KwlAznKid

Hi

I'm looking at purchasing a used ML350 and was wondering if there are any issues/problems to watch out for. Are there any differences between the earlier models? only considering the ml350 or ml320 (diesel), not the v8 ones.

Thanks!

Pmarino

https://www.import-car.com/mercedes-...ems-and-cures/

Towmater

A lot.

None if you remove all the emissions crap.

Kevin9664

Hi guys, currently looking for something to supplement my convertible. Looking to getting an ML350 4Matic (Gas). Been doing research and this thread has been helpful. Obviously considering milage and reviewing service history but any reason major reasons to avoid 2012s or 2013s?

chassis

The M272 90 degree V6 engine has a history of balance shaft problems.

Rear taillamp gasket failure, leading to water infiltration and electric module damage is somewhat common with the W164/X164 platform.

Air suspension is to be avoided due to (un)reliability.

RobA

Hi there, I’m new to the group. Formerly had a beautiful (second hand) W140 S Class and have been a member in the past. I’ve just bought a 2011 ML350 Diesel with 97,000 kms and full books (& rejoined the group), it has all the features of my super-classy W140 from years ago! Beautifully presented vehicle however a couple of issues have quickly surfaced - I had a third party fit a tow pack and he noted that the vehicle underneath was showing a nice dollop of leaking transmission fluid from the three lowest bolt heads on the transfer case, and that one of the rear suspension units appeared to be seeping. The vehicle hasn’t previously had a tow pack on it. He considered that if the rear unit was seeping like that now - without any weight on it - then it wouldn’t last long if I put a caravan on it. So I’m interested in the comments re: the air suspension units and, of course, any guidance anyone can give me re: transfer case leaks. I bought the vehicle just last week from an authorised Mercedes Dealer who provided a two year Mercedes warranty, I’ve contacted them this morning and it’s back to them tomorrow. The dealership has an excellent reputation for looking after their customers. I’m in Melbourne, Australia. Any thoughts on the issues? Cheers and thanks, when I had the S Class I solved so many issues through these pages, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts, thanks in advance.

Pmarino

Take advantage of that warranty while you have it
Leaks & Fluid
Any leaks from the transmission, transfer case or differential should be taken seriously. Damage can occur if the fluid drops to a critical level. The most common leaks can be found around the driveshaft and axle seals.

Sometimes, there will be oil leakage at the seam between the automatic transmission and the transfer case; it can occur around the entire seam. If droplets can be seen, seal the areas with black sealant in the vicinity of the propeller shaft to the front axle transmission. If the problem is a “sweating” leak, sealing must not be carried out, as this is a normal phenomenon inherent in the design of oil-filled systems. If there are any leaks in the differential transfer case, check the vents and breathers. The seals can leak and fail, if the case is over pressurized.

When it comes to fluids, the 4MATIC transfer case uses automatic transmission fluid that meets Mercedes-Benz standards. The same is true for differentials that use 75w-90 hypoid gear lubricant. The standards for the fluids for the entire vehicle can be found at bevo.mercedes-benz.com. They even have an app that can be downloaded from the Apple and Google app stores.

What kind of info are you looking for with the airmatic?

RobA

Many thanks Pmarino for your quick response. The dealer has it back today, has assured me all will be covered under warranty. My query re: the airmatic is that when I purchased the vehicle I didn't know a lot about the Mercedes air suspension system. Years ago I had a Ford Fairlane which had a rear air suspension - had a mind of its own after a relatively short period, in that case I replaced it with the standard solid setup from the previous model. I've also owned a C5 Citroen - the air suspension on that didn't fail, although just about everything else on it did... My question is how reliable are these Mercedes Air Suspensions on vehicles with around the 100k on them? It would be a shame I think to replace it with a solid suspension, the comfort and ride of the ML is superb. I am expecting that over time I will need expensive work done on the system and have factored some heavy expenses into my costings.

texterted

The struts and airbags will all be at the end of their life, at that mileage. However, if you can get a new set under warranty, you're good to go.
All mine failed, shortly after 60,000 miles. I even had one of the adaptive damper units detach from one of the rear struts.
OE Mercedes are fairly expensive but you can get Arnott replacements in the States, which are more affordable.

