Dnasty

I have been looking at some with around 130k mi is that high for this car or can the engine and trans last. I haven't seen many high mileage.

MaschioneCazzuto

don't

Dnasty

MaschioneCazzuto

based on the info you provided on the original post, to many miles

Dnasty

So i take it these cars aren't built to last past 130k? Is it a specific issue with this model in general?

MaschioneCazzuto

Its relative and matter on dollars and sense. Are you buying it for pennies on the dollar, is it a gift, project, purpose of it, why that particular model, why 100k+ miles.

Dnasty

khomer2

2002-2003 imo, is the last of the w163s built right.
If you can find one with service records, preferably a ML500 (personally not liking the 350s or smaller engines)
Our 2002 ML500 Sport is a beast. Only reason purchased was:
1) it was a $teal deal from a colleague whos mother (original owner) rarely drove it. (150K km)
2) couldnt find a decent priced ML55 with proper records at that time.

W163s are easy to maintain so long as you know what past issues of this suv to be aware of and be prepared for.
Cannot speak for 320s or 350s, but mileage of the ML500 is NOT that bad vs. 320 or 350 (but only if your not a lead foot driving it like you stole it)

I believe the 350s replaced the 500s.

Dnasty

Yea the price is really good, I don't know much about the 320 or 350 engine. I know some of these engines had a balance shaft issue I am not sure if these particular cars were effected. I figured the smaller engines would be prone to less problems and cheaper repairs which is why I didn't consider the 500 but would not be opposed to that extra power. Do these cars make it up to 200k? I've been looking at primarily 2002-2003

MaschioneCazzuto

My father had the ML550. I drove it wasn't bad. I would get that or a ML63 if money is no issue.

khomer2

Yes, with proper maintenance, they will last beyond 200k miles.
I would recommend lots of read-up on the known issues of the ML320 /ML350, if that is what is presented on your plate now. Check the stickies out under the w163 section here and on the other forum too. USE the search button - it's your best friend next to all the good veteran members here. With these 2 weapons, you will learn lots - that's what I did, we all pretty much did. Not perfect, but waaay better than paying $$$ for a mechanics sometimes useless progno$i$

Dnasty

Thanks for the info, I made sure to do all the preliminaries such as searching and reading the sticky at the top of this forum. Was hoping to find any first hand info from actual owners here. It seems to be mixed so far and high mileage ml's of this era seem to be rare. I am going to check out an 03 ml320 tomorrow just to see how it drives. My major concerns are really trans and engine also not being left on the side of the road regularly. I see that the transfer case can be problematic in these cars not sure if this is something that they improved in the later years.

The Sailor

I had both ML320/350 a few years back - sold them when they hit 400K on the 320 and 340K on the 350 with just routine maintenance. I drove other SUV after - from Grand Cherokees, Lexus GX and Explorers. Missed the ML's solid feeling, decided to get a used on last July and haven't regretted it. Mind you, I spent another $3K on top of the purchase price of $3K that I paid for. Never regretted it. It runs great and have done a few long drives. I purchased it with 162K (kms) and is now over 170K (kms) - no issues or hiccups.

These are good trucks as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.

Link below is what I bought.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...003-ml320.html

I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get it at a good price and don't go cheap on parts when it's time to replace them.

Something to add - I also have a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - within a year (2017 - 2018) - I spent more on maintenance ($3400) on the Corolla including a new engine rebuild (oil burning issue) Toyota Canada did it for free.

Dnasty

Well that's definitely a good sign. I guess there's no high mileage ones out there because everyone's keeping em. What is the major difference between the 350 and 320 despite the minor increase in hp?

The Sailor

Not really much difference in mine - My ML320 had the park assist sensors and my ML350 had the navigation. Other than that, they were both similarly equip. I had more issues with the ML350 when I was in -40 weather. I experienced a dead battery and 2 days later while driving through Thunder Bay, Ontario at -50, the ML350 started shaking. Had to pull over at 3AM. Kept the ML running to keep warm and tow truck didn't come until 5AM (no cell service - had to flag someone). Mercedes Benz in Thunder Bay had to replace the thermostat and do a coolant flush. All good after that.

Never had any issues with the ML320 at -40 or -50 weather.

They both got me through bad snowstorms with no issue.

We once did a road trip back in January 2011 - I had the ML320, my friend drove a BMW X5 3.0 and another friend drove a BMW X5 4.6. Both BMW's had problems starting once it got down to -30 and had to wait until roadside assistance give them a boost.

You shouldn't have any issues with either the ML320/350/500. Just make sure you change the oil, transfer case fluid, differential fluids and transmission fluid once you get it - don't take the seller's word for it. Assume that it wasn't done unless he provides an invoice from a reputable dealer stating all fluids have been replaced.

Get your plugs done too if it hasn't been replaced - much easier on the V6 than the V8 and you need 12 of them for the V6 and 16 on the V8. Go with Bosch or NGK Platinums or Iridiums.

RollTideW163

It has entirely to do with the specific condition and the items that have been replaced and maintained. I bought my ML350 at 110k and its around 130k now. It's a Mercedes Benz, so the engine can last easily to 200k and beyond, transmission has more to do with maintenance and at that interval it depends if there has been fluid change and how the previous owner treated it or did anything stupid.

What I would really say is you need to drive it around for a bit. At least 10-20 minutes, the ride is stiffer and bumpier than other Mercedes and you don't realize it after a while sometimes, so make sure that's what you want. It IS a truck, not a Rav4. It has a frame, not a unibody.

1stChendeng

If your thinking of getting one I would try for a 2005 W163. I have one I bought it with 25k and it has roughly 135k with no major issues. It was the last year before MB went digital on many systems. They also went from two plugs per cylinder to one. Just keep up with the maintenance. The 280 hp on the 3.7 is more than enough to move at over 100mph. They are solid vehicles if the maintenance is done and use at least 91 octane not anything lower you'll start having valve train issues, Carbon buildup.