Originally Posted by 97 SL320

ATE = A brand of braking system parts 163 at start of the Mercedes part number = first used on ML series

The part number 163 542 06 16 is coming up as lateral acceleration sensor for ESP ( Electronic Stability Program ) 99 - 05 ML but be aware that parts are sometimes shared between models.

Do you have a switch above the radio area that says " ESP OFF " if so, you have stability control, If you have a switch that says ASR OFF " You have Acceleration Slip Regulation. If no switch and a 5 pipe ABS unit under the hood, you have ABS only.