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2006 W164 Mercedes ML 320 CDI (OM642) Stage 3 Mod Plans | Hybrid Turbo, Intercooler
Hey folks,
New to this car modding game, but pretty excited. I'm rolling in a 2006 W164 ML 320 CDI, OM642 edition. With only 230 km (about 140 miles) clocked so far, this beast is running like it's fresh off the lot. However, I could definitely use more pep given its size.
Here's the upgrade lineup I've got in mind:
Hybrid Turbo: Want a P&P option to keep things simple. Looking hard at the 777318 upgrade.
Custom Intercooler: No questions, it’s going in.
Fuel Pump: Settling on the Bosch Cp3 L110 H, part #0445010029.
4-Bar MAP Sensor: Leaning towards the A007 153 0028.
DPF Delete: Yup, it's getting removed.
EGR Delete: Ditto.
Swirl Flap Delete: Is this a must-do? I know it’s common for BMWs, but what about my Merc?
AMG Nozzle Holder from C30: Needed for breaking 300 hp? Aiming for ~350 hp.
Any advice or opinions? Particularly keen to know your thoughts on the Swirl Flap and the AMG Nozzle Holder.
Im all for modding and boosting power and all that but remember its not just the engine, your trans and diffs and everything connected will have to handle the power and thus will wear out quicker (including your engine). If your on a budget a MB probably isnt the best choice to begin with much less for chasing HP. Keep it dependable.
Diesel engines can make some great power, that being said its a huge rabbit hole and usually leads to a shorter and shorter life expectancy. Ford learned this with the 6.0, designed for like 175HP, they made it do like 275HP, then people modded it for like 350HP+ then wonder why they were blowing up.
I'm looking to have ~350 HP on budget, that's my goal. What you would suggest to do? For such heavy car, ~290 HP is not enough after DPF/EGR delete.
My 9000lb Sprinter is rated at 195 HP and it moves just fine, even with 4000 lb trailer on the hook.
So this is matter of perspective.
As or modifications the one on youtube is my favorite. The guy took 170 HP OM606 engine and pumped it to 600 hp.
But for the money he put in it, you could buy couple of nice AMG models and be legal on the street to top it. It is good to have choices.
Saab 9-5 Fiat/Vauxhall/Alfa Z19DTH 150BHP to 180BHP Stage 1 lasted me over 100,000 miles (180,000 in total) and still going strong when I traded her in. No oil consumption or engine noises. Also a variable vane turbo, DPF and high pressure common rail diesel with 4 valves with slightly older vintage.
Putting that in perspective, 1.9L and 400NM is about the same per cc as my 265BHP 620NM 3L OM642 is:.without stage 1. It's a lower revving motor so I base the ratio on torque. 2:3 or roughly 400:600. BSR stage 1 is 702NM (302 BHP) and is a 16% hike. I can't thrash a 300HP car like a 180HP if I want to keep my license! So Stage 1 sounds like a safe choice.
My long wheelbase R class is even heavier, but allegedly does 60 in 7.5. It's never going to be a rocket, but it does gather speed (at speed) surprisingly well. It also balances into a 4 wheel slide on wet roads really easily. You don't expect a huge MPV to corner like that. Again it's not sparkling, but direction changes and understeer/oversteer balance is very good.
Swirl flaps? I got rid on the Saab. No noticeable change from having them, apart from when they were stuck closed. If they fail on the Merc, they are getting blanked off too!
Transmission. If the fluid hasn't been changed recently, do that. Mine gained some pep all around. It's not cheap, but I intend keeping this car.
Tyres. if you have anything with an offroad pattern it will likely slow you down. Also low tyre pressures.
How many miles on the clock? Mines just had it's birthday at 100,000 at 10 years old. It's a bit of a lottery to upgrade at this mileage, although I've done 3,000 now and I know it's solid.
My 9000lb Sprinter is rated at 195 HP and it moves just fine, even with 4000 lb trailer on the hook.
So this is matter of perspective.
As or modifications the one on youtube is my favorite. The guy took 170 HP OM606 engine and pumped it to 600 hp.
But for the money he put in it, you could buy couple of nice AMG models and be legal on the street to top it. It is good to have choices.
