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

Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 11, 2017 | 06:04 AM
  #1  
andrewpaul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Wellington NZ
ML320 CDI W164 2006
Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor Problem

Exhaust back pressure sensor - purple mark on it
Hi have a few issues with my ML320CDI which I believe are due to the Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor. This is the sensor at the back of the turbo sitting between the turbo and EGR.

​​​​​I did monitor live data from this sensor and it seemed to be working. Any tips on what live values I should be seeing?

​FYI we are in our winter season in New Zealand.

- Car starts in the morning stays at lower than idle revs then cuts out acceleration cuts the engine.
- After a dozen or more starts I may be able to rev the engine and drive
- On driving the car will buck for a while
- All this with no CEL

​​​​​After a while of being started and I presume warmed up all the issues clear up.

I have taken the sensor off and cleaned it with brake cleaner this improved the morning starting but the car still bucks for a while.

If I unplug the sensor the car seems normal starts without an issue and does not buck so have been driving with it unplugged and now have a CEL.

​​Should I try another clean of the sensor or is it a waste of time?

I believe there are a few variants of this sensor. My ML has no DPF and therefore no Exhaust Pressure Sensor (the one with 2 pipes installed in the drive shaft cavity). Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Last edited by andrewpaul; Jul 11, 2017 at 06:06 AM.
Reply
Old May 20, 2018 | 02:51 PM
  #2  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
Did you solve the problem?
Reply
Old May 20, 2018 | 07:51 PM
  #3  
andrewpaul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Wellington NZ
ML320 CDI W164 2006
Hi Roy

Yes I did just got a new sensor from Pelican Parts in the US for $40. (I am in New Zealand)
This was not an original MB part but the cheaper equivalent version.
The new sensor transformed my ML.
I believe a lot of people are changing Turbos thinking that they are faulty they should change this sensor first.

Cheers and best of luck.
Reply
Old May 21, 2018 | 05:24 AM
  #4  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
Hi,
Thanks for your valuable answer. I got exactly the same problem on mine ML, when the enige is cold I need to disconnect the sensor to get the engine started.
No fault codes on diagnoses or CEL.
New sensor are ordered.

Brg
Roy
Reply
Old May 21, 2018 | 06:31 AM
  #5  
flybd5's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
Originally Posted by Roy.Pedersen
Hi,
Thanks for your valuable answer. I got exactly the same problem on mine ML, when the enige is cold I need to disconnect the sensor to get the engine started.
No fault codes on diagnoses or CEL.
New sensor are ordered.

Brg
Roy
What reader are you using to look for fault codes? If it's not
one that understands MB proprietary codes and can read all subsystems one that understands MB proprietary codes and can read all subsystems
, you are not really getting anything useful.
Reply
Old May 21, 2018 | 07:22 AM
  #6  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
My dealer use Bosch ESI (Tronic) 2.0, anyhow I will have a STAR diagnoses done this week.
Reply
Old May 21, 2018 | 07:27 AM
  #7  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
What type of scanner do you recommend to use for MB, except of STAR.
Reply
Old May 21, 2018 | 07:40 AM
  #8  
flybd5's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 25
From: Massachusetts
2014 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabrio
Originally Posted by Roy.Pedersen
What type of scanner do you recommend to use for MB, except of STAR.
My message above has a link to the Amazon listing of the scanner recommended by the resident guru, Maj. Dundee.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-4

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 22, 2018 | 10:52 AM
  #9  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
Hi,
Thanks for info, I will consider to get one.

I tried to start the engine again this morning with same result, runs for 5 sec and then stop, and then the CEL came up. (Code 0472).
Changed the sensor with a new one and cleared the code, now the engine start and runs like it should.

Thanks for assistanse.

