tribetype40

Hello all, I've just been looking through the forum and it seems to be a very friendly and helpful place so I hope some people on here can help with a few questions I have?

I've tried the mercedes dealers and a few specialists and the dealers were so unhelpful and had a blunt attitude on the phone I'm seriously wondering about what I'm letting myself in for.... the specialist I spoke to wasn't much better either!

Basically, I'm looking to buy an ML500 (w164) on Sat but before I view it I wanted to get an idea of some service/maintenance in case there's anything obvious which need doing.

So is there an idea of what the following will cost:

-front brakes, discs and pads
-same for the rear
-air suspension shock, or shocks replacement
-engine mounts,
-wishbone bushes
-major/minor servicing (dealer v DIY)
-Cambelt/s change (or do the 5lt (2006) engine use timing chains)

that's the obvious things I can think of but if theres any thing else i should be cautious of, look out for or budget for I would be very greatfull for any info you can offer.

Separately I'm considering an LPG conversion in the future, does anyone have any experience of these on ML's. I have a friend with an X5 converted with a top of the line Prins systems and its been no issues in 2 years. When speaking to the dealer and specialist niether wanted to touch an lpg's car..!?

Any help or info you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Doug

Moto One

Hi Doug

First,where are you in the world?

We bought our ML500 (2006) last fall. I replaced the brake rotators because of a vribration ( new Brimbo rotors cross drilled $550 for all four) vib fixed. Air suspension pump, replaced $450 with an 1 1/2 hr labor. Brake pressure sensor replaced $475.

We have since put 23k on top of the 43k it had on the clock without a problem. Knock on wood!!

tribetype40

HI Thanks, thats great news. I'm based in the UK.
None of those prices seemed to be too drastic, even for the air pump! so all looking good....

Cheers

sosh

Be advised that there is no timing belt. There is a chain which normally lasts to engine overhail time with no difficulty.

Moto One

Well you would know that if I said good things (like I haven't had any problems, then all hell would break-out), well it did this morning. Went to start the ML this morning and well it took off down the driveway. Yes, foot on the brake!!! Didn't go far just a couple feet before I got it stopped and shut off. The DIC was showing ,ABS, active headlight, check engine, and take to service do not drive warning. Upon restarting, the motor on its own revved to 4500 and stayed there until it was shut off. After setting for five min, it started with no warnings except CEL.

I'm at MB Reno right now waiting for the news.

Mark

AudiA4Turbo22

Doug,

the maintenance on these cars isn't cheap, but isn't outrageous either.

Brakes(includes labor @ independent shop & OEM mercedes parts off mercedespartscenter.com):

-Pads for the front & rear will run you about $350 installed
-Rotors for the front & rear will run you about $400 installed

Air Suspension:

-Front spring/shock combo will run about $500/each rebuilt+install
-Rear shocks about $200/each
-Rear air springs $200/each
-Pump $400 used

Suspension Arms, etc.

-Bushings will be about $100/arm installed(there are 4 arms per side)

Engine/Trans Mounts:

-Motor mounts are about $200 for both mounts + $150-200 for labor
-Trans mounts are about $120 for both + $150-200 for labor

Basic services(at dealer):

-Service A(oil change/inspection) $160
-Service B...(major service) $300-450(depends on what you have done)

Hope this helps

Moto One

Here's the update the service department checked the code for the CEL and it was the ESP module $748 part, not sure how that would have any effect on what happen but that's what came up.

The service department at Reno Mercedes is top notch and the fact that they took this serious and got me in and diagnose and back on the road in just over an hour is worth a kudo to both the tech & service writer.

Mark

Moto One

Well Saturday morning we went to go to breakfast, and guess what? Yes it did it again, so it (ML 500) was loaded on to a flat bed (because it was not totally un drivable). All the same warnings on the DIC + CEL, suspension failure, no power assist steering, and it took a fair amount of pressure to get the brakes to hold. HUMMM.

Lesson here? Never say anything good about your vehicle on the net, it will just go to hell in a hand basket.

Any one want a fully loaded ($67k new) 06 ML 500, fully repaired (maybe someday)?

Didn't think so. Good call out there.

Dough: Stay away from a 2006 ML 500. I repeat, STAY AWAY!!!!

Mark. soon to be former owner of one.