🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: M-Class Model Code: W164 Year: 2006 Trim: ML500 Generation Generation: Second Generation (W164) Codes Vin Code: WDB 164.175 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) positioned as a premium mid-size luxury SUV, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Audi Q7. Targeted affluent buyers seeking comfort, luxury, performance, and off-road capability in an SUV package. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: The W164 M-Class offered a refined driving experience, advanced technology, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. Its interior quality and comfort were generally considered superior to many competitors, while its performance, particularly with the V8 engine in the ML500, was a strong selling point. Key Features Key Features: Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, luxurious interior, advanced safety features, powerful engine options, improved ride comfort and handling compared to the previous generation (W163). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications Page Count Page Count: Not specified in product information, typical for this model year is 300-400 pages. Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Powertrain (Engine, Transmission), Chassis (Suspension, Brakes, Steering), Electrical System, Climate Control, Infotainment, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Lighting, Security, Body and Interior. Procedures Included Procedures Included: Basic checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid top-offs, fuse replacement, bulb replacement, information on operating various vehicle systems, basic troubleshooting, maintenance scheduling, safety restraint usage, security system operation. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality depends on source scan; generally clear and readable. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 4.6L (4663 cc) V8 M113 E46 Performance Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Engine Code Engine Code: M113 E46 Engine Layout Engine Layout: V8 Bore X Stroke Bore X Stroke: 97.0 mm x 102.0 mm Compression Ratio Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Engine Block Material Engine Block Material: Aluminum Alloy Cylinder Head Material Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum Alloy Valvetrain Valvetrain: SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder (2 Intake, 1 Exhaust) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for ML500 Features Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, Direct Select lever, Manual mode (M) via steering wheel paddle shifters or gear selector. Drive Type Drive Type: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.2 inches (4780 mm) Width: 74.7 inches (1897 mm) Height: 70.7 inches (1796 mm) Wheelbase: 114.7 inches (2915 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 105 cu ft (2973 L) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats: 37.1 cu ft (1050 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded: 72.4 cu ft (2050 L) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 6400 lbs (2900 kg) Towing Capacity: Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional trailer hitch 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 5-Star NHTSA Side Crash Test: 5-Star IIHS Front Crash Test: Good IIHS Side Crash Test: Good Active Features Active Features: 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive Features Passive Features: Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) with CD player, radio, navigation system, and optional auxiliary inputs or changer. Features include a color display and intuitive controls. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Parktronic parking assist, adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC - optional), bi-xenon headlamps with cornering illumination. Connectivity Connectivity: Pre-wiring for cellular phone with Bluetooth interface (optional), UHI connector. Climate Controls Climate Controls: Dual-zone automatic climate control with adjustable fan speed, temperature, and airflow distribution. Rear climate control vents. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Service Interval General: Follow the flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS) indicated by the instrument cluster. Typically, oil changes every 10,000 miles or annually, with major services at prescribed intervals (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles) covering filters, spark plugs, and fluid checks. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: MB 229.5 (Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)...
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) positioned as a premium mid-size luxury SUV, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Audi Q7. Targeted affluent buyers seeking comfort, luxury, performance, and off-road capability in an SUV package.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
The W164 M-Class offered a refined driving experience, advanced technology, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. Its interior quality and comfort were generally considered superior to many competitors, while its performance, particularly with the V8 engine in the ML500, was a strong selling point.
Key Features
Key Features:
Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, luxurious interior, advanced safety features, powerful engine options, improved ride comfort and handling compared to the previous generation (W163).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Page Count
Page Count:
Not specified in product information, typical for this model year is 300-400 pages.
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Powertrain (Engine, Transmission), Chassis (Suspension, Brakes, Steering), Electrical System, Climate Control, Infotainment, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Lighting, Security, Body and Interior.
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
Basic checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid top-offs, fuse replacement, bulb replacement, information on operating various vehicle systems, basic troubleshooting, maintenance scheduling, safety restraint usage, security system operation.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality depends on source scan; generally clear and readable.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
4.6L (4663 cc) V8 M113 E46
Performance
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code
Engine Code:
M113 E46
Engine Layout
Engine Layout:
V8
Bore X Stroke
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 102.0 mm
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine Block Material
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder (2 Intake, 1 Exhaust)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A for ML500
Features
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, Direct Select lever, Manual mode (M) via steering wheel paddle shifters or gear selector.
Drive Type
Drive Type:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.2 inches (4780 mm)
Width:
74.7 inches (1897 mm)
Height:
70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Wheelbase:
114.7 inches (2915 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 105 cu ft (2973 L)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
37.1 cu ft (1050 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
72.4 cu ft (2050 L)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 6400 lbs (2900 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional trailer hitch
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Good
Active Features
Active Features:
4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) with CD player, radio, navigation system, and optional auxiliary inputs or changer. Features include a color display and intuitive controls.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Parktronic parking assist, adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC - optional), bi-xenon headlamps with cornering illumination.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
Pre-wiring for cellular phone with Bluetooth interface (optional), UHI connector.
Climate Controls
Climate Controls:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with adjustable fan speed, temperature, and airflow distribution. Rear climate control vents.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Service Interval General:
Follow the flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS) indicated by the instrument cluster. Typically, oil changes every 10,000 miles or annually, with major services at prescribed intervals (e.g., 30,000, 60,000 miles) covering filters, spark plugs, and fluid checks.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue or Green)
Potential issues include early model year air suspension component failures (if equipped), electronic module glitches, and occasional transmission control unit issues. Check for specific model year service bulletins.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann Filter HU 719/6X, Mahle KL 249/4, Mercedes-Benz A 000 180 26 09
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann Filter C 35120, Mahle LX 1024, Mercedes-Benz A 271 094 01 04
Refill Capacities
Refill Capacities:
Refer to manual for specific capacities for engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluid.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive brand, has a rich history dating back to the invention of the automobile in the late 19th century. Known for engineering excellence, innovation, and luxury.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The W164 M-Class, introduced for the 2006 model year, represented a significant redesign from its predecessor (W163). It featured a more car-like unibody construction, improved aerodynamics, enhanced interior luxury, and a wider range of advanced technologies, setting a new standard for the model.
Production
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years W164:
2005-2011
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The W164 M-Class received numerous accolades during its production run, often cited for its comfort, safety, and luxury. Specific awards for the 2006 model year may include 'Best Luxury SUV' from various automotive publications or safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.