Mercedes-Benz M-Class Installation and operation manual

Maintenance Booklet 2008 Light Trucks
M-Class, GL-Class, R-Class
(except AMG and Diesel models)

PLEASE NOTE
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU
HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SERVICED BY
YOUR AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ
LIGHT TRUCK CENTER WHO IS FULLY
EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE
AND THAT GENUINE MERCEDES-BENZ
PARTS BE USED.
SERVICE, REPLACEMENT, OR REPAIR OF
THE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES AND
SYSTEMS CAN BE PERFORMED BY ANY
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT
OR INDIVIDUAL USING CERTIFIED
PARTS.
THE USE OF DEFECTIVE OR NON-EQUIV-
ALENT PARTS MAY RESULT IN YOUR
EMISSION PERFORMANCE
WARRANTY CLAIM BEING DENIED.

1
Maintenance Booklet
Vehicle data
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Model
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
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Date of initial registration
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Paint color and code
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License Plate No.
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License Plate No.
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License Plate No.
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License Plate No.

Maintenance Booklet
2
H
Natural resources form the basis of our
existence on this planet. The objectives
of our policy are for these resources to be
used sparingly and in a manner which
takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
Our declared policy is integrated environ-
mental protection. This policy starts at
the root causes and encompasses in its
management decisions all the conse-
quences for the environment which could
arise from production processes or the
products themselves.
You too can help to protect the environ-
ment by operating your Mercedes-Benz in
an environmentally responsible manner.
Operating conditions and your individual
driving style to a large extent influence
fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
brake, and tire wear. To reduce fuel con-
sumption and the rate of wear, please
consider the following:
• Avoid short trips.
• Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct.
• Avoid frequent, abrupt acceleration.
• Do not carry any unnecessary weight.
• Remove ski holders and roof racks
once you no longer need them.
• Do not warm up the engine with the
vehicle stationary.
• Shift gears such that each gear is
used only up to 2/3 of its maximum
engine speed.
• Keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
A regularly serviced vehicle will also help
protect the environment. You should ad-
here to the maintenance intervals dis-
played by the Maintenance System
indicator, along with other maintenance
work described in this booklet.
We recommend that you have services
performed by an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center using Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts.
Protecting the environment

3
Maintenance Booklet
Contents
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System.4
Regular checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Notes on the warranty . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Parts / Operating materials . . . . . .10
Service records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Emission system maintenance
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emission System Control Caution -
Gasoline Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Confirmations
First visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tire rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Maintenance services. . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Maintenance descriptions
Maintenance overview M-,GL-Class 50
Maintenance overview R-Class . . . . 52
First visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Tire rotations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Maintenance services 1-20. . . . . . . 56
Recommended high-mileage
checks at 143,000 miles. . . . . . . . . 64
Emission System Maintenance
Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Maintenance Booklet
4
Introduction
We want you to enjoy your Mercedes-Benz
automobile. Vehicle safety and operation-
al reliability are two very important factors
and to maintain them, regular mainte-
nance services are necessary.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in the periodic maintenance work which is
required for our vehicles. The information
in this manual is accurate as of the
editorial date. At the time of your
scheduled maintenance appointments
with your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, the most current maintenance
work information will be utilized for your
vehicle’s age or mileage. Please check
with your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for any changes to the periodic
maintenance work required for your
vehicle.
Your Mercedes-Benz comes equipped
with the Mercedes-Benz Maintenance
System. The Maintenance System tracks
distance driven and the time elapsed
since your last service. In addition, it cal-
culates service items that need to be per-
formed and other required maintenance
work. The next necessary maintenance
service is indicated in the multifunction
display in the instrument cluster.
The maintenance services will be indicat-
ed by showing a service type A through
type H in the multifunction display.
Types A through H are classified based on
the estimated time needed to perform the
maintenance service, ranging from up to
approximately one hour (type A) to up to
approximately eight hours (type H).
When scheduling a maintenance appoint-
ment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center, always indicate the
service type that appears in the multifunc-
tion display. This will help the Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center to schedule your
vehicle maintenance in the most efficient
manner.

