Engine compartment of petrol models (using the ML 320 as an example) (1 of 2)
Engine compartment of petrol models (using the ML 320 as an example) (2 of 2)
1 - Oil filter; 2 - Air cleaner; 3 - Battery; 4 - Expansion tank of the cooling system; 5 - Main fuse/relay mounting block (box «E»), - the lid is open; 6 - Glass washer fluid reservoir; 7 - Dipstick for measuring the level of impellent oil; 8 - Filler neck of impellent oil; 9 - ATF level dipstick (models with AT); 10 - Fan assembly of the cooling system; 11 - GTZ tank
Engine compartment of diesel models (using the ML 270 CDI as an example)
1 - Dipstick for measuring engine oil; 2 - Filler neck of impellent oil
The suggested recommendations assume that the owner performs the vehicle maintenance procedures independently, as opposed to the work performed at the service station of the representative office of Mercedes-Benz. Although this schedule is based on the manufacturer's recommendations, the intervals between most procedures can be shortened at the discretion of the vehicle owner, such as checking and changing lubricants and fluids at intervals to maximize engine or drive life. In addition, if the owner of the car is interested in keeping it in a state of maximum readiness for use in case of a possible resale, many procedures can be performed more frequently. The compilers of this Guide can only welcome such an initiative.
The initial service and inspection of a new vehicle must be carried out by a Mercedes-Benz Dealership in order to fulfill the terms of the warranty. This service is provided free of charge.
Checks performed on a regular basis
Annually
- Change engine oil and oil filter (see Section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
- Check other fluid levels in engine compartment reservoirs (see Section Checking fluid levels, leak control).
Every 2 years
- Change 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 coolant.
- Clean and lubricate guide chutes and top hatch cover sliders.
- Replace the battery of the TeleAid emergency call system (with appropriate equipment).
After the first 48,000 km, or after 4 years of operation (once), - diesel models only
- Check the valve timing (see chapters Setting the basic position of the camshafts and Engine Electrical Systems).
Every 72,000 km or 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 every 4 years
- Replace the fuel filter (petrol models) /main and pre-fuel filters (diesel models) (see Section Checking the power system, replacing the fuel filter).
- Replace the air cleaner element - do not forget to clean the inside of the air cleaner housing (see chapter Removal and installation of components of an inlet air path).
- Check condition of accessory drive belts (see Section Checking the condition of the multi-ribbed accessory drive belts), - if necessary, replace (see chapter Engine).
- Replace the cabin air filter, carbon pre-filter.
- Check the condition of the sealing elements of the fuel tank filler neck.
Every 160,000 km or 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 to be performed in accordance with standard Maintenance Work Lists (according to ASSYST 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 maintenance according to list B is more than 22,000 km.
Attention! Primary maintenance is carried out according to list B (full scope of work)!
List A
Car interior, windshield wipers
- Check the correct operation of the following devices:
- a) Sound and light signaling devices, turn indicators / emergency signaling;
- b) Control / indicator lamps, lighting elements and interior lighting devices;
- c) Outdoor lighting fixtures;
- d) Windscreen wipers;
- e) windshield washers (including headlight washers).
- Check up a condition and serviceability of functioning of seat belts.
- Reset the scheduled maintenance interval counter on the instrument panel (see Section Active warning system about the timing of scheduled maintenance (ASSYST)).
Wheel assemblies and brake mechanisms
- Estimate the remaining thickness of the friction linings of the brake pads through the openings in the disks of the right wheels.
- Estimate the residual thickness of the brake disc through the opening in the disc of the right front wheel.
- Assess the degree of wear and general condition of the tires, measure the remaining depth of the tread pattern, if necessary, change/rotate the wheels.
- Check tire inflation pressure and adjust if necessary.
Engine compartment
Attention! Be careful when performing work in the engine compartment - the cooling system fan may operate for about 30 seconds after the engine is turned off!
In electronic ignition systems, very high voltage is generated! Be careful, observe all necessary precautions when servicing any system components, including not only the main (ignition module, coil and explosive wiring), but also related ones, such as spark plug connectors, a tachometer and other connected diagnostic equipment. Particular care should be taken when the engine is running, during its start, with the ignition on (key in position 2) and when turning the crankshaft by hand. Persons with an implanted pacemaker must not be allowed to service the components of the ignition system!
Note. A description of the procedure for opening the hood is given 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 washer fluid level.
- Check the level and evaluate the condition of the engine coolant.
- Change the engine oil and oil filter.
- Lubricate the elements of the lock and hood hinges.
List B
Interior, headlights and wipers
In addition to the procedures listed in List A:
- Replace cabin filter.
- Check the correct adjustment of the tilt of the optical axes of the headlights, if necessary, make the appropriate correction.
- Replace the front wiper blades.
Wheel assemblies and brake mechanisms
- Remove the wheels and measure the residual thickness of the pads and discs of the front and rear brakes.
- Assess the degree of wear and general condition of the tires, measure the remaining depth of the tread pattern, and replace if necessary.
- Rotate the wheels.
- Check tire inflation pressure (including spare wheel), make appropriate adjustments if necessary.
- Check up serviceability of functioning of a parking brake and reliability of deduction of the car by it on a slope.
Car bottom
The layout of the main components installed under the bottom of the car is shown in the illustration.
Typical layout of underbody components (front suspension torsion springs removed)
- Check the components located under the bottom and lines of connecting paths for presence of signs of development of leaks.
- Check the condition and proper routing of the hydraulic and fuel lines.
- Check the condition of the ball joints and rubber boots of the driveshaft pivot assemblies, suspension and steering components.
- Assess the degree of wear of the steering gear components (by backlash size).
Engine compartment
In addition to the procedures listed in List A:
- Visually assess the condition of all accessible components, check the correct laying and the reliability of fixing the communication lines.
- Inspect the power package and accessories for signs of leaks.
- Check the fluid level of the power steering system.
- Check the battery electrolyte level.
- Assess the condition of the accessory drive belts.
- Check the operation of the throttle actuator, lubricate the rotary assemblies (except for ML 430, ML 500 and ML 55 AMG models, - 113 series engines).
On list B
- Check engine coolant level.
- Check the fluid level of the power steering system (power steering).
- Check the damper control hydraulic fluid level.
- Check the elements located in an impellent compartment on presence of signs of development of leaks.
- Check the condition and proper routing of the hydraulic and fuel lines.
- Check the condition of the accessory drive belts.
- Lubricate the throttle actuator elements, check the actuator for proper operation.
- Replace the dust filter installed in the engine compartment of the heating and ventilation systems (without carbon element).
- Change the engine oil and oil filter.
- Check the operation of the hood lock latch.
Body (on List B)
- Check headlight bulbs (except xenon) for compliance with the requirements of the Specifications for power consumption.
- Check the correct adjustment of the optical axes of the headlights, if necessary, make the appropriate adjustment.
- Replace windshield wiper blades (including headlight cleaners).
Luggage compartment
On List A
- Check the inflation pressure of the spare tire.
On List B
- Check the electrolyte level in the battery.