05-E55

I've been reading the posts regarding reliability and potential issues. It seems most people here are okay with the gas model, which is what I'm considering. My question is for those with higher mileage vehicles as the ones I'm seeing typically have 70k to 80k on them at least. Am I about to buy an expensive headache? I understand the need for maintenance and Mercedes tax as this will be my 4th MB. I just don't want to have to repair/replace components right away and constantly. I would greatly appreciate feed back from those with 100k or more on theirs. Thanks in advance.

05-E55

Anyone with 80k+ miles?

drwolf

your considering a car thats about 5,6 years old. If you get one, before your purchase make sure it has a clean carfax and the appropriate service records. Second, some of the people here at DIYers and will do their own maintenance, especially the BT models. Others will pay for the service A/B appointments and as long as they keep the car serviced, the car should last 100k/200k depending on how much money your willing to put in long term. Me i would say as long as you have the service records and the previous 1st or 2nd owner kept the car in good shape, you wont have huge issues (hopefully). Good Luck

05-E55

I tend to keep them short of forever, but spend plenty on maintenance. Still have my 2000 S500 with 233K miles currently. Just did mounts, rear shocks(2nd time, 1st time MB replaced everything under good will at 59K, dealer quote was around $6K), and tires all in the past month. Scheduled for flex disc next week in addition to regular service and I hope that'll get me to 300K. 2002 ML320 sold at 192K miles, but I should've kept it. 2005 E55 with 75K miles. $30k+ (over $40K actually, but MB paid for gas tank and fuel pumps 2.5 times) in service, repairs, and other goodies over the last 3 years (fortunately extended warranty picked up a fair share of the repairs).

ermdtx

Have 168k miles, original owner. MB serviced. Have replaced airmatic suspension myself for approx 5k (everything replaced). Replacing lift gate shocks (left one piece of cake, right one (electric) studying up on. No other problems. Great vehicle. Unfortunately, has been rear ended while sitting at red light and front end met shredded truck tire at 80mph. Highly recommend. If you have mechanical knowledge or good European vehicle mechanic, it will definitely be cheaper to own.
avg 20-21 mpg with 42 psi front, 45 rear.

OnlyGerman

The gas 350 is the most reliable. Many with well over 100k on them. I would advise on getting a 2013+, the cluster on the 2012 appears to be from 1999.

C280 Sport

Agreed. My 2015 ML350 has been no issues. Only basic maintenance. Plan on getting 200k easy out of it.

chassis

Agree with the above. Go for the newest, lowest mileage vehicle in your price range. Preferably a GLE which is a refresh of the W166 ML.

The M276 3.5L V6 is good but is prone to oil leaks at the front cylinder head covers near the cam magnets. Mine also might have a rear main seal leak, I need to dig more into that one. 62k miles for me now on a 2017 GLE 350 4MATIC. All MB maintained during warranty. 50/50 dealer/DIY maintained after warranty expired.