WillieMack

How would you rate your experience with the ML in terms of build quality, value, reliability, and driveability/ride comfort in comparison to similar competitors?

I have a 2014 ML 350 4matic gas version purchased 2 years ago CPO. I put about 30,000 miles on it so far (up to about 77,000 miles now). This is my first Mercedes and also first SUV. I tested out the Lexus RX 350 (2015 model) and Audi Q5.

Build Quality- I think the ML feels pretty well built. It feels durable and interior materials for the most part feel robust and firm. I do have a gripe with the rubber garage door opener buttons that feel a little cheap. When you close the door, it feels and sounds like a bank vault. The truck feels heavy. The body, frame and interior materials seem like they would hold up well over 200k miles. Haven't seen how robust the suspension parts and shocks are. The steering wheel has a nice feel of sturdiness and quality. The Lexus RX on the other hand did not give me the same feeling of sturdiness.

Value- The ML is pretty expensive for what you get especially when you start adding in the options that should be included standard. To me the value is not that great new. However, used they depreciate pretty rapidly and seem like a good buy if you find one in good condition. Routine maintenance is expensive especially the major services. A spark plug change for a V6 at the dealer for $1200 is insane. I bought the 3 services maintenance package for $1400. Otherwise, I would find an independent Mercedes mechanic.

Reliability- I have not had any issues with reliability over two years. Harmon Kardon subwoofer was replaced uncer CPO for rattling, an interior light bulb and rear brake calipers were sticking and replaced. The truck has not thrown a check engine light, left me stranded and no electrical hiccups to date. I wonder if this good success will continue from the period of 80k through 120k miles.

Driveability/Ride Comfort- The ML drives and feels heavy. However, the base V6 in the 350 gas version is sufficient for most I believe. It is not a hot rod but there's good power to get of the line and it gets up to speed pretty quick. I don't see how some have said that it is sluggish and under powered. And I've owned V8's. The gas mileage seems less than competitors. I'm averaging around 19 mixed city and highway (per the computer). The ride is composed and comfortable. Yes, it can be a little floaty at times, but new Michelins seems to have improved the ride drastically. I would have no problem driving this truck on the highway hundreds of miles. We use it as a daily commuter into the city and it does well and never leaves me fatigued. The Q5 i tried out had such a bumpy ride.

I am at the point where my CPO runs out in about 2 months and I have to decide whether or not to trade in the truck (possibly for something a little better on gas) or keep it, pay it off and drive for 5 more years hoping for just routine maintenance.

pjw1967

We purchased a 2014 ML350 CPO 2.5 years ago with 30k on the clock. Now up to 45k. I agree with all you wrote above. Ours has a lot of features we don't use like Distronic. But the ventilated leather seats work well. We just bought the 2 year CPO extension for it. BTW it is 2 wheel drive. We also bought a 2014 GL450 1.5 years ago. We bought the CPO extension as well.

Both cars have been really trouble free. Our dealer is good. So we're going to hang onto them for awhile.

Isawelvis

Im happy with mine. Bought a 2015 ML CPO have put over 45,000 miles on it. Very reliable . Still have problem getting used to the gear selector set up. Wish it had traffic alert on the review camera

peter2772000

2013 Bluetec purchased a year and a half ago with 16k miles on the odo and a balance of extended warranty (thank God)

- DEF tank went out. $3700 CAN
- EGR took a crap. $1700 CAN

The DEF is a known weakness and had I not ripped that ***** out, could reasonably expect it to take another crap before I hit 100k km.

This is our first MB. If you asked me what I thought of a Mercedes prior to this purchase, I'd tell you that it's a prestigious brand that symbolizes awesome technology and legendary reliability.
I'm shocked by the brand now. And, I fully acknowledge that the EPA's stringent demands have a lot to do with it. Regardless, MB has written off owners across the board. MB refuses to acknowledge problems with it's design. They're doing the ostrich-head-in-the-sand routine, hoping to keep the bad noise to a minimum. Some parts cannot be found. Eg; Kajtek has been waiting an eternity for a replacement DPF, one cannot be located. Like, WTF?

