keep or sell ML550?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2015 ML550
keep or sell ML550?
Howdy all,
Just looking for an opinion. I have a 2015 ML550 that I initially leased which I ended up buying out afterwards since I loved it so much (mainly because the newer models no longer had the v8....with the exception of the AMG63 of course). I purchased the extended warranty for peace of mind which has come in handy as various things were fixed under warranty (turbo coolant leak, transfer case leak, timing cover leak). My extended warranty is coming to an end this summer and I’m debating what I should do with the car now. I mainly drive it in the winter season only as I drive my Tacoma during the summer for its utility (mtn biking, camping, hauling around boat and kayak etc).....plus the ML is simply better in the winter.
How had the reliability and longevity of the ML550 been? Is it a money pit as they age? Just looking for some opinions....thanks!
Just looking for an opinion. I have a 2015 ML550 that I initially leased which I ended up buying out afterwards since I loved it so much (mainly because the newer models no longer had the v8....with the exception of the AMG63 of course). I purchased the extended warranty for peace of mind which has come in handy as various things were fixed under warranty (turbo coolant leak, transfer case leak, timing cover leak). My extended warranty is coming to an end this summer and I’m debating what I should do with the car now. I mainly drive it in the winter season only as I drive my Tacoma during the summer for its utility (mtn biking, camping, hauling around boat and kayak etc).....plus the ML is simply better in the winter.
How had the reliability and longevity of the ML550 been? Is it a money pit as they age? Just looking for some opinions....thanks!
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
Likes: 58
From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
Still a great platform, especially if you have one with On/Off Road or the Active Curve System. Very rare. Seems like the W167 isn’t as reliable yet.
Assuming you have Airmatic, I would budget $5k to replace the front and rear air suspension at around 150k miles. Quite a bit less if you’re on steel springs.
If you haven’t yet had the check valve done (ticking noise on a warm start), budget around $1.6k for that.
O2 sensors may get finicky at 150k, but those are $200 each - not terrible.
Brakes and rotors can be done for $800 with OEM parts.
Fluid filled motor mounts will definitely fail - likely $1-2k depending on the shop. Should also have the transmission mount and flex disk done around the same time - they keep the vibrations away.
Alternator between 150-175k will set you back around $2.5k from the dealer. If it’s just the voltage regulator then it is cheaper.
If your hub / bearings are worn (this is a nearly 6k lb vehicle after all), then that may need attention by 200k miles. Not sure on total cost since mine were under warranty.
The rear tailgate motor might die - that’s around $800 at the dealer.
12V battery is around $300-500 depending on make and shop. Those last around 5-7 years if they’re the OE Mercedes battery.
It all sounds like a lot of money dumped into the truck - but it’s worth it IMO. The comfort and noise insulation is still comparable to new SUVs today. In fact, my ML550 went down the highway better than my X5 does - I get a lot of head toss these days.
Good luck with it.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
Likes: 114
From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
I replaced my ML550 with a ‘21 BMW X5 45e at the end of last year - both good vehicles, but I miss the ML550. I just couldn’t justify 12-14mpg in my primarily city based driving.
Still a great platform, especially if you have one with On/Off Road or the Active Curve System. Very rare. Seems like the W167 isn’t as reliable yet.
Assuming you have Airmatic, I would budget $5k to replace the front and rear air suspension at around 150k miles. Quite a bit less if you’re on steel springs.
If you haven’t yet had the check valve done (ticking noise on a warm start), budget around $1.6k for that.
O2 sensors may get finicky at 150k, but those are $200 each - not terrible.
Brakes and rotors can be done for $800 with OEM parts.
Fluid filled motor mounts will definitely fail - likely $1-2k depending on the shop. Should also have the transmission mount and flex disk done around the same time - they keep the vibrations away.
Alternator between 150-175k will set you back around $2.5k from the dealer. If it’s just the voltage regulator then it is cheaper.
If your hub / bearings are worn (this is a nearly 6k lb vehicle after all), then that may need attention by 200k miles. Not sure on total cost since mine were under warranty.
The rear tailgate motor might die - that’s around $800 at the dealer.
12V battery is around $300-500 depending on make and shop. Those last around 5-7 years if they’re the OE Mercedes battery.
It all sounds like a lot of money dumped into the truck - but it’s worth it IMO. The comfort and noise insulation is still comparable to new SUVs today. In fact, my ML550 went down the highway better than my X5 does - I get a lot of head toss these days.
Good luck with it.
Still a great platform, especially if you have one with On/Off Road or the Active Curve System. Very rare. Seems like the W167 isn’t as reliable yet.
