I'm looking to possibly purchase 2015 ML350 4Matic (without air ride) and 72,000 miles for a good price.

It has complete service records and a clean Carfax.
Based on the research I've done thus far these trucks seem to rate well in reliability surveys.

I am a competent home mechanic and have historically performed all of my automotive maintenance and repairs myself.

Do these trucks have any significant issues I should be aware of?
Can I expect this thing to nickel and dime me to death?

I've never owned a MB before and I do know the stereotypes of out of warranty European cars.

Should I do it?

 

I bought a 2015 ML 350 4Matic, nor AIRMATIC with 87K on the clock back in May. I am not an SUV person, my wife is, but it drives great. However, before jumping into it I was aware of:
1 - ML line in general is prompt to water leaks in the back due to known and unknown reasons (see recall post in this forum). If the car has not been in an accident, and nobody has messed around with taillights, top brake lights, etc in the back likely the vehicle is still OK. Summary: check for water intrusion in the back, open panel covers, and look for water on the right and left side pods.
2 - The M276 engine has shown a few issues to be aware of:

• Chain tensioner, oil check valve for the VVTs. By 2015, they had been fixed, but worth checking for a strange rattle at idle when cold.
• Oil leaks from the camshaft sensor and/or solenoids into the electrical harness. Not to be confused with oil leaks of the timing covers, or around the solenoids/sensors

3 - Since it is used, be certain it has everything it came with, for example, the security cover in the back. The seat belts are ALL working to specs and in good condition
4 - Maintenance records of course
5 - and, big AND for some people. The lighting package. For some reason, most of the ML350 has halogens unless they have a higher premium package. I think the ML400 and 550 have BiXenon by default.

• I just installed LED H7 bulbs from LastFit (
  Amazon-LastFit-ProMB2
  Amazon-LastFit-ProMB2
  ). Not a true LED headlight, nor BiXenon level but a LOT better. There are many options, but be careful when installing the light cut-off is correct or you will be blinding oncoming drivers.

Others may chime in with more feedback.

I have attached two TSB for the M276 engine, and here is a link for known recalls on the ML class ( https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/m-class/2015/recall/). The water leak is under the fuel pump-related recall.

 

Our 2015 ML has been very reliable. Solid truck no doubt. A couple of small issues as noted above but overall a good SUV. It’s my wives car and I am not a SUV person at all. Get a PPI from a shop or dealer before purchase. I had the A/C but once a year I use a product called Kool-it when I change my oil and it does the job.

 

Solid vehicle. As mentioned, the "check valve" issue should be addressed. Once addressed, it is solved and doesn't reappear.

Front cylinder head covers leak from the factory, this is addressable by the dealer or indy. DIY is possible but it is a fussy procedure.

Cam position sensors and cam magnets leak oil, not catastrophic but needs to be addressed. Permanent fix is to replace the magnets and sensors with the current (latest) part numbers from the dealer. DIY-able. Temporary fix is to open the wiring connectors and spray with contact cleaner if there are signs of oil.

The three items above are not catastrophic, unlike other issues on MB engines such as cracked pistons, failed cylinder heads or scored cylinder bores.

 

I don't get why some folks are shy about posting prices, but I paid $25,000 for my 2015 ML400 back in November 2022; 86K miles, one owner, all service records, no accidents. My 12th MB and my 10th used, I absolutely love it so far and believe it to be a terrific value.

 

Thank you for the input.

This vehicle has complete service history, 10K OCIs and a transmission service @ 60K. Mostly done by MB dealer.

CARFAX shows no accidents or damage.

The price is currently @ $18,900

 

I paid @19.5K. Carfax showed all services by MB dealer, no accidents. Brand new rear tires, about 50% on the front. Recent brake service, and oil service. The deeper I clean it, the more I find sand and pet hair in the crevices. Guess it went to go to the beach often.

 

I paid $38,000 back in 2018. CPO with under 20,000 miles. 1 Owner, all records and no accidents.

