Basically with the growing family I think its time to upgrade from a E46 BMW. Checking the Classfieds its pretty crazy how cheap these W164 have gotten recently. I would be interested in an 2008+ because I don't want to get stuck with the balance shaft issue. Unless I can find an ML500 with the old M113 engine.

Either way, I am wondering what stuff to look out for and what is common to go bad on these. I come from European cars and I know that most of them are money pits and need tons of TLC unlike a Toyota/Honda. Only issue is that I live in an apartment condo complex and I can't be removing Engines, Transmission in the underground parking lot, repairs need to be minor to moderate.

So far from what I can tell besides the engine balance shaft they are bullet proof except for the intake manifold plastic bits? These can be retrofitted with metal parts from what I can understand?

How common are the power steering rack leaks? I don't mind the PS reservoir or the wires from the pump to the rack leaking since those seem fairly easy. However it looks like to replace the PS rack you need to remove the differential, which I rather not do.

Do these all have air suspension? Or do the ML350 all have an old strut setup ? Rather not deal with the headaches of the air leaking and compressor dying.

Is there a Mercedes website where you put in the VIN # and it gives a detailed report of which maintaince was performed on a certain vehicle if it was serviced at a MB dealership? I know that with Lexus its possible to look this up?

I also looked into the CDI model? However those look like headaches with all the extra parts. How are they maintenance wise? I know they get better MPG.

The Transmission seems bullet proof? Seems that the common issue is a conductor plate which seems like an easy repair, doesn't require transmission removal? How common is this?

Also what year was the Blind Spot monitor introduced? Some sources say 2011 and some say 2013?

 

Look for a 2006-2008 ML5000.

 

Cheap cause they are money pits but you know this cause you've had Euro's before, I learned this coming from Japanese cars where I've spent next to nothing for repairs and most things are possible in a backyard/afternoon.
This gen ML has lots of electrical gremlins, but a lot of them could be traced back to the rear sam due to a leaky taillight gasket. I replaced mine and solved 90% of my electrical faults.
The transmission is mechanically robust, but the conductor plate (speeds sensors) is susceptible to failure, guess it can be done with jackstands in a garage, it'll be messy though and condo's can get pretty upset if you leave oil marks on the floor.
Not all ML's have air suspension, google Mercedes VIN lookup, it'll tell you what the vehicle has in terms of options from the factory, but at 10+ years old if it's not currently leaking when you get it don't get upset that it does eventually, my 07 doesn't leak, but the struts are dead and non oem/rebuilt struts get mixed reviews, new oem bilsteins aren't cheap.
Can't comment on the balance shaft, manifold issues, my PS rack was replaced before I got it so not sure what the problem was.

 

Avoid air suspension, seek steel spring suspension.
Avoid diesel, aka Bluetec, powertrains, seek gasoline powertrains.
Avoid the balance shaft engine M272 V6.
Be aware of tumble flap concerns in the intake manifold of some engines.
Note the rear taillamp gasket situation as noted above.

With a growing family ("growing" means you have young children at home to me and, having raised two children, this to me means plenty of increasing expense for you), a 12 year old, complex vehicle with multiple well-known reliability concerns doesn't seem the best vehicle for a person in your situation. From my perspective.

 

I have a 2008 ML 320 ( DIESEL)......bought it used with 33k in 2010....now have 226k on it. Other than the oil leaks - occurred at 65k .....the vehicle has been great.....the 2008 does not use the adblue. I highly recommend this vehicle if it was looked after.

 

I have a very nice 2009 ML550 listed here if you are interested...

https://mbworld.org/forums/market/765033

This has been bulletproof with the exception of having to replace the transfer case chain...started off as a $6500 repair, and I ended up doing it myself for about $125.

Henry

 

Isn't the 2009 ML550 prone to the bearing shaft issues?

From what I understand there is a 2006-2007 ML500 which has the older engine. The 2008+ have the ML550 which is the newer style engine with possible bearing shaft issues?

I might test out a few of these and wondering if there is some cheap MB scan tool I can use which can diagnose all the systems like Engine, Transmission, Differentials and tell me if anything major is at fault? Most of these I looked at got oil leaks at the bottom of the front end, are these most likely a PS leak or do the engines have bad gaskets which causes leaks in the oil pan gasket+rear main seal?

 

iCarsoft and autel are two scanners mentioned on this site. Use the search button. A full Xentry/DAS system is the proper tool and can be sourced from user pmercury on this site.

Leaking oil is a red flag in my view. Avoid vehicles with oil leaks, regardless of where the oil is coming from, unless you are willing and able to address them.

 

I've not heard of any bearing issues, nor have I experienced any. Like I said before, my ML550 has been bullet proof with the exception of the transfer case chain. The engine is bone dry... not a single leak. Maybe I'm lucky, but it has been a great vehicle.

 

X2 on that.

A lot of people are doomed and confuse the bluetec engine with the cdi engine. IMO they are completely different in reliability.

I have an 08 GL 320 CDI with 206k and no engine or trans issues.

I also have an 08 ML 320 CDI with 141k and running great so far. I bought it 6 months ago.

I am also looking at buying another ML 320 CDI in pristine condition with the lowest miles so I have it 20 years from now when diesel vehicles will be nearly non existent.

 

My ML550 2009 has been very serviceable. Search around this forum and you will find a list if engine number ranges that had the potential for balance shaft issues. Post mid 2008 builds seem to be fine. Same with front diffs. Search this forum and you will see an official MB note that specified the engine number ranges for the V8 as well as the V6 from memory. I used it before I bought my car.

I've had the following issues: Failed LED lights in both brake light assemblies (whole assembly must be replaced), and electronic ignition switch needed replacement. Both thankfully done under warranty. I've replaced front and rear airbags on suspension but this is just what it is if you want the airbag suspension. Otherwise all good.

I'd avoid the diesel V6 like the plague based on what I have read. Make sure the automatic has been regularly serviced as well. If you can stretch for a 550, do it. It's a better car all round with a brilliant engine that you'll love.

 

I thought that the W164 ML500 M113 was only from 05-07?

 

How common are the steering rack leaks on these? I've looked at a few and most are leaking at the rack. Was the rack upgraded in later model years? Seems like a pain to replace with the differential in the way.