This is not a definitive answer, but I struggled mightily and finally succeeded in replacing my main battery and the little auxiliary battery. I did not see any SAMs. However, I kept the car energized with a small battery during the time the terminals were disconnected...pretty standard for battery shops to do that...my shop actually gave me a little used battery to do that with, after selling me the replacement for the auxiliary for $14. I'll be interested to see how this plays out...good luck.

 

I think there are close to 50 modules in the W164. In this case, all of the non-working functions are in the Steering Column Module.

 

Thank you again, @rudeney

I'm now happy, anxious and bewildered as well as confuseddotcom!

I haven't had the inclination to touch the car since my last post and checked the battery voltage - it was 12.3 volts just now.

So beware owners, if you don't use your car for a couple of weeks, a Smart Charger like the CTEK MXS 5 or MXS 7 is a good idea to leave plugged in permanently, it maintains your battery properly, without risk, can restore sulfated batteries, and can be fitted with a set of "comfort leads" for easy connection.

Anyway back to the topic in hand...

I switched on the ignition without starting the car. Everything worked!

What the heck is going on?

Over the 3 to 5 minutes I was trying things, the battery voltage dropped to 12.0 volts and that's usually a bad sign, although it recovered to 12.1 volts over a couple of minutes.

I've plugged in my smart charger to top up the battery overnight and I will take the car for a good run tomorrow if everything is still working.

Thinking...

I had replaced the auxiliary battery at the same time as the main battery. The mobile battery fitter didn't keep the electronics alive with a spare battery, I know that would have been a good thing to do but it wasn't done.

Are there any resets to be done on the W164 when both batteries are taken out? My E320CDi W210 needed window limits and my Jaguar S Type needed window limits and throttle pedal limits to be set.

 

For what it's worth, I replaced both the main and the aux batteries about 6 months ago. Due to wholesale parts desk at my dealership, bought both there and competitively priced with my local Batteries Plus store. Asked Tech at Merc if I should hook up a separate battery before removing the two batteries under the front passenger seat. He told me to not worry about that. I followed his advice, replaced both batteries and never had any issues. Luck of the innocent I suppose! WD

 

Great, many thanks!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything will work tomorrow after charging my battery.

 

I found this general explanation of SAM modules that might be useful to some of our readers as well as me:

Mercedes SAM – Signal Acquisition Module Explained – MB Medic

www.mercedesmedic.com

I'm still looking for a list of modules for the W164 and will add it here if I find one and remember and find this thread again...

I find I'm turning more and more to the bottle the older and more disappointed I get with this car!

 

A sudden thought:

Is there a list of the W164 control modules in any of the SDS or other diagnostic or EPC software that I can buy and extract please chaps?

 

One can run DAS is simulation mode and it will run Quick Test listing all modules.
VIN?

 

Can't we just ask Mercedes? Are they so selfish as to not provide that for 10+ year-old vehicles?

 

.
We wish!

Jaguar UK were very helpful in some ways, providing build lists and copies of service histories to owners who emailed them.

My local Jaguar LandRover dealer in the UK did a couple of bits of work on my car for only half an hour labour, transmission adaptations reset and keyfob re-pairing. They also fully cleaned and valeted my car for free and I was entertained in the lounge with free flowing coffee for s couple of hours each time. And the receptionist has a great pair of... Err... That's too much info I think.

Update:

My ML started easily and everything works! The engine spluttered and coughed for about a minute but cleared when I revved a little and cleared the black smoke.

I took it for a 20-minute drive to my favourite carwash and they pampered it for over an hour, and it drove back with no problems at all too.

But the right-hand side bulb is out and they're a pain to grip the bulb holder and twist it to remove.

I've adjusted the headlamp beams and they're fine now too.

So changing the side bulb... that's today's job.

Thanks guys, we now have a basic list of electronic control modules for the W164 that no other forum has. We didn't before either, thank you and Well Done.

If one of you has any pull with a moderator to get this thread and the W164 Fuse List thread put in stickies please try, it will help everyone with a W164.

Thanks again!

 

Can I buy and run DAS or Electronic Parts Catalogue or both on one of my XP Pro laptops perhaps?

 

Wow, thank you, this is very much appreciated kind Sir!

Is the modules list for only my specific car or for all W164 or for a VIN range that mine is in, do you know?

(If it's for all or if we can find my VIN range I'll sort and republish it here for all members to find it)

 

Is the modules list for only my specific car or for all W164 or for a VIN range that mine is in, do you know?

No idea. Not enough samples.

 

It would be for any W164. If you will notice, it lists modules like STH (stationary heater) and HAQ (rear diff lock) that I doubt your car has. Note that the "CDI4" ECU would be "ME9.7" on an gasoline engine.

 

Thanks again chaps. I'm formatting and sorting the list of modules in an alpha ordered table and I'll be back to post it when it's done.

If you have time and energy, would you try one or two vin numbers either side of mine to see what module differences come up for gas engines please?

Or let me know where I can get a copy of the software to do it?

Ta!

 

You need SDS to generate that list. Actually, you probably just need SDS anyhow if you are going to maintain your MBZ yourself.

 

.
OK, is there a known supplier where I can get just the software without a laptop for now?

 

Here's the sorted list of control modules, "W164 Control Modules List" in pdf format, and I've added empty columns for entering their location and notes in "W164 Control Modules Info" in pdf format too.

Please message me anyone who wants the xlsx spreadsheets, this forum won't allow me to upload them, unless I'm doing it the wrong way.

 

Hi guys I Really need help I want to replace my rear sam module because is damaged by water. So I can't find the same code A1645409062. I can find another one compatible ??? My car is Ml 320 2008 Europe model. Vin no WDC1641221A375388. Many thanks in advance.

 

.
I did a Google search and immediately found dozens of sources in several countries in Yurrup for that part number.

One seller say it's for the ML350 but as far as I know it's the same for all W164s apart from a few like the engine management modules.

Don't try any other unless someone here recommends one. The experts are here.

 

You may be able to recover your own SAM from water damage if there's no damaged components on it.

See Cleaning an electronic printed circuit board:

Cleaning an electronic printed circuit board

Cleaning an electronic printed circuit board If it's not physically damaged, i.e. the components are not burnt or swollen or squashed or otherwise damaged, and the circuit tracks are not broken, burnt or lifted, you may be able to clean and recover your SAM or other water damaged electronic...

www.benzworld.org

 

I'm in sunny Cyprus so the shipping cost or free shipping I see is to me here.

Do a search for your part number on eBay.co.uk Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles & More | eBay then you will see the shipping cost to you.

I'd go for a refurbished module but watch the prices, there are a wide range!

 

Thanks I will try!

 

Hi all a bit late knowing this but Im having the same problem with my Ml350 w164 control modules.

Out of a sudden the wipers, rear boot door, signal lights,brake lights and weirder is that my fuel gauge is stuck at Empty.

Sent into the shop and they informed me the wiper and rear boot modules are what causing all the problems. Very sceptical as i dont see any links but i may be wrong.
Getting a secod shop to check it out. Any members here have an opinion to share?

And just a question, have any of you ML owners hear a "ktak...ktak...ktak" sound coming from the dashboard each time you turn on you engine? Its sequence of 3 times and sounds like a gear latch trying to engage but failed but no whirring sound just the "ktak" if i can describe it.