Bigdog100

Hi,

New member here. We have a Lexus rx330 that runs great but has 180k miles. Never had problems. My wife drives 25k a year and we looking at a 2010 ml350 bluetec with 55k miles. I have read about the oil cooler seals and seems like that could happen. However the gasser seems like it has shifting linkage issues for many of the years. Is Buying a bluetec or even a ml350 a maintenance
Nightmare??? Usually people posting on these sites are ones with problems not all but many from my experience with the Lexus forums. We just looking for a safe small SUV that gets decent mileage and diesel seems the way to go.

SmokinReefer

For what it's worth, I own a 2010 Bluetec and just bought a 2014 gasser. I did keep the the 2010 though since it just had the seals and AbBlue tank heater replaced. The 2010 was my second ML diesel

Bigdog100

What did those repair cost? Can a full service auto shop do the repairs or dealer has to do em?

SmokinReefer

The repair was way beyond my abilities because so many parts had to come off the engine. I let the stealer do it and they charged about $3,700 for the oil cooler. The AdBlue heater was another $1,500 but I was growing tired of the check engine light.

After all that cash I couldn't part with the vehicle so I kept it and also bought a new gasser. It's almost three months old now and only has 150 miles since I use the diesel as my daily beater

keitha1

I just had the same AdBlue heater replaced. I have a same year (2010) with around 50,000 miles on it right now. Same $1,500 cost to repair, however I had purchased an extended warranty to 100,000 miles, and this was covered (after $250 deductible). Dealer said this is a common problem ? I hate hearing things like that. Anyway, much peace of mind for at least the next 50,000 miles.
Also had some Michelin run-flats put on ... much better ride than the standard issue (Bridgestones?) that it came with.

Bigdog100

I called a Mercedes service tech today and they said it is a problem but a rare one, for whatever that is worth. He said he has seen about 10 units out of hundreds.

rqarnold

Better ride on run-flats???
Wow...they must have come a long way in the past 2 years. I had a BMW with run-flats and it was like I was driving on wagon wheels! I replaced them with some non-run-flat tires and the ride was so-o-o much better.

keitha1

Sorry ... I need to clarify.
The 2010 ML350 Bluetec has no place for a spare tire, so it came with run-flats. Bridgestone brand I believe. It is my opinion that the Michelin's that I have now are better than the OEM Bridgestone tires we took off. I did some queries on the board, and the ones recommended on here (forgot the exact designation) seem nicer. Probably still not as nice as "regular" tires, though. But I'm afraid to revert to regular tires with no spare on board. (Chicago roads are much too risky with all the potholes.)

Bigdog100

Decided on the Gasser. My buddy has a 2012 Bluetec and just went through the Oil cooler replacement and car was in shop for 7 days. i was buying out of warranty so figured the gasser has less probs. Thanks

OceanView

Congrats.
Please update this thread on how your experience is compared to the RX 350.
I'm in the market for a used SUV myself and have narrowed down my choices between the 2010 RX350 and ML350/500.

Bigdog100

If it was up to me I would have gone with the Lexus but my wife wanted Mercedes. However, we just did out first summer trip up in the mountains With the ml350 and was very impressed. It drives nice with a sportier feel. The Lexus seems to drive itself while the ml you need to be a bit more aware. The navigation and stereo are a little more cumbersome in the merc. We have had 2 rx ' s with minimal problems that is why I wanted to stick with lexus. The gasser ml350 seems to have less problems than the blutec. Overall I like it. I typically buy used vehicles and the aftermatket warranty on the ml350 is around 4k.