How does the ML63 4Matic System work.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 8
From: Sydney, Australia
2010 C63 Estate
How does the ML63 4Matic System work.
Have heard varying stories regarding the distribution split of drive to the front and rear wheels.
I don't know for a fact the exact specs. Can anyone confirm for a fact how it works? For our ML63's.
Please respond !!!
Thanks!
I don't know for a fact the exact specs. Can anyone confirm for a fact how it works? For our ML63's.
Please respond !!!
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 963
Likes: 58
From: USA
CL63 AMG
It is the most primitive basic form of 4matic. It is a 50/50 mechanical split that is activated electronically in the center diff/transfer case. You can feel it engage off the line if you apply heavy throttle from a stand still (split second lag then surge of power to the front).
There is no torque vectoring or fancy power split. Our 4 matic is designed more for off road / towing, not the much more sophisticated 4matics on the newer CLA45 and E63S 4matic. (Although by today's standards all mercedes 4matics are basic).
With that's said, there are some advantages with such a basic setup, they typically tend to be more reliable and can handle more power. Having tracked the car endlessly, it actually does a prettying am good job, but at the absolute limit you get more understeer and torque steer bc 50% to the front is too much. More performance oriented setups are usually 35/65 like on new E63AMG 4matic, up to 15/85 like the Lamborghini Gallardos.
Given its such a heavy car I can see why the 50/50 was used for a car that is designed to be more rugged and utilitarian.
There is no torque vectoring or fancy power split. Our 4 matic is designed more for off road / towing, not the much more sophisticated 4matics on the newer CLA45 and E63S 4matic. (Although by today's standards all mercedes 4matics are basic).
With that's said, there are some advantages with such a basic setup, they typically tend to be more reliable and can handle more power. Having tracked the car endlessly, it actually does a prettying am good job, but at the absolute limit you get more understeer and torque steer bc 50% to the front is too much. More performance oriented setups are usually 35/65 like on new E63AMG 4matic, up to 15/85 like the Lamborghini Gallardos.
Given its such a heavy car I can see why the 50/50 was used for a car that is designed to be more rugged and utilitarian.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 8
From: Sydney, Australia
2010 C63 Estate
Thank you the information.
I feel this has put an end to the speculation in my mind.
I had even heard that over a certain speed , 90% of power is sent to the rear!?!?!
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to write that up.
I feel this has put an end to the speculation in my mind.
I had even heard that over a certain speed , 90% of power is sent to the rear!?!?!
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to write that up.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 963
Likes: 58
From: USA
CL63 AMG
When the fronts are activated its 50/50 split, when fronts are not activated 100% goes to rear wheels for maximum fuel efficiency. The new CLA 45 AMG essentially has a similar system but in exact reverse, 100% to front, 50% to rear wheels under full throttle. The CLAs is variable, where as the older W164s was basically an on/off switch. It's either 50/50 or 0/100
Hope that helps
Hope that helps
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 981
Likes: 9
From: Switzerland
Mercedes Evo II
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 8
From: Sydney, Australia
2010 C63 Estate
When the fronts are activated its 50/50 split, when fronts are not activated 100% goes to rear wheels for maximum fuel efficiency. The new CLA 45 AMG essentially has a similar system but in exact reverse, 100% to front, 50% to rear wheels under full throttle. The CLAs is variable, where as the older W164s was basically an on/off switch. It's either 50/50 or 0/100 Hope that helps
How is this defined? How does the driver know what mode it's in?
Is there a way to make it permanently 0:100?
How do you know all this information? I am curious to learn!
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 963
Likes: 58
From: USA
CL63 AMG
No, the ECU controls it based on drive conditions and wheels sensors. If it senses slip at front, automatically activated the transfer case to transfer power to the fronts.
It is not recommended to deactivate, it's a waste of time and money. Just leave it the way it is
It is not recommended to deactivate, it's a waste of time and money. Just leave it the way it is
