Mercedes-Benz ML and GLE (W166) coding: hidden features

Comfort indicator flash count

A single short tap makes the indicator flash the number of times you choose, handy when overtaking and changing lanes.

CodingLikely possible

Coming home with low beam

After getting out, the headlights stay on with low beam for a while, so you safely reach your door in the dark.

CodingLikely possibleModules: SAM/CBC (lighting)

Longer blue welcome light in headlamps

The blue welcome light in the LED headlamps stays on longer after unlocking, up to about 25 seconds.

CodingLikely possibleModules: LED headlamp control units, SAM/CBC (lighting)

Daytime running lights – rear lights on

The rear lights come on together with the daytime running lights, so the car is more visible from behind. The setting is discussed beforehand.

CodingLikely possibleBy agreementModules: SAM/CBC (lighting)

Lighting rules: we discuss what is allowed.

We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop.

Ambient lighting retrofit

Ambient lighting in the doors and dashboard is fitted and made adjustable in colour and brightness in Comand or Audio 20.

RetrofitLikely possible

Surround lighting in door mirrors

LED lamps under the door mirrors light up the ground next to the car when getting in and out.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Facelift steering wheel retrofit

The newer steering wheel with touch controls is fitted, with airbag and wheel controls coded correctly.

RetrofitLikely possibleModules: SRS (airbag), Steering column module

CarPlay/Android Auto via add-on interface

For head units without factory support, we fit an interface behind the screen so CarPlay and Android Auto appear on the original display.

RetrofitLikely possible

Condition: ML (pre-2015) NTG4.5/4.7 head unit

Reversing camera retrofit

A reversing camera is fitted and shown on the original screen when reversing, via a suitable interface or genuine kit.

RetrofitLikely possible

Head unit upgrade to NTG5

The older NTG4.5/4.7 unit is replaced by a newer head unit with smartphone integration and more modern operation.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Tow bar fitting and coding

A tow bar is fitted and coded so trailer lighting, stability control and parking sensors recognise the trailer.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Blind spot assist retrofit

Radar sensors behind the bumper warn with a symbol in the mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Infotainment start-up logo

At start-up the Comand/Audio 20 screen shows a different logo, for example in AMG style. A purely visual change.

CodingLikely possibleModules: HU6 (MBUX head unit)

A visual change only; the car’s model does not change.

Change units (kW/hp, bar/psi, °C)

Power, tyre pressure, temperature and consumption are shown in the units you are used to, for example on an imported car.

CodingLikely possible

Gauge needle sweep at start-up

At start-up the rev counter and speedometer needles sweep fully once, a sporty welcome.

CodingLikely possibleModules: IC (instrument cluster)

Range countdown down to 0 km

The remaining-range display counts down to 0 km instead of stopping earlier, giving a more honest picture. It is a display change only.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: Instrument cluster

Display only; the fuel warning stays active. Do not deliberately run the tank empty.

Video in motion

Video and TV images remain visible on the central screen while driving, so the passenger can keep watching.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: HU6 (MBUX head unit)

For the passenger only.

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Start-stop – remember last setting

The car remembers whether you switched start-stop off on the previous drive, so you no longer need to press the button at every start.

CodingLikely possibleBy agreementModules: CPC (powertrain control), EZS (electronic ignition lock)

Safety or assistance function: the final setting is agreed in the workshop.

We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop.

Open fuel cap warning

The instrument cluster warns you when the fuel cap is not closed properly after refuelling.

CodingLikely possibleModules: SAM/CBC, IC (instrument cluster)

Rear wiper in reverse – adjust

The automatic rear wipe when selecting reverse can be switched off, handy with a bike carrier.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: SAM rear

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Close power tailgate with the key

The power tailgate also closes via the key or with one press of the inside button, without the ignition on.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: Tailgate control unit, SAM

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Advanced traffic sign recognition

Traffic sign recognition shows other signs besides speed limits, such as no-overtaking and priority signs.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Lane assist – remember setting

The chosen lane assist mode (for example standard or warning only) is kept after restarting. Which setting is allowed is discussed beforehand.

CodingChecked at diagnosisBy agreement

In the EU the lane departure warning must be active at every start; we discuss what is possible.

We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop.

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Speed limit warning – adjust

The behaviour of the warning when exceeding the speed limit can be adjusted. What is legally possible is agreed with you in the workshop.

CodingChecked at diagnosisBy agreement

Safety or assistance function: the final setting is agreed in the workshop.

We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop.

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

AMG menu in the instrument cluster

The cluster gets the AMG pages with engine and temperature data and lap times, useful for spirited driving.

CodingLikely possibleModules: HU6 (MBUX head unit)

Exhaust flap control via steering buttons

On AMG models with exhaust flaps you can control the exhaust sound via the AMG steering wheel buttons, or set the flaps to a fixed position.

CodingChecked at diagnosis

Keep noise rules on public roads in mind.

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Remember drive mode or choose default

The car starts in the last used drive mode or in a fixed chosen mode, instead of always in Comfort.

CodingChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto activation

On cars with a suitable NTG5 head unit the smartphone integration is enabled so navigation, music and messages from your phone appear on the original screen.

ActivationChecked at diagnosis

Condition: GLE 2015+ NTG5 only (mrdum: Comand/Audio 20 compatible)

DAB+ digital radio retrofit

The radio gains DAB+ for clear digital reception and more stations, fully operated through the original system.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosisModules: HU (Audio 20 / Comand Online)

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Air suspension – adjust ride height

The air suspension ride height is adjusted within the permitted range, for example slightly lower for a sharper stance.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: Airmatic / suspension control unit

We stay within the margins for headlamp aim and roadworthiness.

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Windows close fully when it rains

With the car parked and rain closing active, the windows close fully instead of leaving a gap.

CodingChecked at diagnosisModules: Door control modules (DMFL/DMFR/DMRL/DMRR)

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Acoustic lock confirmation

The car gives a short sound signal when unlocking and locking, so you also hear that the car is locked.

CodingChecked at diagnosis

Parking sensors – tones and warning

Pitch and volume of the parking sensors are adjusted and a tone already sounds in the yellow zone, so you are warned earlier.

CodingLikely possibleModules: PTS (Parktronic)

Alarm – perimeter and parking damage detection

The factory alarm gets perimeter monitoring and parking damage notification, if the hardware is present.

CodingLikely possible

Parking heater with remote control

The parking heater can be started by remote control, so in winter you get into a warm, ice-free vehicle.

RetrofitChecked at diagnosis

Condition: By analogy with other platforms (no platform-specific source); confirm on diagnosis

Seatbelt reminder – adjust

The seatbelt reminder behaviour for front or rear seats can be adjusted, for example when carrying luggage on the passenger seat. The exact setting is agreed together.

CodingLikely possibleBy agreement

Safety function: we discuss the setting in the workshop.

We agree the exact setting with you in the workshop.