When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
New to the board, new to MB ownership, and thought I'd say hi and give a quick story of my experiences so far.
Earlier this year, a family member wanted to finally pull the trigger on a 911, so I sold him mine.
Wanted something reliable, fast, and big enough for friends and my German Shepherd (who outgrew the front seat of the C4S), and always admired the 6.2 in the post-supercharged/pre-turbocharged AMGs. Found a 2007 ML63 with 75k miles and the PPI checked out, so I went for it.
Writing this because, while these are still fairly rare, depreciation is a gift to some (and a curse to follow) to the point where someone on Jalopnik will inevitably write a "Why Buy a Toyota Highlander When You Can Have a 500 Horsepower ML63 AMG For Less" article. After that, they will Google "ML63 Cost to own". This is my experience so far. tl/dr: it's great and it isn't cheap.
First off, the car has everything except rear entertainment. It was still 100% stock when I picked it up. The only things the PPI encouraged was replacing a shock and a full fluid change. The window trip was peeling as well, but that's an easy cosmetic fix for a rainy day. Overall, nothing major. On the road for $2458 from the Indy (the shock was the bulk of that at $1685).
Within 200 miles, noticed there was still a creaky noise from the passenger side, and sure enough, that shock was going too. Another $1685.
Now that I knew all of the noises this thing made, I wanted to hear more of the engine, so I had the resonator removed at a great muffler shop for $89. The best things in life aren't free, but at least they cost < $100. I'll eventually post a video of the results with a GoPro/mic because everything I have so far with my iPhone doesn't quite cut it. It's not much louder than stock at first but getting better with time.
Less than 100 miles after the passenger shock was replaced, hit a giant pothole (thanks, Michigan) and bent/cracked the passenger rim. I'm in the camp that loves the 20x4 setup. I'm sure if I had more time, I could've found one cheaper. I didn't have more time. The cost of one rim: $1612.80. Starting to think that everything that breaks on this car is $1600.
Fuel consumption isn't stellar, but I didn't buy it for that. 280-300ish miles in the city, but I've stretched it to 400 miles on road trips. Call it 11-17 MPG. On days where it's been allowed to perform with some enthusiasm, I'll give it 9 MPG. If that.
Still, what this thing can do with three adults, a big dog, and a lot of things on a 300 mile road trip is awesome. Passing lanes are hilarious at full throttle, yet it's quiet and comfortable at 75-80 MPH all day long (until it runs out of gas). It towed a boat out of the water without a groan and then kept up with a 991 GT3 once the boat was put away.
I'm currently at 83k miles and I'll periodically post updates about this thing if/when more things break, but for now I love it.
My Indy even liked it so much he bought one the day after he PPI'd mine. If you find a good one, go for it.
aftermarket anti-theft system
Last edited by 63BPB; 11-17-2014 at 02:02 PM.
Reason: added photo
63BPB
I bought one just like yours 9 months ago and I love it. What I did first was to change the oil, the fluids in the radiator and the brake system, all filters including the one in the cabin and everything was back to new condition. My son has 2008 MLcdi 320 and when he had a failed air spring, I decided to do a little preventive maintenance and replaced all four air bags and the air compressor. In the process we discovered that the front right shock was beginning to leak fluid so we replace the whole strut. The kit was from ARNOTT, Inc and cost $1,392. When the right straut assembly was replaced, ARNOTT refunded $310 for the returned air bladder. The replacement strut was an ARNOTT also. I found it on the internet for less than $500 and it works perfectly. (By the way, for air bag replacement you need to first contact http://www.airbagit.com/ They make them and that’s where you can get the best prices.)
For nine months it has done very well except for two mechanical failures. One was the idler pulley seized at 105,000 miles and yesterday the horn alarm began to blow and would not shut off. (That’s why I am writing to let you know.) I wound up driving to the dealer with the alarm going and once there the horn kept blowing until they were able to silence it in the shop. I don’t know what they did, but here is what most likely happened. The horn sits on a computer board that has two batteries. When these batteries get old, they begin to leak acid which shorts out the board and the horn goes off. If I was you, I would have this assembly replaced ($200-$400 plus labor) or have it disconnected, like mine is now. The dealer did it free of charge. Mercedes must know of the problem and is reimbursing them. Look into this, it will keep you from being embarrassed.
To get back to the idler pulley. When it seized while on the interstate, the only thing I noticed was that the red battery warning light came on on the dash. I pulled over, stopped the engine and investigated under the hood. The fan belt was gone, and that explained why the alternator stopped and set off the warning. Back in the car I tried to start the engine and it would not crank. (Later I discovered that it would have started with the “stop/Start button” out and by using the key.) I called Mercedes on the emergency number and within 20 minutes they had a specialist out. He confirmed the fan belt had failed and ordered a tow to the MB dealer in Alpharetta, GA. (A great dealership, by the way) There it was confirmed that the idler pulley had failed. They had to order a new one and offered a SmartCar for me to use to get home with. I was braced for the worst, thinking the pulley must have damaged the shaft it was spinning on, the shaft was imbedded somehow in the engine front plate, which would have to come off etc. etc. But as it turned out, replacing the pulley, fixing flat with a nail in the tire, washing the engine and looking where oil was seeping from came to only $550! Towing and the SmartCar were free of charge.
There you have it, shop on the internet (the strut assembly was about $650 less core, $200,) use ARNOTT parts and replace airbags from AirBagIt all around every 100,000 miles before they go bad. Let a good “Indy” you trust do the work and it should not be all that expensive to drive this beauty for the next 100,000 miles.
I bought mine with almost 100,000 miles on it. Whoever had it before kept it in showroom condition and according to CarFax it always had regular dealer service performed. I’ll have to find out who the original owner was and will have to thank him/her for doing such a good job.
I am the original owner of a 2007 ML63 AMG that I leased for 3 years then decided to purchase it at the end of the lease. The vehicle now has just over 90,000 miles on it and is going strong. I always have had my M-B Dealer do all necessary servicing and religiously have the Mobil One synthetic engine oil and filter changed every approx. 6,000 miles. I just had all four OEM wheels machine refinished and clear coated, to now look like new, at a cost of $75 per wheel. We use the ML63 for our weekend utility vehicle and long trip / vacation cruiser, which it excels at. I just switched over to the winter tires for the anticipated snowy roads where the all-wheel drive will be much appreciated. They perform a 4-Wheel Alignment after they remove my Summer Performance tires and reinstall and balance my Winter Snow Tires on the OEM rims.
At every 10,000 mile mark, I have my M-B Dealer do the following recommended and additional service on the vehicle:
1. Flush & refill brake fluid (M-B Service 4)
2. Replace A.C. combination filter (M-B Service 5)
3. Replace air cleaner insert (M-B Service 8)
At the 50,000 mile and 90,000 mile point I had them change the transmission oil & filter (M-B Service 20)
Issues
For the most part my ML63 has been very reliable over the past years, with most issues that I have experienced being relatively minor, (except for number 6 and 8 below), and all were all corrected by my M-B Dealer and were covered under the original MBUSA vehicle warranty or my M-B Extended Limited Warranty, (except for number 8), and included the following:
1. Air Conditioner Compressor leak (lost refrigerant). AC Compressor was replaced in 2008.
2. Both metal running board tops were oxidizing and were replaced in 2008.
3. Two OEM 20” AMG alloy wheels experienced growing 'spidering' corrosion around the hubs due to clear coat failure. Both wheels replaced in 2009. The problem started to reappear a couple of years later and that is why I just had all 4 wheels refinished in 2014.
4. One of the LED video screens in the rear of the passenger side head rest failed and was replaced with a new unit in 2008.
5. Rear tail gate closing issue due to faulty striker and bumpers were repaired in 2009.
6. Replace failed engine serpentine poly V drive belt and idle pulley in 2010. For ongoing preventive maintenance, I had the them both replaced again at 90,000 miles (2014), just to give me peace of mind.
7. Replace a loose sunroof contact switch in 2013.
8. The ETC module, (the automatic transmission's computer brain), connected to the valve body / conductor plate inside the transmission had malfunctioned and had to be replaced, at a cost for parts & labor of just under $1,000 in Aug. 2013. (Note: my previously purchased MBUSA Extended Limited Warranty had expired on May 30, 2013 so I had to pay this cost out-of-pocket).
When needed, I purchase from Dealer who also installs four (4) new (OEM) Continental Cross Contact UHP 295/40 ZR 20 high performance tires which are my excellent performing summer performance tires and usually are good for approx. 22-24,000 miles before they need to be replaced. I get the best price for these tires from Tire Rack, which my M-B Dealer will match, as well as provide warranty's on the tires for one year.
My winter tires for the 20" OEM rims are 295/40 R20 Pirelli Scorpion ICE & SNOW tires, which work well below 40 deg. F. and are quite good in the snow. I am on my 4th winter season with the same set of tires. FYI - the summer performance tires (Continental Cross Contacts), are worthless on as little as 1" of snow on the roads, so do yourself a favor and get a high quality winter performance set of tires to use when the consistent ambient air temperature will be below 40 deg. F., as well as chance of snow covered roads.
The important fact to keep in mind is that all of today's AMG vehicles are very expensive to repair, especially if there is any issue involving the engine or transmission, (see #8 above….). The cost of replacing the entire 6.3 engine alone has a MSRP of over $65,000! So in April 2011, nearing the end of the original M-B mfgrs warranty, I decided to purchase a Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty (ELW) for the ML63. The ELW can be purchased from any M-B Dealer and is available in a number of different mileage/months combinations at different costs. I elected to go with an ELW for an additional two years and/or 25,000 miles (up to 75,000 miles on the vehicle). The ELW was not cheap at $4,171 (which includes 7% NJ sales tax), but there is no deductible and I view it as an additional "insurance" cost that gives me important peace of mind. Repair or replacement of just one key covered component on this vehicle could easily total this amount. So if you have or buy a ML63 that is still within the original mfgrs. warranty I strongly suggest that you seriously consider exploring getting a M-B ELW that works for your budget and time frame in order to have the peace of mind of having that ELW coverage, just in case....
I believe that these vehicle, if property maintained, will last for quite some time and provide many satisfying miles of spirited driving. This strategy allows me to continue my enjoyable ownership and driving experience of my ML63 for a couple more years before I make a change. My current daily driver is a new, (as of June 2013), 2014 BMW M6 coupe, which gives me an excited and satisfied feeling when I get in it and start its engine, listening to its throaty gurgling, even though the the ML63’s wonderful naturally aspirated AMG engine’s baritone rumble sounds better to me….
So, ultimately, even after seven years, the design of the ML's body, brisk acceleration for such a heavy vehicle and the wonderful naturally aspirated engine exhaust sounds are still putting a silly grin on my face every time I drive it! I hope you and others enjoy your ML63's as much as I have been enjoying mine...
Thanks AVB-AMG :-)
To own and take care of an engine as is in the 2007 ML63 AMG becomes a labor of love. You wrote that it "still is putting a smile on my face every time I drive it!" I have had mine for only 10 months and it does that to me for the very same reasons every time I look at it . AND when I drive it, the mere thought that all I have to do is step on the gas and it will smoothly accelerate to 150 MPH, gives me goose bumps.
I am 85years old and before my retirement I flew the A-300 Airbus for nine years. It was a wonderful plane for its time. Each engine in that plane had 100 times as many horses as my AMG, enough to keep flying if one engine should fail after Take-Off. With both engines running, even fully loaded, the A-300 could still out perform a World War Two fighter plane. You can get the same sense of power when you step on the gas in a 2007 ML63 AMG. :-)
It sounds like from your pilot days, you are in a unique position to appreciate and empathize all of the proportional power available to the "driver" of a wide variety of vehicles, (planes, cars, trucks, etc...).
