Just Bought an ML2.7TD

[GeoffWestWales]

Hi All,
Just joined the forum so this is our first post.

Just bought a Mercedes ML270 CDI, first question is does this engine run a timing belt or chain ?

also as had plenty of Merc's in the past but this is our first 4 x 4 one, is there anything to watch out for problem wise on this model?
Regards
Geoff

 

[DSM10000]

Welcome!

It has a chain, what age and mileage is the car?

Have a look at the sticky threads on here and you will find out a lot!. The 2.7l engine is strong but can have issues with leaking injectors, check for diesel leaking around them or a chuffing sound when idling.

Gearbox fluid changes are wise and early models had electrical issues.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Congratulations, a great car. We've had one for 10 years and it's been brilliant.

The only thing that's specific to being 4x4 is that the hi/lo range mechanism can fail through lack of use. It's worth testing to make sure it works now, and then test every few months, to give it a little exercise.

Finally ball joints and rear suspension are both weak spots - both the spring and the dampers are know to fail but are supplied as a single "strut" unit by Mercedes. Some mechanics will repair using after market parts which means you can just replace the spring or damper, but this may not match the ratings of the rest of the suspension.

 

[Jane270ML]

+1 Bobby Dazzler said.

Welcome Geoff.

Check/clean EGR, then do the electronic mod, along with inlet port motor electronic mod.
All details for these in the forum.
Keep your eye on low temperature reading - new stat required.
No kickdown - possibly new MAF required.
But as with many things, have the fault codes read first to save some cash.
Enjoy the car, ours has been great and the forum members have a host of knowledge.

 

[jay1983]

Mine was serviced yesterday and the following were highlighted as needing attention.

Both lower ball joints
Both track rod ends
Anti roll bar bushes front and rear
Coolant change required
Brake fluid change required
Leak from gearbox electrical plug

And last but not least worn inlet manifold.

To get all this fine by them would cost in region of £2000. But a bit of diy and help off the forum I can probably rectify all above for 25% of that price.

 

[GeoffWestWales]

Hi all,
Thanks for the response, when I first posted I had agreed to buy the car subject to viewing, when I turned up it was as good as the add so brought her home, but noticed on the back door it says Brabus D4, and has a Brabus sticker on the engine, but the log book says ML270CDI, so as I don't know the Brabus spec not sure if she is a rebadged ML260CDI or a genuine Brabus so further investigation required me thinks. She drives like a top of the range car not a 4x4 and has plenty of go and the brakes make your eyes pop out.

Did check for leaking injectors as I know this is a weak spot, but glad to say all is fine.

 

[GeoffWestWales]

Sorry DSM10000 it's a 2002 with 142,000 but drives like brand new

 

[panason1c]

Looks like it has a Brabus D4 tuning chip fitted, you need to confirm if it has and inform your insurance company as you won't be insured if you have an accident and you didnt inform them. (your premium will probably increase)

Or, you could remove the chip...... and sell it to me... (-:

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Good news!!

Take a look for one of these in the engine compartment:

These could be purchased on their own or as part of a larger conversion. Post some photos and the MBClub collective will be able to tell you if you have any other Brabus goodies!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Just had a brainwave...

...I have some brand new Brabus entrance panels for sale and in the classified ad I included a link to the Brabus catalogue for the W163 generation of MLs - I've copied/pasted the link below - take a look and see if you have any of the bits featured in the catalogue:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/att...d1194781974-diesel-tuning-pricelist-w-163.pdf

 

[Brabusml270]

Does anyone know how much a fully brabus tuned and spec ml as in the cover of that brochure would be worth?

Also are they costly to maintain and service?

And finally what are the specs of the d4 on the ml 270, performance, consumption etc? I've tried searching the net and can't find anything specific to the ml??

Thanks.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Very difficult to value a complete car. If it has a Brabus engine rather than say a D4 module on an ML270, then it's worth more.

Economy of a D4 will be broadly the same as a standard car, but will be about 205 bhp - it's mentioned in the brochure above.

Do you have one you want to sell or are you looking to buy?

 

[Brabusml270]

Looking to buy!!

I've seen loads advertising d4 mod but it doesn't necessarily seem to add value??

I've only seen 1 that looked as in the brochure not sure the full specs the body styling was same as brochure not sure if it was a d4 or brabus engine I wasn't in a position to do anything at that point saying that I wasn't interested as it seemed over priced, if I remember rightly,
Looked as in brochure
2002 model
About 50,000 miles
Stated to be in excellent condition
£15000 I think it was advertised at!!!!
Seemed expensive.

We're these brabus styled ml rare? Could you only have it done at the factory?

 

[Brabusml270]

Very difficult to value a complete car. If it has a Brabus engine rather than say a D4 module on an ML270, then it's worth more.

Economy of a D4 will be broadly the same as a standard car, but will be about 205 bhp - it's mentioned in the brochure above.

Do you have one you want to sell or are you looking to buy?

I'm guessing you thought I was selling one?

I take it there hard to find and sell quick?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

There aren't many about and so don't come up for sale often. The examples I've seen for sale have tended to hang around before selling though, probably because there are even fewer people looking to buy who are prepared to pay substantially more than a regular ML.

Like anything that's rare but not already valuable, then it's likely to be overpriced when it's first advertised as the vendor tries to maximise their sale price and tests the market.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Brabusml270]

Do you guys think that brabus commands more of a premium than AMG?

 

[E270 Owner]

Mine was serviced yesterday and the following were highlighted as needing attention.

Both lower ball joints
Both track rod ends
Anti roll bar bushes front and rear
Coolant change required
Brake fluid change required
Leak from gearbox electrical plug

And last but not least worn inlet manifold.

To get all this fine by them would cost in region of £2000. But a bit of diy and help off the forum I can probably rectify all above for 25% of that price.

Good Luck

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Do you guys think that brabus commands more of a premium than AMG?

Some do. All depends on which bits are Brabus or AMG.

But the general car buying public just don't seem to get Brabus like they do AMG, so the audience is limited, and few people are prepared to pay a premium.

Brabus should feel more special though as they're much less common.