Here is the step-by-step procedure for the Mercedes Benz W164 ML 2009 LED tail light upgrade, including the Star Diagnosis recoding rear SAM procedure.
Mercedes Model: 2006-08 W164 with OEM LED tail light
Tools needed:
8mm wrench
2 needles
SD Connect C4 Star diagnosis in DAS Developer Mode(or with SCN coding)
Second-hand Dell D630 laptop
1 pair of LED tail light, US or Euro specs
ML W164 rear SAM with LED tail light capabilities
Time: the whole procedure takes under 1 hour
Procedure:
Remove rear SAM
1. Remove cover form load compartment side trim. SAM is located underneath the fuse and relay box.
2. remove plastic covering over SAM
3. remove all electrical connectors
4. unclip SAM control unit upwards out of retaining clamp
5. remove connectors to old halogen tail light
Install new rear SAM
1. Replace old SAM with new SAM, one with LED tail light as option. Known part nos. that work with LED tail lights are 164 900 72 00 and 164 440 41 01.
2. Reconnect all connectors
Program new rear SAM
1. Connect MB SD Connect Compact 4 Star diagnosis multiplexer with vehicle
2. Variant code the rear SAM to LED with the correct setting.
Star diagnosis rear SAM variant coding picture instructions in Developer Mode:
Rewire the brake light wire to tail light connector
For W164 with the brake light socket connected to a set of wires
1. Detach the red wire from the harness connected to wires to the bulb socket, using thin needle to disengage the locking mechanism from both sides of the metal contact
2. Insert to the empty port (no.4 maybe) of the central the only harness to the light assembly. You may have to open the clip on the side to allow the metal contact slide into place.
Remove and install tail lights
1. Unscrew 3 bolts from rear and 2 from side, then carefully slide light backwards (not sideways)
2. Install new lights in reverse order. Make sure that foam seal is attached to the new lights for weatherproofing.
3. Now all done and test your tail lights
