ML 270 CDi buying/ownership

[BigWig]

Sorry this first post, but I am currently looking for a 4x4 tow car, albeit something that offers comfort, safety, relatively good economy and decent road manners. The 98-06 ML diesels seem like great value for money, but having never owned a Merc, I was looking for a steer as to whether they are a good buy?

I have heard about cold starting issues and corrosion, and I have searched this forum before someone flames me.

The only changes I'd make would be a remap to added torque and to help when there's a load on the back. I take it the 2.7 responds well to this?

Thanks

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Being a turbo diesel it should respond well. We tow a twin axle caravan with ours and it tows well but the weigh of the caravan dulls persoformance somewhat. We had a lighter single axle before and to be honest the towing performance wasn't far behind solo driving up to 50mph.

 

[BigWig]

Thanks Bobby, has your 270 been a reliable tool?

Thanks

 

[Vlad]

I personally think they are good bits of kit and one of the only 4x4's capable of pulling 3.5tons on a braked trailer.

Check list: Glow Plugs, Blown Injector Seals (you will hear a chuffing coming from under the engine cover and a stink of diesel exhaust), lack of performance (motor on inlet manifold), rust to wheel arch lips ....in my experience they have been reliable and the engine and gearbox combination is great for towing.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks Bobby, has your 270 been a reliable tool?

Thanks

Ours has been great and we've bad it 8 years or so now, as it's been too good to let go. Ball joint, spring, inlet manifold gasket have been replaced. Also MAF and glow plugs althought they're a service item IMHO.

 

[BigWig]

That's exactly it, at 3500kg they are up there with the Discos, Patrols etc, and the Merc just seems like the better proposition in terms of refinement and safety. I had a TD5 previously so I'm well aware of their shortfalls!

I have been told to avoid the early MLs because of build quality issues and I understand they underwent a facelift circa 2001, is it worth gunning for one of these or were the improvements just cosmetic? Sorry for the questions, but I'm just trying to get some reliable info from the people that own them or have the knowledge.

 

[Alex]

You didn't state your budget so I'll advise to get a 2004-2005 one. They will most probably have all the issues of older models rectified. That said I had a 1999 ML320 and a 2004 ML55 - both were super reliable with zero issues.

 

[BigWig]

Re:

Sub £4k so that obviously wouldn't stretch to a 2004-2005, but I have also seen manual models advertised, which would be preferable, but is it a strong gearbox?

 

[DSM10000]

Sub £4k so that obviously wouldn't stretch to a 2004-2005, but I have also seen manual models advertised, which would be preferable, but is it a strong gearbox?

MB manual gearboxes are not the best and with the foot operated parking brake an automatic makes far more sense plus there will be a far wider choice of automatics available.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

That's exactly it, at 3500kg they are up there with the Discos, Patrols etc, and the Merc just seems like the better proposition in terms of refinement and safety. I had a TD5 previously so I'm well aware of their shortfalls!

I have been told to avoid the early MLs because of build quality issues and I understand they underwent a facelift circa 2001, is it worth gunning for one of these or were the improvements just cosmetic? Sorry for the questions, but I'm just trying to get some reliable info from the people that own them or have the knowledge.

Sub £4k so that obviously wouldn't stretch to a 2004-2005, but I have also seen manual models advertised, which would be preferable, but is it a strong gearbox?

Later the better with the ML, and facelift is worthwhile sniffing out. You might struggle to find a manual, but if you do, then you may be able to haggle hard as they're not very popular. The auto box suits the MLs character.

 

[Vlad]

Pre facelift they were built in the US and then they were made in Austria....I'll leave you to guess which ones better built!...lol

 

[santefe999]

Had a 2005 ML270. It did everything I asked of it and more but eventually the running costs beat me and it had to go. Could not fault it for comfort, performance or reliability but in these days of enforced austerity I just could not justify the constant drain on the bank account. That said I would have another tomorrow if finances permitted and would offer you nothing to deter you providing you are aware the likely expenditure you will be faced with. Still have a Mercedes but no longer need to tow a bowser behind me!