I'm looking at these 3 SUVs to replace my 2012 E550 that I absolutely LOVE, but I need something that will tow a trailer. Wondering if anyone has experience with more than one of these models, or general opinions. Cross-posting each forum. I'm just shooting for a fun (fast) SUV under $20K, or near the current value of my 2012 E550 with 106K miles.

2008 ML63 AMG
113K miles
Don't have full CarFax yet, but initial indication on Autotrader shows "accident damage", so unknown extent.
I would add the updated Android entertainment system with full OEM integrations to bring it into this decade technology wise.
Cheapest of the options, but not really a factor.
0-60 in 4.8 seconds
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG 4MATIC for sale in Orlando, FL 32810: Sport Utility Details - 576361592 - Autotrader


2012-2014 ML550 with M278 Biturbo
probably looking around 100K miles give or take. The nearest one listed to me is about 100 miles away, they're fairly rare, like my E550
0-60 in 4.8 seconds
Newer generation with an engine I know well and trust, but not an AMG. I haven't driven one yet due to the rarity, but I expect the handling to be soft.


2011+ Porsche Cayenne S (958)
I would love to have a Turbo model, but they are well into the mid to upper 20K range still
0-60 in 5.5 seconds
I took a nice long drive in one today, various roads and speeds. It feels slow on the take off, but good mid range acceleration. Cornering is excellent, probably better than my E, but ride is not too stiff. Acceleration feels in line with my Wife's GL550 that shows 5.4 0-60, but the non-turbo curve feels much different from the M278 I'm used to.
105K miles
This particular one was one owner since 3000 miles. He just bought a new Cayenne (his 3rd) as he upgrades when it hits 100K miles. He has all the paperwork, every 10K service from the dealer until warranty was out, then from a known local indy shop. Transfer case replacement under warranty was the only significant repair I saw, and no "campaigns" (aka recalls) outstanding. No accident history, but it has a big dent in the driver door that I would have repaired.
Used 2011 Porsche Cayenne S for sale in Orlando, FL 32809: Sport Utility Details - 571584843 - Autotrader

You should look for a 2008-2011 ML550 if you want reliability. Both of the other models you mentioned can be very expensive to maintain. I don't know anything about the Porsche.

I can get the newer version ML550 under $20k with the M278 biturbo engine that I'm very familiar and comfortable with. I just need to test drive one to see if it drives like a squishy rolly SUV or better than I expect. I know my E550 is much softer than an AMG version and the Porsche handles well, even without the air suspension, that is their Forte.

What about looking for a 2015 ML400? Last year of the ML and has a TTV6. A tune brings it sort of close to the performance of the AMG without the nonsense that goes with the N/A AMG of that era. Plus you get the more modern car. If not then I would go for the ML550.

My ML350 is bouncy as it is a SUV. Softer tires give it a good ride. High speed stability is ehh as it is a SUV and will never feel planted like your E Class was.Air suspension models do help keep it stable vs non Airmatic

I have no interest in the 400 when I can have the 550 V8TT in the same body, it's a magnificent engine. You can also add about 100hp to it with a tune but I've found it unnecessary with my E550, I can rarely put my foot all the way down as stock.

The 2012 ML550 nearest me shows that it does have airmatic by vin decoded options, I'm not sure if they all do. I wish there was one closer to test, I can't get that Porsche out of my head. kind of want to pull the trigger on it.

You're buying the ML550 at 100k+ miles. Tell us how magnificent it is when it burns an exhaust valve and needs a new cylinder head, the timing chains stretch, or engine oil creeps throughout the wiring harness and into the ECU. Your luck may vary, but frankly I wouldn't own one that didn't have some type of warranty on it- Maybe you plan on getting one (?) Anyhow, best of luck to you, but don't for a minute think the ML550 will be problem free.

I don't play the warranty game, it's like walking into a casino and knowing every game is rigged in favor of the house.

I already have a M278 with over 100k miles and no issues, as well as another one purchased by chance as a CPO last year, but I would have bought it regardless based on features and condition. I'm just trading one for another if I do the ML550. Every car or engine has the outlying failures. Google each of my options set forth and you will find each has their own potential bombs according to those outliers who post their rants on forums. Each of those potential issues can be identified by certain maintenance inspections or preventative procedures to better the odds.

ML63 = potential head bolt failure and/or camshaft issues, older airmatic systems are much more expensive to fix and pretty much guaranteed to fail at some point

Porsche 958 V8 has potential issue of timing chain bolts, but there is an official NHTSA recall on that. Also has noteworthy issues with the transfer case failure, which was already replaced once under warranty on the one I'm looking at.

Worst I've seen on the M278 is a few cases of oil into the engine harness which can be abated by visual inspection and replacement of some cheap sensors if necessary. Very few cases of turbo or timing chain issues.

Avoid the W164 due to water leaks. Avoids the 63 due to head bolts.

I owned a VW Touareg of this vintage and the body, chassis and electrical are robust. I recommend this platform. Caveat emptor on Porsche parts and service prices.

Unless you're prepared to start putting in an average of $5K annually on repairs, I wouldn't touch any of them. If you need a reliable tow mule for under $20K, buy a pickup truck.

OP already owns a M278, I think he is well aware of its potential issues....Oil creeping in harness is not limited to M278.....

A late ML550 W166 would be nice if found with all the right options and service history.