RobA

Thanks Ted, appreciate your reply. I’m in that land down under, Melbourne Australia, so I’ll have to some parts hunting I think. I knew when I bought this vehicle that there could be some high costs for certain parts involved, nobody is ever happy with high costs but this is just such a terrific vehicle I think I’m willing to spend some dough to get it back up to speed. My ML350 was around AUS$105,000 new, add AUS$25,000 for extras. The retail market value of my vehicle in 2020 is AUS$30,000. You can do the sums to your currency - are your values similar?

Pmarino

Mercedes-Benz W164 & X164 Airmatic Troubleshooting

What Are Common Air Suspension Problems?

Mercedes AirMatic Suspension Sagging or Compressor Issues

Airmatic

RobA

Haven't been on the forum since February 2020, time flies when you're in COV19 land in Melbourne Australia. My previous posts were re: my purchase of ML350 with leaks and lots of other issues - pleased to advise the Mercedes dealership has come to the party on everything, all work covered under warranty. Only hiccup I have now (130,000kms) is that I have the "Check Tyre Pressure" message come up when my tyres are all ok (multiple times). They're taking it back in tomorrow & will replace whatever sender unit does this, again after warranty. Since my initial doubts I've got to say that MB have been fantastic, I'm hanging onto this vehicle, it's solid, smooth, great mileage and and despite being ten years old is still a beautiful thing . Thx to others for previous advice re: holding Mercedes to their warranty - didn't have to do that, they emphasized right from the start this was "on them". Not bad for an ML which was AUS$115k new, AUS$32k seven years later, probably still worth AUS$25k now, and all the issues fixed at nil cost. Well done MB.

RobA

Hello again, time to report back on my (now) 130,000kms ML350 2011 down here in Melbourne Australia. I have a two year second-hand warranty through Mercedes and as previously advised they have been perfect in sticking to their side of the bargain. Front struts failed, replaced under warranty. Oil leaks, injector seals replacement - all replaced under warranty. You'd think this vehicle was a heap the way I'm describing it but although it's 10 years old now you'd reckon it was straight off the showroom floor. Mine has the airmatic suspension, other members have suggested that the original front & rear will be close to failing by now - my concern was that the warranty runs out this month and I was unsure about the rear suspension. Then I had a weird event - I kept getting a warning that I had a flat tyre. And it wasn't flat. None were flat. Checked it with the tyre place, checked it with Mercedes. Mercedes suspected an electrical or IT fault, updated everything that could be updated. It wasn't electrical or IT. Then they kept the vehicle for a fortnight (twice), had one of their mechanics drive it to & from home (and gave me a GLB35 new AMG as a courtesy car, thank you MB). Finally the culprit revealed itself - it looks like one of the rears in the airmatic system has the smallest leak, causing an imbalance which has been enough to trigger the faulty "leaking tyre" message. So, under warranty again, Mercedes are now replacing the rear airmatic setup. The issue I suppose is that if you were trying to fund all of the repairs I've had they would be expensive. I went to three "non-genuine" Mercedes specialists and discussed my warning message about supposed leaking tyres and they really didn't want to know. So, well done again Mercedes. Might have to update to a later model one day but I'm told the later "Bluetec" series is a whole different set of potential issues... thanks again to those members who made comments on my original post, your advice has been spot on.

Pmarino

Congratulations RobA! Good dealers are hard to come by where I live.

Off topic.....What is going on in Melbourne with the covid sanctions??? I'm seeing some very disturbing stuff!

RobA

Thx Pmarino. On the face of it Australia has done pretty well during COV19 but it's become very political. Each of our States and Territories have their own governments and each have approached things a bit differently. Dan Andrews is our premier here in Victoria, there is a very vocal minority of (in my opinion) nutbags who won't get vaccinated. At a recent demonstration of (unvaccinated) individuals quite a few picked up COV19. They then have to be treated by our medical people. Doctors and nurses have been abused, assaulted etc. Quite disgraceful in my view. There are some strong opinions on this - not everyone will agree with me, but most do. Dan Andrews has recently succeeded in passing legislation which empowers governments during epidemics. The first draft was a tad draconian, but in the main we are very glad that we've had a premier who has put Victorians first (again, my view). Overriding this we have Prime Minister Morrison who is the top man federally. Many of our friends, including myself and family, regard Morrison as being an embarrassment on the national stage and hope he doesn't get re-elected early 2022. I need to say that Australians do watch what is happening in the US - seeing your former president talk strange things about COV19 didn't help . Thanks for the question, although admin may wish to delete my answer because it isn't exactly a Mercedes problem!