debralynnjohnso

Posted previously about issues I've been having for last couple of years w/2006 ML350. It's idling really high and has a very rough, jerky ride. Have had 2 new fuel pumps since 2019. Car runs good for a while then randomly won't start. Been to 2 garages, no one can diagnose problem. As last resort an out of curiosity, went ahead and paid the $400 diagnostic to have dealership trouble shoot. They advised 1. Mass Airflow Sensor replacement $741.70 and 2. Replace transmission valve body $3498.92car

Googled MAF and it seems as though symptoms for a bad one (halting and slow gear change) are the same as w/a bad transmission. Question: If I replace the MAF only.....will the car run smoothly again? Will a bad MAF cause a vehicle to randomy not start? Is it worth it to invest money in an almost 17 yr old vehicle? I've already upgraded to same vehicle newer year, just don't want all the maintenance/money already invested in the 2006 to go to waste.

Tsumi

The first few years of the 7g-tronic transmission (up until ~2008) as well as the M272 engine were known to have problems. If you want to keep the ML, I would plan on doing the transmission sooner or later. Same with the engine balance shaft issue. You can decide whether or not a transmission and engine rebuild/replacement that will happen sooner or later is worth it. Personally I would sell it and get a newer ML.

E55Greasemonkey

The repairs cost more than the car is worth. What else do you need to know?

debralynnjohnso

I've already replaced it w/a newer model. I just love the body of the 2006 and want to hang onto it a little longer

Fiiz

MAF can be bought for very cheap and an easy DIY. Bosch units are $70.

Valve body issues are generally solenoid related. not a DIY but not nearly a $3500 bill. refurbished solenoids are $150 a full set.

Hope that old car didn't suffer a bad fate.

lkchris

the answer to this is that the repairs don’t cost as much as a new vehicle.

if the “new” vehicle is used, you have no idea of its condition … as opposed to what you know about the current vehicle.

Spending more than “value” of vehicle as a disincentive is not automatically valid.

wannawagon

I don’t know the 3.5litre v6 but assume it has an electronic throttle body. I would have thought those problems would be similar to sticking throttle but assume a tps would throw code if not where expected