Located a ML550, 2008 with 104k miles on it. Car looks pristine and all works. White in color, tan interior with all options, but no service history. Seller is asking 9k for it.
Should no service history be a deal breaker at that mileage?

I am still on the fence in regards to 550 or 350, and could really use some good advise.
Which is the better engine, which will be more cost effective in regards to maintenance?

Thanks guys.

 

PM me the VIN of the ML550, I can check for any dealership service history. I own three w164 ML's. They are one of MB's best cars to own. My daily driver is a 2008 350 4matic, 172k miles. Wife drives a 2011 350 2wd, 67k miles, and I'm currently refreshing a 2011 ML63 with 78k miles. Keep in mind I still own, and used to daily drive a 600hp E55. I find the ML350 power "adequate" for around town driving. However, I live in Florida, where it's flat and near sea level. It's not underpowered. The 272 engine coupled with the 7 speed transmission is a nice combo. Remember the 272 V6 at 268hp is only 30hp short of the older ML500. 1st gear is very low and makes for quick starts off the line if needed. After that, you are as fast as most other regular cars on the road. I drove a couple underpowered cars lately, like a Nissan Sentra (terrible) and a Hyundai Veloster (meh.) The ML350 has much more power than that. I really like the 4matic in the rain, and we have a lot here. I believe all the ML550's are 4matic. Also, the A/C in the 164 is probably the best of any MB. 350/550 maintenance is about the same. Don't by a 550 with air suspension. There aren't many ML550's around so it's hard to see what problems they have- however based on the GL's they may stretch the transfer case chain at some point. I've only seen the V8 164's do this, and not any V6 yet. Of course stay far away from any diesel! The weak link will be the transmission. If it never had that first fluid change at 40k miles, it may last 100-150k miles at the most. Mine has had the fluid changes done, and still shifting nice at 175k miles. I recently replaced the trans. contact plate/TCU as preventative maint. as they are known to go bad. They only go bad once, and just about every early 722.9 has had it replaced, then you are good to go. Mine was original, and still working ok. But since I was doing the fluid change, I went ahead and replaced it. I get good discounts on parts and do the work myself. (I'm a dealership tech- 18 years with MB!) Make sure whatever engine you choose is past the balance shaft/idler gear failure serial numbers. Both the 273 v8 and 272 v6 are good engines and have similar reliability. The maintenance between the two is basically the same. If you are in the mountains, and don't mind poor gas mileage get the V8 if you can find a clean one. There are not many around. The V6 models are more plentiful. Whatever you decide, have a pre-purchase inspection performed at a dealership or COMPETENT MB indy shop.

 

PM sent, thanks in advance.

 

PM sent, thanks in advance.