M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

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Old Jul 22, 2021 | 06:11 PM
  #1  
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From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Maintenance suggestion

Fellow forum members
purchased a used 2011 ml350 with 105,000
miles
bought it from an Autohaus type dealer
they “go “ over the car for inspection
pretty sure they do what is necessary to sell the car
it is in good condition
What should I do to it for a baseline maintenance
all cars have some idiosyncrasies for that model
what have you owners experienced with your ML models second generation??
Thank you !!
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Old Jul 23, 2021 | 09:10 PM
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From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Rear battery

I see there is a small battery in the rear of my new 2011 ml350 w 105,000 miles
when should this be replaced
read an article saying if it goes dead car will not shift into gear
leaving the wife stranded somewhere
Has anyone had this happen?
Thanks
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Old Jul 25, 2021 | 11:02 PM
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
The purpose of the auxiliary battery is to provide transmission selection should the main battery fail. It is NOT the chief source of power for that function. Nevertheless, it should be kept in capable condition. You’ll be looking at error messages if you don’t.
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Old Jul 25, 2021 | 11:35 PM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
#1 for me would to change the transfer case ATF. It only take a half+ quart for all the power running through it. At your miles, I would do the diffs to, but not in a big rush. You actually want to do the transfer case twice after some short period, it's dirt cheap. I use the Valvoline Dexron 6 from Amazon $4

I would change the air filters. $20 on Amazon, Puralator 1 has an amazing filtration/flow curve, the best if you actually care about filtration, not just throw a dirty rag over the intake....I mean a "K&N. If you live in a sandy area, you can wrap them in pantyhose to pre-filter. While it's apart, spray carb clean the intake with the MAF disconnected / removed partly / pulled aside Then clean the cold MAF wire itself with appropriate MAF cleaner.

Run some E85, a gallon or two in a tank of gas to clean the system out, then maybe 2-cycle in the gas, 3oz/10G...double the first time....just get a gallon of Supertech or Pennzoil 2-cycle at WalMart, the best $10 you can spend.

I got the NGK Rutherium plugs, they rock and it's easy to swap. https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/product...um-spark-plugs

That's all I did to my ML, and it runs great.
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Old Jul 25, 2021 | 11:48 PM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I guess you should change the PSF too. With a turkey baster, suck out the reservoir and refill with ATF Dexron 6. Drive and do it again and again, 4x minimum....it's easy though. 2x then drive a week ,then one or two changes and your done.

https://smile.amazon.com/Valvoline-D...r_1_3?dchild=1
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Old Jul 26, 2021 | 06:59 AM
  #6  
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From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Thank You for the information

This forum rocks
We all know so much more together
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