Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 ML500 are official communications between Mercedes-Benz & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

    STEERING

    • TSB #LI46-20P-055943

      Date Announced:
      APR 24, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10052151

      XENTRY (MERCEDES): RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE SYSTEM, WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THERE WOULD BE CRACKING NOISES. MODELS 164, 251. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. Read More »

    • TSB #TB-46-20-61

      Date Announced:
      APR 22, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10025648

      RATTLING/THUMPING NOISE ON ROUGH ROADS AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN MOVING STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON ALL MODEL 164 AND 251 VEHICLES. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE Read More »

    STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

    • TSB #TB-46-10-39C

      Date Announced:
      DEC 02, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028645

      MERCEDES: CHROME PLATING PEELING ON DECORATIVE CAPS ON THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES, THIS IS DUE TO LESS THAN OPTIMAL ADHESION BETWEEN CHROME PLATING AND BASE MATERIAL. MODELS 164 AND 251. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. Read More »

    STEERING:COLUMN

    • TSB #LI46-20P-055943

      Date Announced:
      APR 24, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10052151

      XENTRY (MERCEDES): RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE SYSTEM, WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THERE WOULD BE CRACKING NOISES. MODELS 164, 251. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. Read More »

    STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

    • TSB #LI46-20P-055943

      Date Announced:
      APR 24, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10052151

      XENTRY (MERCEDES): RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE SYSTEM, WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THERE WOULD BE CRACKING NOISES. MODELS 164, 251. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. Read More »

    STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

    • TSB #TB-46-10-32

      Date Announced:
      DEC 02, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028646

      MERCEDES: GROANING OR DULL, HEAVY CRACKING NOISES FROM STEERING SHAFT AREA. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL OR MOVING OFF OR BRAKING. Read More »

    STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

    • TSB #TB-46-10-32

      Date Announced:
      DEC 02, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028646

      MERCEDES: GROANING OR DULL, HEAVY CRACKING NOISES FROM STEERING SHAFT AREA. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL OR MOVING OFF OR BRAKING. Read More »

    STEERING:RACK AND PINION

    • TSB #462046

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10020460

      PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE Read More »

    STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

    • TSB #462046

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10020460

      PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE Read More »

    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

    • TSB #463041

      Date Announced:
      APR 26, 2006
      NHTSA ID:
      #10019967

      FLOW NOISES FROM AREA OF POWER STEERING PUMP AND/OR FOAMING OF POWER STEERING OIL IN RESERVOIR. ON MERCEDES BENZ ML AND R CLASS MODELS. *AK Read More »

    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

    • TSB #TB-46-30-13-B

      Date Announced:
      FEB 15, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10051989

      MERCEDES: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP SHOULD BE REPLACE, UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAKAGE FROM CONNECTION TO POWER STEERING COOLER. MODELS 1998-2003 163. Read More »

    • TSB #TB-46-30-13-B

      Date Announced:
      FEB 15, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10051989

      MERCEDES: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP SHOULD BE REPLACE, UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAKAGE FROM CONNECTION TO POWER STEERING COOLER. MODELS 1998-2003 163. Read More »

    SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

    • TSB #TB-P-047927

      Date Announced:
      SEP 17, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10032727

      MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL ... Read More »

    SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS

    • TSB #TB-P-047927

      Date Announced:
      SEP 17, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10032727

      MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL ... Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

    • TSB #TSB-42-10-109

      Date Announced:
      JUN 15, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10030929

      MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. Read More »

    SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    • TSB #RSB-2009100002

      Date Announced:
      JAN 01, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033607

      MERCEDES BENZ: CHECK FOR INSTALLATION OF SPACER BETWEEN BRAKE AND FUEL LINE, INSTALL IF NECESSARY. THE SPACER BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND FUEL LINE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    • TSB #LI-58-40

      Date Announced:
      DEC 16, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033070

      XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. Read More »

    • TSB #033008

      Date Announced:
      APR 24, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10022893

      CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. Read More »

    • TSB #805732

      Date Announced:
      FEB 07, 2005
      NHTSA ID:
      #10012829

      ENGINE WILL NOT START AND FAULT MESSAGE START ERROR APPEARS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT Read More »

    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY

    • TSB #SB-47-20-56

      Date Announced:
      SEP 10, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10032707

      MERCEDES: ENSURING UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT FOR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. WHEN INSTALLING THE LEFT OR RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR IT TO HAVE UNRESTRICTED, UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT. Read More »

    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    • TSB #RSB-2009100002

      Date Announced:
      JAN 01, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033607

      MERCEDES BENZ: CHECK FOR INSTALLATION OF SPACER BETWEEN BRAKE AND FUEL LINE, INSTALL IF NECESSARY. THE SPACER BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND FUEL LINE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    • TSB #LI-58-40

