2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class Owner's Manual

2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
M Class
Rating:
(4)

Online manual

Size:
6.31 MB

Table of Contents

Introduction
9
Product information
9
Operator’s Manual
10
Service and warranty information;Information:About service and warranty
10
California:Important notice
11
Maintenance
12
Roadside assistance
12
Change of address or ownership
12
Operating:Vehicle outside the USA and Canada
13
Where to find it
15
Symbols
16
Operating safety
17
Vehicle:Proper use of
17
Problems:With vehicle
18
Safety defects:Reporting;Reporting:Safety defects
19
Reporting safety defects
19
At a glance
21
Cockpit;Instruments and controls see Cockpit
22
Instrument cluster
24
Center console
27
Center console:Upper part
27
Center console:Lower part
28
Overhead control panel
29
Getting started
31
Unlocking
32
Unlocking:With the remote control;Remote control:Unlocking with;Key, Remote control:Unlocking with
32
Adjusting
34
Adjusting:Seats;Seats:Adjusting
34
Adjusting:Steering wheel;Steering wheel:Adjusting;Height adjustment:Steering wheel
37
Mirrors:Adjusting;Adjusting:Mirrors
38
Driving
40
Seat belts:Fastening;Fastening the seat belts;Safety belts see Seat belts;Occupant safety:Fastening
40
Starting the engine;Engine:Starting
44
Switching on:Headlamps;Headlamps:Switching on;Activating:Headlamps;Activating:Exterior headlamps
46
Turn signals;Combination switch:Turn signals
47
Windshield wipers;Combination switch:Windshield wipers;Switching on:Windshield wipers;Windshield wip
47
Windshield wipers:Rear window wiper/washer;Rear window wiper/washer;Wiper/washer:Rear window
48
Problems:While driving;Driving:Problems;Difficulties:While driving see Problems while driving
49
Parking and locking
50
Parking brake:Engaging
50
Headlamps:Switching off;Switching off:Headlamps;Deactivating:Headlamps
51
Activating:Immobilizer;Deactivating:Engine;Turning off:Engine;Engine:Turning off
51
Safety and Security
53
Occupant safety;Safety:Occupant
54
Airbags
55
Seat belts
60
Child safety;Occupant safety:Children in the vehicle
63
Rear door window:Blocking operation;Blocking:Rear door window operation;Child safety switch see Bloc
69
Panic alarm;Panic alarm:Panic button on remote control
70
Activating
70
Deactivating
70
Driving:Safety systems;Safety systems:Driving;Driving systems:Driving safety systems
71
Driving safety systems:ABS;ABS
71
Driving safety systems:BAS;BAS
73
Driving safety systems:4-ETS;4-ETS[Four-ETS];Electronic Traction System see 4-ETS <$nopage>
73
EBP;Driving systems:EBP;Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP <$nopage>
74
Driving safety systems:ESP;ESP;Electronic Stability Program see ESP
75
Immobilizer;Activating:Immobilizer
78
Immobilizer
78
Anti-theft systems:Anti-theft alarm system;Alarm system:Anti-theft
78
Tow-away alarm;Glass breakage sensor
79
Controls in detail
83
Locking;Unlocking
84
Key:Remote control with folding key;Remote control with folding key
84
Opening:Doors from the inside;Doors:Opening from inside vehicle
86
Liftgate:Opening;Opening:Liftgate
87
Liftgate:Closing;Closing:Liftgate
88
Locking:Automatic while driving;Central locking:Automatic;Automatic locking when driving
89
Central locking:Switch;Central locking switch
90
Seats
91
Seats:Heater;Heated seats
91
Removing and installing head \x05restraints
92
Rear seats;Seats:Rear
93
Rear seats:Third row*;Third row seats*
96
Memory function
99
Memory function*;Storing (Memory function*):Positions into memory;Positions (Memory function*):Stori
100
Memory function*:Recalling positions from memory;Positions (Memory function*):Recalling from memory
100
Parking position:Exterior rear view mirrors;Memory function:Storing exterior rear view mirror parkin
100
Lighting
102
Combination switch;Lighting:Combination switch;Front lamps:Switching on;Lighting:Low beam;Lighting:P
102
Fog lamps
105
Hazard warning flasher
106
Interior lighting;Lighting:Interior;Passenger compartment:Interior lighting
107
Instrument cluster
110
Instrument cluster:Illumination;Adjusting:Instrument cluster illumination;Lighting:Instrument cluste
110
Instrument cluster:Coolant temperature gauge;Coolant:Temperature gauge
111
Display in the speedometer
111
Resetting:Trip odometer;Trip odometer:Resetting
112
Tachometer
112
Outside temperature indicator;Instrument cluster:Outside temperature indicator
112
Setting the clock
112
Automatic transmission
113
One-touch gearshifting;Automatic transmission:One-touch gearshifting
113
Gear range:Automatic transmission;Automatic transmission:Gear ranges
114
Automatic transmission:Gear selector lever position;Gear selector lever:Position;Shifting:Gear selec
