2011 ML350 Diesel Engine Seized - NEED HELP!
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Newbie
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ML350
2011 ML350 Diesel Engine Seized - NEED HELP!
Hi - I have a major problem and I need some help.
My wife's ML350's engine just seized and is currently in the shop awaiting a MB technician. The car has 15,000 miles on it and the service manager is telling me that the engine seized because the oil hasn't been changed and it may not be covered under warranty. How is this possible with only 15,000 miles?
My wife's ML350's engine just seized and is currently in the shop awaiting a MB technician. The car has 15,000 miles on it and the service manager is telling me that the engine seized because the oil hasn't been changed and it may not be covered under warranty. How is this possible with only 15,000 miles?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Sorry to say, it is up to you to follow the mfg warranty requirements related to oil changes whether or not the "indicator" popped up. You might have a case if the oil level indicator did not show that the oil was low. When was vehicle last in for service?
I agree that its unacceptable for this to happen without extenuating circumstances. I wish you luck.
I agree that its unacceptable for this to happen without extenuating circumstances. I wish you luck.
Last edited by 06e320cdi; Jun 6, 2012 at 01:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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ML350
My wife got the car serviced by a non-authorized shop on an extended trip down to South Carolina a few months go. The service indicator started popping up and she wanted to get it done with. This is crazy...If MB decides that this is out of warranty I'll be personally liable for the replacement of the engine?? There has to be something I can do... I suppose a service receipt would be a good start...
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ML
I don't know why you wait for the indicator to pop up. Mine tells me way in advance when my next service is due. Why wait last minute? I do my service weeks in advance. Any manufacturer most likely wouldn't cover it if you don't complete regular maintenance/service. Within the warranty period you should always take your car to the dealer then when your warranty is expired your free to go where ever you want. Before heading to South Carolina you probably should of checked with your local dealer if everything is ready to go or if your service was about to come up just get it done with. Why did you take it to an shop in South Carolina are there no MB dealers there?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
CHances are that place didnt use the proper oil. Thats where MB will hold you liable. You will then in turn have to go after the "shop" you went to. See what the receipt says, post here if you can.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Although personally I change my oil every 5000 miles, MB recommends oil changes at 10000.
That being said, Mobil1 ESP Formula M 5w40 is a quality oil, and going 5000 miles over the "recommended" number will not cause an engine seizure. No way, no how. These engines run too well where 9 quarts of oil would sludge up that bad to cause a total lack of lubrication. For MB to use the number of a 10000 miles service interval, they must have tested engines past that number. And the test would have to be at least a few thousand miles past. BMW uses a 15000 mile interval in their oil service so the number is not that strange.
Here is a quote from the Mobil1 website.:
"In a controlled test, a 2009 Chrysler Sebring ran with conventional oil until the engine had formed significant sludge. Technicians then changed the oil, using Mobil 1 5W-30, and ran the vehicle for another 4,000 miles. After that one oil change, virtually all sludge had been cleaned up."
So if their synthetic oil is that well of a performer, I would rule out your going over the service interval as a cause. I am sure you are not the only one out their either who has done that. Just that others won't admit it.
Which brings up two things.
1)What did the repair shop actually do when
Did they properly replace the oil filter and O rings? Did they use 229.51 spec? If they messed that part up, then that shop owes you a $35000 engine.
2)Tell you service adviser that if MB wants the oil changed every 10000, and you have done 1 oil change so far in S. Carolina, at 15000 total miles you are NOT over the limit. Your next change isn't due till 20000. You actually have 5000 miles to go.
Keep us posted.
That being said, Mobil1 ESP Formula M 5w40 is a quality oil, and going 5000 miles over the "recommended" number will not cause an engine seizure. No way, no how. These engines run too well where 9 quarts of oil would sludge up that bad to cause a total lack of lubrication. For MB to use the number of a 10000 miles service interval, they must have tested engines past that number. And the test would have to be at least a few thousand miles past. BMW uses a 15000 mile interval in their oil service so the number is not that strange.
Here is a quote from the Mobil1 website.:
"In a controlled test, a 2009 Chrysler Sebring ran with conventional oil until the engine had formed significant sludge. Technicians then changed the oil, using Mobil 1 5W-30, and ran the vehicle for another 4,000 miles. After that one oil change, virtually all sludge had been cleaned up."