You may say (with reason); "All manufacturers have certain bumps/issues/weaknesses." You'd be right, except that you didn't pay a premium for a brand just to be treated to inferior engineering, sub-standard parts availability and attitude from dealers who are overwhelmed by the persistent issues with the product.

2014 Grand Cherokee SRT: $72k CAN new. Never back to the dealer 'till a roller lifter took a dump and wasted the cam at 120k km. Cool? No. But ***** happens and it isn't an MB.

2007 Toyota FJ: $22k CAN used in 2010 and a salvage title from the U.S. to boot. Not one breakdown at 127k miles

2012 Dodge Ram: $32k km purchased as a demo. Presently has 180k km on the clock. Not one breakdown except rear diff bearings due to the truck having been driven in flood conditions.

Fleet of 5 GMC Savana vans: $28k CAN purchased at auction, usually one year old former U-haul vehicles. I usually easily get away with 175k km of trouble-free life out of them, then I replace them.

Ask me again what I think of Mercedes Benz and their awesome product. Oh, and BMW isn't too far behind. Never again, ma man. ...

Zuffen

We purchased a 2102 ML350 Gas 12 months ago.

It had 60,000K on it (36,000 miles) and has been fault free since purchase.

This is our 2nd ML (had 163 and still have it) and 15th Merecedes.

I don't believe the 163, 164 & 166 series are as well built or reliable as a Mercedes built anywhere else in the World but I wanted the safety, comfort and towing capacity of the ML and only the Porsche would give the capacity but it was a dog to drive.

My Wife's SLK55 has been fault free over the 10 years she's had it and I don't think she will ever let it go.

C280 Sport

2015 ML350 4Matic. One year ago today I picked it up from MB of Boston. CPO car with 20k miles on it.So far nothing has gone wrong. Very happy.

peter2772000

May I ask why?

C280 Sport

I have 2 vans for my business. 09 Caravan with 125,000 Miles. A 2019 Grand Caravan with 2,000 miles. They also do not have anything that can break on them.... I mean my vans have power windows, radio and heat and a/c... There is no where near the amount of goodies on vans then even my old C Class. The stuff that goes wrong on them is the most odd stuff vs the Mercedes cars.

C280 Sport

From what I researched for the ML's before I bought my wife's ML we looked into the 350 BT but the issues seem to be never ending. The 350 Gas ones seem to be solid over all. My friend who is a MB Tech and owns a shop told my wife stay away from the 350 BT. The cost savings in fuel is not the worth the hassle.

Zuffen

Peter,

I'll state up front I'm a Porschephile, Hence is my username Zuffen.

I've owned 4 911's over the years including a rally car that we used to cross our deserts, so I wanted the Porsche but when compared side by side with the ML the ML was a much more refined,a quieter ride and roomier.

I wanted the towing capacity to tow my toys around.

I also have an old W163 with 250,000 kilometres on it that just won't stop going and I've towed stupidly heavy loads with it so it hangs around the house for knockabout use.

eahearn

2015 ML250d 4Matic. 82K miles. No problems to date. Great car. Quiet. Comfortable. Great in snow. Unbelievable gas mileage for such a big car (check out the pic of our mileage from NYC to Boston area on 95N in typical high traffic running). More expensive to service than gas version, likely. DEF is easy to buy and fill without having to pay service station to do it for you.

