Looking to buy an ML350/550 - Need advice!!!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ont.
2015 c400
Looking to buy an ML350/550 - Need advice!!!!
Hi everyone,
As my family is growing I am looking at trading in my C400 for an ML350 or 550.
I will be giving this car to my wife who will be using it as a family hauler and I will DD a cheaper car.
Can everyone give me some insight on reliability, years to avoid, issues, recalls, things to know etc...
Also, how reliable are the Bluetec's? Should I look for a 550 or be happy with the 350?
Thanks in advanced!
As my family is growing I am looking at trading in my C400 for an ML350 or 550.
I will be giving this car to my wife who will be using it as a family hauler and I will DD a cheaper car.
Can everyone give me some insight on reliability, years to avoid, issues, recalls, things to know etc...
Also, how reliable are the Bluetec's? Should I look for a 550 or be happy with the 350?
Thanks in advanced!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,569
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Avoid the diesel variant. Read this site for extensive testimony. The M276 seems generally more reliable than the V8. Again, read this site to come to such a conclusion. My experience with the M276 has been positive so far. This site does not have much negative to say about the M276 engine.
The W166 platform seems generally reliable.
As with any preowned vehicle, buy the newest and lowest mile sample your budget will tolerate.
The W166 platform seems generally reliable.
As with any preowned vehicle, buy the newest and lowest mile sample your budget will tolerate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
Do some homework about how you want it equipped. My '14 ML350 CPO has been bullet-proof in 3 years of ownership.ll kinds of options that we really don't use, but we want a/c seats.
ML's might be getting long of tooth. Here's a link to our local dealer's site with CPO GLEs. You can see the original equipment sticker and the Carfax. With your wife being the primary driver, the CPO benefits and service loaners might be worth the piece of mind. Not many dealers offer access to the sticker, but every dealer can provide it if you ask them.
https://www.mbotw.com/used-vehicles/...%5D=GLE&page=1
ML's might be getting long of tooth. Here's a link to our local dealer's site with CPO GLEs. You can see the original equipment sticker and the Carfax. With your wife being the primary driver, the CPO benefits and service loaners might be worth the piece of mind. Not many dealers offer access to the sticker, but every dealer can provide it if you ask them.
https://www.mbotw.com/used-vehicles/...%5D=GLE&page=1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ont.
2015 c400
Thanks for the reply and thanks for the link - I'm in Canada so CPO GLE's are in and around the 40k-60k range which is above my price range.
I am looking to see if there are any major issues or recalls/unresolved problems with the car, maybe certain MY's to avoid.
I am looking to see if there are any major issues or recalls/unresolved problems with the car, maybe certain MY's to avoid.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 26
2002 Ml320, 2012 ML350 & Slk55
I've been driving my ML350 (gas) for a year now.
2012, 63,000k's and $50,000 Aussie Dollars (same worth as yours).
My car is quite high spec as Aussie cars are highly specced.
The only problem I have had is the tailgate strut failed and I replaced it myself.
The wheels on the car were pretty battered and new tyres lasted less than 10,000k's until it was wheel aligned and it is now going well.
I have put 20,000k's on it and enjoy driving it.
My wife uses it in preference to her SLK55 as she doesn't care if anyone hurts my car!
I'd buy another.
2012, 63,000k's and $50,000 Aussie Dollars (same worth as yours).
My car is quite high spec as Aussie cars are highly specced.
The only problem I have had is the tailgate strut failed and I replaced it myself.
The wheels on the car were pretty battered and new tyres lasted less than 10,000k's until it was wheel aligned and it is now going well.
I have put 20,000k's on it and enjoy driving it.
My wife uses it in preference to her SLK55 as she doesn't care if anyone hurts my car!
I'd buy another.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 592
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Hi everyone,
As my family is growing I am looking at trading in my C400 for an ML350 or 550.
I will be giving this car to my wife who will be using it as a family hauler and I will DD a cheaper car.
