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

How can I tell if a W164 is 4x4?

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Old Nov 18, 2021 | 08:34 PM
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How can I tell if a W164 is 4x4?
Does anyone know which W164s are 4Matic? I‘m looking at a Mexican market 2006 ML350 and it doesn’t have a 4Matic badge on the back, but then many of them seem not to. I heard something about all pre-2009 cars being 4Matic but I’m not sure how true that is? Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 04:58 AM
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If it doesn't have the 4Matic badge, it is only rear wheel drive.
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
If it doesn't have the 4Matic badge, it is only rear wheel drive.
That’s interesting. I heard that the early ones didn’t have a 4Matic badge, or that’s what people say here anyway. https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ar...drive.1512796/

Is there any physical check I can do to be 100% sure?
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 08:46 AM
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Do you own the car you are referring to?
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Do you own the car you are referring to?
No, I am going to look at it tomorrow with the possibility of buying it.
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 09:16 AM
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Crawl under the car near the front door and see if there are two propeller shafts, one very small and one very long. Two is 4Matic and one is rear wheel drive only.
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 10:11 AM
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This place is a joke.
I think you are correct that all ML's built up to 2009 were 4matic. Anyhow, just turn the front wheels to lock and check for a CV axle.
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Crawl under the car near the front door and see if there are two propeller shafts, one very small and one very long. Two is 4Matic and one is rear wheel drive only.
Originally Posted by E55Greasemonkey
I think you are correct that all ML's built up to 2009 were 4matic. Anyhow, just turn the front wheels to lock and check for a CV axle.
Thanks, I’m not an expert but I’d imagine a CV axle going to the front wheels should be pretty obvious right?
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Old Nov 19, 2021 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by RRSMexico
Thanks, I’m not an expert but I’d imagine a CV axle going to the front wheels should be pretty obvious right?
Yes it's pretty easy to see.
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Old Nov 20, 2021 | 02:09 AM
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what about typing VIN into vendecoderz (or similar) and there should be something in description - might see front driveshaft on full steering lock - the transfer case behind the transmission will be a dead giveaway
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Old Dec 7, 2021 | 03:34 PM
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Mercedes made W164 not 4matic?
Never seen it. Option A05 on mine in datacard states
"transmission all wheel capable".
I'd love to see the datacard a 2wd one.
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