So I have some issues with my 2009 ML320 Bluetec.
Please see the attached youtube link with the video.

Intermittently the car would start acting up by showing various messages on the cluster like ESP, ABS etc etc. As soon as this starts, the wiper does a full move and stops then I get the lights and sometimes I get a red message on the display saying Drive to Workshop without shifting gears. Sometimes, if I shut off the car then I can’t restart it.

so far, I have checked
1. all the fuses and relays including the prefuse box under the hood(I even bypassed it to see if anything changes)
2. I have replaced the steering angle sensor/ steering control module with the latest part number from the dealer
3. I have removed, disassembled the rear sam module and checked for water intrusion/damage

Please help, I have good testing, electrical skills. And I also have de Star diagnosis.

 

If you have Star diagnosis, why haven't you scanned for codes in the ESP cont. module?

 

I did but diagnosis via Star right now is very irrelevant. Something is obviously going on with the engine can bus but i am not sure how to diagnose that. Please see the next video

 

August, you must scan the entire system for code numbers and take readable photo of each module with the code numbers.

 

I've been having an identical issue with the 2009 ML320 I just bought and was just curious if you had figured out what the issue was. I've replaced the rear SAM (needed it anyway), the dealer inexplicably replaced the front fuse box, and I replaced the SCM, and all was fine for exactly one day. Went to start it this morning and I got the all-too-familiar "ESP inoperative" and steering wheel buttons/gear selector wouldn't respond. I'm getting a TON of CAN bus faults, so I'm leaning towards a short somewhere. This car is an electrical nightmare. I've got no idea what the previous owner did to it, but I've got one unhappy Mercedes.

 

This sounds like alternator going/gone bad.
The only time I've seen that combination of things, it was the alternator.

Hope this helps

 

I'm wondering if this janky wiring on the SCR module has anything to do with it. I've got no clue what was done to this thing, but it's got two wires running up the passenger side. I haven't traced it further

 

What does SCA and SCM wean?

 

SCM = Steering Column Module
SCR = Selective Catalytic Reduction (BlueTEC)

 

Please spell out these abbreviations in the future.

 

And where is this module located?

 

It's only found on BlueTECs, in the rear cargo area where the spare usually is. You have to lift out the styrofoam.

 

OK, never saw module before.

 

After driving it off-and-on all week with the replaced SCM, I haven't suffered another ABS/ESP issue where the car wouldn't come out of park. The weird electrical issues persist, such as flickering driver-side illuminated door sill and a weird interior light problems. I'm going to clear the codes tomorrow and drive it over the weekend, see what the shop says next week.

 

So I have 09 ml350 4matic ran fine with no codes 2yrs. Rear latch broke so I took apart. Rear wiper then came on and horn would not shut off. Disconnected battery then reconnected. Then fuel gage, power seats, turn signals, windshield wipers, Passenger Airbag, SRS light came on. Car still ran and drove fine. Then brake line blew and fixed. Now abs/srs light on and won't shift out of gear. Checked all SAM and fuse boxes connections looked like new. Towed to Mercedes specialty shop ... they checked same things and scanned. No communication with ABS module and a few other items. Now car won't run and they can't figure out ... help

 

I'm curious if you left the key in the ignition or near the car when you replaced the battery

 

This looks to me like an attempt to defeat SCR (DEF injection).

 

yeah, I’m thinking the same thing but I’m incredibly apprehensive moving or even touching the wiring because whenever I have it’s been a dice throw.

I even had my ex try to track down the last owner since he works for the bank that held the title. His specialty is mortgages, not vehicles, but according to him after the first owner died in 2016, Wells Fargo assigned the title to an MB dealer as a “bailee” but never actually transferred ownership, only “duty of care.” So this is definitely some weird-*** **** I’ve never encountered.

 

Here's the other thread documenting my struggles.