5
Maintenance Booklet
Introduction
A descriptive listing of the service items
1-20 are contained in this booklet, starting
on page 54. Following each maintenance
service, your Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will reset the Maintenance System
service indicator by confirming the service
items performed.
Tire rotation - Your vehicle’s tires are a
critical component to overall vehicle
performance and vehicle stability. The
useful life of tires will vary and is
proportional to tire type, speed rating,
ambient conditions, tire loading, tire
inflation pressure, road surfaces, and
individual driving style, among other
factors. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz
recommends regular checks for wear and
proper inflation and, if applicable to your
vehicle’s tire configuration, tire rotation.
Tire rotations can be performed on vehicles
with the same tire dimensions all around. If
your vehicle is equipped with the same tire
dimensions all around, tires can be rotated
by observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire (on
unidirectional tires, an arrow on the
sidewall indicates the intended rotation or
spinning direction of the tire). In some
cases, such as when your vehicle is
configured with staggered-size (different
tire sizes, front vs. rear), tire rotations are
not possible.
!
If the Maintenance System mainte-
nance service counter was inadvert-
ently reset, have a Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center correct it. Please
only reset if the proper maintenance
service has been performed. Reset-
ting the system without performing
the proper maintenance service will
result in engine and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Maintenance Booklet
6
Introduction
If your vehicle’s tire configuration allows
for tire rotation, tire rotation should be
performed in accordance with the tire
manufacturer’s recommended intervals,
or sooner at first signs of irregular
(uneven) tread wear. Tire manufacturer’s
rotation recommendations will
necessitate a tire rotation at least once in
between maintenance services and at
every maintenance service based on
Mercedes-Benz maintenance intervals.
The first tire rotation, so long as it occurs
before 6,500 miles (vehicle odometer),
will be provided at no charge by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
Should a tire rotation not be possible for
your vehicle’s tire configuration, an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will check your tires for proper tire
inflation pressure and perform a tread
inspection, also at no charge courtesy of
Mercedes-Benz, so long as this occurs
before 6,500 miles (vehicle odometer).
For your convenience, this Maintenance
Booklet contains a tire rotation
confirmation page on which you can
record the date and mileage when tire
rotations were performed.
Severe operating conditions -The
maintenance intervals have been
determined so that the vehicle, under
normal operating conditions, should
operate properly between maintenance
services. Severe operating conditions
may call for correspondingly sooner
replacement of the following items:
INTERIOR FILTERS (e.g. dust filter,
recirculating air filter, activated charcoal
filter or combination filter) are replaced
as called for by the Maintenance System.
Under severe dust conditions, or with the
Climate Control frequently operating in
the air recirculation mode, the filters
should be replaced correspondingly
sooner and changed more frequently
than as called for by the Maintenance
System.

7
Maintenance Booklet
Introduction
SPARK PLUGS. The Maintenance System
calls for spark plug replacement
according to the mileage at Service 12 or
5 years, whichever comes first. Severe
operating conditions (frequent starting
and stopping, excessive idling, sustained
fast highway driving) may call for spark
plugs to be replaced correspondingly
sooner.
COOLANT. Have the coolant (water/anti-
corrosion/antifreeze mixture) replaced
every 143,000 miles or 15 years, see page
63. Replacement of coolant may be re-
quired more frequently if coolant is not
maintained according to instructions
and/or other than approved anticorro-
sion/antifreeze products for your vehicle
are being used. For instructions on cool-
ant, see “Coolants” in your vehicle Opera-
tor’s Manual. For a listing of approved
anticorrosion/antifreeze products for
your vehicle, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Wear items - While the Maintenance
System calls for inspection of certain wear
items, the system does not make any
judgment on the condition of these wear
items. Only a qualified technician can
determine if a wear item needs to be
replaced.
Engine oils and oil filters are specifically
tested for their suitability in our engines
and durability for our service intervals.
Therefore, only use approved engine oils
and oil filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, refer
to the Factory Approved Service products
pamphlet, or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System will result in
engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Maintenance Booklet
8
Introduction
Regular checks
In addition to the services, we recom-
mend that you check the following items
regularly (for example: weekly, when re-
fueling, or before any long journey):
• Engine oil level - Depending on how
your vehicle is equipped, check the en-
gine oil level using the oil level dipstick
or the control system via the multifunc-
tion steering wheel/display. Further
information about engine oil level
measurement can be found in the vehi-
cle Operator’s Manual.
• Coolant level - Please refer to the Op-
erator’s Manual for the correct proce-
dure to check the coolant level.
• Brake fluid level -If brake fluid has to
be added, see an authorized Mer-
cedes-Benz Light Truck Center to de-
termine the cause, e.g. leaks or worn
brake pads.
• Windshield washing system - If the
washer fluid level drops below 1/3, the
windshield washer fluid level warning
lamp will illuminate. Add washer fluid
mixed with Mercedes-Benz windshield
washer solvent/concentrate, test
function and check wiper blades.
• Check lights
• Tire condition and pressures –
Check at least every other week.
Please refer to section “Tires and
wheels” in the Operator’s Manual for
guidelines and correct procedures to
check tire condition and pressures.
Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products booklet or see your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for
more information on selecting the proper
fluids, lubricants, and oils for your vehi-
cle.

9
Maintenance Booklet
Introduction
Notes on the warranty
An extensive and well-equipped network
of Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Centers is
at your disposal for service work. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center can ensure that your vehicle is
professionally and thoroughly serviced
and repaired.
Please see the Service and Warranty In-
formation booklet for detailed informa-
tion on warranty terms and coverage.
Please follow the instructions given in
this Maintenance Booklet, even if you
entrust the vehicle to a third party for
use or care. Only in this way will you
be able to ensure that your warranty
rights are not affected.
Service, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems
can be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual us-
ing certified parts.
We strongly recommend that you
have your vehicle serviced by your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center which is fully equipped to pro-
vide this service.
Please note that engines have to be serv-
iced in accordance with special instruc-
tions and using special measuring
equipment to comply with legal require-
ments concerning exhaust emissions.
Modifications to or tampering with emis-
sions components is not permissible.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center is familiar with the relevant
regulations.

