chewtoy

Hi,

Buying a used ML320/350 for the daughter to use. Can hardly get a safer vehicle IMHO.

I'm mechanically adept. Besides the general inspection you give a used car (Battery, body damage, excessive wear, etc.), What are the pain points and M class specific places I should inspect when critiquing a used example?

Also, where can I find the maintenance schedule for this vehicle?

Finally, ML 320 vs 350 vs 500. Any preferences, years that are exceptionally good or others to discount?

Thank you all.

artim808

I would buy ML350 4MATIC 2010 or newer.
Also if she did not drive SUV before, look for the car with backup camera. It is very helpful especially for womens.

See link below for maintenance schedule.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...vice-sheet.pdf

Hary Gahtoe

Safe; absolutely. Still I would check to see model/year specific Airbag issues.

Buying this for your daughter will get very expensive. Even if you're mechanically inclined.
Look at buying a MB Star SDS to help diagnose electrical issues and trans problems.

Good luck

chewtoy

I have a device similar to the SDS for my other vehicles, so will get one for my toolbox.

Thanks,

Kennyr

This must be some kind of April fools joke. Let me get this straight. Your buying a used ML350 for your daughter. Either your a glutton for pain, rich or just hate your daughter. These cars like all German cars are only for in warranty use. Period case closed. Sorry to be so blunt. I have a 06 money pit (right now in perfect condition). Its my 3rd car for when it snows or I have to go to home depot. Ive driven it 3,500 miles in the last 2 years because its a time bomb on my wallet. I tried to sell it a couple times and nobody will give anywhere near even trade value for it. Beautiful car though.

DATL

I haven't had many issues with my 09 ML350 4matic. Just rolled 100k miles. A door lock actuator is all I can think of off the top. Oh and a slow reeling rear seatbelt that I got replaced. My employee has a ML350 and has only had a rear lift gate issue. I've had more issues out of many cars. Cam phaser and transmission issues with an F150, vanos and various electrical issues with a 325i BMW, electrical issues on an x3, Mazda 6 AC and water leak issues, RX-7 spark plug issues, and so on... I just can't say this vehicle had been a time bomb or any more trouble than any others I've had. Maybe I have some large bills ahead of me I suppose only time will tell. I feel like all cars are expensive to fix LOL.

Kennyr

My repair list, just the ones I can remember

Front diff bearings
A/C compressor failure
Pr steering resevoir leaks
Intake manifold
6 ignition coils
Cam magnets
Taillight repair harnesses
Cam cover oil leaks
Climate control dial problems
Door lock actuators
Service reminder light won't reset
Not to mention the dreaded timing balance gear failures (google that one)

All the 06 ML350's are lemons

chewtoy

Thanks Ken. There are very few things on your list that I can't handle in my garage.

Best of luck to you on finding something that works for you. May I suggest you look into something from Japan?

Kennyr

We have a new Toyota 4 Runner and a 07 Lexus LS460. I really don't like to be so negative about a car but it has by far cost me more trouble and money than any other car in my lifetime. Remember I am a retired mechanic with a lift in my garage. This does me no good when my wife calls me broke down a couple states over and when parts are outrageous. It is a really nice car going down the road when not broken. I plan on keeping it for many more years as an extra because my Lexus is rear wheel drive and I also like having a third car. My daughter totalled our previous extra last year.

Euler

2008 ML550

Replaced 3 of the 4 aromatic shock, rear passenger original
3 of 4 air springs, rear driver original
steering rack
all 3 rear light assemblies
rear SAM
2 cooling fans
thermostat
coolant temp sensor
accessory belt
lift gate latch mechanism
rear wiper motor
all that in addition to the regular maintenance items