Can everyone give me some insight on reliability, years to avoid, issues, recalls, things to know etc...
Also, how reliable are the Bluetec's? Should I look for a 550 or be happy with the 350?
Thanks in advanced!
As my family is growing I am looking at trading in my C400 for an ML350 or 550.
I will be giving this car to my wife who will be using it as a family hauler and I will DD a cheaper car.
Can everyone give me some insight on reliability, years to avoid, issues, recalls, things to know etc...
Also, how reliable are the Bluetec's? Should I look for a 550 or be happy with the 350?
Thanks in advanced!
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Try to buy a CPO. I purchased a 2015 ML350 in 2016 and have over 60,000 miles and it is still under CPO warranty for another year. Has been a trouble free car. the ML350 and GLE350 have enough power for all situations. Should be able to find a 2015 ML350 in the low to mid 20s. Make sure it does not have the standard halogen headlights, they suck.
If you really want some power then the ML550 is the one. 2014 was the last year of production, but maintenance cost will be higher. You can still find them CPO. Check this link below. You can search any specific model at Mercedes dealer that are CPOed
https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/cpo/inventory
If you really want some power then the ML550 is the one. 2014 was the last year of production, but maintenance cost will be higher. You can still find them CPO. Check this link below. You can search any specific model at Mercedes dealer that are CPOed
https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/cpo/inventory
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Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 56
Mayback
I have a 2014 ML350 gas 4matic. Has been very reliable for the past 45,000 miles. 90,000 miles on it now. Stick with the gas ML's 2014 and 2015. Do not get airmatic. Do get the lighting package (HID's) and Harmon Kardon stereo. Those are must have options. I average 19-21 mpg mixed city and highway.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
I own a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec. If your driving trips are all 4-8 km/3-5 miles or less, I would avoid the Bluetec. More so if you do not plan on pulling trailers/hauling stuff. Diesel vehicles in general need long runs, preferably at steady speeds. They need/like to be revved up periodically to clean out the DPF and NOX sensors. The Diesels in general like long trips, ie highway driven over 30+km distances. They do however have great bottom end torque for point and shoot driving in the city, they launch off the line like crazy for such a heavy vehicle. I have test driven various other V6 gasoline non-turbo vehicles, ie Toyota 4Runner, etc...and they are slow off the line and you are waiting for the Horsepower to build up.
I cannot attest to the performance of the ML 350 V6 or V8 as I am diesel fan.
Good luck in your search.
I cannot attest to the performance of the ML 350 V6 or V8 as I am diesel fan.
Good luck in your search.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 26
2002 Ml320, 2012 ML350 & Slk55
I recently pulled up beside another W166 and tried to get ahead of it to merge lanes and it blew my petrol (gas) car away.
Only when he pulled ahead did I see the 350 Blutec sign.
Those diesels sure are quick but I'd never have one.
Don't like standing in a diesel puddle to fill it up and the dirty bowser handle are enough to stop me.
Only when he pulled ahead did I see the 350 Blutec sign.
Those diesels sure are quick but I'd never have one.
Don't like standing in a diesel puddle to fill it up and the dirty bowser handle are enough to stop me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Yes, that diesel handle is oily at the pump. That's a small price to pay for the time between fill ups.
The diesel rocks and it's quieter under acceleration than the gas alternative.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ont.
2015 c400
Thanks for the replies everyone!
My wife doesn't drive very often as she is a stay at home. When she does drive, its to the grocery stores and the doctor appointments. etc.... As a family hauler we will be using it every other weekend for long trips to the cottage for sure.
Are there known issues with the Oil cooler seals, timing chain and swirl flaps in the intake? if so, are these big problems or something I should be aware of?
I am currently looking at a 2014 ML350 Bluetec and a 2013 ML350 Bluetec - will check them out this weekend.