Saab 9-5 Fiat/Vauxhall/Alfa Z19DTH 150BHP to 180BHP Stage 1 lasted me over 100,000 miles (180,000 in total) and still going strong when I traded her in. No oil consumption or engine noises. Also a variable vane turbo, DPF and high pressure common rail diesel with 4 valves with slightly older vintage.
Putting that in perspective, 1.9L and 400NM is about the same per cc as my 265BHP 620NM 3L OM642 is:.without stage 1. It's a lower revving motor so I base the ratio on torque. 2:3 or roughly 400:600. BSR stage 1 is 702NM (302 BHP) and is a 16% hike. I can't thrash a 300HP car like a 180HP if I want to keep my license! So Stage 1 sounds like a safe choice.
My long wheelbase R class is even heavier, but allegedly does 60 in 7.5. It's never going to be a rocket, but it does gather speed (at speed) surprisingly well. It also balances into a 4 wheel slide on wet roads really easily. You don't expect a huge MPV to corner like that. Again it's not sparkling, but direction changes and understeer/oversteer balance is very good.
Swirl flaps? I got rid on the Saab. No noticeable change from having them, apart from when they were stuck closed. If they fail on the Merc, they are getting blanked off too!
Transmission. If the fluid hasn't been changed recently, do that. Mine gained some pep all around. It's not cheap, but I intend keeping this car.
Tyres. if you have anything with an offroad pattern it will likely slow you down. Also low tyre pressures.
How many miles on the clock? Mines just had it's birthday at 100,000 at 10 years old. It's a bit of a lottery to upgrade at this mileage, although I've done 3,000 now and I know it's solid.
Oh yeah, I agree with you, stage 1, flaps and just not push it on every red lights.
Regarding AT oil change, that's the first thing I want to do.
Do you think 300 hp will be enough for such a big car?
The gearbox is rated 700NM. Stage 1 diesel is that or more.
How much power? I'm 60 and have the car for grandkids. I like some oomph now and again though (hence 900cc and 1300cc bikes). I might have a completely different view than anyone else.
Would I use 400bhp? No. Would I give it an occasional prod in safe conditions? yes!
Hello, I have done Stage 1 and 3 ecu tune on many Mercedes. Particularly my W164 ML 280 cdi is a detuned version of ML 320 cdi. In fact I have done Stage 1 (software tune only) on my W164 ML 320 cdi in the USA and Stage 3 (hardware upgrade + software tune) on three W164 ML 280 cdi in Thailand. I would suggest you find a ‘good reputable’ local ecu tuner to get you a Stage 1 tune, which will get you to around 290hp with no other hardware upgrades required. If done right it will have no effects to your ML’s long term reliability—just drive and get your regular maintenance. I can say that because I have tested all my tuned Mercedes quite heavily in the past five years, over 100K miles all combined
. By the way, I represent Celtic Tuning the UK in Thailand. You may want to check my Google profile: Nongbua Tuning LP in Thailand and IG: NongbuaTuning. Cheers!
Hello, I have done Stage 1 and 3 ecu tune on many Mercedes. Particularly my W164 ML 280 cdi is a detuned version of ML 320 cdi. In fact I have done Stage 1 (software tune only) on my W164 ML 320 cdi in the USA and Stage 3 (hardware upgrade + software tune) on three W164 ML 280 cdi in Thailand. I would suggest you find a ‘good reputable’ local ecu tuner to get you a Stage 1 tune, which will get you to around 290hp with no other hardware upgrades required. If done right it will have no effects to your ML’s long term reliability—just drive and get your regular maintenance. I can say that because I have tested all my tuned Mercedes quite heavily in the past five years, over 100K miles all combined
. By the way, I represent Celtic Tuning the UK in Thailand. You may want to check my Google profile: Nongbua Tuning LP in Thailand and IG: NongbuaTuning. Cheers!
I am wanting a Stage 1 tune. Would you be able to do it?
Does anybody here have the part number for the 642LS pistons? I want to go down on compression to 15.5:1
Oh yeah, you should first change your exhaust manifolds for stainless ones, otherwise the ****ty stock ones will break your shinny new hybrid (ask me how I know)
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2006 W164 Mercedes ML 320 CDI (OM642) Stage 3 Mod Plans | Hybrid Turbo, Intercooler
