Wrench with 1100 explanation
 

This is most likely a stupid question, but I test drove a 2001 ML320 yesterday, and noticed the wrench and an 1100 displayed in the odometer area when I started it. Does anyone know what this means? The vehicle has 92K on it, and appears very clean and well maintained.

How many miles are left until the next service. As the original estimated intervals were a bit, ah, wrong and led to ruined engines and a class action lawsuit hopefully the current owner isn't using it for oil change timing. Verify this before purchasing.

Most people ignore it and change the oil every 5k - 7.5k miles (if using proper synthetics and OEM filter). They'll reset it whenever it comes up. Instructions on resetting it are in the owner's manual. There's key dance/button push sequence.

Actually, they were only "wrong" when using nonsynthetic oil. The problem was MBUSA approving nonsynthetic oil and that's now corrected.

Thanks for the info - I went over this morning and bought it, it seems to be in very clean and good condition appearance-wise, it's a very light gold/beige color, which I would equate to a champagne color. It seems to drive very well.

Even the 10k interval using synthetics is a bit on the aggressive side in terms of risking premature engine wear. My recommendation is 7.5k miles in normal conditions, 5k when towing.