Considering trading in my '06 ML350 for an '09 ML550. Any serious reliability issues or other problematic areas?

MY350 has been good to me, but I'm at just under 130k km and am worried about the potential balance shaft issue (all good so far). The ML550 has 68k km, so essentially half the mileage, and is equally well equipped.

 

I got mine about a year ago with 47k miles on it and I've managed to get it to 80k miles within a year with literally no problems. Very reliable so far in my book.

 

That's a lot of driving!

Good to hear. The one I'm looking at has about 42k miles, so I'm hoping for at least a few problem-free years (especially since I don't drive much). Haven't heard from the dealer yet though, so it might be sold.

How's your fuel economy? Inline with the estimated 13/18MPG?

 

Yep haha, and the estimated MPG is very accurate and since you said you don't drive that much you probably won't have any problems with filling up too often.

 

Got my 09 ML 550 last summer with 50k miles and now have 60k miles. NO problems and LOVE the power and sound of the V8.....but glad gas prices are down......

 

I've had mine for 11 months. Bought it with 46K Miles on it. Put on 6K Miles in that time span.

It's fun to drive. Drinks like a fish but that's ok for me cause I work 5 mins from home.

In that 11 months:

- Replaced right side rear taillight ($400)
- Replaced HVAC Blower ($550)
- Out of the blue steering wheel was off centre and need to get the end rods adjusted ($60)
- LED Mirror Turn Signal give up. ($100)

Other Expected
- Bushings in the right front are starting to give. I do hear a little clunk over a bump.
- Rear Hatch doesn't lock in really cold tempts. Needs a small yank in sub freezing temps to catch.
- I'm terrified when the air ride goes on it. Have you seen the cost of the front ADS Suspension? Then you have to get the system reset. Or the cost of compressors?

 

Oh and I forgot to mention that stupid O Ring Gasket at the power steering reservoir. It's going to leak. It's inevitable on all MB's.

Part costs only $2.

But man to get it installed on the 550 is a PITA. Took me 3 hours and cut my knuckles to shreds.

 

I have owned my ML550 since new -- 7 years. 120,000km, which is about 75,000 miles. It had a number of warranty problems in the first three years -- sunroof wouldn't always close, air conditioning worked only sporadically, COMAND failed, etc., all fixed under warranty but annoying all the same. Since then it has been mostly reliable; the only non-maintenance items needing doing were a new water pump (Cdn$1,200 including labor = USD800) and a new thermostat (Cdn$800 including labor = USD550). Both costs include 12% sales tax. Stupid expensive, but not unexpected in a Mercedes V8. If you're looking for Lexus reliability, look elsewhere, but if you're prepared to spend a bit more for the pleasure of a wicked fast SUV, go for it!

 

There are two knobs on the hatch sides half way up. Twist them counterclockwise to extend and problem solved.

 

On the sides of the hatch? I'm gonna look into this. Thanks.