So if their synthetic oil is that well of a performer, I would rule out your going over the service interval as a cause. I am sure you are not the only one out their either who has done that. Just that others won't admit it.
Which brings up two things.
1)What did the repair shop actually do when
My wife got the car serviced by a non-authorized shop on an extended trip down to South Carolina a few months go.
2)Tell you service adviser that if MB wants the oil changed every 10000, and you have done 1 oil change so far in S. Carolina, at 15000 total miles you are NOT over the limit. Your next change isn't due till 20000. You actually have 5000 miles to go.
Keep us posted.
Last edited by dgiturbo; Jun 6, 2012 at 08:13 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
My wife got the car serviced by a non-authorized shop on an extended trip down to South Carolina a few months go. The service indicator started popping up and she wanted to get it done with. This is crazy...If MB decides that this is out of warranty I'll be personally liable for the replacement of the engine?? There has to be something I can do... I suppose a service receipt would be a good start...
Sorry but I think you are out of luck with warranty too many factors against you. The suggestions for service are there for a reason and I believe that you now found out why. Its your fault and it will be or should be out of your pocket.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Lake Tahoe
w164 (ml 500)
If the engine seized, it ether ran out of oil altogether, or the oil pump or other circulation system failed. Oil 5k over dose not cause a failure. I would also think that the ECM would have interven and shut down the motor before failure.
We had a motor fail after only 7k in a Range Rover be cause when my wife got a low I
Oil warning then a over heat warning, she didn't believe the gages because "Well Rover electrics system had been giving us some faults readings" in our old Rov. Her Bad!!
Rover did cover the motor though, but that was back in the day when if you bought a high end vehicle you received top knotch service.
Mark
We had a motor fail after only 7k in a Range Rover be cause when my wife got a low I
Oil warning then a over heat warning, she didn't believe the gages because "Well Rover electrics system had been giving us some faults readings" in our old Rov. Her Bad!!
Rover did cover the motor though, but that was back in the day when if you bought a high end vehicle you received top knotch service.
Mark
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
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ML350
Bottom line is that an engine does not seize by running 1K, 5K or even 10K without changing the oil. Yes, it is not the best thing to do to the car and manufacturers and auto pros don't like it, but they just can't expect every joe shmo out there to have enough sense to change the oil in a timely manner. This is why a $62,000 car like this should have SENSORS to prevent this from happening if for whatever reason a driver is not able to change the oil at the manufacturers "recommended" intervals. 5000 miles after the oil is changed and then TOTAL engine failure?!?
Why wasn't there a warning light? Why didn't the engine shut off before causing significant damage? Why did the ECM fail? Was there a defect in the engine that caused a significant sludge problem at 15,000 miles?
We are still awaiting MB's diagnosis...
Why wasn't there a warning light? Why didn't the engine shut off before causing significant damage? Why did the ECM fail? Was there a defect in the engine that caused a significant sludge problem at 15,000 miles?
We are still awaiting MB's diagnosis...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Bottom line is that an engine does not seize by running 1K, 5K or even 10K without changing the oil. Yes, it is not the best thing to do to the car and manufacturers and auto pros don't like it, but they just can't expect every joe shmo out there to have enough sense to change the oil in a timely manner. This is why a $62,000 car like this should have SENSORS to prevent this from happening if for whatever reason a driver is not able to change the oil at the manufacturers "recommended" intervals. 5000 miles after the oil is changed and then TOTAL engine failure?!?
Why wasn't there a warning light? Why didn't the engine shut off before causing significant damage? Why did the ECM fail? Was there a defect in the engine that caused a significant sludge problem at 15,000 miles?
We are still awaiting MB's diagnosis...
Why wasn't there a warning light? Why didn't the engine shut off before causing significant damage? Why did the ECM fail? Was there a defect in the engine that caused a significant sludge problem at 15,000 miles?
We are still awaiting MB's diagnosis...
Last edited by sosh; Jun 10, 2012 at 01:26 PM.
Senior Member
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From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
Some thing's not quite right here.
If the ML was not serviced at 10,000 miles then it'll not start after 1,000 miles of driving as it'll have run out of AdBlue fluid. The DEF is due for refill around the same time as the oil change and the dash board will constantly flash a "no start count down" warning each time you restart the ML if you are past the service interval.
Also if the ML was serviced during the wife's trip and the wrong oil was used it's unlikely the ML would make it back home?