Starfollower

Have owned 17 different MB's so far, sometimes the same model more than once. Have owned 3 ML's a W163 ML320 and ML55 AMG, both extremely reliable! At present I have a 2014 ML 350 petrol (gas) which has done 60,000 kilometres with no problems at all. Those who say these lack power have rocks in their head, it would have given my 55AMG a good contest. A also have a 2005 Vito crew-bus 115 turbo diesel, also very reliable and a 2003 CL600 twin turbo V12 - now that I could write a page about as far as costing me money goes - BUT - when it goes, there is no other car on the planet that comperes (my opinion).

turbosl2

I had a few issues. Bought it with 35k under warranty from MB dealer in PA. Put it on my lift rear transfer case seal dripping. Fixed under warranty. 45k miles NOx sensor went (blutec diesel). $2000 at dealer. Purchased a cloned MB star software/laptop to relearn new sensor, out of pocket ~$1300 (900 for tool 400 for sensor). 52k miles, MAF hot film sensor failure. Required to buy the entire intake plenum (both sides) $1200 online, $1800 at dealer.

Overall, paying to drive a badge. Keeping up with the Jones'. I have 2 engineering degree's and understand how these vehicles are designed and manufactured. This manufacture is all about profit and not serviceability of their vehicles to the consumer. You could say that about any brand but the serviceability speaks for itself. Hardly anything can be replaced without a relearn to the ECU. Parts are sold at the highest assembly in modular form requiring the consumer to purchase large assemblies rather than the individual failed part.Obviously the parts are available but they are not sold or broken down for resale at the lower level. I see this time and time again by the feedback on this form. $3800 for a DEF tank (as stated above). I guarantee the part that failed was most likely $100 but they dont sell the part individually and the entire assembly had to be replaced.

In comparison my BMW among other vehicles in my garage you can replace the MAF hot film sensor by removing 2 screws and pulling the sensor out. These are wear items that get dirty or fail, they should be replaceable at the component level for ~ $150-$300. This is just another example. $550 to replace a battery because it needs to be learned to the vehicle.

I own several higher end cars and this one is the worst design. Yes its comfortable, its relatively reliable, but when a part fails your breaking out the checkbook for $2000+ when an equivalent manufacture would not be that expensive.

Bottom line, if i were to do it again i would only LEASE a Mercedes or ensure its ALWAYS under warranty. Just my .02

easyedwin

139,000 has rolled up on my 2012 ML 350 4matic. Best car I have ever owned. I will purchase GLE 350 4matic this year [2019].

easyedwin

miles; not km

RiverX

Hi, Turbos12,
Your experience with MB specifies something any owner won't enjoy much, but that's the fact. Thanks and wish you and everyone owns a Bluetec all the best luck!

C280 Sport

2015 ML350 4M Gas. Currently at 49,000 miles. ML is a solid truck mechanically and the feel is solid. The interior is my only issue. Everything inside is just plastic. Cheap and low grade. Seats, dash, “wood”, buttons, panels ect. I think if they put more effort into the interior the ML would be better. Reliability is great and upkeep is not bad at all.

Leetom

Ordered my 2013 ML550 new from factory custom optioned…pretty loaded. Have loved the car for 75,000 miles, still just can’t part with it. Really has been trouble free. It does go thru rear brakes frequently, on my 4th set, fronts are original. Maintenance at dealer is overpriced, I have some mechanical training/ability/YouTube University, so I do most all maintenance myself, saving like 80% from dealership prices….and I know it is done right, thorough, and with the correct materials. SatNav is, and always has been, terrible. Takes longer to program in a destination than just driving there. Voice recognition is bad as well. Harmon Kardon system sound otherwise is exceptional. The twin-turbo V8 has been trouble-free and fantastic on power, both new and 75,000 miles later. Wish the variable drive modes with my off-road package would allow some customization. Normal drive setting has the throttle mapping a little too slow/delayed for my liking, but sport mode has the suspension setting (airmatic) too stiff, and holds lower gears too long for normal driving. Ideally, I’d like the sport mode throttle mapping and steering configuration with the auto/comfort shifting and suspension settings. Mileage is not great at 16mpg on premium fuel. Overall, the build quality and materials are top notch. Have been impressed with the overengineering of the car when I work on the car. Mine is 11 years old now, still rattle-free and just replaced the 2 batteries for first time 2 years ago…yup, 9 years on OE batteries. Can’t give such glowing reviews with the various other makes I’ve owned over the years. Overall, I love my V8 ML550, was a great purchase decision, and I still feel proud driving it down the road 11 years later.

