GDawgC220

my father had started the ML and then decided to take the S :p so he shut off the ML while it was fast idling...it was on for about 10-15 seconds before he shut it off...is there any damage to the engine or such?

Stiggs

never really thought about it.
I doubt it....but then again, I'm no mechanic. I guess your Dad will find out next time he starts her up.

pointman

Gdawg...didnt you post the same question along time ago? if not someone had...but i am sure it isnt hurting your car at all.

Swiss Nick

Probably not too good for the battery....
I have done it before on my Diesel and it still works. (The engine is about the only thing that seems reliable on the ML!!!!!!)

00ML430 Bulldog

The Engine is reliable??? Remember the oil consumtion problem.

GDawgC220

We've actually haven't had that problem in a while now...I think the last time I had to actually add oil was a year ago. IMO, while other things in the ML may fail or are just shoddy quality, MB engines are pretty well built and engineered. My .02

Swiss Nick

Don't remember that thread, but as I understand it is normal for modern engines to consume oil. Mine does, and everyone says that is normal.

GDawgC220

while that is true, none of our other cars have needed oil to be added between maintenance intervals. The ML seems to burn off more oil than other car's we've owned. Even my c220 doesn't need oil added between my 5000 mi intervals. We haven't had to add oil to our S yet. Just the ML, but MB says that is normal for it to be down a quart of oil

Swiss Nick

who are we to not trust MB!!!!!

GDawgC220

haha...for the most part, i trust 'em...just never seen an engine eat so much oil before in 3,000-5,000 miles after service before :p

Swiss Nick

I had exactly the same. When it was new I assumed it was normal. After the first service, it did start to drink a little oil. About 1-2 litres over 4 months. But, "Not to worry Mr Griffiths, that is normal". Hey, it is stiull under warranty so what the hell!!!

GDawgC220

actually, ours stopped eating oil after the warranty expired, haha. Though, yesterday I checked the oil level through the odometer and it said -2.0L...so i'm guessing it's down 2 liters? It's got 1400 miles till service...so I think that's normal because it's been a while since last service.

Swiss Nick

Be careful of the electronic "dipstick" always best to use the "proper" stick in the engine. ( as advised by my local MB dealer!!

00ML430 Bulldog

MB says that the oil consumtion is normal if that is true you might as well believe me if I say my next car will be a Yugo. I wonder how many board members have had their engine piston rings rebuilt by MB because of high oil consumtion.

Swiss Nick

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm here towards MBs!!!!!

GDawgC220

how many times have you had to add a quart of oil back into the engine? i've had to do it a couple of times...but it's been a while since that oil light has ever flickered while driving, so looks good for now

Swiss Nick

Never waited for the light to come on, as it means the oil is at an "alarming level" best to check it at least once a month. Have forgotten how many times I have added oil. I suppose over 30000km I have added 3-4 litres.

timdf

I guess yes compared to the rest of the ML - assuming you don't count MAF, fuel pumps, harmonic balancers, batteries and 02 sensors as part of the engine .

Swiss Nick

minor points!!!
I sometimes think that the US MLs have more problems than the Puch built MLs, I know 3 people who have Puch built Mls and have never heard half of the problems you guys have.

GDawgC220

when the light came on, it only flickered for a second or so then shutoff, but it caught my eye. it was down a quart. same for the other time it flickered. never says lit.

GDawgC220

Haven't had an engine related problem...closest thing may be the fuel sender unit. thats about all the mechanical parts that have been replaced. other stuff was mainly interior plastic parts that broke (cup holder and cigarette lighter door)

00ML430 Bulldog

Yes I have had my share of problems with my ML so please forgive me if I sound a little bitter.

Swiss Nick

you are not alone, otherwise this forum would never exist!!!!

Swiss Nick

The first time my oil light came on I was going up a hill. I thought it was a mistake as the car was only a few months old. So i checked the dipstick and it was at the lowest level, since then I check it once a month. Lets hope they don't use the same gauging system as the Fuel tank