My wife doesn't drive very often as she is a stay at home. When she does drive, its to the grocery stores and the doctor appointments. etc.... As a family hauler we will be using it every other weekend for long trips to the cottage for sure.
Are there known issues with the Oil cooler seals, timing chain and swirl flaps in the intake? if so, are these big problems or something I should be aware of?
I am currently looking at a 2014 ML350 Bluetec and a 2013 ML350 Bluetec - will check them out this weekend.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
Thanks for the replies everyone!
My wife doesn't drive very often as she is a stay at home. When she does drive, its to the grocery stores and the doctor appointments. etc.... As a family hauler we will be using it every other weekend for long trips to the cottage for sure.
Are there known issues with the Oil cooler seals, timing chain and swirl flaps in the intake? if so, are these big problems or something I should be aware of?
I am currently looking at a 2014 ML350 Bluetec and a 2013 ML350 Bluetec - will check them out this weekend.
My wife doesn't drive very often as she is a stay at home. When she does drive, its to the grocery stores and the doctor appointments. etc.... As a family hauler we will be using it every other weekend for long trips to the cottage for sure.
Are there known issues with the Oil cooler seals, timing chain and swirl flaps in the intake? if so, are these big problems or something I should be aware of?
I am currently looking at a 2014 ML350 Bluetec and a 2013 ML350 Bluetec - will check them out this weekend.
I just had the Oil Cooler Seals replaced on my 2014 ML 350 Bluetec did not know they were even leaking, so I cannot confirm if the dealer was lying or not, the repairs were covered by extended warranty. No issues so far with the timing chain. The swirl flaps were replaced at the same time the Oil Cooler Seals were replaced.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,569
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Philly_tee, the advice you are being given is to avoid the bluetec diesel power train. If you choose to buy a bluetec vehicle, please ensure you do the research before your purchase.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ont.
2015 c400
Thanks for the help everyone, I appreciate it a lot.
I went to see both 350 bluetecs yesterday and they were beautiful! We did not pull the trigger though as clearly the diesel isnt the right option for us. Thanks again for all the help and replies.
We are now waiting to find a 350 gas or 550.
I went to see both 350 bluetecs yesterday and they were beautiful! We did not pull the trigger though as clearly the diesel isnt the right option for us. Thanks again for all the help and replies.
We are now waiting to find a 350 gas or 550.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 56
Mayback
Thanks for the help everyone, I appreciate it a lot.
I went to see both 350 bluetecs yesterday and they were beautiful! We did not pull the trigger though as clearly the diesel isnt the right option for us. Thanks again for all the help and replies.
We are now waiting to find a 350 gas or 550.
I went to see both 350 bluetecs yesterday and they were beautiful! We did not pull the trigger though as clearly the diesel isnt the right option for us. Thanks again for all the help and replies.
We are now waiting to find a 350 gas or 550.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Do not be scared with airmatics. I think an ML without one is a bad decision. You want a premium ride suv get a airmatic. I wont buy another MB suv without one. Also they sre correct with 350 gas. Way better in the long run vs diesel as thr cost of diesel maintenance literally will wash away all the fuel savings when it needs to be repaired. Stick with 14 or 15 year.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 56
Mayback
Do not be scared with airmatics. I think an ML without one is a bad decision. You want a premium ride suv get a airmatic. I wont buy another MB suv without one. Also they sre correct with 350 gas. Way better in the long run vs diesel as thr cost of diesel maintenance literally will wash away all the fuel savings when it needs to be repaired. Stick with 14 or 15 year.
Sure, airmatics ride better. But the stock spring setup in the ML is comfortable enough for me and more than capable for the wife. And when it comes time to replace the shocks, you can get all 4 OEM for under $1,000 that won't leak and leave your ride slammed to the ground as opposed to $1400 each with air shocks.
The OP seems to be looking for best value, a comfortable and reliable ride for his wife to haul their family. A stock gas non air ML is the best choice for reliability with a "premium ride".
