VolaCola

I've been lurking for months while I've been looking for an ML350 and I'd like to say that this is a great forum with a ton of great info. Thanks to all who contribute, hopefully I'll be able to contribute one day as well.

I've been looking for an ML350 with less than 60k miles for several months and yesterday I saw one with 85k miles. Normally I wouldn't be interested in it but it has real leather, premium sound and the HID light package. So should I be concerned about buying one with 85k miles?

It doesn't look like the transfer case fluid has been changed and when I was talking with a service writer with my local MB dealer he said MB recently changed the interval on the transfer case to 30k miles which is why I'm a little concerned. I've seen a few threads about the transfer case chain guide breaking but the two indy shops I called said transfer case failures were pretty rare on the W166. They both said that with proper maintenance the W166 was pretty bullet proof, which I found encouraging.

The maintenance history, according to CarFax, is okay with annual oil changes. One of the oil changes was greater than 12k miles, three were between 11k and 12k miles and 4 were less than 9k. All of the oil changes were done by a MB dealer and I was wondering if the intervals are anything to be worried about?

The spark plugs were changed at 60k but CarFax doesn't show anything about the transmission fluid being changed. I plan on calling to MB dealer to ask them if the trans was done at 60k. The flex plate was done at 70k.

It doesn't have the adaptive suspension or the tow package so how long do the struts and shocks typically last and how difficult are they to replace?

It's located in a rust belt state and I was wondering if any of the northern members could chime in on whether or not I need to be worried about body rust? I looked at autotrader.ca in Montreal and Toronto and none the ML350's I saw online had any body rust which I found encouraging but local perspectives are definitely welcome.

Thanks in advance for any help and/or opinions you guys can provide, I really do appreciate it.

chassis

Welcome! The W166 is pretty robust, particularly with gasoline engine and non-air suspension. Is it correct that the vehicle you are considering is gasoline and non-air suspension?

Because it was introduced in 2012, mileage for W166s in the 150k miles range is still uncommon. I don't recall reading any 200k mile reports for a W166.

I wouldn't be concerned with the oil change interval scenario you mentioned.

As far as struts, or shocks, for non-air suspension, my experience with a VW is that they did not need to be replaced well beyond 200k miles. My 238k mile Touareg had factory shocks on it when I sold it back to VW. Sure, new shocks would have been nice, but they were not required. I will not be surprised if the W166 is similar to the VW in this regard.

In summary, the W166 is a robust platform. Ultra high mileage still remains to be seen, only because of the relative newness of the platform.

VolaCola

Hi chassis and thanks for the reply. Yes, it is gas and a non-air suspension W166. I would have liked to have tried a diesel but I read a number of threads that scared me away.

It's nice to hear you confirm that the W166 is a robust platform and that I probably won't need shocks and struts at 100k miles. Thanks again.

C280 Sport

Get a last year 2015. Gas Engine and standard springs and you should be fine for 200,000+ miles! I would say in my ownership so far doing the service is the only real expense. Transmission, oil change and spark plugs

C280 Sport

I would also follow the book on service as well. While the ml build quality is good inside it feels cheap and is built like a toy. However the reliability has never been a issue on mine. As far as rust goes if you use a car wash regularly I do not see it being a issue as the paint quality is very good

VolaCola

Thanks for info C280

Unfortunately 2013 is the newest year that's within budget for me. Hopefully the 2012-13's will be good to 200,000+ as well.

I've always been good at over maintaining so following the recommended service schedule shouldn't be a problem for me. I do a good job of keeping my car clean but next year I'm probably going to be moving to a rust belt state. That's the reason I asked about body rust. It's good to hear that it shouldn't be an issue.

andwhysee

ASK yourself why you want to buy a used car with 85k miles in the first place?

drwolf

Welcome aboard! in addition to what chassis said, i would get an independent inspection of the car, just to make sure you wont have big issues going outside the lot. Good Luck!

Gibzki

Pre 2014 M276 engine had issues with a 3-5 seconds knocking/rattle sound when starting the engine. The issue was fixed later with a better timing chain tensioner and check valve. I would suggest starting the engine when it's warm (hot engine turned off after an hour or two). Do a search, lots of info from this site.

I had a creaking sound going over speed bumps which was fixed after replacing the UCAs.

Other than the rattle sound, no other issues with my ML350 at 130K miles.