115
Automatic transmission:Accelerator position;Accelerator position, automatic transmission
117
Automatic transmission:Towing a trailer;Towing a trailer:Automatic transmission
117
Automatic transmission:Gear shifting malfunctions
117
Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode;LOW RANGE mode
118
Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode:Switching on;Switching on:Transmission control – LOW RANGE m
118
Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode:Switching off;Switching off:Transmission control – LOW RANGE
118
Good visibility
119
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors <$nopage>
119
Headlamps:Cleaning system;Cleaning:Headlamps
121
Windshield wipers
122
Rear window wiper
123
Sun visor
123
Automatic climate control
124
Automatic mode
126
Automatic climate control:Adjusting air volume;Automatic climate control:Adjusting air distribution;
127
Defrosting;Automatic climate control:Defrosting
128
Air recirculation mode;Automatic climate control:Air recirculation mode
128
Air conditioning:Cooling;Automatic climate control:Air conditioning
129
Residual heat utilization;Automatic climate control:Residual heat utilization;Residual ventilation;A
130
Rear window defroster;Automatic climate control:Rear window defroster
131
Rear passenger compartment ventilation and rear automatic climate control;Automatic climate control:
131
Automatic climate control:Air outlets;Air outlets:Automatic climate control
132
Power windows:Side windows;Side windows; Windows see Side windows <$nopage>
134
Opening and closing:Side windows;Side windows:Opening and closing
134
Side windows:Rear quarter window;Rear quarter windows
136
Sliding/pop-up roof
137
Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof*;Closing:Sliding/pop-up roof*;Sliding/pop-up roof*:Opening;Sliding/pop-u
137
Loading
139
Loading:Instructions
139
Loading:Partition net*;Partition net*
141
Cargo area cover blind*;Loading:Cargo area cover blind*
143
Cargo floor plates;Loading:Cargo floor plates
144
Roof rack;Loading:Roof rack
145
Driving systems
146
Cruise control;Driving systems:Cruise control
146
Parktronic*;Driving systems:Parktronic*
149
Useful features
152
Interior storage spaces;Useful features:Interior storage spaces
152
Cup holder;Useful features:Cup holder
154
Armrest in rear seat bench
155
Useful features:Ashtrays and cigarette lighter;Lighter see cigarette lighter
156
Electrical outlet;Useful features:Electrical outlet
158
Telephone*;Useful features:Telephone*
158
Tele Aid*;Useful features:Tele Aid*
159
Garage door opener;Useful features:Garage door opener
168
Trip computer*;Useful features:Trip computer*
172
Operation
177
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
178
Driving:General instructions;Driving instructions
179
Drive sensibly – save fuel
179
Drinking and driving
179
Pedals
179
Power assistance
179
Brakes
180
Driving off
181
Parking
182
Tires:Driving instructions
182
Hydroplaning;Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
183
Tire traction
183
Tire speed rating
184
Winter driving instructions;Driving:In winter
184
Standing water:Driving instructions;Deep water see Standing water;Driving:Through standing water
185
Off-road driving:Driving instructions off-road driving
186
Trailer towing;Towing:Trailer
192
Passenger compartment
196
Driving abroad;Driving:Abroad
197
Control and operation of radio transmitters;Radio transmitters, control and operation;Operating:Radi
197
Catalytic converter
198
Emission control
198
Coolant:Temperature
199
At the gas station
200
Regular checks
201
Engine:Compartment
202
Hood;Engine compartment:Hood;Hood:Opening
202
Engine oil:Checking level;Oil:Dipstick
203
Fluid level:Automatic transmission;ATF (automatic transmission fluid);Automatic transmission:Transmi
206
Coolant:Checking level;Checking:Coolant level;Coolant;Coolant level:Checking
206
Battery, vehicle
207
Windshield:Washer fluid;Windshield washer fluid:Refilling;Headlamps:Cleaning system*;Headlamp cleani
208
Tires;Wheels:Tires and wheels
209
Important guidelines
209
Service life (tires);Tires:Service life
210
Direction of rotation (tires);Tires:Direction of rotation
210
Tire inflation pressure:Checking;Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure;Tire inflation pressure:Ch
211
Rotating wheels;Wheels:Rotating
212
Winter driving
213
Winter driving:Tires;Tires:Winter;Winter tires
213
Block heater;Winter driving:Block heater
214
Snow chains;Winter driving:Snow chains
214
Service
215
Service indicator:Clearing
215
Service:Overdue;Overdue service;Service:Types
215
