M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Looking at W166 AMG

Old Sep 18, 2025 | 03:06 PM
  #1  
Max Blast's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Looking at W166 AMG

Hi all

Long time X164 owner here.
I’m looking to upgrade to a X166 ML 63.

What are some absolute must dos in terms of pre-purchase inspections? I’ve heard cylinders one and five typically get scratched because of oil breakdown due to the proximity of the turbos.
Is borescoping an absolute necessity or did they figure this out at some point during the model run?
Airmatic issues should be the same as x164, and any transmission valve body issues the same.

What are some other W166 peculiarities?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2025 | 07:39 PM
  #2  
JCM_MB's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350

If a 4matic, check for this.

Last edited by JCM_MB; Sep 18, 2025 at 07:42 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2025 | 01:38 PM
  #3  
Max Blast's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Thanks for this - it seems that the engine solenoid oil mod and getting a post December 2014 bill date car might be the ticket here. Anything prior to that or with existing cylinder scuffing is a no go.
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2025 | 02:17 PM
  #4  
JCM_MB's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Originally Posted by Max Blast
Thanks for this - it seems that the engine solenoid oil mod and getting a post December 2014 bill date car might be the ticket here. Anything prior to that or with existing cylinder scuffing is a no go.
For the ML550, built date is important. For ML63, it will make no difference since they never got upgraded cylinder liners.
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2025 | 06:29 PM
  #5  
Max Blast's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Sorry I should’ve specified… The December 2013 bill date was important only for the oil/water gasket behind the timing cover plate. Evidently the ones before 2013 allow oil and water to mix after a certain mileage.

Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:34 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE