What does this panel cover on my ML350 W164?

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Apr 5, 2022 | 07:29 PM

RobA

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From: Melbourne Victoria Australia

ML350

What does this panel cover on my ML350 W164?

Hi! I heard a light tapping from the front of my vehicle and couldn't work out whether it was suspension or drivetrain or steering or whatever... then I notice that the small panel (that I didn't know was there) had fallen from its spot and was being held on by a small plastic retainer. The cover has two tongues which are broken off, releasing the panel and letting it hang by the thin plastic retainer. Behind the panel there appears to to a foam filter. What does this actually do? Is it something that mechanics check regularly or can I safely seal it up? I've looked at other MLs and haven't seen this thing, mine is a late model top-spec. Cheers & thx Rob Anderson Melbourne Australia

Apr 5, 2022 | 08:45 PM

bishop64

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From: Hong Kong, China

2021 S450 4Matic

That is usually the location of the front tow hook. The foam filler is likely filling up a screw hole which you can screw a tow hook into.

Ref: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2v0jf0

Last edited by bishop64; Apr 5, 2022 at 08:52 PM.

Apr 5, 2022 | 09:58 PM

RobA

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Joined: Feb 2020

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From: Melbourne Victoria Australia

ML350

Many thanks bishop64 for your quick response. Yes, it could be that - hadn't thought of a tow fitting location. Why would MB have two of them though? There's another on the passenger side. Or is it incorporated irrespective of whether LH or RH Drive? In Australia we're RH Drive - I'd be interested to hear from other members who have this fitting in LH Drive. Thx again for your time

Apr 5, 2022 | 10:07 PM

RobA

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Joined: Feb 2020

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From: Melbourne Victoria Australia

ML350

Have just checked again - looks like you're right bishop64 (https://www.go-parts.com/0611-merced...900210877.html). And not an expensive part

Cheers & thanks again

Apr 11, 2022 | 09:44 PM

MJ50

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bone stock E55 AMG

moved to W164 forum...

Apr 18, 2022 | 06:32 AM

ahmedroyce

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e30 2000

The foam filler is likely filling up a screw hole which you can screw a tow hook into.

Nox Vidmate VLC

Last edited by ahmedroyce; Apr 18, 2022 at 07:47 AM.

Apr 18, 2022 | 08:54 PM

RobA

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2020

Posts: 29

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From: Melbourne Victoria Australia

ML350

Many thanks ahmedroyce, appreciate your input. Yes, a previous member has confirmed that this is the function. I'm still confused about how the actual part ended up being broken - my vehicle has never been towed, as far as I know the inspection flap has never been off the car. Suddenly I find that it's hanging by a strap and both of the "insert" parts have been snapped off. Perhaps another owner needed one and attempted to remove it? No reason for it to just come apart. Thanks again for your help!