Service:Calling up the service indicator;Service indicator:Calling up;Calling up:Service indicator
216
Resetting:Service indicator (FSS);Service indicator:Clearing;Service indicator:Calling up
216
Vehicle care;Cleaning and care of the vehicle see Vehicle care
217
Washing the vehicle
217
Practical hints
223
What to do if …
224
Practical hints:Lamps in instrument cluster
224
Additional indicators in the speedometer display
235
Where will I find ...?
236
First aid kit;Practical hints:First aid kit
236
Vehicle tool kit;Tools;Practical hints:Vehicle tool kit
237
Electric air pump; Air pump
238
Practical hints:Spare wheel;Spare wheel;Flat tire:Spare wheel
239
Unlocking:In an emergency;Emergency operations:Unlocking the vehicle;Vehicle:Unlocking in an emergen
242
Unlocking:Driver’s door in an emergency
242
Locking:Vehicle in an emergency;Emergency operations:Locking the vehicle;Manual operations:Locking t
243
Batteries, remote control:Changing;Remote control:Changing battery
243
Fuel filler flap:Opening;Manual operations:Fuel filler flap;Opening:Fuel filler flap manually
244
Transmission selector lever:Unlocking manually;Unlocking:Transmission selector lever manually;Transm
245
Emergency operations:Opening sliding/pop-up roof;Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof in an emergency;Emergen
246
Sliding/pop-up roof:Opening;Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof;Sliding/pop-up roof:Closing;Closing:Sliding/
246
Bulbs, replacing;Replacing:Bulbs
247
Bulbs
247
Front lamps:Replacing bulbs;Replacing:Front lamp bulbs
249
Replacing:Brake lamp bulbs;Replacing:Backup lamp bulbs
251
Adjusting:Headlamp aim;Headlamp aim:Adjusting
253
Replacing:Wiper blades;Windshield wipers:Replacing wiper blades;Wiper blades:Replacing;Windshield:Re
254
Wiper blades:Removing;Removing:Wiper blades
254
Wiper blades:Installing;Installing:Wiper blades
254
Flat tire
255
Flat tire:Mounting the spare wheel;Spare wheel:Mounting
255
Battery, vehicle;Vehicle:Service battery;Vehicle battery
261
Battery, vehicle:Disconnecting;Disconnecting:Vehicle battery
261
Battery, vehicle:Removing;Removing:Vehicle battery
262
Battery, vehicle:Charging;Charging:Vehicle battery;Battery, vehicle:Reinstalling;Reinstalling vehicl
262
Battery, vehicle:Reconnecting;Reconnecting:Vehicle battery
262
Jump starting;Discharged battery:Jump starting;Battery discharged:Jump starting
264
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing;Practical hints:Towing the vehicle
267
Front towing eyes;Towing eyes:Front
269
Rear towing eyes;Towing eyes:Rear
269
Towing the vehicle:Stranded vehicle;Stranded vehicle
270
Fuses;Electrical fuses;Practical hints:Fuses
271
Fuses:Fuse box in engine compartment;Fuse box;Engine compartment:Fuse box in
271
Fuses:Fuse box in passenger footwell;Fuse box;Passenger footwell:Fuse box in
272
Technical data
273
Spare parts service;Parts see Spare parts service <$nopage>;Service:Spare parts
274
Warranty coverage
275
Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet;Service and Warranty Booklet:Loss of
275
Identification labels;Labels, identification
276
Layout of poly-V-belt drive;Poly-V-belt drive:Layout
277
Engine:Technical data;Technical data:Engine
278
Tires:Rims and tires;Rims;Tires;Technical data:Rims and tires
279
Rims and tires
279
Winter tires;Winter driving:Winter tires
280
Spare wheel
280
Electrical system:Technical data;Technical data:Electrical system
281
Main dimensions;Technical data:Main dimensions
282
Weights;Technical data:Weights
283
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
284
Capacities:Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
284
Engine oil;Technical data:Engine oil
286
Engine oil:Additives;Technical data:Engine oil additives
286
Air conditioning refrigerant;Technical data;Air conditioning refrigerant;Refrigerant:Air conditionin
286
Brake fluid;Technical data:Brake fluid
286
Premium unleaded gasoline;Technical data:Premium unleaded gasoline;Fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline
286
Technical data:Fuel requirements;Fuel requirements;Fuel:Requirements
287
Technical data:Gasoline additives;Fuel additives;Gasoline see Fuel:Gasoline additives;Fuel:Additives
287
Coolant;Technical data:Coolants
287
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
288
Windshield:Washer system;Windshield washer system;Headlamps:Washer system;Technical data:Windshield
290
Windshield:Washer fluid;Headlamps:Washer fluid;Windshield washer fluid;Windshield washer fluid:Mixin
290
Consumer information
291
Uniform tire quality grading
291
Temperature:Grades of tires;Tires:Temperature grades
292
Technical terms
293