 

Those prices are great, and to the OP I would say pull the trigger on that vehicle (I'd likely offer about 10% under asking just to see if there's some room there). When I was shopping I narrowed my search to ML400's as they tended to have the options I considered must-haves (AMG trim, adaptive headlights, leather seats) as well as some that were high on my wish list (ventilated seats, top-stitched dash). I've long felt the ML350 to be under powered (my wife and daughter didn't seem to notice) so the twin-turbo six was a worthwhile add, and it made my nationwide search more manageable. When I narrowed it down to white with tan interior I had just two beauties to choose from, the other in PA.




i narrowed

 

I agree with all your comments. The ML is meant for my wife, and she will not notice the difference, it is already a V6 for her. However, I can tell the difference, and the more I looked I started to increase the available budget for the vehicle. Found an ML400 in Kentucky ( a bit of drive) via CarFax, the seller never answer emails, not returned a call. So, not a chance to go that far. Then, I found an ML550 in Sarasota at the MB dealership and I was close, 25K, but reality allowed me to pause and got sold the day after I called. I like to think that I dodged a bullet so I feel better.

Found way too many RWD asking 4Matic prices. Some even with basic options. I really miss not getting the BiXenon like the ML400. Those are not on sale very often.

 

OP, did you pull the trigger?!
2013 ML350 and relatively inexpensive issues because I did the repairs myself. I had the Blind Spot Radar System go out because of water intrusion but I was able to fix by replacing one of the modules with a used one. I also resealed with 100% silicone all around and stuffed the connection point with dielectric grease and replaced one fuse. Trouble free since that repair.
I also replaced one of the seals around the camshaft magnet to stop an oil leak.
Other than that, full fluid changes and basic maintenance with 5k OCI.

It is a panzer of a truck and has been very reliable for us!!
23K in July 2021 with 52k miles, now at 80k.

 

For those considering an ML350/400/550 see Car Wizard's in-depth YouTube reviews. In short the ML350 was the only one of the three that he owned and recommended long term.
Per his advice we just purchased a '15 ML350 w/55k and are quite happy with it.
The A & B maintenance is worth it to DIY if so inclined.

 

which video?

 

 

I'm considering a 2010-2015 ML after watchig this video. Sounds like some of the expensive and catastrophic issues were addressed by mercedes in the 2009+ models. The leaking in the trunk/Sam issues, balance shaft issue etc....

Former S and SL owner here and i want to stay away from airmatic and ABC suspension problems. I see that air suspension was an option on the ML and it came with standard springs. That alone made me jump for joy.

Going to contine monitoring the W164 and W166 until I'm ready to pull the trigger- but for the most part, ML seems to be a reliable SUV. Going to keep doing research.....

 

If you're planning to tow, don't overlook airmatic. It isn't that scary.

 

I've been dealing with Airmatic/ABC issues since 2006. First my CL500, than two S classes and a SL R230.

I've had enough- the amount of time and money I spent addressing suspension problems has been nothing but a headache. I even tried coilovers on my SL and it drove like absolute crap.

I'm falling in love with the ML and will probably pull the trigger in the summer. I'm leaning towards a 2013-2015

 

Sister has the 2012 ML350, and I have the 2015 ML350. There is a difference in the cluster, and COMAND unit, and you may want the latest version.

 

That's the other thing I'm looking into- bluetooth/aux to be able to stream music. I don't want to mess with the COMAND unit like I did in my previous vehicles. Things can go south quickly.

 

My 2015 ML400 COMAND records CDs into the head unit and plays MP3s off a USB stick in the console. I'm planning adding an Apple CARPLAY dongle soon, as I want to get WAZE onto the COMAND screen.

 

So the 2013-2015 ML's don't come with the ability to stream music via bluetooth or auxiliary input?

 

the USB port is an auxiliary input; there's also a proprietary MB iPhone cable for folks that play music from their phones (I assume there may be an Android one as well). My wife's 2022 GLC300 still requires her phone be plugged in to use Apple CARPLAY.

 

Bluetooth works fine on the 2015 ML350. We listen from our Android phones all the time. Pair the phone, then use Bluetooth Audio. Done

Have not done it myself on the 2012, but I understand sister also uses it that way. Need to check.

One thing that I find very important, which I do not have, is the lighting package. The common halogen lighting is poor at best.

 

I see you run through cars like me

I see you owned the SL400 and 2010 ML. What was your experience with those models/years? I think the SL400 had standard springs, correct?The SL was another option that was on the table since I have the ES350 as my everyday car.

If I go ML, I will get rid of the ES350.

I'm trying to stay away from airmatic/abc- not just mercedes, any manufacturer/vehicle with this option. Coming outside seeing your car on the ground is not fun- ask me how I know.

 

Don't celebrate too much if you find an ML with the basic steel springs. I have already had to replace one spring due to cracking and my mechanic had to replace springs in his 2010 E class wagon. MB did not use good metal in these and they will need replacing at some point .