derek13

I am new to the forum and just purchased a 2009 ML550 Non Airmatic with 135,000 miles. Everyone in my family said don't do it but I couldn't pass it up.
One owner and 45 service record entries.
My question is what would you do to it first? The previous owner had it in there every 5k miles for oil changes it looks like. All the a and B services, brakes and to fix some bits here and there.
All at the MB dealer, but I don't think anything else was really done.

Should I focus first on maybe a Trans Service and plugs? Check valve for tenioners or if I am not hearing any noises just leave all that alone.

Thanks,,

Maj. Dundee

It's a money maker for M/B. Half the times they do not do anything and still charge you.

My suggestion is to buy your own scanner so YOU will know what the problem is before going to a dealer.

S70Houston

Congrats on your new to you ML. I have a 2008 ML550 and love it.

However, no need for two, pretty much identical threads.

Jacotrader

I just bought a 2008 550 too. How do like it so far? I haven’t picked it up yet but I’m excited.

derek13

I love it. I think I got a good one but I am a little worried. It may be my fault. I filled it up and only turned gas cap one turn. The Check Engine goes on and I see right on the gas cap it says turn 3 clicks.
I am hoping that is the only issue. I did notice a small oil leak. Front drivers side three little drops side by side.

I am going to bring it in to an independent MB mechanic to look it over and prioritize what it might need. I runs very well. Fingers crossed.

Jacotrader

Nice! Mines black with brown/ tan interior- I would prefer your interior. Mine has 70k miles - but I think I paid for it 😆 .

S70Houston

Congrats!


Here is Mine, had 102k miles when I picked it up in December of last year, came with a flawless dealer service history.
I like it a lot, great power when needed, not too big, not too small, just right. Great daily driver.

S70Houston

Congratulations, nice looking truck.

Yes, find yourself a good independent MB Mechanic you can trust, it will definitely pay off in the long run.

Have it checked out and spend the money to make it right, the check engine light could be anything, the oil leak should get addressed.

GOOD LUCK, keep us posted.

S70Houston

What's the verdict? By now I would assume you had at least the oil leak addressed?

derek13

The verdict is that it was an unmitigated disaster. The car had major issues. I took it to an independent MB mechanic. He told me to run from this car as fast as I can.
I took it back under a 500 mile 15 day warranty. They said we will look at it. I said no I want to kill the deal. It needs 8k work to get it straight. He said they went thru it and they went through it and didn't see any issues.

He told me too bad life isn't fair. I almost flipped my lid. After some minor threatening he agreed to take it back but keep $500 of the down payment. I was fine with that.
I was very disappointed. The car was spotless and drove in my opinion very well. Shortly after the leaks appeared and that check engine light came on. It was bad catalytic converters. Need replacing and of course all the censors with it. 3k right Also valves leaking not that bad yet but soon it was going to leak onto exhaust and fill cabin with oil smell. Among other things. MB mechanic told me to find another and bring it to him first and or consider an ML350.

This is a short list of issues.

P0422 - The efficiency of the right catalytic convert is insufficient. Recommend catalytic converts & oxygen sensors. < < < Oil filter & cooler housing is leaking engine oil > > > < < < Camshaft expansion plug leaking oil > > > < < < Crankcase Vent valve is leaking oil > > > < < < Transmission oil service is due. Transmission oil pan is severely rusted. Recommend to replace when servicing transmission > > > < < < Valve cover gaskets are leaking > > > < < < Front Brakes are worn > > > < < < Left rear spring is broken > > >

S70Houston

Sorry to hear, that does not sound good at all.
This is why a pre-inspection is always money well spend prior to purchasing.

As they say, the most money you will ever spend is on a used Mercedes 😊

Better luck next time. I would however still search for a 550, as the driving experience is by far more exciting than on a 350.

S70Houston

I just read this in detail again.

You mean during your test drive, or after driving the car for a bit you did not notice the broken rear spring?

This is an ML550, you should have surely noticed that, while accelerating the car aggressively. This must have made some kind of noise.

derek13

The MB mechanic said it was just the end and not bad but was just putting it down because soon it was going to need to be replaced.

Jacotrader

I know this is a mute point now, but depending on what you paid, you could probably have done the most urgent items for not much, and have an awesome suv. I’m not a mechanic but I’m not sure it would affect anything by not changing the cats.
Again , depending on what you paid. I just bought a 2008 550 with 70k miles for $14k and put $2500 in service and new tires. Not saying I got the best deal in history, but I’m happy given its history

S70Houston

AGREED!!!!!
I bought my 2008 550 for 9k and also put some money into it to get it back to where it needed to be. The suspension components needed some attention.

Now, the ML is as good as new and with an extensive service history at the dealer (i.e. Tranny service by the book at 40K and 80K) and now with 109K miles on the clock, it should keep me happy for a very long time.

The ML550 is just an awesome truck (In my opinion)

@ Jacotrader - Post some pictures of your ML, I am sure not only myself would be interested in seeing it.

S70Houston

Jacotrader

I will tomorrow. Took it in today for: 4 new defender Michelin tires, new oil breather, new aux battery, transmission & transfer case fluid.

S70Houston

Sweet. Michelin is the only way to go.

Talal Al Hadidi

if you charge the aux battery slow charge for 9 hours you will not need to change it