Assuming you have Airmatic, I would budget $5k to replace the front and rear air suspension at around 150k miles. Quite a bit less if you’re on steel springs.
If you haven’t yet had the check valve done (ticking noise on a warm start), budget around $1.6k for that.
O2 sensors may get finicky at 150k, but those are $200 each - not terrible.
Brakes and rotors can be done for $800 with OEM parts.
Fluid filled motor mounts will definitely fail - likely $1-2k depending on the shop. Should also have the transmission mount and flex disk done around the same time - they keep the vibrations away.
Alternator between 150-175k will set you back around $2.5k from the dealer. If it’s just the voltage regulator then it is cheaper.
If your hub / bearings are worn (this is a nearly 6k lb vehicle after all), then that may need attention by 200k miles. Not sure on total cost since mine were under warranty.
The rear tailgate motor might die - that’s around $800 at the dealer.
12V battery is around $300-500 depending on make and shop. Those last around 5-7 years if they’re the OE Mercedes battery.
It all sounds like a lot of money dumped into the truck - but it’s worth it IMO. The comfort and noise insulation is still comparable to new SUVs today. In fact, my ML550 went down the highway better than my X5 does - I get a lot of head toss these days.
Good luck with it.
@SC22 Keep the ML -- do your research -- keep up with the maintenance and you'll be happy and proud for such a rare combo in the coming years.
Last edited by we47b1me; Apr 20, 2021 at 09:50 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 897
Likes: 94
From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Howdy all,
Just looking for an opinion. I have a 2015 ML550 that I initially leased which I ended up buying out afterwards since I loved it so much (mainly because the newer models no longer had the v8....with the exception of the AMG63 of course). I purchased the extended warranty for peace of mind which has come in handy as various things were fixed under warranty (turbo coolant leak, transfer case leak, timing cover leak). My extended warranty is coming to an end this summer and I’m debating what I should do with the car now. I mainly drive it in the winter season only as I drive my Tacoma during the summer for its utility (mtn biking, camping, hauling around boat and kayak etc).....plus the ML is simply better in the winter.
How had the reliability and longevity of the ML550 been? Is it a money pit as they age? Just looking for some opinions....thanks!
Just looking for an opinion. I have a 2015 ML550 that I initially leased which I ended up buying out afterwards since I loved it so much (mainly because the newer models no longer had the v8....with the exception of the AMG63 of course). I purchased the extended warranty for peace of mind which has come in handy as various things were fixed under warranty (turbo coolant leak, transfer case leak, timing cover leak). My extended warranty is coming to an end this summer and I’m debating what I should do with the car now. I mainly drive it in the winter season only as I drive my Tacoma during the summer for its utility (mtn biking, camping, hauling around boat and kayak etc).....plus the ML is simply better in the winter.
How had the reliability and longevity of the ML550 been? Is it a money pit as they age? Just looking for some opinions....thanks!
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
How many miles do you have on it? My 2013 with 60k miles hasn't had the issues you describe. Just normal maintenance, which I mostly do myself now after the factory warranty expired. These are not terribly difficult to work on, and youtube has all sorts of help. Doing the work yourself is WAY cheaper than dealer, and you are assured it is done right. As an example, I had to replace a rear electronic adjustable shock (I have airmatic and off-road), 2 dealers quoted me $1800 to replace the one bad one. I purchased new OEM from a dealer online for $350, and did the whole job myself in under 2 hours. Hardest part was getting the wire clip connector off the old shock. Rear brake job at dealer was about $800, did it myself for about $150. Oil changes at dealer is about $200, done at home for about $50. Just flushed tranny fluid, coolant and brakes for similar savings. Dealer actually told me that for the tranny flush, they don't actually drain the 4liters in the torque converter for their flush, they only drain the pan and put in 5 liters of new fluid. I did the full 9 liters for a COMPLETE flush. If you constantly go to dealer, these will cost you, do it yourself, and isn't too bad, and you can ensure it is done properly and completely. I personally would keep the 550. As you said, they no longer do the V8 (except AMG), is a super strong engine, and the whole car is luxurious. With the new rides, they are all going to small engines.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 416
Likes: 91
G63/RR LWB/W222 S550
I replaced my ML550 with a ‘21 BMW X5 45e at the end of last year - both good vehicles, but I miss the ML550. I just couldn’t justify 12-14mpg in my primarily city based driving.
Still a great platform, especially if you have one with On/Off Road or the Active Curve System. Very rare. Seems like the W167 isn’t as reliable yet.
Assuming you have Airmatic, I would budget $5k to replace the front and rear air suspension at around 150k miles. Quite a bit less if you’re on steel springs.
If you haven’t yet had the check valve done (ticking noise on a warm start), budget around $1.6k for that.
