I have a 2013 ML 350 Bluetec that I have really enjoyed. I love the diesel motor. It has been great for economy and fantastic for towing. Because of this forum I knew of the likely problems with oil leaks and DEF tank issues, and for that reason I purchased the extended warranty. It's the first time I have ever gone with an extended warranty. Since the beginning I have been a defender of Mercedes and especially the 3.0 diesel.

At the beginning of this year I noted some small oil drops on the garage floor and suspected the oil cooler seals were leaking. Thank goodness it was still under warranty, so off to the dealer it went at the end of February. Took them two weeks, but they changed the oil cooler seals and turbo seal as they said both were leaking. I felt good about this and figured I would be OK to keep this vehicle for a couple more years without much risk. A week ago last Sunday I let my step son in law take the ML to the beach, about 5 miles away. When he returned he let me know there were 2 warning messages on the display. "Low coolant" (didn't worry me as I have seen that before and usually 1/4 cup of distilled water fixes that) and "check oil at next refuel" which puzzled me. The motor never burns oil and the leaks have been fixed.

Went out to check. Pulled the dip stick and it was bare, no oil, but of course it only measures the top few quarts. Made me kind of nervous. Didn't see much looking around the engine compartment but it did look a bit messy down at the bottom. Looked under the vehicle and saw quite a large puddle of oil. Started the vehicle up for a brief second and it sounded like a vehicle that had been driven several mile without oil! The entire underside and rear hatch was covered in oil. Called for a tow to the dealership.

Notes from the dealership state the vehicle arrived without oil. They filled it with oil and dye and determined the leak was from the turbo seal and the line that feeds oil to the turbo. They repaired the leaks, checked compression, and drove it 100 miles to check it out. They say it's OK. Sounds normal again, BUT...

They said they will stand behind the repair until the end of the extended warranty, which is the middle of next month.

Time to move on.

Just ordered a Lincoln Aviator.

 

Smart!!!

 

Wow...! "They said they will stand behind the repair until the end of the extended warranty, which is the middle of next month." I'm almost certain any 'stealership' repairs are for at least a year! Are not most parts warrantied for at least a year as well. Enjoy the new Lincoln!

 

They told me that if I had paid for the repair it would be warrantied for two years, but since it was done under the extended warranty, it's covered just until the extended warranty is valid. What I am really worried about is what damage was done while this motor was run with low/no oil. Sounds ok right now but I can't trust it on a long trip towing a trailer.

Just need some luck for one or two months past my extended warranty. My new Lincoln has a build date for the third week in July.

 

You learn something new everyday! I am in the same boat as you... extended warranty, towing boats & cars, but mine has been great so far... touch wood! After hearing their 'extended warranty reasoning' I'd be bending over the Manager with the fact that you HAD PAID him in cash(for extended warranty) upfront, and therefore he should 'honor' his workmanship & parts.... LOL! Utter BS, what will the Stealerships' think of next! Good luck with your new truck!

 

I'm really going to miss the awesome towing ability of that 3.0 diesel. Do some short towing with a boat to the launch ramp, but most of my long range towing is pulling our Plymouth Prowler to events around the country. It was effortless with the diesel.

I will say I got more than my money back with the extended warranty. My wife (Russian, and a brand snob) pushed for the Mercedes. Agreed with her, but told her as soon as it starts being a problem it's gone. Sadly that time has come.

 

She pushed for the unreliable one without doing research it sounds like. Best to just move on with a car like that.

 

Well, I did get 6 1/2 very good years out of it and as my retired Mercedes mechanic friend told me "it's a great vehicle but you don't want to own it out of warranty". So true for many luxury vehicles.