FrannaGP

Good evening all

I am currently driving a Honda and i am looking at buying my first benz in the form of a second hand 2007 ML320 cdi 4matic and i want to know of there is anybody that owns a second hand model like this and what your experience has been with the car.

Thanks
Francois

MJ50

moved to W164 forum...

texasflysuper

I vote YES, but only if it's from a genuine MB dealer and has passed the 116 point check that a MB dealer conducts on on every MB vehicle.

I bought my ML350 like this. No issues at all. MB also gave 2 years new car warranty for free.

N_Jay

Bought my 2008 GL320 (mechanically very similar) from a forum member with complete service records.
Bought at 96K and now have 121K and so far been happy.
I few little issues, but nothing completely unexpected for a 100K mile car.
As good as CPO at a better price than a dealer (even if you could get a 96K miles CPO car)

FrannaGP

This is good news so far, I was just a little worried regarding the transmission/gearbox issues that i have read about online that some guys have experienced.

N_Jay

Do get the fluid and filter changed at a reputable MB shop.
Lots of people fall for the "Lifetime/sealed" transmission story and don't refresh the fluid.
Don't worry too much if it wasn't done before, but do have the shop tell you how it looked when changed.

OUZO Power

I just did the same thing after being 15 years with Honda. Still have an Odyssey.

Let me tell you the MB is not as easy to work on as the Hondas. Some of the engineering makes me scratch my head.

Parts are 2-4 times the cost of Hondas if something goes wrong.
And they aren't engineered and designed for the Weekend mechanic in mind. On all of my Hondas I could tear them down easy in my garage and get to whatever I wanted by myself with simple tools. Not the case with MB.

My rear LED tail light went on my ML this week. $475 part. That would never happen on a Honda and if it did not for that much.

20swrt

My answer - it depends. If I really needed a towing vehicle w/o the gas consumption penalty of a V8 gasser - definitely yes. I actually go as far as recommending the CDI over the Bluetec (if you can get one with low miles and taken care of). I just don't want the complexity of urea tank heaters, and no spare tire. Get one that does not have airmatic.

If you just need it for daily driving - and you drive less than 15 miles one way. Get a gasser instead. If you live in very cold temps - get a gasser.

argenjagd

HI Francois!! After driving an MB30TD, a MB190 2,2 and an ML270 CDI I have a ML320CDI. It is a super car, I enjoy every kilometer I drive on it. I use to go fishinf, hunting, skiing and golfing . Alone or with friends or family.It is the car that fullfill all kind of activities safe and confortably. I strongly recomend it.
Alberto, Argentina
Before you close the deal have an computer test on an oficial Mercedes service

5hundo

Yeah, I would recommend one! We bought a 2008 (almost identical) used in 2013 with 60k miles on it, and with the exception of a few minor issues, it's been a good car.

You'll need to watch out for the dreaded oil cooler leak (or evidence of the repair). It happens usually between 40k-80k miles. Also, if it hasn't been done already, the TPMS sensors will start to die about now. The dealer charges WAY too much for them but aftermarket ones work great, and they're $36. (see my thread)

Also had an intermittent fault with a sensor but at $200, it was a cheap fix. The oil type is rare, so carry an extra quart with you. Had the rear, lift-gate latch go out but it was an easy DIY fix. For a big SUV to get 25mpg, and go 700 miles on a tank of gas is amazing! It's a nice ride...