Touchshift, manual shifting mode, adaptive shifting based on driving style.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 188.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 75.9 inches
Height:
Approximately 71.6 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,800 - 4,900 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 6,500 lbs
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
N/A (ML350 typically 2-row seating)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 43.0 - 45.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approximately 79.0 - 81.0 cubic feet
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Occupant:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Occupant:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver/passenger), front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) System.
Infotainment Features:
Navigation system (optional), CD/DVD changer, AM/FM radio, Sirius Satellite Radio capability, aux input.
Display Type:
Central console LCD screen.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC) sensors.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Interface:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, subject to driving conditions (indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the dashboard display).
Major Service Intervals:
Key inspections and replacements (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant) typically recommended at mileage milestones like 30,000, 60,000, or 100,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (synthetic, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended).
MB 236.14 (ATF LT 71141 specification, typically a blue fluid for 7G-TRONIC).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0).
Known Issues
Common Issues W164:
Potential issues can include airmatic suspension failures (struts, compressor), early balance shaft issues on M272 engines (requiring replacement), fuel injector seal leaks, and occasional electrical gremlins. The manual provides owner-level guidance to mitigate some issues through proper maintenance.
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.5 - 10.0 US quarts (9.0 - 9.5 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9.0 - 10.0 US quarts (8.5 - 9.5 Liters) for a drain and fill. Overhaul requires significantly more.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded in 1886, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and innovation in automotive history.
Model Evolution
M Class Introduction:
The M-Class (W163) was first introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the SUV market.
W164 Generation:
The W164 generation, introduced for the 2006 model year, marked a significant redesign with a more car-like unibody construction, improved on-road dynamics, and a focus on luxury.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class received excellent safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting its robust construction and advanced safety systems.