rparrish22

Looking for an SUV with good mpg and have been reading a lot about ML diesels. I do like diesels so I am a little partial to these and my mother has driven diesel MLs since 2012 but hers have been leases so she gives them back before any problems. I am taking a look at a few between 90-115k on the odometer but jumped on here and read some horror stories. I have owned a VW diesel up to 200k and only replaced glow plugs and a turbo. These horror stories are way worse than what I expected for a MB diesel. I do realize that happy owners rarely look at forums and post about how great their cars are so I take that into consideration when reading negative internet issues. So to make a long story short, say I can find a 2008 and a 2009 for the same price, which way would you experienced CDI or Bluetec owners go?
Edit: yes I have searched the forums for this one and everything is popping up from 2011. I would like the long term opinion. Thanks

CLK Group

The main reasons I went with a 2008 over a 2009 are 1) spare tire instead of no spare and run flat tires, and 2) no urea for emission control. Just make sure OH will let you register a 2008 CDI - CA will not.

Unfortunately I have had to do most of the major repairs including:

1. Transmission valve body & conductor plate done under warranty at 27,529 miles.
2. Replace both intake manifolds at 56,575 miles.
3. Replace oil cooler seals at 59,951 miles.

Currently have 87,068 miles. This is my fourth Mercedes, first diesel, and I have spent more on repairs than the previous three combined.

If I had it to do over again I would have gone with an ML350 gasser.

justinwrock

Registered my 07 CDI in CA with no issues - as long as you bring it in as a "used car" according to the DMV (which any 07/08 CDI is at this point).

My daily here is an 07 CDI, reason I chose it was the same reason CLK Group did - less emissions BS to deal with. I bought mine at the end of July and a have put on 10k miles since purchase! Currently sitting at 20.7MPG average (65% city/35% freeway), and piling miles on at every opportunity. Mine cruises awesome @ 72mph while returning just under 30MPG hand calculated!

I did replace the oil cooler seals back at the beginning of December - I was leaking a cup of oil a day. Mechanic did the cooler seals, exchanged coolant, and replaced the turbo seals (the orange ones+a drain seal) all for $950, which wasn't too bad. I do want to have a transmission service done here soon, but haven't priced it out yet.

I'm planning to hold onto my CDI until the W166 comes down in price, and then plan on buying a W166 bluetec.

tomsch1

I own a 2009 ML320 Blutec with 278,000 km. Agree with CLK Group.
They are tough on tires, and uses 1 liter DEF per 1000 km.
At 250,000 km (~155,000 miles) we had siginificant oil leaks from bell housing.
(Oil cooler seal leaks into Bell Housing through small drain at back of engine.)
Turned into a house of horrors, REPLACED Oil Cooler seals, then Intake manifolds (silly plastic linkages that can't be serviced), then Mass flow housing (Plastic pieces fell apart as we disassemble - engine does run very hot for efficiency), then transmission pan (perfectly good except one front corner rusted a hole right through it).
I expected much better from Mercedes, but the little details can stop this truck with all the sensors and control logic it has.