Yet we all realize that "things happen" to machines, despite our best precautions. Our goal in this maintenance is to reduce the odds of something unknown happening at the most inopportune time, such as while on a long trip, far from home (or a M-B Dealer).
Continue to take all of the necessary proactive preventive maintenance of the ML63 and it should provide many miles of enjoyable motoring.
My winter tires for the 20" OEM rims are 295/40 R20 Pirelli Scorpion ICE & SNOW tires, which work well below 40 deg. F. and are quite good in the snow. I am on my 4th winter season with the same set of tires. FYI - the summer performance tires (Continental Cross Contacts), are worthless on as little as 1" of snow on the roads, so do yourself a favor and get a high quality winter performance set of tires to use when the consistent ambient air temperature will be below 40 deg. F., as well as chance of snow covered roads.
Hi AVB. Thanks for the detailed recs around maintenance and preventive care. I am just about to purchase a (relatively low mileage: 57K) 2008 ML63 and am hoping to avoid the majority of horror stories I've heard from some others by following your lead (and also getting a comprehensive 3rd party warranty).
One question for you: do you have any issues with fit and/or clearance when mounting/running your snow tires? On some other forums (and maybe even elsewhere on this one) I have seen comments stating that the Scorpions in the dimensions you specified either don't fit properly over the 20" wheels or sit too close to the wells when mounted, potentially causing accelerated wear and other damage to the tires and/or wells. Have you experienced anything like this?
As far as tires are concerned, especially for older folks like myself, Walmart Nexen Roadians are excellent. They are good for year round, meet the ratings, are ok for 150 mph and only cost $136 each plus tax etc.
I'm at 106k now. I did my semi-annual "think I will get a new car now" bit a few weeks ago on the computer, looking at GT-Rs, and E63's, C63's, a Noble but sadly, the depreciation on the Benz is holding me back. With my mileage, despite its incredible condition, dealers saying anywhere from 17-24k for my AMG. I can't think of ANY car (in that price range I would prefer to drive over my truck so I'm keeping it for now).
Red60R, 110,000 plus miles on my 2007 ML63 AMG. As you can see above, I bought it at less than 100,000 miles 15 months ago, thoroughly went over it and took care of a couple of items that came up since. As far as I am concerned, it still is in like-new condition and is barely broken in. I don't think we can wear them out, only break them by being stupid. :-) What we have are collector items! I'm also still driving my '87 300D Turbo with 276,000 miles on it. Just came back from Nashville, everything worked great, engine burns no oil, A/T shifts beautifully, so do the cruise control and the R-12 A/C. With the quality of materials we have in the AMGs they should last forever. :-)
FYI - In case you did not already see and read this separate posting thread that I started earlier this year, here is the link to it.
For all of you high-mileage ML63 owner's out there I think you will want to read this. All the best with your ML63's....
One question for you: do you have any issues with fit and/or clearance when mounting/running your snow tires? On some other forums (and maybe even elsewhere on this one) I have seen comments stating that the Scorpions in the dimensions you specified either don't fit properly over the 20" wheels or sit too close to the wells when mounted, potentially causing accelerated wear and other damage to the tires and/or wells. Have you experienced anything like this?
rdavies85:
No, I have not had any problems nor experiences such as you describe above when I have had my Pirelli Scorpion winter tires mounted on the OEM rims.
FYI - In case you did not already see and read this separate posting thread that I started earlier this year, here is the link to it.
For all of you high-mileage ML63 owner's out there I think you will want to read this. All the best with your ML63's....
I read that, nice that they hooked you up with a new engine for the $100 but I bet that was a pain, the waiting part. I'm just going to keep treating her good, babying her maintenance wise, have my AMG tech look her over every few months and go a little over board on fluid changes (that's cheap peace of mind). I have 18 months of extended warranty left so hopefully things will go ok until I decide to get something newer.
Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated! I must now wait while my ML makes its way across the country on a truck for 3 weeks, but will be back here with pics (and I'm sure more questions) when it eventually arrives!
