OK guys whats to problem list on these, I've bveen looking at 2010 and up ML320 4Matics

 

To help with your shopping, model year 2011 was the last of the W164 chassis, which is the forum you have posted in. If you are considering an ML from 2012-2015, these are on the newer W166 chassis, a very reliable platform.

Are you looking specifically for a W164 2010-2011, or are you also considering 2012 and newer W166 models?

 

No no nessesarily that year, just a few that are still a W164 that are for sale in my area. What woulf be an advantage to a 2012 and up that I would noticew, just looking for a reliable car

 

The only real problem would be a diesel engine.

 

not looking at diesels, just gas V6's , ML350's 4Matics

 

W164 seems to be known for leaking rear taillamp gaskets which allows water infiltration into electronics at the rear of the vehicle. This wreaks all manner of havoc. Gaskets can be replaced but checking for water damage could be hit or miss. W166 seems to be cured of that but suffers in some vehicles from a split liftgate gasket which allows water into the liftgate latch area and causes problems.

W164 rear liftgate is powered hydraulically which can causes problems at high mileage/age. W166 uses electric which seems to age better and is easier to replace when needed.

W164 uses hydraulic power steering and mechanical (cable) parking brake. W166 uses electric power steering and electric parking brake. I prefer the electric systems.

I am biased toward W166 obviously but the W164 can be good if you avoid the diesel and can make a solid determination on the rear taillamp gaskets.


Buying the newest and lowest mileage vehicle in your price range is a good idea to adhere to.

 

Test drive an ML550, and compare it to the to the ML350, ......... you may be surprised and may want a 550 after that experience.

How do I know? Because this is what happened to me.

 

I have no need for the extra power, it's a winter/snow vehicle

 

I see. You will l NEVER pull anything, go up a mountain range, try to pass anyone or anything, ...

Got it.

 

One pro of the 550 engine is that it won't have the balance shaft issues the 350 engine has.

 

In all fairness, not ALL 350 engines are affected by the balance shaft issue, but one of course needs to do their homework.

 

Hey I have a Ford F250 Diesel pickup, tuned , large injectors, 6-peed manual trans and over 600 Lb/Ft of torque when I " pull anything, go up a mountain range, try to pass anyone " that will outpull you any day of the week with a 35 foot 5-th wheel (oh ya wait thats right you can't pull one of those can you) up any mountain you wanna try. So before you go shooting your mouth off this isn't for pulling anything and there aren't too many mountains in Northern Wisconsin and it's for the wife anyway so hey, nice try but Check Mate bud

 

Just love how some idiots THINK they know what someone on the other side of the country whom they never met in their lives , knows just what I need. Geez, like I never bought a car before in my life!

 

Keep on truckin'

 

You're correct, but it will have the timing chain sprocket issue.

 

True, I had thought the balance shaft issue affected all M272 engines. My mistake there.

In any case, all it means is avoid 2006-2008 Mercedes unless the engine and transmission have been replaced/repaired.

 

Good info, thank you. I bought a fairly clean 2011

Purchased an extended 3 year 36,000 mile warranty

 

Hope you have a block heater for your car in Sacramento for when it gets down to 40 below zero and two feet of snow on the ground just like it does here in January

 

What's a " block hearter"?

 

I misspelled and corrected but you still wouldn't know anyway. Again thank you for your time.

 

Here is the thing, ............ you have 12 lousy posts on this forum and act like a real macho man, ...... big truck, huge trailer, blah, blah, blah, ......
No one called you any names on here, yet you cannot spell or are capable of proof reading your posts, but you call others "idiots"???

Think again, ......

And further more, maybe some of us "idiots" are not willing to live where you do, as we do not want to freeze our butts off, nor do we want block heaters on our cars!

Good luck with your 2011 ML350, I will no longer respond to your rudeness and nonsense.

 

You mean like this,,,
Ya big truck, I got lots a power blah blah blah blah
Promise, I don't want your advice I already had enough of it. I misspelled one word and you of coarse never did in your life
And after I told you what it's used for, here is your bragging smart remark

Not knowing even what the vehicle is to be used for, and it's for my wife. Which I already stated a winter/snow vehicle Like she would need extra power. For what to haul grocery bags? Shows after I even told you how little you pay attention, All about you isn't it?
Your the one that shot his mouth off and all I did is respond the way you did. You reap what you sow, and I came on here looking for any problems with an ML350, you right away try to tell me I don't know what to buy because it won't pull anything up a mountain (that doesn't even exist here). Because people like you know so much about me. Now guess again, YOU DON'T. And on top of that I answered your statement and then you come back with that smart remark and when I call you on it then you get mad because it didn't work and I didn't listen. Now when someone gives you what you gave them your all mad? It's the pot calling the kettle black bud. And again don't worry I don't want your advice.

 

To those that helped thank you, I bought the car and it checks out pretty nice. Hopefully a lot of good miles left, Thanks again

 

Congrats on the purchase,
We have a 2010 ML350, got it in 2012, it is primarily my wife's car and the "trip" car as I drove a 08 CLK350 Cab & then and Audi A5 Cab. It might turn 80,000 miles this week. Below is the 1 of the only issues we have had with car in 9 years.
"W164 seems to be known for leaking rear taillamp gaskets which allows water infiltration into electronics at the rear of the vehicle. This wreaks all manner of havoc. Gaskets can be replaced but checking for water damage could be hit or miss. W166 seems to be cured of that but suffers in some vehicles from a split liftgate gasket which allows water into the liftgate latch area and causes problems."
Other issue
Passenger side mirror motor went
this past July we finally had the original spark plugs replace, any other work on the car has been maintenance based on the MB schedule.
at the rate this car gets driven its like the a service is done this year and the B next. My wife and have long discussion on getting her a new car but when it get down to it - she likes the interior of the 2010 best and then the 2021's . Doesn't like the amount of vinyl from bottom of dash to the center console - think it looks cheap and I agree.

the 2010 ML has/is a great car, roomy, hauls stuff and is comfortable.