Considering an 09-11 ML320 Bluetec, have questions...
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Duramax
Considering an 09-11 ML320 Bluetec, have questions...
With our second child on the way, I'm considering replacing my wife's vehicle and getting a 2009-2011 ML320 with the BlueTec diesel.
Coming from the Duramax world, I have a few concerns...
1. Has the DPF/SCR posed any major issues on the MBs? If so, can they be deleted?
2. Is there anything specific repair/recall wise to look for on MLs?
3. Anyone experience any major powertrain failures (engine/transmission)?
4. Give me some real world fuel economy figures...not that I really care, more from curiosity...
Thanks for your time...
Coming from the Duramax world, I have a few concerns...
1. Has the DPF/SCR posed any major issues on the MBs? If so, can they be deleted?
2. Is there anything specific repair/recall wise to look for on MLs?
3. Anyone experience any major powertrain failures (engine/transmission)?
4. Give me some real world fuel economy figures...not that I really care, more from curiosity...
Thanks for your time...
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Braselton,GA
2008 ML320cdi Irid.silver, 2013 VW Jetta Prem. Tdi Dsg red
Something I found, the 09 & newer ML diesels have run flat tires (expensive, limited choices, some say rougher riding), and you have to use the AdBlue urea. The tank is where the spare would be, until recent models in fuel fill door.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 131
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2006 ml350
I own both a gas engine ML350 (2006) and a Diesel Bluetec ML350 m(2010).
To answer your questions:
1. Has the DPF/SCR posed any major issues on the MBs? If so, can they be deleted?
I have had no problems what-so-ever. No, you can not legally delete either DPF or SCR if the vehicle is to be used on a public road.
2. Is there anything specific repair/recall wise to look for on MLs?
Have your dealer run the VIN for any specific recall - I just had the Bluetec in for a software update for DPF regeneration and the gas engine version for a cam position harness connector upgrade.
3. Anyone experience any major powertrain failures (engine/transmission)?
Yes, I am sure that someone has had a major powertrain failure. There are posts on the 7 speed transmission contactor plate malfunction and not shifting correctly. These are in the minority and I personally have had no concerns with either vehicle (90,000 miles on the gas and 120,000 on the diesel).
On the other hand, I have also reviewed posts on Duramax/Allison powertrain failures - I am pretty sure that these are in the minority also.
4. Give me some real world fuel economy figures...not that I really care, more from curiosity...
My roundtrip daily commute is 84 miles on a mix or highway and 2-lane blacktop. I average between 28 to 32 mpg. The very best MPG was on a trip from eastern PA to Charleston SC (13 1/2 hours & 680 miles on 19.9 gallons - just a tad better than 34 mpg)... By the way, that was the last trip that my wife said she would be OK until we had to stop for fuel.
Let us know what you choose.
To answer your questions:
1. Has the DPF/SCR posed any major issues on the MBs? If so, can they be deleted?
I have had no problems what-so-ever. No, you can not legally delete either DPF or SCR if the vehicle is to be used on a public road.
2. Is there anything specific repair/recall wise to look for on MLs?
Have your dealer run the VIN for any specific recall - I just had the Bluetec in for a software update for DPF regeneration and the gas engine version for a cam position harness connector upgrade.
3. Anyone experience any major powertrain failures (engine/transmission)?
Yes, I am sure that someone has had a major powertrain failure. There are posts on the 7 speed transmission contactor plate malfunction and not shifting correctly. These are in the minority and I personally have had no concerns with either vehicle (90,000 miles on the gas and 120,000 on the diesel).
On the other hand, I have also reviewed posts on Duramax/Allison powertrain failures - I am pretty sure that these are in the minority also.
4. Give me some real world fuel economy figures...not that I really care, more from curiosity...
My roundtrip daily commute is 84 miles on a mix or highway and 2-lane blacktop. I average between 28 to 32 mpg. The very best MPG was on a trip from eastern PA to Charleston SC (13 1/2 hours & 680 miles on 19.9 gallons - just a tad better than 34 mpg)... By the way, that was the last trip that my wife said she would be OK until we had to stop for fuel.
Let us know what you choose.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 144
Likes: 10
2008 R320 CDI, 2006 smart fortwo cabrio, 1983 240D, 1982 300SD, 1980 300SD
1-It is uncommon for the DPF to cause problems, however it does have a replacement interval specified in the owners manual, and yes very expensive. You can delete stuff as the trucks do, but it is MUCH harder to find software to run without a check engine light, very very few north american tuners cover this engine or offer custom software there is not much demand for it.
2-transmissions had a rough patch in them, better on the newer models it seems but likely still some service bulletins etc. You can find the techincal service bulletins and read up on them online, just be sure to look at those model years not ealier ones.
3-not common for those model years outside of biodiesel use or lack of oil changes, they do have oil sludging problems and need regular maintenace and better to get it up to temp every drive.
4-my fuel ecnonomy is sitting at 7.5L/100kms (low 30s mp us gallon) all highway with a full load. Very very easy to exceed the epa rating on the highway, probably not so easy on short trips or a fast pace in traffic. I usually manage 600-700 miles each tank sometimes more, but never less. Wheel size is an important factor too I find, smaller is much better for FE.
2-transmissions had a rough patch in them, better on the newer models it seems but likely still some service bulletins etc. You can find the techincal service bulletins and read up on them online, just be sure to look at those model years not ealier ones.
3-not common for those model years outside of biodiesel use or lack of oil changes, they do have oil sludging problems and need regular maintenace and better to get it up to temp every drive.
4-my fuel ecnonomy is sitting at 7.5L/100kms (low 30s mp us gallon) all highway with a full load. Very very easy to exceed the epa rating on the highway, probably not so easy on short trips or a fast pace in traffic. I usually manage 600-700 miles each tank sometimes more, but never less. Wheel size is an important factor too I find, smaller is much better for FE.
