Schedule of current maintenance (Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163)

Engine compartment of petrol models (on the example of ML 320) (1 of 2)

Engine compartment of petrol models (on the example of ML 320) (2 of 2)

Engine compartment of diesel models (using the ML 270 CDI as an example)

(Article borrowed from the web portal: mercedesman.ru)

The suggested recommendations assume that the vehicle is serviced by the owner himself, as opposed to work performed at a Mercedes-Benz dealership service station. Although this schedule is based on the manufacturer's recommendations, the intervals between most of the procedures may be shortened at the owner's discretion, for example, checking and changing lubricants and fluids should be performed at intervals that ensure maximum engine or drive life. In addition, if the owner is interested in maintaining the vehicle in maximum operating readiness for possible resale, many procedures may be performed more frequently. The authors of this Guide can only welcome such an initiative.

The initial service and inspection of a new vehicle must be performed at a Mercedes-Benz representative service station to ensure that the warranty is met. This service is provided free of charge.

Checks carried out on a regular basis

Annually

• Replace the engine oil and oil filter (see Section Changing engine oil and oil filter).
• Check the levels of other working fluids in the engine compartment reservoirs (see Section Checking fluid levels, leak control).

Every 2 years

• Replace the brake fluid.
• Check the condition of the paintwork.
• Check the condition of the chassis components, load-bearing and supporting body elements.

Every 3 years

• Replace the coolant.
• Clean and lubricate the guide channels and sliders of the top hatch cover.
• Replace the battery of the TeleAid emergency call system (with appropriate equipment).

After the first 48,000 km, or after 4 years of operation (one-time), - diesel models only

• Check the valve timing (see Chapters Setting the base position of the camshafts and Engine electrical systems).

Every 72,000 km, or once every 4 years

• Replace spark plugs on ML 230 models (see Section Checking and replacing spark plugs, checking the condition of high-voltage wires (petrol models)).

Every 96,000 km, or once every 4 years

• Replace the fuel filter (petrol models)/main and preliminary fuel filters (diesel models) (See Section Checking the fuel system, replacing the fuel filter).
• Replace the air cleaner filter element - do not forget to clean the inside of the air cleaner housing (see Chapter Removal and installation air intake tract components).
• Check the condition of the accessory drive belts (see Section Checking the condition of multi-rib belts for auxiliary drive units), - if necessary, replace (see Chapter Engine).
• Replace the cabin air filter and pre-carbon filter.
• Check the condition of the fuel tank filler neck seals.

Every 160,000 km, or once every 4 years

• Replace spark plugs on petrol models except ML 230 (see Section Checking and replacing spark plugs, checking the condition of high-voltage wires (petrol models)).

Procedures performed in accordance with standard Maintenance Work Lists (in accordance with the ASSYST system indication)

List A: The procedure is performed if the mileage since the last service according to list B is less than 22,000 km.

List B: The procedure is performed if the mileage since the last service according to list B is more than 22,000 km.

Attention! Primary maintenance is performed according to list B (full scope of work)!

List A

Car interior, windshield wipers

• Check the proper functioning of the following devices:
• a) Sound and light signaling devices, direction indicators/hazard warning lights;
• b) Control/indicator lamps, lighting elements and interior lighting devices;
• c) External lighting fixtures;
• d) Windscreen wipers;
• e) Windscreen washers (including headlight washers).
• Check the condition and proper functioning of the seat belts.
• Reset the scheduled maintenance interval counter on the instrument cluster (see Section Active Maintenance Warning System (ASSYST)).

Wheel assemblies and brake mechanisms

• Through the openings in the right wheel disks, assess the remaining thickness of the brake pad friction linings.
• Through the opening in the right front wheel disc, assess the remaining thickness of the brake disc.
• Assess the degree of wear and general condition of the tires, measure the remaining tread depth, and replace/rotate the wheels if necessary.
• Check the tire inflation pressure and make adjustments if necessary.

Engine compartment

Caution! Be careful when working in the engine compartment - the cooling system fan may continue to operate for about 30 seconds after the engine is turned off!

Electronic ignition systems generate very high voltage! Be careful and take all necessary precautions when servicing any system components, including not only the main ones (ignition module, coil and high voltage wiring), but also related ones, such as spark plug connectors, tachometer and other connected diagnostic equipment. Particular care should be taken when the engine is running, during its start-up, with the ignition on (key in position 2) and when turning the crankshaft manually. Persons with an implanted pacemaker should not be allowed to service ignition system components!

Note: The procedure for opening the hood is described in Section Access to the underhood space.

The appearance of the engine compartment is shown in the illustrations.

• Check the brake fluid level.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the level and assess the condition of the engine coolant.
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter.
• Lubricate the hood lock and hinge components.

List B

Interior, headlights and windshield wipers

In addition to the procedures listed in List A:

• Replace the cabin filter.
• Check that the tilt of the headlights' optical axes is adjusted correctly and make the appropriate adjustments if necessary.
• Replace the front wiper blades.

Wheel assemblies and brake mechanisms

• Remove the wheels and measure the remaining thickness of the front and rear brake pads and discs.
• Assess the degree of wear and general condition of the tires, measure the remaining tread depth, and replace if necessary.
• Perform wheel rotation.
• Check tire inflation pressure (including spare tire), make appropriate adjustments if necessary.
• Check that the parking brake is functioning properly and that it holds the vehicle securely on a slope.

The bottom of the car

The layout of the main components installed under the bottom of the vehicle is shown in the illustration.

Typical layout of underbody components (front suspension torsion springs removed)

• Check underbody components and connecting lines for signs of developing leaks.
• Check the condition and correct routing of hydraulic and fuel lines.
• Check the condition of the ball joints and rubber boots of the drive shaft joint assemblies, suspension and steering components.
• Assess the degree of wear of the steering components (by the amount of clearance).

Engine compartment

In addition to the procedures listed in List A:

• Visually assess the condition of all accessible components, check the correct installation and secure fastening of communication lines.
• Inspect the powertrain and accessories for signs of developing leaks.
• Check the power steering fluid level.
• Check the battery electrolyte level.
• Assess the condition of the accessory drive belts.
• Check the proper functioning of the throttle actuator, lubricate the rotary units (except for the ML 430, ML 500 and ML 55 AMG models, - engines of the 113 series).

According to list B

• Check the engine coolant level.
• Check the fluid level of the power steering system (GUR).
• Check the damper control fluid level.
• Check the components located in the engine compartment for signs of developing leaks.
• Check the condition and correct routing of hydraulic and fuel lines.
• Check the condition of the accessory drive belts.
• Lubricate the throttle drive elements, check the correct operation of the drive.
• Replace the heating and ventilation system dust filter installed in the engine compartment (without carbon element).
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter.
• Check the proper functioning of the hood lock latch.

Body (according to List B)

• Check the headlight bulbs (except xenon) for compliance with the requirements of the Specifications for power consumption.
• Check that the optical axes of the headlights are adjusted correctly and make the appropriate adjustments if necessary.
• Replace the working elements of the windshield wipers (including headlight washers).

Luggage compartment

According to List A

• Check the inflation pressure of the spare tire.

According to List B

• Check the electrolyte level in the battery.