Last edited by Roy.Pedersen; May 22, 2018 at 11:29 AM.
Reply
Old May 22, 2018 | 09:31 PM
  #10  
andrewpaul's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Wellington NZ
ML320 CDI W164 2006
I have an Autel MD808P Maxidiag Scanner that scans all the W164 modules and resets fault codes.
Has a range of car manufacturers US/Euro/Asian on its MicroSD card. Car model data gets updated on their website and can be downloaded to the unit.
Cost $240 and works really well. Great piece of universal diagnostic kit to own.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2018 | 11:00 PM
  #11  
DereckHelga's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
09 ML320Cdi
Hi Everyone ,
The simple truth is that when this sensor goes all that can be done is a replacement , cleaning of fixing wont help.
It is also not something you can maintain or service , if it goes , it goes ,no matter where you are and it is the "no matter where you are " that greatly concerns me about MB , the tech and the integrity of the car.
If you're in town or close to one it is a no-brainer ,
Again , what if you're not .
Is the answer not maybe to replace at specific intervals , like cam belts , preventative maintenance style , to the likes of aircraft maintenance ,
The car is completely useless if this sensor goes and what is even more scary is that turbo's are being replaced when this cheap little sensors goes , I note someone else has also mentioned this .
Any of the readers can pick it up if the mechanic or technician knows his way around , MB's diagnostics I am told are way better than other German brands.
If for some reason you are told to replace a turbo , have this checked 1st .

Hope this saves someone a lot of money and agony somewhere.
Dereck
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2018 | 11:06 PM
  #12  
DereckHelga's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
09 ML320Cdi
Hi Roy ,
I think we should carrying an extra 1 when going on trips .
This is a major vulnerability.
Regards
Dereck
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2019 | 08:08 PM
  #13  
Paul Z's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2008 ml320 cdi
Ebp sensor did same issue as this.

My ML 320Cdi 2008 got same issue Andy it bother me a lot. Every morning I start the car, the engine will shut off after 1-2 secs. If I am lucky, I can start to drive it with a really dangerous situation. The SUV just like a jumper car. Oh my GOD. Before notice this form. I spent tons of hours and I did find this ebp sensor cause the issue because once I takenoff the socket. The SUV runs as normal but having CEL p0472.

Yes, it is exactly same as yours.

I bought a benz parts and replaced it today. Hope it fix my SUV too.

Will keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the info sharing. And hope this help others.

The only thing I knew which might related is the issue began after I cleaned my MAF and MAP. That does not make any sense why the ebp got problem after then.



Originally Posted by andrewpaul
Exhaust back pressure sensor - purple mark on it
Hi have a few issues with my ML320CDI which I believe are due to the Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor. This is the sensor at the back of the turbo sitting between the turbo and EGR.

​​​​​I did monitor live data from this sensor and it seemed to be working. Any tips on what live values I should be seeing?

​FYI we are in our winter season in New Zealand.

- Car starts in the morning stays at lower than idle revs then cuts out acceleration cuts the engine.
- After a dozen or more starts I may be able to rev the engine and drive
- On driving the car will buck for a while
- All this with no CEL

​​​​​After a while of being started and I presume warmed up all the issues clear up.

I have taken the sensor off and cleaned it with brake cleaner this improved the morning starting but the car still bucks for a while.

If I unplug the sensor the car seems normal starts without an issue and does not buck so have been driving with it unplugged and now have a CEL.

​​Should I try another clean of the sensor or is it a waste of time?

I believe there are a few variants of this sensor. My ML has no DPF and therefore no Exhaust Pressure Sensor (the one with 2 pipes installed in the drive shaft cavity). Any thoughts?

Thanks.
Ebp

Last edited by Paul Z; Sep 15, 2019 at 08:24 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2019 | 05:27 AM
  #14  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You need a scanner to check for codes.

Amazon Amazon
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2019 | 06:09 AM
  #15  
Roy.Pedersen's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML 280CDI W164 2006
Originally Posted by Paul Z
My ML 320Cdi 2008 got same issue Andy it bother me a lot. Every morning I start the car, the engine will shut off after 1-2 secs. If I am lucky, I can start to drive it with a really dangerous situation. The SUV just like a jumper car. Oh my GOD. Before notice this form. I spent tons of hours and I did find this ebp sensor cause the issue because once I takenoff the socket. The SUV runs as normal but having CEL p0472.

Yes, it is exactly same as yours.

I bought a benz parts and replaced it today. Hope it fix my SUV too.

Will keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the info sharing. And hope this help others.

The only thing I knew which might related is the issue began after I cleaned my MAF and MAP. That does not make any sense why the ebp got problem after then.




Ebp
Don`t waste your time to clean the sensor, change it.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2020 | 07:13 PM
  #16  
Paul Z's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2008 ml320 cdi
The sensor replacement actually got the best result, My ML 320 works as normal. Thanks all.
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 07:12 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE