We are thinking of purchasing a 2007-2011 ML350 to replace a 2002 e320wagon. My wife wants to sit up higher for better visibility, and likes the MB product.

Our 320 has 213k miles on the odometer....we like to keep our vehicles a long time. Before that we had a 1995 W124 wagon that was sold with 180k miles. We use a trusted independant MD tech for maintenance.

Online ads that include a Carfax sheet are interesting. I have seen more than a few referances to replacement of camshaft seals/gaskets at around 36k. Several computer reprograming/replacement references at between 30k-40k miles and more than a few full A/C replacments at 40k-45k miles.

What are issues that are common to this vehicle ?
What are significant problem areas that I may encounter ?
What are extended warranty options (if any) for this vehicle ?

What we want is a reliable and durable daily driver that is equally competant at stop and go around town driving as it is on the highway. Add gas, and service according to the maintenance schedule. This has been our experience for the most part with our 320.

Thanks !

 

If everything else were held equal (milage, age, etc). Your e320 will cost less to maintain, drive more efficient, and will have better driving dynamics on the road than a SUV. I only bought mine for because i needed something that did not use premium gas, economical and had towing capabilities.

 

Funny. I replaced a 2001 E320 wagon with my 2007 ML320CDI.
I will say the E320 was a better built machine than the ML, but that is the same with pretty much all products nowadays.

To answer your questions..
Common issues/Significant problems:
First, are you getting a gas or diesel model? Both have unique considerations, but by now most owners have corrected the defects. Front differential and the transmission valve body are 2 major ones off the top of my head common to both. I am a diesel fan, so on those models there is a pesky slow oil drip that may or may not been corrected. Also on both models, the maintenance is very specific. Oils, fluids, service interval, must be correctly followed for the vehicle.

Warranties:
Highly recommend a CPO unit, or a dealer warranty.

From what you described in your needs, take a look at diesel/BlueTec models if you can find them for sale. The fuel mileage is higher than posted. Also I have 149K miles on mine now since new and still get 31MPG on a highway run.

And be careful when you look at the ads. The will typically all say "Leather" and "Xenon Lights" even though those were rare options. Leather will have a dark gloss burlnut wood trim, and Xenon lights will have headlamp washers. (The flap for the washers are in the top of the front bumper.)

Otherwise, the ML is a good vehicle I am still happy with. I have looked at newer ones, but still decided to keep this one. Happy hunting.

 

update: My wife drove the ML350, Volvo XC90 and Touraeg VR6. ML was too much like what she had. XC felt cheap. She liked the VW (Partly influenced by a bulletproof Fox Wagon she used to drive) so we purchased a 2010 with 2yr CPO warranty and she is happy.

Im still looking however....

 

If you never own an ML you'll never know how marvelous that monster drives. Its an exeptional car.
I purchased an 06 last year and its been a beast on both freeway and city. Most times people dont even know the year. It's a great car-. I'm selling it currently cuz I want to upgrade to 2012 ML

 

I have a 2008 ML320CDI and it is awesome. 26-29MPG on freeways depending on how I drive. Amazing amounts of power and the automatic lift gate is the thing I love most. This is one of the only cars I have seen that get better MPG then they advertise. Also diesel is 20% cheaper then gas.

 

bear in mind the honeymoon isn't over but I got rid of a 3.0 X5 and moved up to a ML550 (2008). There is no comparison between the 2, the BMW is totally German engineering but without the flair. The ML is a really refined SUV, ours is pretty much full pull but the different in driving the 2 is really remarkable. X5 large heavy beast, ML light nimble, gas mileage between the 2 is almost the same, the ML has 2.5L of extra engine, goes 3 times as fast, corners like it's an SUV on rails, and has a level of refinement only found in a Benz.
I'm a bit shocked at the service costs, just had a trailer hitch installed and because my ML rides on air to install a hitch only available through Mercedes was 2 grand.
I read above someone purchased a Tourag, looked at them but the interior reminded me too much of everything VW makes, utilitarian but no flash. I like flash

 

If you get an ML try to get a headlight tail light upgrade package.
I can't see a thing backing up and the headlights are a joke on my 09.
I wouldn't buy an ML again.
And I would test drive it in the dark if I could do it again.
And then roll the salesman over...oops didn't see ya bud!
The steering racks go out.
Strut and mounts on front are iffy and there is a service bulletin on the front strut mounts.
The trans too if the fluid isn't changed every 40k.
Enjoy