Hello all

does anyone here has an ML with the off-road package?

 

What information are you seeking?

 

im looking to buy a 2013 and up ml550 with the off-road package. Just wondering if such a vehicle existed?

 

Yes.

 

I have a 2013 ML550 w/ the On-Off Road Package - they are pretty hard to find. I flew to Chicago to purchase mine a few years back.

Just passed 150k miles and I’m still very happy with it.

Some issues to look for:
- M278 Injector Leaks - mine leaked and got into the ECU and wiring harness. Seems there was a bad batch for certain M278s as other chassis have had sporadic issues with them.
- M278 Chain Tensioner - known issue with the motor, it causes a clacking noise from the timing chain on a warm start. They install a check valve and clears up.
- Motor Mounts - Check them - the M278 can chew through motor mounts in as little as 4 years.
- Brakes - ML550 brake rotors/pads from dealer are normally a special order part for some reason. More expensive than normal ML rotors. Also, with the larger rotor, the smallest wheel you can fit is 19” - makes it hard to find good off road tires if that’s your thing.
- Airmatic - Been pretty reliable honestly. However, I had a light clunk / tapping noise when turning that turned out to be a front air spring, but that was under warranty and it never had a leak or any visible issue.
- Active Curve - Check the hydraulic sway bars - mine were good until recently when I needed to replace a Valve Block. The part itself was $1k at the dealer. There was also a recall to replace the cap on the hydraulic well - if not replaced and it runs low on fluid, it can set the car on fire by letting fluid hit the exhaust manifold apparently.

I still love mine - best riding vehicle I’ve owned. Airmatic and Active Curve just transform the ride and keep the ML flat going down the road. When I had a GLC loaner for a bit while getting the sway bar serviced I was genuinely shocked at how bad one of my local roads was - head rocking, body moving. In my ML550 I barely move and never noticed the heaving in the road...it’s that good. It was a night and day difference - this is a road I drive every day at 55mph.

Off road, it holds its own. Jeepers are genuinely surprised to see me plodding along a trail without drama. A few asked if I got lost and wanted to make sure I knew there were rocks and steep parts ahead.

Good luck - hope you find one you like.

 

you can find an ML with all the packages you wish, but some will be real hard to find

 

Thank you, your post is exactly what I wanted to hear. I’m an MB *****, but recently I got an older 4runner for off-road fun. Now I want to get an ML to do it in comfort.