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I just do the old fashion way to let the oil drain out to the bucket, ground clearance is pretty high to take the bolt out. I didn't even raise the ML.You'll need 8 1/2 qts. of oil to change, with filter.
But I think I'll buy a topsider this time because I got a catalog from JC whitney and its on sale for $40.00.
NOW: Question to Drew,Kenyee and everyone who own ML430 or ML55. Is it true that the V8 engine doe not have an oil drain plug? You have to drain oil thru the oil pan. I am curious about this.
I wouldn't use the drain plug on an ML because it splashes all over the frame unless you know about this and redirect it in time. I have heard a lot of good things about the Topsider.
Many find it very convenient to use the topsider, WRT ease and clenliness. Even some dealerships use a topsider device but a bit larger.
But some still prefer to use the plug method. but IMHO I dont believe it is necessary.
Robert
What did ya'll pay for it?
John
I am sure that ML 2002 will generate some more traffic.
No, the needle doesn't shift pass down to the lighted section (I haven't gone that low though). When the needle hits the E, the orange warning light will come on and it indicates that you're on reserve. Reserve is approximately 12 litres left of gas in the tank.
That said though, I have never run the fuel level down so low till the reserve light comes down. Since the gasoline keeps the fuel pump cool, running it low will cause the pump to heat up and you probably don't want to do that on a regular basis.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Is th submergable pump more in SUVS or cars as well?
I have been told to run it to the bottom or as close to it then fill up if possible
Robert
Here's a picture of the ML's fuel pump. Access can be gained without dropping the tank since there is a port above, underneath the driver side rear seat. Wolfgang or Mike B. mentioned that this port is epoxied shut.
The fuel filler hose is located quite a ways from the tank as you can see. This is partly so that in the event of an accident, it will break away and not cause any fuel spillage.
Hope this helps!
The MB cars, like the new C-class, don't have a dipstick. However, they do have a dipstick tube so that you can still use the topsider pump to suck up the oil.
http://www.scirocco.org/list/archives/1999/October/msg02196.html
Apparently Syntec used to be a full synthetic, but they changed their formula in 1998 so that it is now hydrocracked instead (cheaper to make).
Oddly, I think BMW uses only Castrol Syntec for their oil changes. There's even a "Castrol" brand embossed into the oil cap!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Newbie here. 1'st post. Sorry can't search history...shows unavailable at this time.
I've got a 2001 ML320. We love it. The vehicle came with General Grabbers (255/65-16). I'm wondering what tire you people who have driven through a winter recommend?
We get a pretty fair amount of snow (Kenai Alaska) and have one mega hill in our driveway.
I think the manual says that studs and winter tires are not recommended.... Chains OK. What's the best?
Thanks for any suggestions
Have you heard of anyone who has installed the Rosen Entertainment Center in their ML? I understand it is available and comes with 6.4" drop-down LCD screen from the roof and a VCR as standard. If so, where was the VCR installed?.
Yes, winter tires are okay to use too. However, in the US, you have only two choices in the stock ML320 tire size of 255/65/16 (at least from Tirerack.com). The only factory snow tire that MB (Canada) recognises is the Dunlop Winter Sport, probably because it has a much higher speed rating or HR than the Bridgestone Dueler's QR (which is still 99mph, I believe). Michelin also sells a snow tire (Michelin 4X4 Alpin) in the ML320 tire size in Canada, Europe, and Russia, but it's not available in the US for some reason. When looking for a snow tire, be sure that you purchase one that has at least the same load rating as the stock tires, which is "109".
Tirerack.com ML320 stock tire size winter tire search results.
Wolfgang's ML site also has a good amount of info on winter tires:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/shoptalk.html#wintertires
Hope this helps!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
People who have the Rosen systems (not necessarily installed in the M-class) have generally been happy with them, from what I've read.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
'01 ML430
There are a lot of tips there that should help you out.
Good luck!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Yeah, it'll improve in time. I have about 12k on mine now and it's above 17.5 ave on mix highway and city driving.
http://gallery.mbnz.org/gallery/showsub.asp?CatID=32&cat=W163_M_Class
Greg
What kind of gas mileage are you getting? How does the A/C affects it?
Thanks.
You don't mention how you arrived at your 15mpg number? Do you use instantaneous display on the trip computer? Averaged on the trip computer? Measure using the fuel pump?
The last technique is the most accurate. If you reset the trip computer before you hop on the highway, averaged is also reasonably accurate (it undercalculates by 1-2mpg).
My high on a tank of gas is 24.4mpg on a 2001 ML320 measured using the fuel pump and mileage logs. Typical is roughly 21mpg w/ lots of highway driving. Goes down to 14mpg in the city since I have to move my car in and out of the garage and not very far almost every day.
Thanks again!
Just my lil ole two cents!
Neicey
Has anyone ever experienced hesitation when pressing down on the gas. My brand new baby (01 ML320)sometimes acts as though it has to think about moving again, after being in a stopped position. This is particularly troublesome at red lights, and stop signs.
I took it back to my dealership, and the computer showed nothing, the service guy also told me he couldn't duplicate the problem (never mind that the mileage was the same when I dropped the truck off, and when I picked it up). I would appreciate any insight.
Thanks
Neicey
The installation took about 6 hours and looks OEM, the only thing visible are the 2 monitors in the headrests (but hard to see due to dark windows).
Now if you could only pipe the video signal to the factory monitor...... :-)
Derek
I average about 20mpg. In my case, Ohio is flat, I don't jackrabbit start (though I admit to liking the sound and feel of it when I have), my commute is 22 miles each way, about 75% highway (always a few miles with some stop and go but a fair amount at 60-70).
My "best" was crossing Pennsylvania on route 80 and averaging 21mpg at 70-80mph. My worst was 11mpg for half a tank in just around town driving in a hilly area while showing the car off to people who hadn't see it yet.
I bought the ML with the understanding that it would consume unlimited tankfuls of premium versus my last Pontiac that got 29mpg using regular. Its a small price to pay. I am actually very happy getting 20mpg.
I would be very interested to see what mpg an ML320 can get on a tank driven at a steady of 60mph, but not interested enough to actually drive that slow.
Edmunds's Town Hall for SUV's has an interesting thread for gas mileage that you should read through.
But that is preferable to a 1999 Chevy Tahoe I drove that was the opposite. Right after the gauge entered the zone for the last 1/4 of the tank the needle started to visably move. In about 25 miles the gauge was better than halfway through the final warning area.
My Pontiac was similar but not as bad; it would show over 1/3 remaining when under 1/4 was actually left.