How many miles / years do you expect from your ML?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ML350
2006 ML250
We have owned this 06 from day one - picked it up with zero miles, Gas powered engine, While it was the first year of this new body design we decided to give it a shot. We were in the market for a luxury SUV, and felt nothing on the market, quite looked as nice as this body style. The vehicle is very stable and smooth at highways speeds (and then some) and is one of the nicest performing vehicles we have owned. While we opted out of the aftermarket warranty, We quickly learned this was a mistake. Replacement parts and repairs are expensive on these vehicles and we found ourselves forking out of pocket for expensive repairs.
During the first two years of ownership, we put 20-30K on the vehicle, replaced a front differential, cam sensors, seals and some other incidentals along the way.
as others have stated, maintaining the vehicle is key, but we didn't go over board on oil changes, we stuck to the factory specs, (even when they changed) We used Mercedes fluids for all changes at every 12-14k miles and still running strong. Originally Trans fluid was dumped and re-filled at 50K. no other services to the trans.
Long story short, as long as these vehicles are maintained they will run forever, We are looking to finally get a new one this year,
Don't pass on a service plan where appropriate and Always buy the extended warranty!!!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
06 ML350 (AWD) fully loaded - 214,686 miles and running strong. (Arizona Vehicle)
We have owned this 06 from day one - picked it up with zero miles, Gas powered engine, While it was the first year of this new body design we decided to give it a shot. We were in the market for a luxury SUV, and felt nothing on the market, quite looked as nice as this body style. The vehicle is very stable and smooth at highways speeds (and then some) and is one of the nicest performing vehicles we have owned. While we opted out of the aftermarket warranty, We quickly learned this was a mistake. Replacement parts and repairs are expensive on these vehicles and we found ourselves forking out of pocket for expensive repairs.
During the first two years of ownership, we put 20-30K on the vehicle, replaced a front differential, cam sensors, seals and some other incidentals along the way.
as others have stated, maintaining the vehicle is key, but we didn't go over board on oil changes, we stuck to the factory specs, (even when they changed) We used Mercedes fluids for all changes at every 12-14k miles and still running strong. Originally Trans fluid was dumped and re-filled at 50K. no other services to the trans.
Long story short, as long as these vehicles are maintained they will run forever, We are looking to finally get a new one this year,
Don't pass on a service plan where appropriate and Always buy the extended warranty!!!
We have owned this 06 from day one - picked it up with zero miles, Gas powered engine, While it was the first year of this new body design we decided to give it a shot. We were in the market for a luxury SUV, and felt nothing on the market, quite looked as nice as this body style. The vehicle is very stable and smooth at highways speeds (and then some) and is one of the nicest performing vehicles we have owned. While we opted out of the aftermarket warranty, We quickly learned this was a mistake. Replacement parts and repairs are expensive on these vehicles and we found ourselves forking out of pocket for expensive repairs.
During the first two years of ownership, we put 20-30K on the vehicle, replaced a front differential, cam sensors, seals and some other incidentals along the way.
as others have stated, maintaining the vehicle is key, but we didn't go over board on oil changes, we stuck to the factory specs, (even when they changed) We used Mercedes fluids for all changes at every 12-14k miles and still running strong. Originally Trans fluid was dumped and re-filled at 50K. no other services to the trans.
Long story short, as long as these vehicles are maintained they will run forever, We are looking to finally get a new one this year,
Don't pass on a service plan where appropriate and Always buy the extended warranty!!!
From brands like Mercedes I was expecting no mechanical issues before 150K mark. If that was that kind of start, how much did you spend on this car to get this far?
Insurance companies are there for their profits not for you, risks were calculated properly, I don't believe in it, I understand some have issues and regret not having extended warranties but most
of the customers passing coverage limit without claims. How many cases when car brakes in a few months after coverage ends?
I was offered 75K miles extended warranty, I have passed this mark and have no issues, so far. So I have saved a few $K.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,834
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
High Milage W166
Wife has a 2015 ML350 Gas. She bought it with 29,000 miles. Currently at 90,000 and she took a new job and our child care makes for a 15,000 mile a year commute with 98% of it highway. Next week the ML gets oil change, transmission oil change with differential oil changes, cabin and engine filters, spark plugs and coil packs! Brakes done at 80,000 miles
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
My next expensive car will be a Tesla or equivalent fully-electric. Especially here in Quebec, we practically give away our hydro-powered electricity. With more and more charging stations popping up across North America, it seems to be the way to go (while waving the finger at the middle-east...)
