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Hey everybody

So ive recently made the decision to move up the benz line and track towards trading in my 2010 E350 sedan for a Ml63 w164. Before committing to posting my car up for sale or perhaps trading with a private seller, i will need your help to make clear of a few things.

topic:
AMG's remarked by their reliability and performance, but is it ideal to surge for a car thats not warranted and in the range of 50-60k potentially hard driven miles?
For most people the ML63 would be their daily driver but should i go for it?
Also, what is a relatively fair price for an ML63 with around 50k miles?
And lastly, how can I tell if the car i will be test driving is "running smoothly" (non-jittery idles, no strange noises, squeeking breaks, etc)

The keyless go alone is a huge upgrade for me as i cant remember how many times ive left my key in the ignition and ran upstairs forgetting to turn off my car...

A few other options i had interest were
W212 E550 w/ Premium 1/2 package and massage+dynamic seats

What would you go for?

MercedesDad

I would go for the best one, lowest mileage I can afford; just like with any other car.

Just FYI, don't be deterred if you hear a sort of slight knock when idling, they ALL do it!

Check the car service history (Carfax and some dealerships can also help). This would tell you, obviously, if it has been properly maintained or just driven until crap starts accumulating.

There are risks involved when purchasing evry used car but the above can steer the odds on your favor.

Do not hesitate to check in with this forum as often you need. I have found it to be very useful.

MercedesDad

Also, I don't know what you plan to use the ML63 for but budget to pay a premium at the pump for the pleasure to drive this beast.

The best my ML can do is an average of 14.3 miles/gallon. That's in comfort mode with me coasting to every light or stop sign. Expect about 2mile/gallon reduction when in sport mode and single digits if you go manual and blast thru the road.....COMPLETELY WORTH IT!

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Highly appreciate your input in helping me find a ML that suits me! I'm looking to do anything and everything the vehicle can offer from hogging around my mini kawasakis to my uncles jetskis!

The quote above pretty much sums up how i feel about the power over fuel consumption... I usually drive the E350 to an average of 10-15 mpg anyways i guess ill just be driving more of when i need to

MercedesDad

Then you're going to love this thing. The power, the torque, the sound (resonator delete highly recommended) mixed with the luxury of high end Benzes.

If you plan to tow, try to find one that already has the tow package. MB dealers can retrofit it (do NOT take it to an independent shop for this) but it can get expensive.

I just did some "research". I posted the results here in regards to towing package costs:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?p=5925742#post5925742

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Wow! This is crucial information! who knew it would be so expensive? Was thinking about putting some front bumper bull bar for when I take it out to the mountains. So many options here in southern california...

My brother just straight piped his resonators and put an H-pipe over the secondary cats, the thing is treacherously loud. Gota love the hard work put into these vehicles. Even considering the ML63 has the stronger engine

betrezra

I just picked up a 2011 ml 63 with 27k miles for mid 60's.

The spec ed 2010 and all 2011 have the bulgy hood if you like that sort of thing.

My mods to date:
22" wheels
Lowered on links
Ec tune
Res removed
Lw rotor kit on deck.

This thing tows jetskiis great. Also cool feature when you launch Skiis off trailer you can elevate the air suspension to angle trailer to ease offloading and on loading Skiis.

Gl. Oh and mpg: Best rolling 60 mph to work 18 mpg. Worst single digits.

MercedesDad

You did good in the price of your ML in my opinion. I paid high 50's for my 2010 with 23k miles almost a year ago (now with 28k miles). Mine has every possible option except the tow package.

And of course I would really like to get my hands on one of those power dome hoods.

betrezra

I really love my ML63. I had an ML500 07 model that was sooooo reliable. Towed jetskiis for our family for many years in comfort.

I always wanted to get the "greatest iteration" of the W164...... it really is my old ml500 with more class, more comfort, more performance, more attitude, and also capable of towing my jetskiis @ 80mph in style!

Plus...... if I want to get carried away..... I can put some p/p heads, and a blower...... but we'll see about all that.

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Ec tunes are safe? Provided that it was from a reputable tuner? Im not sure if adding another 20-30k is in my allowance to selling of my vehicle so primarily i will be looking at 2008/2009s.. Ive noticed a few intereior and exterior cosmetic differences but overall from the 2006-2011, MLs are equipped with a 6.2 N/A Engine correct? A belive the EC tune on this motor can produce outcomes of somewhere near ~20HP/TQ?

My current approach is to search for a fully loaded Ml63 from 2007-2009 in the range of around 30K and add accordingly any of the later model features such as the aggressive hood, a carbon or SUEDE steering wheel, rubberized floormats and covers, engine tune, wheels.. etc.

betrezra

The mid range hit after the tune is what I notice most. And it seems I'm in the right gear all the time.

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I guess an ECU tune is inevitable for me then

So.. 2008 is a solid year?

ML63 AMG

The Eirocharged ECU tune is super safe, been running mine for over 2 years without a single hiccup. The V4 tune is worlds better than stock tune and has come a long way since the V1 tune. Budget about $2k for mods, that's all you need really to make it very fast. If you want wheels, tires, and brake rotors budget 4k total, but it will be a rocket ship.

Rippin'AV

Been happy with my 2008 so far. Considering an ECU tune but not really at the top of my list...she's pretty quick as-is! good luck in the search.

Off topic...are those refresh 'bulge' hoods as you call them interchangeable with my ML? I've always thought that style looked so much better and more aggressive.

MercedesDad

They are intercheangable as far as I know. They do look awesome!

Been trying to find one for a few months with no luck.