Maintenance Booklet
10
Introduction
Parts / Operating materials
We recommend only the use of Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts for service and re-
pairs, since they meet our specifications.
It is also important to only use fuels, lubri-
cants, filters and anticorrosion/anti-
freeze coolant meeting factory
specifications. Please refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products booklet or
see your Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for more information on this sub-
ject.
Service records
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center will certify in the Mainte-
nance Booklet the maintenance services
on your vehicle which it has performed.
Other than the maintenance services de-
scribed, the Maintenance Booklet does
not record or reflect any repair work that
may have been performed to your vehi-
cle. Please keep those receipts with your
vehicle records.
For information concerning warranty, see
your Service and Warranty Information
booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center will gladly furnish additional
information on the maintenance of your
vehicle.
We extend our best wishes for many
miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

11
Maintenance Booklet
Emission System Maintenance
General
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-
cy and, in California, the Air Resources
Board have certified that the emission
control systems of your vehicle comply
with the applicable exhaust emission
standards for MY 2008 vehicles. This ve-
hicle also complies with the applicable
Canadian Motor Vehicle Emission Stand-
ards.
To be certain that the emission control
systems function as designed, regular
maintenance is necessary for compo-
nents of the vehicle which affect exhaust
and evaporation emissions composition.
The vehicle owner is responsible for the
regular maintenance of the emission con-
trol system, as well as the use of premi-
um unleaded gasoline with an anti-knock
index of at least 91 (displayed on the
pump) in all gasoline engine models un-
less otherwise specified.
Failure to properly maintain the emission
system may result in repairs not being
covered by the emission system warran-
ties.
Explanations of each maintenance job
are given in numerical order on page 66.

Maintenance Booklet
12
Emission System Maintenance
Emission Control System Caution -
Gasoline Engines
Your Mercedes-Benz vehicle is equipped
with both a three-way catalyst and a
closed loop oxygen sensor system to
comply with current exhaust emission
regulations. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined.
The following has to be adhered to:
a) In all gasoline engine models, use
only premium unleaded gasoline
with an anti-knock index of at least
91 (as displayed on the pump) un-
less otherwise specified. Damage to
the engine could occur if premium un-
leaded fuel is not used. Refer to the
Operator’s Manual for special precau-
tions.
b) Leaded gasoline should not be used
under any circumstances. Damage
to the emission control components
will result.
c) The specified engine maintenance
jobs have to be performed com-
pletely and at the required inter-
vals. Correct ignition timing and
properly functioning spark plugs for in-
stance are important for the service
life of the catalysts. Failure to properly
perform the specified maintenance
jobs may adversely affect the emis-
sion control system on the vehicle and
reduce its service life.

13
Maintenance Booklet
Emission System Maintenance
d) The operation of the emission con-
trol system must not be altered in
any way. Alterations are not permissi-
ble by law. In addition, alterations may
result in damage to the catalysts, in-
creased fuel consumption, and im-
paired engine running conditions.
e) Irregular engine running conditions
should be corrected immediately
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center. Such irregular
running conditions can influence the
proper function of the emission con-
trol system.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster illuminates when
the engine is running, it indicates a possi-
ble malfunction of the engine manage-
ment system or emission control system.
We recommend that you have the mal-
function checked as soon as possible.

Maintenance Booklet
14
Notes

15
Maintenance Booklet
Confirmations
Date: ____________ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _
Odometer: ______________________
Performed Yes/No
Diagnostic test
{
Q+A on vehicle {
Rubber stamp
Signature
First visit
provided at
no charge*
*This first visit for a basic vehicle diag-
nostic test at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center is provided at no charge.
Please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for full details.
First visit: 1,000 miles - 3,000 miles
First visit:
1,000 miles -
3,000 miles
Appointment Month/year

16

17
Maintenance Booklet
Confirmations
Tire rotation
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configuration (see page 5), tire rotation should be performed in
accordance with the tire manufacturer’s recommended intervals, or sooner at first signs of irregular
(uneven) tread wear. Tire manufacturer’s rotation recommendations will necessitate a tire rotation at
least once in between maintenance and at every maintenance service based on Mercedes-Benz
maintenance intervals.
Reminder:
Tire rotation
Tire rotations should be performed in accordance with the tire manufacturer’s recommendations in the
Tire Warranty Pamphlet included in your vehicle literature portfolio. However, tires should be rotated at
the first sign of irregular tread wear, even if it occurs before the recommended rotation intervals, and
should be checked regularly for wear and proper inflation. Please note that the useful life of tires will
vary and is proportional to tire type, speed rating, ambient conditions, tire loading, tire inflation pres-
sure, road surfaces, and individual driving style, among other factors.
The first tire rotation occurring at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center at any time up to
6,500 miles (vehicle odometer) is provided at no charge.
First tire
rotation
provided at
no charge*
*This first tire rotation at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center at
any time up to 6,500 miles (vehicle
odometer) is provided at no charge.
Please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for full details.
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: __________ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: ________ __ __ __ __ __ _

Service Booklet
18
Tire rotation
Confirmations
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: __________ __ Odometer: ____________ __ _
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________
Date: ____________ Odometer: _______________