looking to purchase diesel
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, NC
2007 ML350 gas
looking to purchase diesel
a few years back I visited here for advice on purchasing an ML. The car is still going strong and my only regret is not holding out for a diesel.
I have found an '08 320CDI with 72k and it looks clean with decent records.
I have had my eye on this car for a couple years and the timing is right. Please point me to any advice the forum has about this model so I can do some current owner offered research. All help or advice is GREATLY appreciated.
Consumer reviews online are all over the place. Seems like 50-50 from greatest machine on the planet to lemon that deserves nothing short of a class action suit against MB.
concerns garnered from reading the owner reviews are the air suspension parts, turbo, and a random smattering of electrical issues.
carfax shows 2 owners, lots of dealer service, and two specific things that caught my interest:
camshaft position sensor replace at 24k and again at 25k
crankshaft pulley/balancer replaced at 30k--transmission pulled to complete
all three items performed at same dealer.. this problem reminds me of one I battled in searching for my ML, but I thought was limited to '06 and '07 engines.
after that it looks like oil cooler seals replaced along with various checks and alignments.
seems normal, just trying to avoid buying a problem. I understand maintenance, i've experienced my share and I get its costly with merc, but I am fishing for any feedback saying this looks normal or "stay away" from anyone here who has a working knowledge of the model.
thanks in advance again..
I have found an '08 320CDI with 72k and it looks clean with decent records.
I have had my eye on this car for a couple years and the timing is right. Please point me to any advice the forum has about this model so I can do some current owner offered research. All help or advice is GREATLY appreciated.
Consumer reviews online are all over the place. Seems like 50-50 from greatest machine on the planet to lemon that deserves nothing short of a class action suit against MB.
concerns garnered from reading the owner reviews are the air suspension parts, turbo, and a random smattering of electrical issues.
carfax shows 2 owners, lots of dealer service, and two specific things that caught my interest:
camshaft position sensor replace at 24k and again at 25k
crankshaft pulley/balancer replaced at 30k--transmission pulled to complete
all three items performed at same dealer.. this problem reminds me of one I battled in searching for my ML, but I thought was limited to '06 and '07 engines.
after that it looks like oil cooler seals replaced along with various checks and alignments.
seems normal, just trying to avoid buying a problem. I understand maintenance, i've experienced my share and I get its costly with merc, but I am fishing for any feedback saying this looks normal or "stay away" from anyone here who has a working knowledge of the model.
thanks in advance again..
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
We got our 2008 used, 4 years ago. It had 61k miles on it. It was serviced at the dealer. By getting 2008 diesel you get a spare wheel and no DEF. This is huge for me. 
Pretty much all the troubles I had with it were posted on this board and in my signature.
Pretty much all the troubles I had with it were posted on this board and in my signature.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, NC
2007 ML350 gas
thanks for input.
SO no DEF, had no idea. I guess there are pros and cons. The last diesel engine I owned was a mid 80's (cant believe I cannot remember actual year) 524TD so no DEF then either.
I just replaced both rear shocks on my ML for about $300 a side iirc. Would you say your repairs were pretty much standard maintenance for the model -seems like it other than 3 sets of rears in 150k.
Can you attest to the abnormal tire wear I keep reading? Most of these review are dated so I guess there are more options now and people can find a solution that doesn't expire every 25k miles.
What is the airmatic issue and what are you looking at $$ to get it right -or is it liveable for every day?
Last one-- do you have any knowledge of this model being associated with a balance shaft issue relative to the crank position items that i mentioned had been addressed. Like do you know if yours experienced similar issues early on before you purchased? That is a scary one to tackle out of warranty, and really its all that has me "concerned".
This wont be a long daily commuter but would end up being the go-to for anything long distance.
I really really appreciate all the feedback
SO no DEF, had no idea. I guess there are pros and cons. The last diesel engine I owned was a mid 80's (cant believe I cannot remember actual year) 524TD so no DEF then either.
I just replaced both rear shocks on my ML for about $300 a side iirc. Would you say your repairs were pretty much standard maintenance for the model -seems like it other than 3 sets of rears in 150k.
Can you attest to the abnormal tire wear I keep reading? Most of these review are dated so I guess there are more options now and people can find a solution that doesn't expire every 25k miles.
What is the airmatic issue and what are you looking at $$ to get it right -or is it liveable for every day?
Last one-- do you have any knowledge of this model being associated with a balance shaft issue relative to the crank position items that i mentioned had been addressed. Like do you know if yours experienced similar issues early on before you purchased? That is a scary one to tackle out of warranty, and really its all that has me "concerned".
This wont be a long daily commuter but would end up being the go-to for anything long distance.
I really really appreciate all the feedback
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
Other than replacing rear shock absorbers twice, it was pretty standard maintenance. Haven't notice any abnormal tire wear while we were driving. Tires from a previous owner had some extra inner side wear. I only bought 2 new sets of tires (summer and winter set) so far. Both sets still have plenty of thread left. I haven't seen any other issues that you listed with crank position sensor and extra engine noise that is posted on this board. 
Engine always sounds perfect.
Engine always sounds perfect.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
You are overthinking it.
Get an 07-08 (no def) and drive it into the ground.
The problems with 07-08s are: (cost of parts)
Airmatic compressor - $350
Front shocks - $700 each from at Arnott
Rear bags - $350 for both from Arnott
Rear hatch motor - $500
Oil cooler seals - $2500 at dealer (including labor)
Front stabilization bar end links - $150
That's about it.
Good luck
Get an 07-08 (no def) and drive it into the ground.
The problems with 07-08s are: (cost of parts)
Airmatic compressor - $350
Front shocks - $700 each from at Arnott
Rear bags - $350 for both from Arnott
Rear hatch motor - $500
Oil cooler seals - $2500 at dealer (including labor)
Front stabilization bar end links - $150
That's about it.
Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
You are overthinking it.
Get an 07-08 (no def) and drive it into the ground.
The problems with 07-08s are: (cost of parts)
Airmatic compressor - $350
Front shocks - $700 each from at Arnott
Rear bags - $350 for both from Arnott
Rear hatch motor - $500
Oil cooler seals - $2500 at dealer (including labor)
Front stabilization bar end links - $150
That's about it.
Good luck
Get an 07-08 (no def) and drive it into the ground.
The problems with 07-08s are: (cost of parts)
Airmatic compressor - $350
Front shocks - $700 each from at Arnott
Rear bags - $350 for both from Arnott
Rear hatch motor - $500
Oil cooler seals - $2500 at dealer (including labor)
Front stabilization bar end links - $150
That's about it.
Good luck
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
2008 GL320 CDI
You are probably ok then since they upgraded the seal. I have a 2008 and the only diesel related problem I had was replacing the turbo seals. Besides that it was a lot of different issues akin to the GL's. Just find a good indy that won't overcharge you and you'll be fine.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
