Transfer case (VG), function - GF28.10-P-0002GZ
MODEL 164.1 with ENGINE 113, 156, 272, 629, 642 up to Model Year 08/Modification Year 07
MODEL 164.8 with ENGINE 273, 629, 642 up to Model Year 08/Modification Year 07
Shown: Model 164.1 with offroad package code 430
The permanent all-wheel drive has advantages not only offroad but also on a road which provides good grip. The permanent all-wheel drive increases the number of driven wheels, thus improving tire-to-road adhesion. As a result, slip is reduced and the driving power is distributed to all of the wheels. The distributed driving power results in higher traction and higher lateral stability at the driven wheels.
Series production equipment model 164.1
A permanent all-wheel drive with three open differentials (transfer case, rear axle and front axle) is used in series production equipment. The torque split of 50:50 (ML 63 AMG 40:60) between the front and rear axle is specified as a fixed value in the transfer case. The transfer case gear ratio is 1:1.
Via the offroad program switch (N72/1s25) in the upper control panel control unit (N72/1) or via a menu item in the instrument cluster (A1) on the ML 63 AMG the driver can activate the "offroad function" (revised shift characteristic) in the NAG 2 (N eues A utomatische G etriebe 2 ) [New automatic transmission]. In addition a changed accelerator pedal curve is activated in the CDI control unit (N3/9) or ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) and the offroad ABS function in the ESP control unit (N47-5).
Via the Downhill Speed Regulation switch the driver (N72/1s24) can switch the downhill speed regulation on or off. The switch is located in the upper control panel control unit.
Offroad package code 430 model 164.1, 164.8 (series production equipment)
A permanent all-wheel drive with two lockable differentials (transfer case and rear axle) and an open differential (front axle) is used in the offroad package equipment. The torque split of 50:50 %between the front axle and rear axle is specified as a fixed value in the transfer case.
In the transfer case it is possible to select two gear ratios with the "Low/High" function. The onroad ratio "High" is 1:1, the offroad gear ratio "Low" is 2.93:1.
The transfer case control unit (N15/7) and the rear axle differential lock control unit (N15/9) take over control of the two ratios. Via the Low Range switch (N72s31) which is located in the lower control panel control unit (N72), the driver can switch over between the "High" onroad ratio and the "Low" offroad ratio.
The differential locks in the transfer case and in the rear axle can be operated or adjusted by the driver via the differential lock selector wheel (N72s34).
The differential lock selector wheel is located in the lower control panel control unit.
The following control units are involved in controlling the transfer case and the rear axle:
- Transfer case control unit
- Rear axle differential lock control unit
- Lower control panel control unit
- ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) (on gasoline engine)
- CDI control unit (N3/9) (on diesel engine)
- ESP control unit (N47-5)
- Electric controller unit (VGS) (Y3/8)
Via the Downhill Speed Regulation switch the driver (N72s30) can switch the downhill speed regulation on or off. The switch is located in the lower control panel control unit.
| Transfer case (VG) function schematic | GF28.10-P-0002-04GZ | |
| Transfer case (VG), power flow | with offroad package code 430 | GF28.10-P-0002-05GX |
| Without Offroad package | GF28.10-P-0002-05GZ |