🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: ML350 Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: W163 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) Competitive Analysis Competitors 2003: BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery Key Features Luxury Appointments: Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, robust build quality. Powertrain Options: Powerful V8 and efficient V6 engine options, advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Safety Innovation: Class-leading safety features including advanced airbag systems and stability control. Manual Purpose Target Audience: Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts working on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language: English Format: Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable) Source Licensing: Officially Licensed 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul specifications for the M112 V6 engine. Transmission: Service and repair of the 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6) including electronic control module diagnostics. Drivetrain: Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, transfer case, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage, and alignment specifications. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, and component specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, and power steering fluid specifications. Electrical: Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, ECU diagnostics, lighting, and accessories. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, interior trim, and chassis components. Climate Control: HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component testing, and climate control module diagnostics. Safety Systems: SRS airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures, seatbelt mechanisms. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault code analysis, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components. Overhaul: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds with torque specifications and clearances. Diagnostics: Extensive diagnostic procedures utilizing factory scan tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS concepts) for engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, and body control modules. Wiring Diagrams: Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Software (e.g., executable application, PDF collection) Searchability: Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Output Quality: Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Software format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Software format) Page Count Estimated Pages: Likely equivalent to over 1500-2000+ printed pages given the complexity of Mercedes-Benz systems. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M112 Configuration: 4.3L (4266 cc) SOHC 90-degree V6 Horsepower: 232 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 284 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm Bore X Stroke: 92.0 mm x 84.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) with 3 valves per cylinder Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU: ME 2.8 Engine Control Unit Emissions: Federal Tier 1 compliant 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Automatic (722.6) Gear Ratios: 3.362 (1st), 2.037 (2nd), 1.356 (3rd), 1.000 (4th), 0.731 (5th), 4.000 (Reverse) Optional Optional Types: N/A for ML350 in 2003; 4-speed auto (722.4) was previously available on ML models. Features Drive Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Transmission Fluid: MB Spec 236.10 (ATF 134 or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.7 inches (4793 mm) Width: 75.9 inches (1928 mm) Height: 71.1 inches (1806 mm) Wheelbase: 111.0 inches (2819 mm) Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches (208 mm) (standard) Weights Curb Weight: 4,564 lbs (2070 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6,009 lbs (2725 kg) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats: 36.3 cu ft (1028 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded: 79.4 cu ft (2249 L) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: ★★★★☆ (4 stars) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: ★★★★☆ (4 stars) NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: ★★★★☆ (4 stars) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: ★★★★☆ (4 stars) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Traction Control: All-Season Traction Control (4-ETS) Braking Assist: Brake Assist (BAS) ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional). Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. Rollover Protection: Roll-over sensor for airbag deployment and fuel pump shut-off. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and Nakamichi amplifiers (optional). Navigation: Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system. Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional Parktronic parking assist system. Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional telematics system with integrated cellular phone capability. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Engine Air...