MBWorld.org Forums - M-Class (W164)

Best bang for buck to improve handling?

LukasBMW — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:23:31 GMT

I've got a 2008 ml550 with the regular suspension (no ABC)

I bought this car over a X5 or Cayenne really because I know the drivetrain is solid (mine is a late 08, almost 09 so no balance shaft issues) and these ML's seem far more reliable.

However the handling sucks. The ML is a true truck unlike the X5 or Cayenne.

Still, I think I'd like to improve handling just a bit so it doesn't feel like it wants to tip over. I think even sacrificing an inch or 2 of ground clearance would be a trade off I am willing to make as that should still be high enough to clear basic off road obstacles.

What is the best bang/for/buck suspension setup when it comes to shocks and springs?

What about swaybar upgrades? Can I drastically reduce roll with a set of used W164 Ml63 swaybars?

ESP and cruise control not available.

LukasBMW — Tue, 19 May 2026 02:14:59 GMT

I have the big yellow triangle ! warning light and I get 2 messages telling me that "ESP not operative" and "ESP not available."

I've also noticed cruise control does not work.

I just bought the car and was told by the previous owner that he just did control arms.

I'm honestly more concerned about cruise control not working (I take a lot of long trips) then I am about traction control (because it has 4wd)

The local auto parts store was able to pull the following DTC codes from the anti-lock brake computer:

5025 No CAN message was received from control unit engine management

5035 No CAN message was received from control unit n80 (Steering column Module)

5161 B24/15 (Micromechanical Yaw Rate Sensor AY Pickup) : Signal Fault (Yaw Rate Sensor)

5173 Steering Wheel Angle : Signal fault

7266

5939 Check component N49 (Steering angle sensor)

5938 Check component N49 (Steering angle sensor)

Any ideas? Everything else on the steering wheel seems to work. The turn signals, the radio controls, the horn (although it sounds a bit weak).

A previous thread seems to suggest a broken clock spring? That poster had the same issue - Traction control and cruise control not working - and he fixed it by replacing the clock spring.

Trunk handle broken? Or latch?

LukasBMW — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:12:54 GMT

I just picked up a 2008 ML550 (3/08 production date).

It has the auto rear tailgate which is notorious for problems.

Right now, I can open the rear tailgate with the key only. I cannot open it by pulling on the handle.

Most of the online fixes seem to focus on the latch and not the handle. But since I can open and close the tailgate just fine with the key, I'm 95% sure the problem is with the handle

Anyone experience this before?

I'd imagine the fix is as easy as ordering a new handle and swapping it out?
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/MB-1647401193

EGR stuck?

Raq — Sun, 10 May 2026 01:14:47 GMT

I'm going through codes, and have cleared up just about everything except one pesky thing that came back.

2355 - [2] Check system 'Exhaust gas recirculation control'. The air mass is too large.

I'm assuming this could be due to a dirty EGR valve? I've tested the EGR and it does seem to be actuating according to the scan tool, however the minimum it reaches is '5%' and doesn't appear to be fully closing... is this normal?
This weekend I attempted to remove the EGR and clean it, I got as far as removing the two bolts, but the unit is stuck and will not budge, despite tapping it various different ways shown in many youtube videos. I also don't see an easy way to disconnect the water hoses without more stuff spilling everywhere. With the tight location of the EGR, it doesn't make it easy to work on, so curious if there is a way to possibly clean it without having to remove it? Is there a fuel additive that could maybe help clear it up a bit?

I am not getting any check engine lights, everything is running fine, I'm just trying to do preventative maintenance and clear this fault code.

W164 ml500 valve body

Domc247 — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:39:34 GMT

Hi all. i am new here, i have 07 ml500 thats goes into drive but wont shift out of 1st. was getting battery under voltage codes, but in have a basic scanner, replaced the both both batteries. dropped the valve body, cleaned conductor plate and changed fluid and filter. the car does not jerk going into drive or park no more. but still wont shift out of 1st gear, and manual shift is not working either. i think its the valve body and conductor plate. Please help if you have experience with this. if you have a valve body and not too far, will buy. also looking for someone who can program

[img alt="Havving voltage problems
"]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260505_110358_dfc0ad5f0d245d15364734c85b5b0e9589 40d2c8.jpg[/img]
Havving voltage problems

Crazy speed and steering angle in Airmatic

andrzej77 — Tue, 05 May 2026 10:27:23 GMT

Hello. ML w164 (2010)
1. in ECU Airmatic speed and steering angle - incorrect (<900 km/h)
2. in ECU ABS - speed and steering angle - correct

Its normal?

ML320 CDi rear Sam

tvor — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:27:28 GMT

Sorry if this has been done before.

Recently acquired a neglected ML320CDI sport 2009.

Rear Sam common failure symptoms on dash. And have seen corrosion on unit. However part number A164 540 05 01 is or does seem to be linked to the 280 model.

I suspect someone has replaced the unit but got the wrong one.

I need to find the correct part number for my car. Does anyone know or can access. The Electronic Parts Catalogue and help me or provide a link?

Also would software currently on car be same or would I need specialist to do corrections to a new Sam when coding new part.

Vin is WDCBB22E57A252901

Lack of power 420cdi 2007

PocketRage — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:55:04 GMT

Hi, my car have no power.
There�s no errors now, the only one that showed earlier was P2513, but now theres nothing.
EGR off, DPF off and flaps off and i have done ecu for all this.
Air intake is cleaned
I checked engine tightness with automotive smoke machine and its perfect.
No one knows whats wrong with car and so do i.
I would appreciate any help and sorry for possible grammar errors, no one in my country helped me and eventually got here.