CptSteve

Hi guys,

I’m new to the MB world and currently own a X5 - looking to purchase my first AMG and have always lived the look of the w164 ML63s..unfortunately my finances weren’t so great a few years back which is why I settled for the x5..fast forward a few years and I’m now keen to get an ML63..

I’m kinda torn of whether to get an ML63 (164) or bite the bullet and get a ML63 (166). I like the power of the TT, but tbh TT engines kinda scare me and the horror stories surrounding the reliability issues of the 166 scare the hell outta me and also the head bolt issue on the 164’s.

From a purely reliability perspective which is the better buy? I don’t mind spending the extra on a 166 but dont want to run the risk of turbo issues forcing me to spend a further 15k+ to fix the car...shape wise I think both are great and (tbh) prefer the boxier look of the 164s..

I would appreciate any input from owners who have owned both cars and can supply reasons as to why they prefer one over the other.

My main focus is reliability and also driveability.

Many thanks
Steve

mdotk

What are these W166 TT reliability issues you speak of?
The W164 is like driving a tank compared to the W166.

CptSteve

I thought the TT models were prone to some coolant pipe (clip?) issue - I dont know where I read people complaining about reliability on the TT models - maybe I am completely mistaken also?

When you say tank you mean feels big and clunky or are you saying the w164 is safer?

Thanks
Steve

mdotk

Do you have any other threads about that TT issue?

Good point - by tank I mean clunky! Although the conservative mode is a bit sluggish I find vs the 164. Sport is where it's at.