M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Upgrading "run flat indicators" to true TPMS in 2015 ML350 BT

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 24, 2018 | 10:59 PM
  #1  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Upgrading "run flat indicators" to true TPMS in 2015 ML350 BT

Anyone know if it's possible to upgrade the Run Flat system to full TPMS on an ML350 BT? My previous Buick Enclaves had the system - active pressure readings in all 4 tires in both PSI & kpa settings.
This ML just has (as I'm told by the dealer) a rudimentary system that detects a flat or reduced pressure by the increased number of tire rotations as a tire that is lower in pressure, hence slightly smaller, will spin faster than the rest. The system doesn't even tell which tire, just that one (or more?) has a lower pressure/is flat.
I understand there is a full MB TPMS system available that reads individual pressures, etc. but that would have to be an upgrade to my current system. Can this be done after the fact?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2018 | 08:08 PM
  #2  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Any feedback here, any ideas?
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2018 | 07:26 AM
  #3  
peter2772000's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
Evidently not, friend. It would seem that paying top dollar for "German engineering" does not ensure the latest in technology. My 2014 Grand Cherokee gave actual pressure read-outs as well, it was very practical.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2018 | 02:18 PM
  #4  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Ain't that the truth! Just like them not having remote start. MB has some pretty ridiculous ideas on safety. Like adding a trailer hitch after as well. They want over $3,000 to install & wire one in.

Thanks for your reply.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2018 | 11:56 AM
  #5  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Dude... why would you even consider "upgrading" to a TPMS system on an SUV? If you have a deflated tire and can't tell simply by the way the vehicle drives, you've got bigger problems and should probably consider surrendering your license.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2018 | 02:14 PM
  #6  
termite's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Mt. Sinai, NY
2013 E350 wagon cuprite brown; sold:2014 ML63; R500 Saks Edition; R500; more W124s than I can count
Originally Posted by Diabolis
Dude... why would you even consider "upgrading" to a TPMS system on an SUV? If you have a deflated tire and can't tell simply by the way the vehicle drives, you've got bigger problems and should probably consider surrendering your license.
I confess that I would be hard pressed to tell if my tires were down five pounds, but I would not mind knowing at the push of a few buttons like on my Sierra 1500 Denali or my previous Ram 1500, Cayenne Turbo or Grand Cherokee...unlikely that I will surrender my license over that failing on my part. Sorry but it was a fairly respectable question from the original poster and it should not have merited a trollish response.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2018 | 06:37 PM
  #7  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
In that case allow me to introduce you to a valuable and much cheaper tool: the tire pressure gauge. You can buy one for well under $10 or use the free one available at most gas stations. Then there's the myriad of aftermarket TPMS systems that cost between $50 and $200 if you're too lazy to check your tire pressures once a month. Retrofitting a factory TPMS system on the other hand would probably cost about $3K in parts and another $10K in labour and is about as asinine of a question as they get.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2018 | 09:19 AM
  #8  
termite's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Mt. Sinai, NY
2013 E350 wagon cuprite brown; sold:2014 ML63; R500 Saks Edition; R500; more W124s than I can count
"Retrofitting a factory TPMS system on the other hand would probably cost about $3K in parts and another $10K in labour and is about as asinine of a question as they get."

Reminds me of the time that I wanted to install fog lights in my R500 Saks Edition. Dealer said that I need a new harness, quoted list for all of the parts and a significant charge for programming to make them work, coming to over $1k. After a bit of searching on the R class forum, I bought a used headlight switch with fog button and two lights on eBay, discovered that the harness was all there right up to the bumper, and had a local guy program the car to see that the car now had fogs. All in all it cost about $275 and while I did not need fog lights, I considered it a diverting project for an afternoon. The point is that you don't know until you search the various forums and ask questions. Certainly not up to me to decide whose wants are valid or what questions are "asinine," but what do I know about how to behave in public?

Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 12, 2018 | 11:39 PM
  #9  
HAILERS2's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 69
From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
It is a bit odd. I've a 2014 ML350 Bluetec that shows the pressure in all four tires. I wonder why the '15 you have does not have this feature. A Canadian 'thing'? As in those cars are built different?
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2018 | 04:04 PM
  #10  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Hailer you are correct. I know the "full" TPMS with pressure read-outs per tire is available for the W166 ML version. Why it's not on this "loaded" ML could be a Cdn build thing?

Diabolus, why should you give a crap what anyone wants to put on their vehicle? If answering a legitimate question responsibly is not in your realm of understanding then perhaps silence would serve us all better. To paraphrase your reply, "If you have a deflated brain and can't tell simply by the way you think, you've got bigger problems and should probably surrender your pen."
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 06:19 PM
  #11  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
I did answer it responsibly. The responsible car operator should at the very least have some familiarity with how a vehicle drives and what basic checks they need to occasionally perform in order to ensure everyone's safety including their own. If they can't do that, they shouldn't be driving.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 06:54 PM
  #12  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Gotcha!
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2018 | 11:22 PM
  #13  
jrsmith_68's Avatar
Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 228
Likes: 39
From: Peoria, IL
2007 C350 2015 ML400 1968 Ford Mustang
Its really much easier than depicted. All you need is the TPMS module, A0009003704 (that is the module for my 2015 ML400, assume the same for yours) and 4 TPMS sensors. Maybe you need a harness, I could check for you if you give me your VIN. Used module on ebay $100, four sensors (A0009050030) $12.50 each on ebay. The real challenge comes in with coding the vehicle. These newer vehicles require SCN coding for all modules unless you have a way around it like Vediamo. I would think your dealer would not be too opposed to adding code 475 but you may want to check first. Or if you want to drive to Illinois I'll do it for some beer.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 02:15 AM
  #14  
TA Canada's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
Now this is interesting. Thanks for the info, I'll check it out on my side and then the dealer. Much appreciated. Cheers
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 08:11 AM
  #15  
jrsmith_68's Avatar
Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 228
Likes: 39
From: Peoria, IL
2007 C350 2015 ML400 1968 Ford Mustang
Also, search for “Easy active TPMS retrofit” in the W203 forum and you will see my write up adding basically the same setup to my 2007 C class.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 02:58 PM
  #16  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
You would void the vehicle warranty the moment you start tinkering with the vehicle coding, and no authorized dealer / service center would go anywhere near it even of they could - which they can't. Yes, the module requires SCN coding and the only options available through DAS / Xentry are those that were factory installed for that particular VIN, and no dealership or service center has the ability to override this. If it doesn't show up on the vehicle VIN, you can't "legally" install it using any legitimate MB tool. Yet another reason not to even attempt this - but what do I know, I'm just being pragmatic which is apparently not the case with everyone here.

Sure, if you have the time, knowledge, tools (including Vediamo), parts and are willing to void your vehicle warranty in the process (and did I mention money to burn?), then yes, you may be able to retrofit it or pay someone else to do it for you, but for those of us that just need a reliable car to drive instead of a "project" or to simply satisfy a curiosity and /or a desire to learn, attempting to install a factory TPMS retrofit to a current model ML is still an asinine idea.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 03:02 PM
  #17  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Originally Posted by jrsmith_68
Its really much easier than depicted. All you need is the TPMS module, A0009003704 (that is the module for my 2015 ML400, assume the same for yours) and 4 TPMS sensors. Maybe you need a harness, I could check for you if you give me your VIN. Used module on ebay $100, four sensors (A0009050030) $12.50 each on ebay. The real challenge comes in with coding the vehicle. These newer vehicles require SCN coding for all modules unless you have a way around it like Vediamo. I would think your dealer would not be too opposed to adding code 475 but you may want to check first. Or if you want to drive to Illinois I'll do it for some beer.
It WAS much easier than depicted because on your W203 you could code offline whatever you wanted. That is no longer the case.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 08:41 PM
  #18  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Diabolis
You would void the vehicle warranty the moment you start tinkering with the vehicle coding, and no authorized dealer / service center would go anywhere near it even of they could - which they can't. Yes, the module requires SCN coding and the only options available through DAS / Xentry are those that were factory installed for that particular VIN, and no dealership or service center has the ability to override this. If it doesn't show up on the vehicle VIN, you can't "legally" install it using any legitimate MB tool. Yet another reason not to even attempt this - but what do I know, I'm just being pragmatic which is apparently not the case with everyone here.

Sure, if you have the time, knowledge, tools (including Vediamo), parts and are willing to void your vehicle warranty in the process (and did I mention money to burn?), then yes, you may be able to retrofit it or pay someone else to do it for you, but for those of us that just need a reliable car to drive instead of a "project" or to simply satisfy a curiosity and /or a desire to learn, attempting to install a factory TPMS retrofit to a current model ML is still an asinine idea.
what?

There are numerous threads that detail retrofitting distronic plus and other collision avoidance tech on w166 and x166 models that require coding at the dealers.

Some dealers are hesitant. Others are more than willing to work with you.

If you want to get the tpms. Go for it.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 10:58 PM
  #19  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Can you please link some? I can't find a single one involving a retrofit of any description that involves SCN coding. The MB servers do not allow coding of modules that were not enabled for that particular VIN... so yeah, I'd love to see one that was done as a legitimate upgrade by a dealer / service center as opposed to simply being hacked by some indie shop.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 11:06 PM
  #20  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Diabolis
Can you please link some? I can't find a single one involving a retrofit of any description that involves SCN coding. The MB servers do not allow coding of modules that were not enabled for that particular VIN... so yeah, I'd love to see one that was done as a legitimate upgrade by a dealer / service center as opposed to simply being hacked by some indie shop.
1. Of many. You just need to search.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-lighting.html
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2018 | 07:57 PM
  #21  
Diabolis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Originally Posted by kombifan

1. Of many. You just need to search.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-lighting.html




Er - no. I just went through that entire thread and couldn't find a post that shows or claims that someone actually had the coding done at a dealership or authorized Mercedes service center (but I found several where they specifically stated that they couldn't get it done at a dealership). Where did you see it please? Sorry to be a pain, but what you claim doesn't make any sense.

P.S. Allow me to reference a key post (#81 - five or so back from the latest one) by the OP in the thread you linked:

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post7490928

This only proves that even a "shady" dealer in Spain that is willing to tinker with a customer vehicle can't add SCN coding that wasn't present on that particular vehicle VIN. Again - please show me ONE post that shows anyone doing this successfully without hacking it with Vediamo (which would by definition void any manufacturer warranty).

Last edited by Diabolis; Sep 27, 2018 at 09:41 AM.
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 07:46 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE