Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 636

GENERAL BRAKE FLUID - BB00.40-P-0330-01A

These specifications are valid for the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.

General

The brake fluid in the brake system and in the hydraulic clutch operating system fulfills hydraulic tasks. Due to
the high heat build-up during braking, these tasks can only be fulfilled by brake fluids which comply with all of
today's technical requirements in terms of their various properties (viscosity-temperature-characteristic, boiling
point, corrosion protection, oxidation resistance, etc.).

The most important properties which a brake fluid must exhibit are:



High boiling point, to ensure that the brake fluid does not form vapor locks at high temperatures. Vapor
locks reduce the operating pressure and thus the braking effect and may ultimately lead to brake failure.



The boiling point should remain as constant as possible throughout the duration of use of the coolant and
not drop under varying atmospheric influences or operating conditions (pressure, temperature), i.e. the
"wet boiling point" should be as high as possible.



Low compressibility, in particular at high temperatures.



The low-temperature characteristic of the fluid - even when at 40°C - must permit operation, i.e.
primarily, the viscosity must not become too high in the cold.



Compatibility with the materials used in the brake units and clutch operating systems, e.g. the rubber
boots or any other seal materials (elastomers) included in the brake components may only swell to a
controlled extent, any shrinkage must be avoided.



Sufficient corrosion protection for all metals present in the brake system.

The brake fluids released for use in MB vehicle models are listed on Sheet 331.0. These brake fluids not only
comply with our requirements, but also those of the US safety specifications FMVSS 116, DOT 4. The released
"DOT 4 plus" brake fluids (internal designation) are more advanced DOT 4 brake fluids with higher wet boiling
point, standard change interval: 2 years. In order to be able to comply with this useful period without any
problem, we strongly advise the use of released products as per Sheet 331.0, during the warranty phase this is a
precondition for any acceptance of customer claims.

The brake fluid listed on Sheet 331.1 "DOT 4 Type 200" is released for special applications in the UNIMOG
range with more stringent thermal requirements. For this type of use, a brake fluid change interval of 1 year
must be adhered to.

Handling brake fluid

Brake fluid based on polyhydric alcohols in oligomer or polymer form and/or their

Esters are hygroscopic and thus absorbs moisture from the air. Water, however, reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid, whereby the danger of vapor lock formation is present. Therefore it should be noted that brake fluid
is always stored in sealed vessels. Brake fluid that has been stored unsealed can absorb so much moisture in a
few hours that it is rendered unusable.

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350

1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis

me

Because the brake fluid also absorbs moisture through the vent bore on the expansion reservoir, the wheel brake
cylinder and the brake hoses, the brake fluid has to be changed for safety reasons at regular intervals, best done
in the spring. When performing this change, make sure that the old fluid is also drained off the clutch system.
Generally, it is vital for the brake/clutch system to be completely drained before being filled with new fluid!

For the above-mentioned reasons, used brake fluid must not be used again.

The brake fluid is amber in color and thus can be easily confused with mineral products.

Therefore, brake fluids should always only be taken from original containers and stored separately from other
mineral oils and fluids.

When performing maintenance operations and repairs on brake parts, make sure that fuel, mineral oil, grease or
suchlike do not enter the brake system. Hydrocarbon-based materials will lead to swelling of the elastomers in
the brake and clutch system and - even in low concentrations - will suffice to cause total failure of the systems.

Only new brake fluid may be used as a rinsing and cleaning agent for the cylinders, lines and the expansion
reservoir of the hydraulic brake system.

Experience shows that before handling brake fluid, the hands must be cleaned and any oil and grease removed.

Brake fluid acts aggressively towards paint and color. In the event of any brake fluid spills or splashes, it must
be rinsed away immediately using copious amounts of water (do not rub it away).

Brake fluid disposal

When disposing of brake fluid, the relevant national specifications must be observed. It is advisable to try to
have the brake fluid disposed of as economic good; this is contingent on



Strict separation of used brake fluid from other materials;



Presence of a disposal channel, which justifies its classification as an economic good, i.e. a proper
alternate usage must be assured.

If this procedure is not possible, used brake fluid is to be disposed of together with any, e.g. paint residue,
solvents and suchlike. Any adding of used oil must be avoided, as it will result in difficulties, if the used oil is to
be recycled; in several countries this is prohibited by the legislators.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

NOTES ON SCRAPPING GAS-FILLED HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS - OS00.00-P-1000-01A

all

Unusable gas pressure dampers, spring accumulators, pressure reservoirs and impact absorbers have to be
depressurized before being scrapped according to the respective valid accident prevention regulations. These
safety measures are necessary because gas pressurized hydraulic parts can explode if heat is applied. A risk of
explosion is given, e.g. when scrapping with cutting torches, smelting or if gas pressurized parts in landfills start

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350

1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis

me

to burn or are part of a smoldering fire.

The scrapping of gas-filled hydraulic parts can also be handed over to a scrap dealer who carries out the
required safety measures. If accepted, the scrap dealer must sign an official declaration (see sample), in which
he/she is bound to scrap gas-filled hydraulic parts in accordance with the respective valid accident prevention
regulations.

This type of agreement however does require that it is absolutely impossible to retrieve shock absorbers from
the scrap which can then be subsequently repaired. Any such devices therefore need to be damaged to
permanently disable them for any reuse. To this end it is sufficient to bang the shock absorber pipe on a hard
edge, to make a dent in it with a light hammer blow or to crush it slightly in a vise.

On no account should the piston rod be bent, this may cause an accident!

If agreements to render gas-filled hydraulic parts harmless, cannot be made with a scrap dealer, then the
specified safety measures must be performed by the owner. For accident prevention reasons, safety glasses and
gloves must be worn as protection against any escaping gas and oil as well as drill shavings. The balance holes
are to be drilled with as little operating speed as possible. Any escaping oil is to be collected.

Fig. 647: Sheet Metal And Metal Scrap Declaration Form

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350

1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis

me

AR68.10-P-1400GI

Remove/install glove compartment

22.4.99

MODEL

163.136 /154 /172 #A as of 145273,

163.136 /154 /172 #X as of 708319,
163.113 /128 /157 /174 /175

P68.10-2330-06

1

Glove compartment lid

2

Screws

3

Glove compartment

4

Instrument panel

5

Spreading rivets

E13/1

Glove compartment lamp

Remove/Install

1

Open glove compartment lid (1)

2

Unclip glove compartment lamp (E13/1) and
disconnect connector

3

Unscrew bolt (2)

Torx bit set

*000589011000

4

Remove upper spreading rivets (5) from glove
compartment (3)

Press pressure pin approx. 4 mm upward

and remove spreading rivet downward.

5

Pull glove compartment (3) out of instrument
panel (4)

6

Install in the reverse order

Align upper edge of glove compartment lid

(1) in relation to instrument panel (4).

Torx bit set

000 589 01 10 00

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 09.05.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorded by Modification services.

Page 1