One problem related to transmission not engage has been reported for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Pulling out into lane of traffic accelerating where car abruptly starts to run very very rough. Check engine lights come on and can become unsafe with no power and oncoming traffic approaching. Similarly while driving over 60mph same scenario causing cel to come on and car to disengage cruise and slow extremely fast. Very rough running and idle. Terrible feeling of being unsafe and at risk. Finding p0016 and p0017 codes and all symptoms of balance shaft issue that the mb m272 is known for. My wife and I are afraid to drive this vehicle now knowing it had a known defective engine component in a software balance shaft gear.