Parts Interchangeability W164 from 2006-8 and 2009-11
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 3
2011 ML550
Parts Interchangeability W164 from 2006-8 and 2009-11
Greetings - new owner here of 2011 ML550, and I am pretty stoked! There are a few things I want to refresh/upgrade (notably on the front).
I am trying to figure out if the body parts between the ML550 "first generation" 2006-8 and the facelift in 2009-11 are interchangeable?
In particular, I have noticed that the front grilles on eBay for the 2006-2008 are plentiful and inexpensive, whereas the 2009-11 are expensive and seem pretty rare. To me, they look pretty much exactly similar.
For that matter, what about ML350 parts on ML550? As far as I can see (so far) other than engine size and a few cosmetic differences, they seem to be the same.
What about headlights and other front bumper trim pieces?
Any input greatly appreciated!
I am trying to figure out if the body parts between the ML550 "first generation" 2006-8 and the facelift in 2009-11 are interchangeable?
In particular, I have noticed that the front grilles on eBay for the 2006-2008 are plentiful and inexpensive, whereas the 2009-11 are expensive and seem pretty rare. To me, they look pretty much exactly similar.
For that matter, what about ML350 parts on ML550? As far as I can see (so far) other than engine size and a few cosmetic differences, they seem to be the same.
What about headlights and other front bumper trim pieces?
Any input greatly appreciated!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 472
Likes: 239
From: New Hampshire
ML 63 AMG
Greetings - new owner here of 2011 ML550, and I am pretty stoked! There are a few things I want to refresh/upgrade (notably on the front).
I am trying to figure out if the body parts between the ML550 "first generation" 2006-8 and the facelift in 2009-11 are interchangeable?
In particular, I have noticed that the front grilles on eBay for the 2006-2008 are plentiful and inexpensive, whereas the 2009-11 are expensive and seem pretty rare. To me, they look pretty much exactly similar.
For that matter, what about ML350 parts on ML550? As far as I can see (so far) other than engine size and a few cosmetic differences, they seem to be the same.
What about headlights and other front bumper trim pieces?
Any input greatly appreciated!
I am trying to figure out if the body parts between the ML550 "first generation" 2006-8 and the facelift in 2009-11 are interchangeable?
In particular, I have noticed that the front grilles on eBay for the 2006-2008 are plentiful and inexpensive, whereas the 2009-11 are expensive and seem pretty rare. To me, they look pretty much exactly similar.
For that matter, what about ML350 parts on ML550? As far as I can see (so far) other than engine size and a few cosmetic differences, they seem to be the same.
What about headlights and other front bumper trim pieces?
Any input greatly appreciated!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
Likes: 114
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
The physical shape of the headlights are different; you will at minimum need a facelift bumper and grill. The facelift grill is much taller (extends lower into the bumper) than the pre-facelift. The fenders and hood look the same. I think the taillights are physically identical (electrically they might be different), but worst case they would just need the facelift rear bumper.
Just look at pre and post facelift photos on Wikipedia to get a sense of the physical differences.
As for mechanical differences, the 350 will have a different differential gear ratio. Everything else should be the same with the 550 engine.
Just look at pre and post facelift photos on Wikipedia to get a sense of the physical differences.
As for mechanical differences, the 350 will have a different differential gear ratio. Everything else should be the same with the 550 engine.
