What is a Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit?
The Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit is your vehicle's central safety unit, responsible for the precise activation of passive occupant protection systems in the event of an accident. It monitors all associated sensors, stores important crash data, and controls the activation of airbags and seat belt pretensioners to ensure maximum safety.
It is a highly sensitive electronic component that continuously monitors vehicle dynamics and the status of the safety systems. This unit is critical to the functionality of the airbag system in the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 series, which was produced from approximately 2005 to 2011. Proper functioning of the control unit is essential for the safety of all occupants.
Why is the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit defective?
A Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit is often defective because it stores crash data after an accident that cannot be easily deleted, or because it has internal communication errors. Water damage caused by moisture ingress or age-related electronic failures can also impair function and necessitate a Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair.
Defects often result from a crash status stored in the control unit after an impact, which permanently activates the airbag warning light. This requires special diagnostic and repair software to restore the device to its original state. Sporadic or persistent error messages often indicate internal damage or power supply problems. A failed software update or faulty coding can also lead to failures.
Common error codes for Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair
Typical error codes that indicate a defect in the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit itself and require a Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair include communication errors such as B1000 or specific problems with components monitored by the control unit, such as the active head restraint. These codes are stored in the unit's error log and trigger the SRS warning light.
- **B1000** → Control unit communication error → Error in the internal communication of the airbag ECU or to the vehicle electronics.
- **B117A** → Magnetic coil active headrest passenger side short circuit to ground → Electrical short circuit in the control of the active passenger headrest.
- **B117F** → Passenger side active headrest solenoid fault → General functional fault or short circuit of the passenger headrest solenoid.
These error codes are primarily attributable to the control unit itself and indicate the need for diagnostics and, if necessary, Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair. They can be triggered by internal electronic problems, software errors, or damage. Deleting crash data or restoring functionality requires specialized tools.
What part numbers are available for the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair?
Several original part numbers are available for Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repair or replacement, ensuring compatibility with your vehicle. Primary OEM part numbers from Mercedes-Benz and supplier Bosch include A1648207926, 0285001993, A1648204326, 0285001535, and A1648209585, which are verified for 2005-2011 M-Class models.
Part number A1648207926 (Mercedes-Benz Genuine) is one of the most common for the ML W164 airbag control unit. The Bosch OEM number 0285001993 is a direct replacement for A1648207926 and comes from the original equipment manufacturer. Another verified original part number is A1648204326 (Mercedes-Benz), often in conjunction with the Bosch number 0285001535. Part number A1648209585 is also an official Mercedes-Benz part number for this model series and is used for repairs. These numbers guarantee correct function and compatibility for Mercedes-Benz ML W164 airbag control unit repairs.