The OP should have the service paper work to verify what was done and what oil was used as well as if the DEF was refilled as well as the mileage when the service was performed.
There is no prerequisite for the ML to be serviced by a M-B dealer or authorized shop for the warranty to be covered.
Some here do their own oil change and so long as the proper receipts for the oil and parts are kept the warranty should still hold.
If the ML was not serviced at 10,000 miles then it'll not start after 1,000 miles of driving as it'll have run out of AdBlue fluid. The DEF is due for refill around the same time as the oil change and the dash board will constantly flash a "no start count down" warning each time you restart the ML if you are past the service interval.
Also if the ML was serviced during the wife's trip and the wrong oil was used it's unlikely the ML would make it back home?
The OP should have the service paper work to verify what was done and what oil was used as well as if the DEF was refilled as well as the mileage when the service was performed.
There is no prerequisite for the ML to be serviced by a M-B dealer or authorized shop for the warranty to be covered.
Some here do their own oil change and so long as the proper receipts for the oil and parts are kept the warranty should still hold.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Engines can seize due to lack of oil causing the bearings to melt and the crank binding.
Or lack of oil causing the rings to bind in the bore.
Or overheating causing the rings to bind in the bore.
Or failure of the timing chain or other timing component.
These last two items could be totally unrelated to the oil supply. We would need to know why it failed before we cast aspertions against one or another party/factor.
I also agree that 15,000 miles without an oil change whislt not good, should not be terminal, as long as it did have oil, and was not driven after the oil pressure light came on.
Or lack of oil causing the rings to bind in the bore.
Or overheating causing the rings to bind in the bore.
Or failure of the timing chain or other timing component.
These last two items could be totally unrelated to the oil supply. We would need to know why it failed before we cast aspertions against one or another party/factor.
I also agree that 15,000 miles without an oil change whislt not good, should not be terminal, as long as it did have oil, and was not driven after the oil pressure light came on.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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S550 4MATIC
Get your story straight.
You state your wife had the car serviced in South Carolina a few months ago and the service indicator just came on afew days ago. The service indicator comes on once every 10k miles or once per year.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
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ML350
Read my post again...The service indicator came on when it was supposed to. The "Check Oil" indicator is what came on before the engine seized.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
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ML350
Oh I see what you're saying - sorry. I was referring to the "Check Oil" indicator. I don't think these cars have a "Change Oil" indicator as oil is changed at the regular service intervals.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
You need to find your documentation for the service that was done and provide copies to your service manager. If the proper service was done then warranty should cover the failure.
The 10,000 mile service is pretty simple, it amounts to an oil and filter change along with refilling the def tank. It would be hard for anyone to mess that up. The only question is were the proper products used. MB is pretty specific on the type of oil used and the oil filter has o-rings that must be replaced when changing.
There is absolutely no requirement to have your vehicle serviced by an MB dealer to maintain your warranty. You must only have the service performed with the proper spec parts.
Last edited by jkaetz; Jun 12, 2012 at 11:02 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: MD
W164 CDI, BMW M coupe
I know the VW Jetta ( 09) has an issue with a low oil indicator not working, this caused the engine to seize. IMo, the last shop did not put enough oil in combined with a faulty sensor caused the engine to seize.
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From: NYC / LI
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
I found this interesting…
My wife’s ML was in for service since Tuesday and is being picked up probably as I write this.
The ML loaner that she was given is literally 6,700 + miles overdue for the “A” service as it says on the dash..
So if this is any indication of how critical Mercedes feels servicing their vehicles on time is, I wouldn’t worry about being a few miles over or having the oil changed elsewhere. As long as the proper oil, filter etc were used..
Note to self- Never buy a CPO that was a service loaner…......Not that I ever would have anyway…
My wife’s ML was in for service since Tuesday and is being picked up probably as I write this.
The ML loaner that she was given is literally 6,700 + miles overdue for the “A” service as it says on the dash..
So if this is any indication of how critical Mercedes feels servicing their vehicles on time is, I wouldn’t worry about being a few miles over or having the oil changed elsewhere. As long as the proper oil, filter etc were used..
Note to self- Never buy a CPO that was a service loaner…......Not that I ever would have anyway…
Last edited by Cyber GS; Jun 21, 2012 at 11:51 AM.
Member
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From: Denver / southern AZ
'11 ML350
