bumping in the transfer case
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
ML 320 CDI
bumping in the transfer case
I have been hearing a loud bumping vibrating noise when I step on the gas for heaving acceleration. Sounds like gears are slipping in the transfer case of my 2008 ML320 CDI. Anyone come across this? If so, what am I in for?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
Yes, I have the same problem.
Sounds like popcorn popping when you step on the gas hard, right? And you can imagine a chain jumping teeth?
If that's the noise, it is your transfer case for sure.
Look on youtube.. there is a video of a W164 transfer case noise. It's very distinctive. If your sounds like the video, this is your problem.
I did lots of research and a replacement transfer case seems to be the only solution.
New $5k at MB. I was able to find one at a wrecker with very low mileage (get one from a newer W164 so it will be lower mileage and hopefully an updated part #).
I paid in the $700-800 range for my used one I believe.
Your replacement t-case will require 0.5L of a special fluid. I can dig up the part # if you need it. Available at any MB dealer, and also Chysler dealers as it's a Sprinter part # also. Very expensive (think $25+++ per liter)
There is some speculation on this forum that 0.5L isn't enough to properly lubricate the case and that's why they are failing. I plan to refill with about 0.7 to 0.8L and I suspect that will help.
In any case, I got 160,000 miles out of mine before the noise started, so I'm not too worried about having to replace again at 320,000 miles as I may not be the owner of the truck any more at that point
Sounds like popcorn popping when you step on the gas hard, right? And you can imagine a chain jumping teeth?
If that's the noise, it is your transfer case for sure.
Look on youtube.. there is a video of a W164 transfer case noise. It's very distinctive. If your sounds like the video, this is your problem.
I did lots of research and a replacement transfer case seems to be the only solution.
New $5k at MB. I was able to find one at a wrecker with very low mileage (get one from a newer W164 so it will be lower mileage and hopefully an updated part #).
I paid in the $700-800 range for my used one I believe.
Your replacement t-case will require 0.5L of a special fluid. I can dig up the part # if you need it. Available at any MB dealer, and also Chysler dealers as it's a Sprinter part # also. Very expensive (think $25+++ per liter)
There is some speculation on this forum that 0.5L isn't enough to properly lubricate the case and that's why they are failing. I plan to refill with about 0.7 to 0.8L and I suspect that will help.
In any case, I got 160,000 miles out of mine before the noise started, so I'm not too worried about having to replace again at 320,000 miles as I may not be the owner of the truck any more at that point
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
The transfer case part number may also cross corresponds to a Jeep Cherokee transfer case part number. Look at yours and do an internet search or the part numbers and see if it matches up. Hope that helps.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
2007 ML320 CDI
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164...e-rebuild.html
Some info here, seems pretty simple to fix. Might as well get a new chain as well if your 'in' there.
Some info here, seems pretty simple to fix. Might as well get a new chain as well if your 'in' there.
