Finally got ML350 diagnosed.....opinions
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 12
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2006 CLS 500, 2007 ML 350, 2007 GL 450, 2006 E350
Finally got ML350 diagnosed.....opinions
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
Likes: 114
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 12
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2006 CLS 500, 2007 ML 350, 2007 GL 450, 2006 E350
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.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2007 ML500
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.
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
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
