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Recently sold my 2007 E350 (for 600 bucks more than what I bought it for 2 years ago), as I was in the market for an ML.
Flew down to Los Angeles on Wednesday and purchased an ML from the second owner. Car has a full service history since day one at the local MB Dealer in Santa Monica, provided by Brad - E55GREASEMONKEY, who was a ton of help during this purchasing process.
Once again Brad, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS! Without the proof of service history, I would have never purchased this truck. (Carfax unfortunately did not show ANY records other than Smog Inspections).
- 2008 ML550 4Matic
- 105K original miles
- Calcite white exterior
- Beige Interior
- AMG Sports and Performance Package
- Keyless Go
Drove the car home on Thursday after spending the night at my buddy's house in Long Beach. 427 miles home to Sacramento without any issues. Car rides like a dream, transmission shifts smooth, everything on the car works as it should.
The truck does need a bit of attention though, which I will take care of myself with no problem, as it is part of making it my own:
- Needs a good clean/detail job.
- Re-install missing Tow Hook Cover on the rear bumper (already purchased on eBay).
- Needs a set of new tires.
- Has a small scrape on the front bumper as well as on the tailgate, which I will have addressed by the body shop of a friend.
Other than that, car is flawless and I am very happy with my purchase. Below pics have been taken after we got back from purchasing the car.
I will continue to update any progress on the truck on this thread.
Again, thanks for everyone's help and input during my research, and a SPECIAL THANKS to E55GREASEMONKEY.
Last edited by S70Houston; 12-25-2020 at 08:49 PM.
So, started to clean her up today.
Took care of the curb rash on the wheels, buffed out the spot on the tailgate as well as the small stuff on the front fender. Got rid of the ugly dealer license plate frames and cleaned the inside. Crackers, Chips, Matchbox cars, you name it, it was all there.
All I need to do is shampoo the carpets, then the inside is done.
I'm glad I was able to help you! You've found a nice ML that should last you a long time when you continue to keep up with the factory maintenance schedule. You've got it looking really nice already. I did notice the right rear exhaust tip looks pushed in. I also recommend the floor liners, not the mats! I've got them in two of our ML's. The tan carpet stains easily, and the rear floor liner also covers the hump.
I'm glad I was able to help you! You've found a nice ML that should last you a long time when you continue to keep up with the factory maintenance schedule. You've got it looking really nice already. I did notice the right rear exhaust tip looks pushed in. I also recommend the floor liners, not the mats! I've got them in two of our ML's. The tan carpet stains easily, and the rear floor liner also covers the hump.
Thanks Brad.
Yes, the Exhaust Tip is pushed in, that is also on the list of what needs to be fixed.
Do I need to see a Muffler shop, or do you have any ideas as to how to address and fix?
Any help is as always greatly appreciated.
Yes, I will get the floor liners for the truck as well.
Yes, the Exhaust Tip is pushed in, that is also on the list of what needs to be fixed.
Do I need to see a Muffler shop, or do you have any ideas as to how to address and fix?
Any help is as always greatly appreciated.
Yes, I will get the floor liners for the truck as well.
Look underneath, if it's like the 350 the tip is welded in place, this means the exhaust pipe is bent in front of the muffler. The easiest fix is replacing the muffler, there should be a clamp forward of it to make it easy to swap out. Check your local junkyards.
Look underneath, if it's like the 350 the tip is welded in place, this means the exhaust pipe is bent in front of the muffler. The easiest fix is replacing the muffler, there should be a clamp forward of it to make it easy to swap out. Check your local junkyards.
Thanks Brad.
Off to the DMV in the morning to transfer the title, then I will get underneath the truck and check things out.
Wonder how something like this happens, did the truck run into something while backing up?
Last edited by S70Houston; 12-28-2020 at 01:49 AM.
Off to the DMV in the morning to transfer the title, then I will get underneath the truck and check things out.
Wonder how something like this happens, did the truck run into something while backing up?
