M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Power Tailgate will not open

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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 02:28 AM
  #1  
meaculpa's Avatar
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2007 ML350 (hers) 2001 JAGUAR VDP (his)
Power Tailgate will not open

Last time I opened/closed the power rear tailgate worked just fine. Today will not open using the remote key or the driver's side door button. I can hear the power lift motor whirring but nothing; I didn't hear the power lock on the gate working (the power doors do lock/unlock) and it won't not open manually from the outside either. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Old Jul 28, 2013 | 06:35 PM
  #2  
zemun1234's Avatar
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From: Toronto, Canada
2005 E320 CDI (sold); 2007 R320 CDI (sold); 2008 ML320 CDI; 2014 ML350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by meaculpa
Last time I opened/closed the power rear tailgate worked just fine. Today will not open using the remote key or the driver's side door button. I can hear the power lift motor whirring but nothing; I didn't hear the power lock on the gate working (the power doors do lock/unlock) and it won't not open manually from the outside either. Any suggestions? Thanks
It is interesting due to I hear for similar problem and trucks are year 2007. You need replace motor and no fix for that ...

I used to have R-class and I got same problem...
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Old Jul 29, 2013 | 05:39 AM
  #3  
davey one's Avatar
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From: westen australia
ml 320 cdi/ lexus V8 soarer
on mine there is a plastic oval trim grommet on the inside of door ,behind it is a lever so you can manually open the rear gate, so at least you can get stuff in and out.
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Old Jul 29, 2013 | 08:03 AM
  #4  
06e320cdi's Avatar
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Originally Posted by davey one
on mine there is a plastic oval trim grommet on the inside of door ,behind it is a lever so you can manually open the rear gate, so at least you can get stuff in and out.

I just had the same issue. Mine was fixed under warranty, replaced rear locking unit

here are the part numbers
164-740-06-35 Lock and 003-990-15-97 Rivet
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Old Aug 8, 2013 | 02:49 PM
  #5  
meaculpa's Avatar
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2007 ML350 (hers) 2001 JAGUAR VDP (his)
Today I finally took the time to open the hatch from inside using the emergency lever and I took the bottom plastic trim off to expose the Hatch Lock Actuator. The hook from the lock does work pulling the hatch for a tight close but the problem is that it does not unlock so that the hatch could rise up unless I use the manual lever. Could it be a software problem since I got a new key from the dealer (that worked without any programing) or the lock actuator needs to be replaced? Any suggestions on a good place pricewise to buy it if I need a new one? Why am I not able to open it manually from the outside?
Thanks for your help!

Last edited by meaculpa; Aug 8, 2013 at 02:53 PM.
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 09:19 PM
  #6  
skpatel's Avatar
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2006 C280 & ML350
I have 2006 ML350. My hatch failed last year. I bought the pump used on ebay for $300 and dealer installed it for $250. New install dealer cost was $1350.
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Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:33 PM
  #7  
PNTbenz's Avatar
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ML350
Power Liftgate problem

On my 07 ML350, the Power Liftgate would not latch properly. The problem occurred on a vacation trip, so I went to a dealer instead of using an indy as I would have done at home. They replaced the latch mechanism in an hour for $600. They said the replacement part from MB is an improved design over the original.
It has worked perfectly for the 6 months it has been in now.
Good luck with yours.
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 06:29 PM
  #8  
mariass21's Avatar
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2008 350ML
2008 350ML

My tailgate stopped working, my husband noticed that there was water in the tire well. On 2/10/2014 We took the car to the dealer for a water test. We were told that the water was going in through the right rear lamp and it needed to be sealed. So, we paid for the service $500.
On April 5,2014 while driving my car went haywire! All of the electrical went out! No blinkers,wipers,back camera,lights everything just died, the tailgate wouldn't open.
I had just enough time to pull into an auto shop! The mechanic was able to open the tailgate. Guess what? The tailgate and rear SAM control were full of water and corrosion.
Apparently what I paid for at the dealer wasn't done! I think the dealer should pay for the damages! I'm looking at over $3,000 to fix! Not to mention that the Sam control unit is not even OEM, probably it was replaced before I bought the car!
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Old Apr 10, 2014 | 10:09 AM
  #9  
06e320cdi's Avatar
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Dealer is responsible. MB dealer repairs are covered 12 months unlimited miles. (except for engine and transmission)
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Old Jan 16, 2015 | 06:27 PM
  #10  
albotting's Avatar
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From: Victoria B.C.
2014 350ML Bluetec W164
self fix?

Originally Posted by 06e320cdi
I just had the same issue. Mine was fixed under warranty, replaced rear locking unit

here are the part numbers
164-740-06-35 Lock and 003-990-15-97 Rivet
I am now off warranty, can I fix myself? Are there any re programing issues? Have 2008 ML320CDI.
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Old Jan 16, 2015 | 09:08 PM
  #11  
06e320cdi's Avatar
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Originally Posted by albotting
I am now off warranty, can I fix myself? Are there any re programing issues? Have 2008 ML320CDI.
I am not sure, but www.alldatadiy.com might have the repair document. Its fairly cheap annually, less than $30.00
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Old May 3, 2015 | 09:35 AM
  #12  
Mercdz ML's Avatar
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From: Australia
ML320
I have a 2007 ML320CDI. The power rear tailgate opens and closes correctly with both the door and the inside button but only unlocks and doesn't drive upwards using the remote button on the key. It will close using the key button. Any suggestions please?
Pete.
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