Looking for a W164 ML63 I need your help!

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?
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.
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!

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
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

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

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
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.
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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.
And of course I would really like to get my hands on one of those power dome hoods.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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.

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.
Last edited by Article_Auto; Feb 6, 2014 at 12:36 AM.
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.
Been trying to find one for a few months with no luck.