I'm in Canada, looking to purchase a 2011 ML63 at around 80k km from outside of the province, the vehicle is from a MB dealership, Star Certified. Problem is it is too far for me to go check it out, so I'm thinking I properly would purchase the ELW since it is available and discounted with Star Certified.
Carproof shows clean car, no accident. I'm wondering, do I still need to have a PPI done on the vehicle? Provided that it is already Star Certified? Plus haven't seen the car in person, do you guys think there is any risk of this? I've asked the dealership to take pictures of all four corners (where it would most easily have scratch or something), and they all look good. Vehicle I believe already had two owners, with the second owner did all the service at the selling dealership. Any concerns I should be aware of? Thank you all for your input!
Thanks for the welcome and posts! AVB-AMG: your post came up in my research when deciding to buy the truck, so thank you for keeping things so detailed and documented.
So after a year and 30,000 miles, thought it would be a good time for an update.
The truck has been solid, surprisingly so. A few hiccups (in addition to the points in the original post):
- Replaced the dipstick that kept popping out and throwing a CEL. MBOnlineParts sells one that holds on a lot better.
- CEL came on for higher than normal fuel pressure (I don't have the number) so the intake valve and sensor was replaced along with the sensor for the wiper fluid.
- Fixed noisy and heavier than normal steering by adding fluid. No leak, but keeping this one monitored as I know steering pumps are a weak point.
- My tires have a knack for finding any and all debris on the road. I guess that's the job of 295s. My amazon prime sub has paid for itself a few times: I'm on my seventh Pirelli P Zero Rosso this summer.
Still, not bad when you consider this happened over the course of 30,000 very non-babied miles!
The fun parts:
- Longest trip was Detroit - Charleston - Durham - Detroit (~1,800 miles). Highlight: valets called my room to ask what I did to the car to make it sound so good. Nailed it through Virginia, West Virginia, and southern Ohio without getting nailed
- Left a 2014 Carrera 2S Cab (991) for dead from a stoplight - highway entrance (there are a few 'legal' 0-70 launches in Michigan). Neck-and-neck with a 2012 Renntech tuned X5M.
- Became better friends with my mechanic. They smile when I walk in now. Not sure if that's a good thing...
I think I covered three years of normal wear in 12 months, spent ~6 hours standing next to a gas pump (probably less, but assuming 2,068 gallons @ 10 seconds a gallon at my average of 14.5MPG), six oil changes (every 5,000 miles)...and I'm still happy with it. It now has 105,555 on the clock and feels way better than it did when I brought it home.
Next up on the trip list: the little pig goes to the land of big oil in January, then possibly to LA/SF/Seattle. And back. Buy Shell stock now... Stay tuned.
(Photo is the truck in Mille Mitten livery for the 2015 trip. I was in the C2S, chefs used the ML to transport food to checkpoints ahead of the group).
Great to read all these comments, BUT hate to see the ML63 referred to as a truck. They came off a truck chassis some time ago and are unibodies now, same as regular cars. At slow speeds the ML63 may still feel like a truck because the suspension is designed to keep you safe at 150 mph! I have not heard of any rucks staying on the road at that speed. :-)
Had my 2011 ML63 for just over three weeks now, really like the car, it is very solid and fast, but yet comfortable. I also tried the X5M before purchasing the ML, the X5M was really rough on the suspension and steering, don't know if that was because of the wrong setting being selected, and the X5M feels even slower at launch, overall not feeling I'm driving a luxury SUV at all. In comparison, the ML is really comfortable, but not too comfortable that you think you're driving a Camry. Yet power is available anytime, which is the good thing. But fast come with a price, gas mileage easily get close to 20L/100km if I'm having more fun in the vehicle. In general I'm getting 17L/100km mixed highway and city, luckily I'm working next to a Costco outlet, so enjoying cheaper gas than what is available outside!
Still trying to figure out all the bells and whistles, looks like the Navi map needs an update, trying to see how I can get it done cheaper. Also looking for a permanent on 12V fuse location so I can hook my dash cam onto. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
11-17-2014, 01:57 PM