O2 sensors may get finicky at 150k, but those are $200 each - not terrible.
Brakes and rotors can be done for $800 with OEM parts.
Fluid filled motor mounts will definitely fail - likely $1-2k depending on the shop. Should also have the transmission mount and flex disk done around the same time - they keep the vibrations away.
Alternator between 150-175k will set you back around $2.5k from the dealer. If it’s just the voltage regulator then it is cheaper.
If your hub / bearings are worn (this is a nearly 6k lb vehicle after all), then that may need attention by 200k miles. Not sure on total cost since mine were under warranty.
The rear tailgate motor might die - that’s around $800 at the dealer.
12V battery is around $300-500 depending on make and shop. Those last around 5-7 years if they’re the OE Mercedes battery.
It all sounds like a lot of money dumped into the truck - but it’s worth it IMO. The comfort and noise insulation is still comparable to new SUVs today. In fact, my ML550 went down the highway better than my X5 does - I get a lot of head toss these days.
Good luck with it.
Still a great platform, especially if you have one with On/Off Road or the Active Curve System. Very rare. Seems like the W167 isn’t as reliable yet.
Assuming you have Airmatic, I would budget $5k to replace the front and rear air suspension at around 150k miles. Quite a bit less if you’re on steel springs.
If you haven’t yet had the check valve done (ticking noise on a warm start), budget around $1.6k for that.
O2 sensors may get finicky at 150k, but those are $200 each - not terrible.
Brakes and rotors can be done for $800 with OEM parts.
Fluid filled motor mounts will definitely fail - likely $1-2k depending on the shop. Should also have the transmission mount and flex disk done around the same time - they keep the vibrations away.
Alternator between 150-175k will set you back around $2.5k from the dealer. If it’s just the voltage regulator then it is cheaper.
If your hub / bearings are worn (this is a nearly 6k lb vehicle after all), then that may need attention by 200k miles. Not sure on total cost since mine were under warranty.
The rear tailgate motor might die - that’s around $800 at the dealer.
12V battery is around $300-500 depending on make and shop. Those last around 5-7 years if they’re the OE Mercedes battery.
It all sounds like a lot of money dumped into the truck - but it’s worth it IMO. The comfort and noise insulation is still comparable to new SUVs today. In fact, my ML550 went down the highway better than my X5 does - I get a lot of head toss these days.
Good luck with it.
Sometimes I wish you can just reach into the screen and slap the sh*t out of a poster.
All the prices you posted are literally pulled straight from your ***. 5k for airmatic replacement? $2500 for an alternator? $500 for a battery? Brakes and rotors for $800....LOL
I bet your service advisor gets a real kick and laugh when your foolish *** walks in.
This right here is a fine example of an individual with more money than brains. 😭🥱
Last edited by simandang; Jun 7, 2021 at 08:16 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
Likes: 114
From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
Seriously this is the biggest pile of word vomit bull**** I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of bull**** being involved in FB groups for various different platforms.
Sometimes I wish you can just reach into the screen and slap the sh*t out of a poster.
All the prices you posted are literally pulled straight from your ***. 5k for airmatic replacement? $2500 for an alternator? $500 for a battery? Brakes and rotors for $800....LOL
I bet your service advisor gets a real kick and laugh when your foolish *** walks in.
This right here is a fine example of an individual with more money than brains. 😭🥱
Sometimes I wish you can just reach into the screen and slap the sh*t out of a poster.
All the prices you posted are literally pulled straight from your ***. 5k for airmatic replacement? $2500 for an alternator? $500 for a battery? Brakes and rotors for $800....LOL
I bet your service advisor gets a real kick and laugh when your foolish *** walks in.
This right here is a fine example of an individual with more money than brains. 😭🥱
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 2,196
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Seriously this is the biggest pile of word vomit bull**** I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of bull**** being involved in FB groups for various different platforms.
Sometimes I wish you can just reach into the screen and slap the sh*t out of a poster.
All the prices you posted are literally pulled straight from your ***. 5k for airmatic replacement? $2500 for an alternator? $500 for a battery? Brakes and rotors for $800....LOL
I bet your service advisor gets a real kick and laugh when your foolish *** walks in.
This right here is a fine example of an individual with more money than brains. 😭🥱
Sometimes I wish you can just reach into the screen and slap the sh*t out of a poster.
All the prices you posted are literally pulled straight from your ***. 5k for airmatic replacement? $2500 for an alternator? $500 for a battery? Brakes and rotors for $800....LOL
I bet your service advisor gets a real kick and laugh when your foolish *** walks in.
This right here is a fine example of an individual with more money than brains. 😭🥱
