AMG893

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!

ML63 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.

EVOII_Racer

Thanks for sharing the info Sir

Does the w164 ml63 also has 4 ets?

If i remember correctly the w166 ml63 does have a split which is different 40 on front and 60 at the back.

AMG893

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.

ML63 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

EVOII_Racer

Confirmed by the amg website for the w166 amg

40/60 front and rear wheel percent ratio

ML63 AMG

What's odd is the w166 has much smaller rear brakes lol, makes no damn sense "let's add twin turbos .... And put in much smaller rear brakes with an extra obtrusive traction control system"

AMG893

How would one go about totally disengaging the drive to the front, so its 100% rear only?

I have seen it done on a VW Tourag.

AMG893

What is the scenario the 50:50 or 0:100 split is used?
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

ML63 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