      Date Announced:
      DEC 16, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033070

      XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. Read More »

    • TSB #SB-32-22-78

      Date Announced:
      MAY 06, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028686

      MERCEDES: AIR MATIC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED WITHIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODELS 164, 211, 219, 221 AND 251. INCLUDED 4MATIC, AMG (COMPRESSOR) AMG, BLUETEC AND WAGON. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09. Read More »

    • TSB #424562

      Date Announced:
      MAY 16, 2005
      NHTSA ID:
      #10016685

      ESP LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

    • TSB #P-049567

      Date Announced:
      JUN 07, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10034152

      MERCEDES: BATTERY SYMBOL AND SERVICE REQUIRED (IN WHITE). FAULT MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED IF THE CHARGE LEVEL IS TOO LOW OR THE PARK PAWL ADDITIONAL BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE. Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    • TSB #SB-32-22-78

      Date Announced:
      MAY 06, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028686

      MERCEDES: AIR MATIC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED WITHIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODELS 164, 211, 219, 221 AND 251. INCLUDED 4MATIC, AMG (COMPRESSOR) AMG, BLUETEC AND WAGON. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09. Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    • TSB #P-049567

      Date Announced:
      JUN 07, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10034152

      MERCEDES: BATTERY SYMBOL AND SERVICE REQUIRED (IN WHITE). FAULT MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED IF THE CHARGE LEVEL IS TOO LOW OR THE PARK PAWL ADDITIONAL BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE. Read More »

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

    • TSB #TB-82-10-632

      Date Announced:
      OCT 05, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028025

      MERCEDES: STOP/TAIL LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATING WITH DTCS 9102, 9103, 9106, 9107, 9126, 9127 OR 9136. (VEHICLES WITHOUT LED TAIL LAMPS) *PE UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE UPDATED 4/20/11. REPAIR DOES NOT APPLY TO LED TAIL LAMPS. Read More »

    STRUCTURE

    • TSB #TB-83-10-112B

      Date Announced:
      JAN 12, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028664

      MERCEDES: A NONFUNCTIONAL BLOWER MOTOR (BLOWER MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY) OR WATER DROPS IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL AFTER ENGINE WASH. Read More »

    STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

    • TSB #TB-83-10-112B

      Date Announced:
      JAN 12, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028664

      MERCEDES: A NONFUNCTIONAL BLOWER MOTOR (BLOWER MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY) OR WATER DROPS IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL AFTER ENGINE WASH. Read More »

    • TSB #TB 83 10 112

      Date Announced:
      MAR 07, 2008
      NHTSA ID:
      #10025647

      WATER ENTRY INTO VEHICLE INTERIOR FOR ALL MODEL 164 VEHICLES. *PE Read More »

    STRUCTURE:BODY

    • TSB #TB-83-10-112B

      Date Announced:
      JAN 12, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10028664

      MERCEDES: A NONFUNCTIONAL BLOWER MOTOR (BLOWER MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY) OR WATER DROPS IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL AFTER ENGINE WASH. Read More »

    STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

    • TSB #LI-72-00-P

      Date Announced:
      MAY 01, 2013
      NHTSA ID:
      #10033074

      XENTRY: OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER RETURNS TO END POSITION. DUE TO A BENT PIN IN THE DYNAMIC BALANCER, THE SUPPORT SPRING OF THE BEARING BRACKET CAN SLIDE OUT OF PLACE OR BECOME UNHOOKED. MODELS 164, 251, 166, 204, 212. Read More »

    SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

    • TSB #LI91-22-P-048771

      Date Announced:
      FEB 05, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10034608

      MERCEDES: THE ELECTRICALLY FOLDING 3RD SEAT ROW MAKES NOISES WHILE FOLDING UP AND DOWN, OR THE FOLDING FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. A WARNING MESSAGE ABOUT LOCKING THE 3RD SEAT ROW MAY ALSO APPEAR IN THE DISPLAY. Read More »

    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

    • TSB #SB-P-047928

      Date Announced:
      SEP 22, 2009
      NHTSA ID:
      #10032725

      MERCEDES: ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP), STABILITY CONTROL (SR). REFERENCES REVISED AND REFERENCE TO AF DELETED/SUPERSEDES DTB TB 42.45/42. ESP LAMP ON. CONTACT FAULT AT CONNECTION FOR ESP CONTROL UNIT MK25 (N47). Read More »

    EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

    • TSB #LI-68-50

      Date Announced:
      DEC 10, 2010
      NHTSA ID:
      #10037985

      MERCEDES-BENZ: THE LOAD COMPARTMENT ROLLER BLIND HAS CATCH BOLTS LOOSE OR BROKEN FROM IMPROPER FORCE WHEN USING. *RM Read More »