VolaCola

Thanks for the welcome. I plan on getting a PPI so it's good hear others think that's a good idea.

Thanks for the timing chain tensioner warning. I ran across the TSB for it not long after I started researching the W166s. I called my local MB dealer and a couple of indy shops that specialize in MBs and they all said the startup rattle was more of an annoyance than an actual cause for concern. Definitely not worth spending the money to have the TSB taken care of now that the one's I'm looking at are out of warranty. I've looked at the Carfax for a lot of W166s and I have to see one that had the TSB taken care of under warranty.

It's good to hear that the UCAs were the only problem you've had. Them and the ball joints are kind of a normal wear and tear item so those won't bother me to much.

Unfortunately the dealer that has the one I was looking at decided to play games with the price so I have moved on. It would be a lot easier to find one if I hadn't decided that 810 - Premium Sound is a requirement.

Thanks again

Roscoe13

i bought a `13 4Mati with 53k miles 2.5 years ago and have 145k miles on him now. Absolutely no issues, A and B services regularly at the dealer, and going strong. We're about to head out on another 2500 mi road trip, and i'm not worried a bit. Just be thurough in your research and get the carfax.

VolaCola

Hey Roscoe thanks for the reply. I'm happy to hear you haven't experienced any issues while piling on that many miles. It's really pretty impressive.

I always look at the Carfax to see what the maintenance history looks like and I also look at the data card to check for the HK sound system before I even call the dealer. I think the combination of the two is the reason I haven't bought one yet.

Zuffen

I have a 2012 with 90Kklm. or about 70K for the Americans.

This month is has covered 4k and will do another 2K this week and I won't even check the tyres (that the correct spelling)

I still prefer my old W163 but this isn't all bad.

I'd buy another.

VolaCola

Thanks for info. It's good to know that filling up with fuel is all you need to worry about before taking a trip. Someone saying they would buy another is about the best recommendation I can think of.

It sounds like you might be in Canada. If you are have you noticed any W166's with body rust?

pluto8745

I have a 2015 with 90K and it's going strong. I bought it with 75K and has lived all it's life in Illinois. The body still looks like it rolled out of the dealer lot. No rust issues so far!

VolaCola

Hi pluto and thanks for the reply. It's good to hear that you haven't seen any rust so far. I haven't been looking at any IL ML's but maybe I should consider giving them a chance.

Thanks again.

Zuffen

VolaCola,

Sorry for late reply.

I'm in Sydney Australia. We don't much rust down here but plenty of bad roads.

My car has never been kept out of the weather so its been exposed for 6 years and still looks like new..

VolaCola

No worries Zuffen. It's nice to hear that the ML's maintain such a good appearance over the years. Now if I could just find a bloody car to buy I'd be a happy camper.

Zuffen

Maybe my opinion is changing.

After 250,00klm (150,000 miles for those stuck in the Imperial system) in a W163 I swapped to a W166 gas.

Its having a 90,000KLm service (55,000 miles for only place in the World, other than Myanmar, to use the Imperial system).

So far it needs one engine mount, new Spark Plugs, Sway bay ends, and new plug leads.

Funny thing is I gave my old W163 to my Mechanic as a shop car and I may end up driving it again as my car may be off the road for a few days. I won't use Mercedes as my local Dealer is a scumbag.

The cost of an A service has blown out to around $2,000 Aussie Dollars or 1,400US Dollars.

Still like the W166 and don't care about the cost but I still love my old W163.

Sort of like a well endowed Girlfriend who got away!

Stevee_

Honestly I wouldn't hesitate if the carfax showed routine maintenance and documented well. I literally just purchased a 13 ML 550 last week with 72K Miles. I felt confident considering it was a 1 owner and maintained every 5-6k miles by the local benz dealer. I did go ahead though and do an extended warranty to 100k Miles for peace of mind. I would probably recommend with any used car purchase no matter how great everything may seem! Take it in for a PPI!

VolaCola

I'm sorry to hear about the engine mount. 55k miles seems a little early to have to replace that. I watch a tech tuber from Oz on YouTube and it sounds like things are more expensive for you guys.

Congrats on the purchase! I wish I had the budget for a 550. I plan on doing a PPI once I find one that has a good maintenance history, no accidents/damage on the Carfax and the HK radio. I really seem to be struggling to hit that particular trifecta though.