Hi guys,
The liftgate on my ML500 does not close all the way – it is shut and locked, but if I push it in it has about 2-3 mm play that I want to get reed off in order to make the gap between the gate and the body on sides to look perfect. I am sure that it is an easy adjustment, just before I take those plastic covers off, I need to know what is better – to adjust the lock on the door, or on the frame?

Thanks!

I had a minor adjustment issue on my ML and all the dealer did was adjust the bottom latch to compensate for weatherstripping which had ''seated''. Now it closes and does the proper latch routine everytime.Not sure if yours has the same issue or not but thats all I can offer.

My 06 ML500 had an issue when new. Dealer adjusted the latch and its been perfect ever since. I would not attempt to do this yourself as it can throw off the switch and it may not pull itself in when closing.

Guys, Thanks for the replies!

-- Sosh –-
I will check it out. I never dealt with power liftgates, but in my understanding, there should be just ~ 2 bolts that are holding the latch in place, and if you loose them up, you could move it back and forth. Is that correct? At least that is how the regular one works.
I will check it out when get a chance.

Thanks!

There was also an issue with the power hatch not closing properly and draining the battery on the GL and some ML's. I would say see the dealer and have it adjusted. There may be a TSB on it.

Some of those adjustments were made on my line for a while. The power liftgate sometimes was finicky because you would get the gaps dead on but wouldnt close and pop back up or would close but not all the way. The scuff plate is all that needs to be removed to access the two bolts that hold the striker in place.

Scuff plate - do you mean the plastic cover around the latch? Do you know if it just pups out? Don’t wont to break anything.

Yes, lift up the floor were you access the spare and there are 2 bolts that hold it in and then it pops out.

Thanks!

There are like 6 snaps that hold the scuff plate in along with the bolts. Take the bolts out and the plastic snaps will just pop out when you pull up on it. There is a foam cover that slides down over the striker that you dont have to be taken off to adjust it.

Whoo hoo! Thanks for the great info! My lift gate was not closing properly; would shut but not latch. With the purchase of a Torx 40 driver I was able to adjust the latch so that it shuts and locks properly. Thanks MB World!