CORRECTION: At 00:08, I wrote "Same process for '03 to '05" but I should have wrote "Same process for '02 to '05". Likewise, where I wrote "'98 to '02", I should have put '98 to '01. The "facelift" occurred for the Model Year 2002. Timestamps & important info: 00:20 Disconnect negative terminal on battery 00:51 Remove steering wheel collar top trim 01:54 Remove dash panels by steering wheel, right and left 02:59 Remove Instrumental Cluster black trim piece 03:55 Remove Instrumental Cluster 05:05 Remove Driver's side dash fasteners 05:17 Disconnect electrical for automatic headlight sensor 05:25 Disconnect electrical for front center vent door motor 05:44 Remove fasteners on lower Driver's side dash 05:52 Remove radio 06:00 Reference drawing to make your own Radio Key 07:17 Remove upward facing dash fasteners behind the radio opening 07:39 Remove A-pillar trim pieces 08:33 Remove dash side trim panels and Torx 25 screws 08:47 Remove Defroster Vent Trim and fasteners 09:39 Remove Glove Box 10:30 Remove Wood Trim panel around radio opening, remove electrical switches 12:14 Remove four dash fasteners behind radio Wood Trim panel 12:33 Remove Passenger's side lower fast fasteners 12:49 **Check that all fasteners have been removed** 14:28 Start to remove Top Dash 17:52 Remove Heater Air Temp sensor before completely removing the Top Dash 18:37 Top Dash removed 18:42 Mouse activity discovered! 18:51 Blend Door Motor/Actuator location 19:12 Discussion and demo on the alternate method for reaching the motor (through the passenger side airbag pad, pros and cons) 20:40 Remove and replace Blend Door Motor, with notes about other models 23:12 Remove Lower Dash (not required if you only needed to do the Blend Door Motor) 24:47 Locations of some of the other HVAC motors 25:21 Remove lowest panel on passenger side dash (cabin air filter area) 25:58 Start re-install of Lower Dash 27:57 Start re-install of Top Dash 28:49 Reinstall Heater Air Temp. Sensor 30:09 Top Dash in place, start alignment of Lower and Top Dash 31:39 Reconnect electrical for Headlight Sensor 31:45 Reconnect electrical for front center vent door motor 32:03 Start re-installing each dash fastener (all are shown) 32:56 Re-install Wood Trim, and re-install switches (if removed) 36:11 Re-install Glove Box 37:35 Re-install dash side trim panels 38:04 Re-install more dash fasteners 38:28 Re-install Defroster Vent Trim piece 38:53 Re-install Radio 39:53 Re-install Instrument Cluster 40:48 Re-install Instrument Cluster black trim piece 41:12 Re-install dash panels by steering wheel, right and left 41:37 Re-install A-Pillar trim pieces, with solution for broken tongues 44:29 Re-install Steering Wheel Collar Top trim piece 45:40 Final check -- make sure you're in Park, and reconnect negative terminal on battery 45:55 Start engine and check for lights; test the systems and switches 48:25 Re-set the digital clock 49:06 Re-enable the Radio using the Radio Code 49:34 Thanks to you all for 200 Subscribers! :) Here is the Steering Wheel video (swap wheel, remove airbag cover from airbag, swap steering collar trim, replace to dark interior colors): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f9uZatKYzbfeo2Q.html If you have an earlier ML-Class ('98 to '01), watch this video also, because there are some differences on the earlier models: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y89_dMuLluC2oKs.html I hope this video helps. Please post any questions, observations or tips in the Comment Section, especially if you've done this before and can offer some more ideas to make it easier. Good luck with your repair!

Top notch video! Almost certain if you just pry the air bag cover off to do blend motor accuator change,it'll never re attach properly.

I have a 2001 ML430, which is about the same I think. I was going to do my blend door actuator repair the quick way; break the tabs and glue it, which I really didn’t want to do. After watching your video, I’m going to do it correctly and enjoy it. This was amazingly well explained, thorough and not rushed. This is my daily driver ), so I’ve been putting it off and dealing with HOT A/C. Thank you so so much!!!!! You are awesome!

