donnieR32

Something I wouldn't know from reading the manual. I'm a "car guy" and have read the manuals, searched forums, worked on, and just all around enjoy vehicles. So, tell me something "cool" the average owner wouldn't know or know how to find. Secret codes, what aftermarket parts are actually useful or productive? What will make the next 100K miles better?

davey one

Please do not take this the wrong way ,an extended warranty would be a productive item to get to the 100Ks mark

kenleepearl

When one buys a 2nd gen. ML diesel, the only thing that could make the next 100K miles better-deep pockets, and a lot of prayers. Deep pockets definitely, the prayers????

donnieR32

Interesting because after reading through this forum as well as doing other research I couldn't find too many reports of issues. Then again, everyone told me I was foolish for buying VW's and a Range Rover. Neither gave me issues. Guess only time will tell.

kenleepearl

09 BETTER then the preceeding years, 06,07 and even 08. Hope you have zero issues.

N_Jay

Since the big $$ hit seems to be the oil cooler seals leaking, does anyone know when they went to the upgraded gasket in production?

davey one

Think the auto box and diff are the bigger items , diffs are already failing in the W166, I have been lucky and only copped the g/box (stuck in park) and a few smaller items,have now reached 132 ks ,my MB warranty will finish in march this year .

N_Jay

I guess we would have to cross correlate the cost vs. the rate of occurrence.


Seems some need trans or Diffs, but eventually we all need oil cooler seals.


(At least that is what I get from reading these threads)

Nickthegreek

If you can reaonably do as many repairs as possible on your own and be proactive about it you will enjoy your vehicle and save a on of bucks.
Spark plugs, oil changes etc

jrgator

for sure oil cooler seals. we have >100k on our '09, and had the seals and cooler replaced recently just before the extended warranty expired. ours has also thrown 12-15 check engine lights since new, and the command went out a couple of years ago. but, it's my wife's vehicle and we both really like it.

MA-E320

Diesels do not use spark plugs. They use glow plugs. I hope you will not be faced with oil cooler leaks, tranny issues, rear main seal oil leaks, clogged intake valves, soot buildup, CEL issues and the dreaded differential issue which is only evident in early 06 and 07 but you never know. An extended warranty will certainly make your next 100K miles enjoyable, I cannot stress the importance of this enough!

donnieR32

Check engine light came on (when the wife drove it) but before my scheduled appointment with MB the light went off and the day of we got 16in of snow. Been fine since.

jrgator

our '09 threw another cel yesterday but it went off later in the day.

probably the 15th cel or more since new, and my '07 sl55 has never thrown one.

jkaetz

CELs can mean anything. Only way to tell what's up is to have the dealer or another source pull the code for it. They will go on and off based on the testing parameters defined. Even if the light is not lit, there can be info left in memory which will tell you what triggered the light.

jrgator

I have a star tool and last time it said it was a cam sensor. Then it went off.

2008 ML 320 CDI

What are the early warning signs to watch out for of oil cooler seals failing if there are any? What are the first concrete signs of oil cooler seals having failed? Oil in the coolant and / or coolant in the oil? Should one pre-empt this and replace the oil cooler seals ahead of any failure? If so, at what mileage? Are the replacement seals better than the original seals? Is this a relatively simple procedure you can do at home?


I bought a 2008 ML 320 CDI and what a pleasure it is! It had done 112000 km when I got it and I haven't yet had any trouble to be a worry at all. I need to add though that this vehicle had been well kept and serviced by the previous owner and now we generally do long (2500km) open road trips with this vehicle.

Reports of fleet owners that have this same engine in their Sprinter fleets highly praise this engine for longevity and robustness.


To some extent I think topics in the forum will tend to bring up and focus on vehicle problems which may then create the impression that a specific problem is more wide spread than average. No one is going to start a thread by saying something like "my vehicle has just reached 200 000 km and no oil cooler seal failure!".

sheepdog8

I had to get my oil cooler seals replaced at 83k mi. Supposedly dealer used the new upgraded Viton seals. Said they haven't seen any come back with leaks with them. Searched a lot on here, an alleged tech said MB went to Viton seals on 2012 & newer. But saw another guy thought 2011. Who knows, at least MB stopped using the old rubber ones.

2008 ML 320 CDI

Thank you sheepdog! I wasn't expecting any replies so quickly!


Did you have any other damage caused as a result of the failed oil cooler seals, what did the repair cost if I may ask and how easily and early did you pick up that you had this failure? Was it perhaps picked up by the dealership during a routine service?

sheepdog8

I saw a small amount of oil leaking while underneath doing my 1st oil change. I bought it used with 75k. I had noticed I was having to add a little oil fairly often. Luckily I bought a 1yr warranty from Usaa. Had dealer check & repair it. There was no damage at all. I never let it get really low or run out. And now I no longer have to add any oil between changes.

2008 ML 320 CDI

Can you please confirm that this problem only causes an external oil leak? In other words no oil gets into the cooling system and no coolant gets into the oil as a result of this issue? If that is the case I will keep an eye out for oil leaks and attend to it immediately. Thank you.

sheepdog8

Yes, only external oil leak. I didn't notice any other effects & dealer didn't say it caused any other problems.

jrgator

pretty sure it's just external. starts with oil drops in the garage, not massive. took my dealer 2 attempts and also replaced the cooler.

flashgordoncars

Hi, Help!! 08 ML Cdi 320 4x4 in high gear @ 1800-2200 rpm trans shutters or vibrates..car has great power, except at that shift point..VERY annoying I've driven for 27K..anyone have the FIX? Thanks

blackbluetec

Getting ready to do my oil cooler next weekend. Oil leaking down the back of the motor around the bell housing...makes it appear to be a rear main leak...but its not.

STLML350

I had a similar problem with my ML350 Blutec. Fixed under warranty right at 50k, took them 3 tries. A plate or board was cracked, part had to come from Germany. I cant find my paperwork, Ill get copy from dealer send info.
hb