigarette lighter and the trip computer are out, the radio won't switch off and turns off after 45 minutes, and the glove compartment light and Homelink (99s) won't work, check fuse F10.

Fuse F42 check
If the central locking is not working correctly, for example the front and rear doorlocks are not in sync, check fuse F42.

Fuse F44 check
If the air conditioning is weak check A/C fan fuse F44.

Mercedes M-Class Amps Draw Test
An inexpensive way to test the electrical current drawn for example by the window lifters, the powerseats or the in-tank fuel pump.

M-Class battery
The new absorbent glass matt AGM lead acid batteries endure more discharge cycles than previous models.

Download M-Class owners' manuals
Some Mercedes M-Class owners' manuals are available online from MBUSA.
Model year 2001 ML320, ML430, ML55 AMG (12 MB pdf)
Model year 2002 ML320, ML500, ML55 AMG (22 MB pdf)

M112 V6 and M113 V8 engines
These three valve engines have a unique set of advantages of high torque at low rpm combined with smooth lean twin pulse idle, low consumption and low emissions.

Mercedes Oil Recommendations
Info on the latest Mercedes-Benz approved engine oils.

M-Class Service for the Novice, by John Lamb, from Star Magazine
This article appeared in the MBCA Star magazine in the summer of 1998.

How to reset the Flexible Service System (FSS)
on www.4x4abc.com

How do I read the oil level from inside the car?
Press the button on the instrument panel with the key in position 2, wait about 10 seconds until the display flashes ------ and then press the button again.

Mercedes-Benz ATF
The new ATF for the 7 speed transmission can also be used for the 5 speed transmission. It sometimes costs less than the older ATF.

M-Class Malfunction Indicator Lamps (MIL)
This diagnostic tool is bundled with M-Classes "free of charge" and shows worn brake pads, low brakefluid etc and allows some simple ABS, ETS, ESP, BAS system troubleshooting.

M-Class brake pads

MercedesShop Do It Yourself section

Mercedes-Benz M-Class springs, shocks, suspension
The M-Class springs and suspension are described, together with part numbers and tuning tips.

Paul's ML Download site
Paul uploaded lots of service and installation bulletins, including complete Mercedes-Benz phone, video entertainment system, and third row seat installation including the MB publications.

Handling D2B fiber

CD-changer install

Upgrading North-American '98/99 M-Classes to DVD/CD Navigation

Mercedes radios and navigation options listed

Mercedes phone options

Mercedes voice recogniton

How to change the window lifter by Peter Leubner

How do you take the dash apart to replace the light? on Ken Yee's site

M-Class instrument cluster

E-box fan replacement/cleaning (Ken's site)
One might hear a loud pitched noise from the engine compartment on the first start on a cold morning.
129 830 06 08 E-Box fan, first version, feeps
129 545 00 95 E-Box fan, replacement, quiet

Repairing Window Switches on the Mercedes Benz M-Class by RODNEY
A new switch part number became available in October 2001.
163 820 30 10 superseded, dont install
163 820 66 10

M-Class Climate
This schematic helps troubleshooting the M-Class climate control system.

M-Class cabin air filter installation instructions

My A/C seems weak?
Check the A/C fan fuse F44.

M-Class Power Steering Hose Clamps by Andrew Ling

Black tie optional

Winter Tires

Road Tires

M-Class tire/wheel alignment specs
on Gary's site

Off-road tires

M-class Off-road

NASA Tire Hydroplaning movies
As an example, the tire adhesion coefficient on a wet road at 60 MPH is about 0.5 and drops to zero when encountering a puddle of water, just 3 mm deep.

M-Class transmission shifts (5 speed)

M-Class Towing
lists the permissable towing weights.

Transfer Case

Automotive Conversions
Convert fuel consumption, power, torque, speed, weight and temperature between American and European units.

Automotive lighting FAQ
Recommended halogen bulbs are made e.g. by Narva, Osram, Philips or Sylvania. The M-Class factory bulbs are H7.

How do I turn the fog lights on?
Have your dealer enable the option in the AAM and install H3 bulbs in the headlights. '98 to '01 M-Class come with integrated fog lights which can be enabled and then be switched from the AUX light switch for the front (top), and the rear (bottom half of the switch).

Some BiXenon connection tips

Headlight condensation
Sometimes headlights fog up inside. If this is due to leaky seals have the seals repaired. There are also vent holes on the back of the headlights which might cause it, and these should not be plugged up, since they prevent a pressure increase inside the headlight when switching it on.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class first aid kit

M-Class sunroof

Octane rating
The octane number at the pump can be confusing. Here is a little overview of fuels commonly available in the US and Germany.

Fuel tank capacity tested
A 1999 ML320 was driven on flat roads until it died from a lack of fuel. At this point the needle pointed to 0 fuel, to the middle of the bar. It took a total of 19.5 gallons to fill the tank to the first click-off at the station and the gauge indicated full. But with some effort and a very slow flow rate with repeated click-offs it was possible to fill in another 2.5 gal for a total of 22.0 gallons, although this is not recommended.

Tank capacity 98-01     19.2 gal - 72 liter including reserve fuel
Tank capacity 02-05     22.0 gal - 83 liter including reserve fuel
Tank capacity ML55 AMG  24.5 gal - 93 liter including reserve fuel
Tank capacity 06+ ML    25.0 gal - 95 liter including reserve fuel
Reserve fuel quantity    3.2 gal - 12 liter 

When the reserve light illuminates at least the reserve fuel quantity should be left in the tank.

M-Class fuel pump + sender assembly
Also how to change the fuel filter and what to do in case it doesn't want to start.

MY2000 ML320 Crankshaft position sensor - dickiegoodman

Can't find the EGR valve?

Egas - Throttle position sensor Lubrication on Ken's M-Class Outpost

Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) insert

M-Class trip computer

Diesels rock!

Mercedes-Benz Maintenance and Service Manual CD/DVDs
MBUSA releases service CD/DVDs for the 1998-2005 W163 M-Class in February 2006 for folks who like to work on their automobiles. It includes the engine and chassis manuals, parts info, service bulletins, wiring diagrams, etc. etc.

T-2700-163-05 - 1998-2005 W163 M-Class
T-2700-164-06 - 2006-2007 W164 ML350, ML500, ML63 AMG and the GL450
P-2700-251-07 - 2006-2007 W251 R-Class including turbodiesel engine
P-2700-211-07 - 2003-2008 W211 E-Class including turbodiesel and Bluetec engine

Mercedes diagnostic tools

Mercedes-Benz Standard Service Equipment Program, Winter 2008 Promotion (pdf)

STAR TekInfo

schraub, schraub, schraub...

Wolfgang's ML Page