The best break down of the step by step i have ever seen on youtube

OMG your videos are the the best out there, very educational and inspiring. Huge help for the w163 community. You never get frustrated and maybe it's the tone of your voice that makes anyone think they could tackle just anything haha. All the best! I do hear ticking inside the dash and thinking maybe some of these plastic actuator linkages are broken, will have to try and peek inside...

This is a GREAT video. The editing/annotations are exceptional. Thank you very much! Ma'am, I applaud your efficient execution of this rather tricky repair. Wishing you much success with future videos.

Thanks so much for doing these videos. You have a beautiful gift in explaining things well. Kind regards.

'Finangle it'. Thank you for demonstrating this new method of part removal!

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT. This was an incredible amount of work, and I mean the video and the editing. You have an awesome presentation style and a calming voice. Thank you

This was by far the best DIY video I have ever seen on KZfaq. I have an 18+ year old ML (bought new in 2000) that I've had to do various pieces of work on, over the years. This helped me change the air blend motor in a day. Your video is better than the Mercedes WIS instructions! The call-outs and freeze frames are what sets your videos apart from the run-of-the-mill DIY videos. Kudos and thank you very much for taking the time to create and post this video! FYI for my '01 ML430, I had to remove 3x 3/16th!!! screws from a panel holding the AC controls to get to the two screws underneath the radio that holds the lower dash. I didn't take pictures.

my god.... respect for tackling this job. and documenting it in this detail! thank you. long live the ML!

Thank you for producing the best repair videos on KZfaq. They are by far the most thorough and easy to follow videos I’ve seen. Keep up the good work

your explanation and video bright as a sun.well done!!!

That is one awesome "how to video" great commentary throughout and very clear camera work, great work and very well done on taking it out without hitting it with a hammer. Helped me so much so a big thank you for your post 😁

Great Video I have a 2004 W163 I think I will switch it to the black dash when I find one. It looks GREAT. Love you Channel and videos. They Keep me busy Thank You

I am truly impressed, very good video, very methodical and I love the freezing parts so you get time to see important info. Thank you.

OUTSTANDING video !!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY .... VERY well done !!!!!!! The best on youtube

I'm very impressed and grateful for your videos. You are a blessing 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Great detailed video, I was able to replace the blend motor in 2.5 hours. Thanks for your help.

Thank you.. very detailed video... my problem is the air is stuck on the windscreen..

I've been dreading this task, you've made it look so easy. BIG Thank You!!!!!

Great job honey you have a lot of patience.

Excellent video tutorial, a job well done. Thank you.

verry good job i hawe to change the blend actuator motor thanks a lot it will help me so much and thanks again for calm and metodique explaination during all along the video

Best video on you tube no doubt. And I’ve watched a lot. Your a saint!

Great video, going to use it this winter to replace my blend motor

Are you a teacher? Great work. thanks you.

Mi enhorabuena, muy bien documentado, estaba buscando un video para llegar a este actuador y tube la gran suerte de encontrarla. El único video que encuentro y por suerte perfecto, a pesar de que no entiendo el idioma me va a ser de gran ayuda. Muchas gracias Enhorabuena

Thank you so much for your detailed video,you are an awesome teacher!

by far one of the best videos I've seen do more on mercedes please

Awesome vid very detailed anybody should be able to do this after watching this video

Just like my ML320, dam Mercedes used cheap plastic parts broke so easy and it is not fixable. No more Mercedes for me. MB can't keep its value. Nice video.

You are absolutely phenomenal. Just wow on this video.

Molto dettagliato e super utile. Bel lavoro Complimenti

dammmmmmmm smooooth,,,!!! can you do a video for the doors and the where the fuel pump and fuel filter go?

I wish I lived near her, I have 3 mercs that need a solid mechanic, and I simply dont have the time to keep up with all the repair needs

i love this channel!