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 210
Likes: 84
2015 S63 & 2014 ML350
We have 134,000 miles on my wife's 2014 daily driver and it has driven like a dream since we bought it in 2019. Nothing but routine maintenance (one fuel pump module replaced) and we will probably just keep it as a side car when we end up getting a bigger SUV.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Well, to answer the OP's question, I hadn't really given it much thought but, SMART goals being important I'll aim for 150,000, then revisit the question...maybe 200,000. Most of my Benzes were purchased as daily drivers at about 3 years old with under 50,000 miles, and I've generally wanted to sell them at 7-8 years old with well under 100K while they still have some value. The ML400 fills a different need; it's the summertime "beach wagon" also my "winter car" for when I park the SL under a cover for a few months. In this role it replaces two "elegant $#itboxes", a '98 RX300 and an '06 RX330. Each was purchased cheap with over 100K and sold only when breakdowns/repairs combined inconveniently. The ML was purchased 3 years ago with about 86,000 miles and excellent service records. It currently has about 111K and is due for spark plugs and transmission flush. In the event that I do very well when I soon downsize my primary residence to a condo (no guarantee in the Boston RE market) I could see myself upgrading my SL but it's unlikely I'd upgrade both.
Member
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 104
Likes: 20
From: Texas
2015 ML350, 2020 BMW X7, 2005 LS430
Planning to keep mine till 200k, which is prob 15 years away from now considering I don't drive much and it's mostly a side car that has some real utility. Mines is a "base" ML with just P1 and the lane tracking pack so no tricky air suspension or turbo's like the 400, 550, and 63, just a solid built gas NA V6 that really only needs oil changes and fluids.
Last edited by ARL_350; Dec 7, 2025 at 03:28 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,834
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Planning to keep mine till 200k, which is prob 15 years away from now considering I don't drive much and it's mostly a side car that has some real utility. Mines is a "base" ML with just P1 and the lane tracking pack so no tricky air suspension or turbo's like the 400, 550, and 63, just a solid built gas NA V6 that really only needs oil changes and fluids.
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I'm doing the opposite as the last few people. Purchased it this week at 160,000km, 2014 BluTech. Purpose chosen for towing a ~2200lb trailer expecting to get atleast, and sell it around 300,000km.
Found an almost fully loaded version with amazing service records and intact field measure warranty
Found an almost fully loaded version with amazing service records and intact field measure warranty
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
2008 GL550 4Matic
Bought a new ML 320 CDI in 2008. It had 218K trouble-free miles on it when a bimbo T-boned me.
Hands down the best car I've ever owned out of more than 60.
I'm 75 and fully expected it to last the rest of my life i.e. another 15 years.
Hands down the best car I've ever owned out of more than 60.
I'm 75 and fully expected it to last the rest of my life i.e. another 15 years.
Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 123
Likes: 47
From: Buchanan, SK CANADA
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I've got a couple dozen km over 300k on my ML350. "Expect it to last" is a pretty fuzzy target but I'll drive it into the ground or until it gets too expensive to keep on the road. I fired the parts cannon at it for two years. The past year has been mellow. I've got a few niggling details to attend to but its 13 years old. I expect to do some regular repairs. 400,000 km is 250,000 miles. That shouldn't be unrealistic. The body is solid. I had my doubts about all the electronics but those alligators seem to have crawled back into the swamp lately so I'm more optimistic. I just sold a 2005 Towncar a year ago after taking it deep into Mexico with absolutely nothing done to it other than a mid trip oil change. The finest example of Kraut engineering should be able to exceed that performance at the very least.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Endicott NY
2014 ML350 Bluetec, 2016 GLC 300, 2023 Corvette, Z51 Stingray
I have a 2014 Bluetec with 150k. No major issues. I have a local independent MB mechanic who services the car and unless he tells me something major is wrong then I am planning on keeping the car for another 12 years. Maybe unrealistic but I am retired and am not driving as much as I use to. I average 24 MPG local and around 30 highway. At this point I really do not believe the car owes me anything.
Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 164
Likes: 58
From: Australia
2014 ML63, 2018 GLC43, 1929 DB victory six sports roadster
I had an ML500 until I sold it at 250,000 km. It was a fantastic car with all the standard maintenance done. Shocks, air springs, front wheel bearings and CV joints. Did all the normal engine stuff. My ML63 is at 154,000km and I will attempt to keep it running until I can’t drive anymore. I think if you look after anything well enough it should last. My Dodge sports roadster is 97 years old and still going strong. I do all my own maintenance and try to do anything that is needed as soon as it arises. The ML63 is at the top of the list for me for a car that I want so I don’t want for anything better I want to keep it forever. I would not purchase a car built after 2018.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 598
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
I had an ML500 until I sold it at 250,000 km. It was a fantastic car with all the standard maintenance done. Shocks, air springs, front wheel bearings and CV joints. Did all the normal engine stuff. My ML63 is at 154,000km and I will attempt to keep it running until I can’t drive anymore. I think if you look after anything well enough it should last. My Dodge sports roadster is 97 years old and still going strong. I do all my own maintenance and try to do anything that is needed as soon as it arises. The ML63 is at the top of the list for me for a car that I want so I don’t want for anything better I want to keep it forever. I would not purchase a car built after 2018.
That is my logic with the W166 as well. Or any car really. It will run as long as you’re keeping up on it. It’s the people who let it go trade it in and cry about how bad car ABC is.