I had the same issue on my w164 when i purchased it. The muffler assembly was hit maybe due to a bump and was deformed before the muffler. To fix that i had to replace the muffler assembly with a used one and everything has been as it should.
I had the same issue on my w164 when i purchased it. The muffler assembly was hit maybe due to a bump and was deformed before the muffler. To fix that i had to replace the muffler assembly with a used one and everything has been as it should.
When I check out tips for our ML's on eBay, it looks like there is a Torx screw holding the tip in place.
I briefly looked underneath it before and it did not appear that there was anything bend, but I will check it out tomorrow.
Hoping I will be lucky and will not have to replace the muffler assembly.
TODAY's PROGRESS: (It is nice having the time off after Christmas to take care of the little projects. )
- Went to the DMV to transfer the title (actually, went to the AAA Office, which has a DMV inside, and was done in 15 minutes).
- Ordered my new tires, as the HANKOOK Dynapro HP2's currently on the truck are shot. I ordered a set of CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25. Hope they will preform as the reviews described.
- Went under the truck to realign the Chrome Tip on the Passenger Side.
As expected, the tip has a torx screw and can be removed, so I took the opportunity and cleaned the tips on both sides as well.
YES, I do believe the muffler is slightly bend upwards on the passenger side, but I was able to realign the tip and I think it looks fine. It is not perfect, but unless you look for it, I don't think anyone is going to notice. (You shall be the judge, see below BEFORE and AFTER pics). It for sure beats having to purchase a new muffler assembly.
- Shampooed the carpet.
I noticed a slight "rocking" on the front passenger seat, which I need to address. Other than that, I think the interior is complete.
BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER AFTER
Last edited by S70Houston; 12-28-2020 at 08:31 PM.
TODAY's PROGRESS: (It is nice having the time off after Christmas to take care of the little projects. )
- Went to the DMV to transfer the title (actually, went to the AAA Office, which has a DMV inside, and was done in 15 minutes).
- Ordered my new tires, as the HANKOOK Dynapro HP2's currently on the truck are shot. I ordered a set of CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25. Hope they will preform as the reviews described.
- Went under the truck to realign the Chrome Tip on the Passenger Side.
As expected, the tip has a torx screw and can be removed, so I took the opportunity and cleaned the tips on both sides as well.
YES, I do believe the muffler is slightly bend upwards on the passenger side, but I was able to realign the tip and I think it looks fine. It is not perfect, but unless you look for it, I don't think anyone is going to notice. (You shall be the judge, see below BEFORE and AFTER pics). It for sure beats having to purchase a new muffler assembly.
- Shampooed the carpet.
I noticed a slight "rocking" on the front passenger seat, which I need to address. Other than that, I think the interior is complete.
BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER AFTER
Looks good, no need to replace the muffler assembly. Mine was so deformed that the exhaust tip was touching the rear difusor which was starting to melt, so I had to replace it.
Washed the truck, and buffed out every little scratch I could find. EVERYTHING came out and I am super happy, truck looks like brand new.
I do need to cover that ugly tow hook hole in the rear bumper though. Ebay stated the part shipped and should be here next week.
New tire installation scheduled for Thursday, can't wait to get new shoes on her.
Washed the truck, and buffed out every little scratch I could find. EVERYTHING came out and I am super happy, truck looks like brand new.
I do need to cover that ugly tow hook hole in the rear bumper though. Ebay stated the part shipped and should be here next week.
New tire installation scheduled for Thursday, can't wait to get new shoes on her.
Well, this whole "the paint does not match" thing has really bothered me, as I am pretty **** with my cars.
Checked the paint in more detail, appears that the match is pretty darn good, but I messed things up by shooting some old clear coat I had left in the garage.
The clear coat was about 1 1/2 years old, and after shooting it, it appears that it turned somewhat yellow, which therefore made it look much darker then the rest of the bumper cover.
Guess I will take it off again, sand it and paint it once more, after buying some new clear coat.
Not for punishment, just for practice.
Last edited by S70Houston; 01-08-2021 at 11:27 PM.
12-25-2020, 08:38 PM
