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

ML does everything except drive, wtf.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 21, 2014 | 02:15 AM
  #1  
MercvsBoat's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007 ml 280 cdi
ML does everything except drive, wtf.

Newbie here, please help. Bought an 07 ml 280 cdi with 50000 kms two and a half years ago and has run like dream, always serviced at MB and had no problems untill last week. Was doing a quick errand close to home at slow speed and the car felt sluggish, went to accelerate to a higher speed and it wouldnt shift up a gear, then the engine shut down and i coasted it to the side of the road. Turned key off scratched head and it restarted fine till i put it into drive and nothing, engine revved but no drive, luckily in a small town so someone towed me home. Now have it up on stands in the driveway and done some trouble shooting. Electronic shift module works, brake switch is fine, have had cover off the bottom of tranny and the shift mechanism in there looks fine and moves through the full range of motion, and no warnings on the dash inside. My nearest MB dealer is over 200 km away and the car is only 6 months out of premium used car warranty. Any points tricks or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2014 | 08:55 AM
  #2  
06e320cdi's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
It sounds like its in "limp home" mode. Even if there are no check engine lights, dealer may be able to pull the codes.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2014 | 08:32 PM
  #3  
MercvsBoat's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007 ml 280 cdi
Thanks 06e320cdi, are you saying that it may have been in limp mode when it shut down or now? Because if it was before it broke it was only for a very short period maybe several minutes. Now that i have drained the trans oil to take the cover off and check the shift shaft it says drive to dealer without changing gears. Wish i could.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2014 | 06:56 AM
  #4  
06e320cdi's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
My issue was when the EGR valve would get stuck, it would be in limp mode, IE not over 2500 RPMS, very sluggish, would not downshift. If I turned the car off, most of the time it would reset and I would be fine until it happened again. However, rereading yours, it appears to be transmission related, as your engine will rev, but not accelerate. If there is a transmission issue, it too will have codes related to the problem, but not necessarily have a check engine light. Good luck.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:59 AM.

story-0
10 Coolest Mercedes-Benz Wagons of All Time

Slideshow: These estates prove you don't need extra ride height to have performance, style, and everyday usability.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-23 14:16:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-4
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE