Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV · M-Class

W164

Second-generation M-Class — refined and capable.

Production: 2005–2008
Built: 571,787
Body: SUV
Chassis: W164

The W164 was the second-generation M-Class — a larger, more refined SUV that moved Mercedes-Benz's mid-size utility vehicle firmly into premium territory in the mid-2000s.

Riding on a revised platform with improved on-road manners, the W164 offered CDI diesel and petrol V6 and V8 models with 4MATIC all-wheel drive across most of the range. The ML 63 AMG brought AMG V8 performance to the family. Styling was bolder and the interior closer to contemporary Mercedes-Benz saloon standards than the original W163.

Launched for the 2005 model year, the W164 replaced the pioneering W163 and remained in production through the early 2010s before giving way to the W166. It was the M-Class grown up — heavier on luxury, lighter on compromise.

W164 interior — Cabin details of the W164, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

5 model designations across 2005–2008 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W164.

Model	Model years	Chassis	Engine	Transmission	Total
ML 280 CDI 4MATIC	2005–2008	164.120	642.940	722.902	55,060
ML 320 CDI 4MATIC	2005–2008	164.122	642.940	722.902	161,377
ML 350 4MATIC	2005–2008	164.186	272.963	722.906	228,915
ML 500 4MATIC	2008	164.172	273.963	722.904	14,219
ML 63 AMG 4MATIC	2006–2008	164.177	156.980	722.907	13,014

* The published production figure covers every series of that model; the source does not break it down further.

Studio profile of the W164 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

W164 rear three-quarter view — Rear three-quarter view of the W164.

Engines.

Five engine families — the OM642 diesel and the M113 through M273 petrols — as fitted to the W164.

M113

113.964 5.0 L · 4,966 cc
306 PS
225 kW · 302 hp at 5,600 rpm
460 N·m
339 lb·ft at 2,700 rpm

OM642

V6 diesel

642.940 ML 280 CDI 4MATIC3.0 L · 2,987 cc
190 PS
140 kW · 187 hp at 4,000 rpm
440 N·m
325 lb·ft at 1,400 rpm
642.940 ML 320 CDI 4MATIC3.0 L · 2,987 cc
224 PS
165 kW · 221 hp at 3,800 rpm
510 N·m
376 lb·ft at 1,600 rpm

M272

272.963 3.5 L · 3,498 cc
272 PS
200 kW · 268 hp at 6,000 rpm
350 N·m
258 lb·ft at 2,400 rpm

M273

273.963 5.5 L · 5,461 cc
388 PS
285 kW · 383 hp at 6,000 rpm
530 N·m
391 lb·ft at 2,800 rpm

M156

156.980 6.2 L · 6,208 cc
510 PS
375 kW · 503 hp at 6,800 rpm
630 N·m
465 lb·ft at 5,200 rpm