Gray_Panther

Purchased at 52k miles, currently at 88k miles.
It has been the most solid vehicle that has given us one issue outside of preventative maintenance. We are now selling because we purchased a 3rd row SUV because the family is growing.
The issue we experienced had to do with water ingress on the blind spot monitors. It took patience because I didn't want to purchase new radars or send to MB dealer to take care of it for in return for a home mortgage payment. But once I figured out how the system works it was easy to find the problems and get them resolved. Really easy vehicle to work on!

I have driven and been driven in many SUV's, but the W166 is easily my #1 especially with the M276 engine from a reliability standpoint. The SUV is a tank in the snow, and is probably the safest SUV I have been in, thicker metal everywhere compared to other SUV's in its class. I have nicknamed it the Black Panzer.
In about 5 years I will look to purchase another lower mileage M/GLE350 again.

Isawelvis

Purchased 2015 ML350 as CPO in 2016 traded for RX350 in Nov 2022. Traded with 92,000 miles The Benz was solid , dependable . Only unscheduled maintence was one of the coils went out and I had to have the passenger door hinge replaced. I changed the oil every 5,000 miles and loosely followed the factory maintenac guide as far as trans fluid, spark plugs etc. Only put one set of tires on it. Loved the brakes, nothing like them. The Lexus is totally different car, and I miss the ML. The RX has already been in the shop, due to computer issues for over52 days. Also, have a 4 cylinder now in the RX really detracts for the car, miss the V6.

Œuvre

I have a 2015 ML 350 4MATIC with ~91,000 miles.

The only thing that ever broke was a couple of the rubber windshield wiper spindle grommet seals. They were the originals and eventually cracked and tore last summer after years of exposure to the elements up here in northeastern New England. Unlike on older models, the grommets cannot be replaced individually. I had to replace the entire plastic water drain panel/cowl (w/o Magic Vision, Mercedes-Benz part#: 166-830-00-28 — my local dealership's parts department managed to locate one, even though it was listed as "discontinued" on all parts ordering sites, and special ordered it).

As far as unscheduled maintenance, one of the ignition coils shorted and blew the fuse for its bank last summer (car was at 88,000 miles), but it is not uncommon for the original coils installed in that model year (BERU) to start failing before 100,000 miles/10 years. I just replaced the entire set of ignition coils with the latest revision from the dealership (the new Genuine Mercedes coils are manufactured by Bosch).

I did have one completely random, bizarre low fuel pressure error from the low pressure fuel pump system in the summer of 2022, but it never occurred again, and the Mercedes-Benz master techs at my local indy shop were never able to reproduce the problem or figure out what had happened after extensive testing and diagnostics.

Other than that, I've never had any other problems. No rattles. No misfires. No leaks of any kind (just had it in for its annual service and checkup last month). No other electrical gremlins. No interior creaks/rattles. No suspension issues. No water intrusion/leaks. No rust issues.

I have an Autel tablet and periodically perform a full scan of all of the car's modules (I last pulled down the Benz updates for MaxiSys in late 2022) and perform periodic engine live data monitoring. The only code it found came up in recent weeks and is from the TPMS module: C159916 (The battery of the tire pressure sensor has a malfunction. The limit value for electrical voltage has not been attained.). Tire pressure monitoring seems to be working fine right now (and I'm not getting any error messages in the car's cluster), but one of the TPMS sensors seems to have a battery that is getting weak, I presume. I don't know if they've ever been replaced, so I might be doing that soon. I assume that the Schrader OEM TPMS sensors are perfectly fine as replacements over the Genuine Mercedes ones, which cost 3x as much, right?