M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Bluetec Bad? Good?

Old Sep 22, 2023 | 01:02 PM
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2005 G500 2016 E350
Bluetec Bad? Good?

Hello fellow enthusiasts, I'm looking to dive into owning an MB SUV for the first time. I've owned a lot of w211's, my last one being an e55 that was great. I did replace it with an M5 however sorry lol. My father has a facelift W212 E350 and that has proved to be great and quite reliable. I am currently looking into buying a 2012 ML350 Bluetec with 155k miles. I know the owner of this car so I'm 100% sure that I'm not being sold a dud. However, it doesn't mean that it would be bulletproof as no-one can predict the future. I'm quite knowledgeable in gas engines, diesel not at all. Can anyone give me advice, tips, warnings for this SUV? Reliability? Maintenance? What's this thing worth also? I need to make sure I'm not paying too much. Thanks for the help everyone, looking forward to chatting it out!
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Old Sep 22, 2023 | 06:41 PM
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Unless you are a really good DIY'er, you should stay away from the diesel. The gas engines are way more reliable and much cheaper to operate. Check out the diesel forum subsection and see the list of potential issues you will face.
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Old Sep 22, 2023 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
Unless you are a really good DIY'er, you should stay away from the diesel. The gas engines are way more reliable and much cheaper to operate. Check out the diesel forum subsection and see the list of potential issues you will face.
Thanks for the advice! I think I’d consider myself very hands on, and I’ve always worked on all of my vehicles. I’m not scared of my cars of needing work, I’m scared of being left stranded. My job demands a VERY reliable vehicle. I have a 2022 Tahoe that works flawlessly, and if I break down I always have that available, but I’m tired of using it every day for commuting. I’d like to stash it away for the family trips and Costco shopping. At 155k miles and me not being knowledgeable about diesels, I think I’ll stay away
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Old Sep 23, 2023 | 06:18 PM
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Stay away from the BT models. Not worth the hassle and a V6 Gas ML has proved to be very reliable. Find a 2015 ML350 gas and enjoy it for hundreds of thousands of miles.
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Old Sep 27, 2023 | 08:58 PM
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ML350 BlueTec
I like. Had to learn how to be hands-on, which I did with the help of YouTube.
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