🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: M-Class Year: 2011 Chassis Code: W164 Market Segment: Mid-size Luxury SUV 👋 Introduction Market Market Position: The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164 generation) was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury SUV, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Cadillac SRX. History Brand Heritage: Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and advanced automotive technology, which is reflected in the M-Class. Key Features Key Features: This manual covers a vehicle known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated interior, powerful engine options, and advanced safety features for its time. Key technologies include the COMAND infotainment system and various electronic driver aids. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Coverage Areas: All aspects of vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 400-500 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era/class, actual number may vary based on specific model configurations). Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Systems Covered: Engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical system (lighting, charging, starting), climate control, infotainment (audio, navigation, phone), safety systems (airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP), driver assistance systems, body and interior features, wheels and tires. Procedures Procedures Included: Pre-driving checks, adjusting seats and steering wheel, using climate control, operating infotainment and communication systems, understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues, emergency procedures (tire change, jump-starting, towing), vehicle appearance and care (washing, waxing, interior cleaning). Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive user-level information. Covers operation, feature usage, and basic maintenance. Does not delve into in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs typically found in a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File File Format: PDF Searchability: Likely fully searchable if OCR'd correctly. Printability: Printable, allowing for physical copies. Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Primary Engine Offered Usdm: 3.5L V6 (M272 E35) Performance V6 Horsepower V6: 268 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque V6: 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm Engine Options Engine Options: ML350 (3.5L V6), ML550 (5.5L V8), ML63 AMG (6.2L V8 - naturally aspirated) Fuel System Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Engine Code V6 Engine Code V6: M272 Engine Code V8 Engine Code V8: M273 (5.5L), M156 (6.2L AMG) 🔧 Transmission Standard Drivetrain Standard Drivetrain: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Standard Transmission Standard Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS) Features Transmission Features: TouchShift manual shift control, adaptive transmission logic. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Exterior Length: Approx. 188.5 inches (4788 mm) Exterior Width Exterior Width: Approx. 75.2 inches (1910 mm) Exterior Height Exterior Height: Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 114.7 inches (2915 mm) Cargo Volume Cargo Volume Seats Up: Approx. 72.4 cubic feet (2050 liters) Cargo Volume Seats Down: Approx. 38.5 cubic feet (1089 liters) Weights Curb Weight Ml350: Approx. 4600-4700 lbs (2087-2132 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Rollover Rating: 4 out of 5 stars IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (for models with optional side-impact airbags, often standard on higher trims) Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS), Hill Start Assist. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Options: Optional: Parktronic, DISTRONIC cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation System) with a central color display. Audio Features: AM/FM radio, CD/DVD player, MP3 capability, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system. Connectivity: Bluetooth hands-free calling, optional USB interface for iPod and other devices. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Systems: Features like the aforementioned DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), Parktronic parking assist, and optional rearview camera enhance driver convenience and safety. Other Tech Other Technology: Keyless-Go (optional push-button start), power liftgate, automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering function. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable, typically based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (ASSYST PLUS), often around 10,000 miles or 12 months. Transmission Fluid Service: Recommended replacement around 40,000-60,000 miles, though some sources suggest longer intervals for lifetime fluid. Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec Ml350: MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51, SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40 synthetic. Transmission Fluid Spec: MB Approval 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC). Coolant Spec: MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue or green). Known Issues Known Issues Common: Potential for M272 V6 engine balance shaft wear (leading to check engine light, rough idle), oil cooler seal leaks, ABS/ESP module failures, rear air suspension issues (if equipped), starter motor issues. Known Issues Common Transmission: Solenoid issues in the 7G-TRONIC, particularly with rough shifting or engagement problems....
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164 generation) was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury SUV, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Cadillac SRX.
History
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and advanced automotive technology, which is reflected in the M-Class.
Key Features
Key Features:
This manual covers a vehicle known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated interior, powerful engine options, and advanced safety features for its time. Key technologies include the COMAND infotainment system and various electronic driver aids.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage
Coverage Areas:
All aspects of vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 400-500 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era/class, actual number may vary based on specific model configurations).
Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems
Systems Covered:
Engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical system (lighting, charging, starting), climate control, infotainment (audio, navigation, phone), safety systems (airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP), driver assistance systems, body and interior features, wheels and tires.
Procedures
Procedures Included:
Pre-driving checks, adjusting seats and steering wheel, using climate control, operating infotainment and communication systems, understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues, emergency procedures (tire change, jump-starting, towing), vehicle appearance and care (washing, waxing, interior cleaning).
Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive user-level information. Covers operation, feature usage, and basic maintenance. Does not delve into in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs typically found in a service manual.
Yes (for models with optional side-impact airbags, often standard on higher trims)
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS), Hill Start Assist.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Bluetooth hands-free calling, optional USB interface for iPod and other devices.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Systems:
Features like the aforementioned DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), Parktronic parking assist, and optional rearview camera enhance driver convenience and safety.
Other Tech
Other Technology:
Keyless-Go (optional push-button start), power liftgate, automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering function.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (ASSYST PLUS), often around 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended replacement around 40,000-60,000 miles, though some sources suggest longer intervals for lifetime fluid.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec Ml350:
MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51, SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40 synthetic.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB Approval 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC).
Coolant Spec:
MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue or green).
Known Issues
Known Issues Common:
Potential for M272 V6 engine balance shaft wear (leading to check engine light, rough idle), oil cooler seal leaks, ABS/ESP module failures, rear air suspension issues (if equipped), starter motor issues.
Known Issues Common Transmission:
Solenoid issues in the 7G-TRONIC, particularly with rough shifting or engagement problems.
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Part Number:
Commonly 271-184-00-25 or similar depending on engine (refer to manual for exact fitment).
📚 Vehicle History
Model Evolution
W164 Generation Years:
2006-2011
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Facelifted for the 2009 model year, introducing updated styling, new engine options, and enhanced technology.
Production
Production Locations:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (North American market production); Rastatt, Germany (European market production).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Award Example 2011:
Often received good reviews for its comfortable ride and refined interior. Competitors like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX frequently appeared on 'best of' lists. Specific awards for the 2011 model may vary.
Ratings
Consumers Reports Rating:
Consumer Reports ratings for the 2011 M-Class were generally average to above average, with strengths in ride comfort and performance, but some concerns over predicted reliability in certain areas (e.g., electronics).