2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class Overview

Introduction

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a powerful and versatile SUV that has made a name for itself in the luxury market. Combining elegance with robust performance, this model blends the practicality of an SUV with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Ideal for those who seek a refined driving experience without sacrificing space and capability, the M-Class stands out with its sophisticated design and advanced technology.

Powertrains

The 2003 M-Class offers a choice of two capable powertrains that cater to different driving preferences. The base model is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 215 horsepower, providing a balanced mix of efficiency and power for everyday driving. For those who crave more performance, the M-Class also features a 4.3-liter V8 engine that delivers a robust 275 horsepower, ensuring a thrilling acceleration and confident handling on and off the road. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission and come with the option for all-wheel drive, enhancing traction on various terrains.

Trims

The 2003 M-Class is available in multiple trims, including the ML350 and ML500. The ML350 provides ample luxury features such as leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a premium sound system. The ML500 steps it up, adding higher-grade materials, enhanced infotainment options, and a more sophisticated suspension system for a smoother ride. Each trim offers a blend of comfort and technology, tailored to meet the diverse needs of performance-driven buyers.

Features

This model is equipped with various features designed to elevate the driving experience. Standard equipment includes a power-adjustable driver's seat, multiple airbags for safety, and an advanced anti-lock braking system. Optional upgrades like a navigation system, a rear entertainment system, and premium leather seating are available, allowing owners to customize their vehicle further.

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for the 2003 M-Class provides comprehensive guidance on operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the vehicle. It covers every essential aspect, from routine maintenance schedules to detailed descriptions of features and functionalities. Mercedes-Benz ensures that owners have all the necessary information at hand to maximize their driving enjoyment and keep their M-Class in pristine condition.

User manual download

The Mercedes-Benz M Class owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

Manual Questions

Do you have questions about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class owners manual?
Fill the form below and someone will help you!