Good work 👍👍👍👍

Really great video thank you❤👍🏻👌🏻

Good job great video👍🏻

I'm back again after you helped me with my power steering hose (I think I pinched the O-Ring and have a slow leak, but I've given up on that one!) Back to this video however. In the spring I could not get any cold air, so I removed the glove box and moved the white actuator arm by hand and I then had cool air all summer. (At 21:00, we have the white plastic arm.) So now that we are heading into fall and my thoughts turn to warm air, I cannot seem to move the white arms anymore. I disconnected them from a copper colored pin that is on the left side, and now they move. On the right we have the actuator motor, but what is it controlling on the left side of that arm? The reason I ask is, my actuator motor is still working because it moves when you move the temperature dial, but the white arms are seized when connected to whatever is on the left and I cannot get hot air past 33C. I'm thinking that whatever it is on the left side is controlling the amount of heat that goes into the vents as I can feel the pipes that lead into it are very hot.

My aircon is not working, ML320, it gives a clicking sound when i switch the car on. What may be the problem?

I tried this and removed everything successfully. Thank you for this video! my problem was when I put the battery back in and tested it to see if it worked nothing moved. Did I do something wrong?

H I, I have an 03 mercedes ml500 both low beam headlights went out regular halogen bulbs not less, need help.great video very detailed you are very good at your craft.

Great good job 👍👍👍👍👍

Great video, but PLEASE NOTE: YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE TWO SCREW/BOLTS IN THE CENTER! Once the 4 bolts around the stereo are out, THERE ARE 2 MORE. They reside just behind the top of the stereo opening. They go UP through the metal frame/support and into the dash. Either you forgot the mention these, or someone (before you) had already removed them. You can see the metal clips into which they fasten right at 18:30 (just below where the beige color ends, and the black plastic starts). Look again at 18:37 - once the dash is out, you will see the large black bar support that runs across the vehicle. Right in the center are two flat flanges w/ clips that protrude into toward the cabin. If you do not remove these two screw/bolts, you will destroy the dash trying to pull it out.

Dang you are awesome I luv watching your vids. Well I have this same situation. My AC is working but my heat isn't. But all other functions are, so as I talk to my mechanic he said it's the diverter. So I just need heat for the small time in Florida where it's cool because the defrost doesn't clear my windshield. Another KZfaq or just took the pin out of the plastic arm and had heat but he didn't really have a method to get AC back. I guess then I will just put the pin back into the plastic arm?. Please & thank u

Thanks so much

Learned a big deal from every class you taught. Wonder what is the reason for disconnecting the battery? Thanks.

Hello! Do you know if the car has a grill through which it takes air under the dash? I have a sound of air entering when I accelerate the car hard! The mechanic told me it was a grille under the dash?

Do you have a video or instructions on removing the carpet on the W163. Around the HVAC system was in the way. Couldn't get it while at the junkyard

Quick ? Looking to buy a 01 ML 320 but the dial to change from floor to defrost to middle vents doesn't seem to be working. It blows crap tons of air through vents but when I change to floor nothing happens. I have the cable driven air distribution. Would this be an easy fix?

Great Video. My blower is working but I am not get hot or cold air. When I turn on defrost it is not bbn blowing out of the windshield vent. Does this sound like blend door motor? I never had clicking it just stopped. If not what else should I be looking at. Thanks again for a great video.

Спасибо!!!

This is a great video and is very helpful. Thank you so much. Do you know anything about replacing the brake ABS module. Mine has gone bad and the mechanic quoted me for $6000. I was wondering if I could just find a low mileage module and just swap it out but I'm not sure if I have to replace the ABS computer with it too.

Здравствуйте. Я скучаю по вашему голосу,и видио про w 163.

hey I'm trying to find a flip key . do you know were to find one?

Hi great video I have a problem that my ac ia working but only blows to the floor the front face vent are not blowing do you think thia actuator is my problem?

Saul several mentions of timestamps in a pinned comment but couldn’t find any pinned comment

Hey can I please get into contact with you I'm having a starting issue with my ML270 and would like some advice and help

Blessed 💖✨✨✨⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

May i ask what wheels and running boards you have on your build?

Hi ! Just to ask ! My speedometer stack on 20 miles . And when I seeped goes from 20 to 30-40 ect. Do you have any idea , what’s the issue ? Thank u

so much respect to you ! is this your own car ?

where is the directional motor to change air flow from floor to windscreen?

Can you come over and help me with mine? I need to do the fan motor 😞

ML 2.7CDI. PORTUGAL. OK.