Purchasing ML 270 CDI

[S17MMA]

I have been looking for one of these and have found varying spec's with mileage to suit.

What is best to go for? Higher mileage with higher spec or lower mileage with lower spec?.

I am looking for a 00-04 model and am considering the sell back value after I have added approx 40k miles to it.

I need the family pack and notice these come few and far in between so am thinking of purchasing a 5 seater and adding the extra seats. Though with most 5 seater models the rear boot windows are fixed.

What's your opinion?

 

[jimmymidnight]

i would definitely go for a 2002-2004 as that would be a facelift one with a few nicer touches like wing mirror indicators, new headlights/grill/bumper and some nicer touches inside!

we bought a 2002 270CDi 7 seater in metallic blue about 8 months ago with 80k on the clock and a full service history with grey leather in and cd autochanger along with all the other stuff (leccy front seats, a/c, cruise etc) and it's been great to own, brilliant as a 7 seater (drove it from cambridge to bristol with all the family in and everyone was comfy) but also with the fold up seats, has a good boot, we can fit all 3 of our large spaniels in, no problem!

Only real problem we've had with ours is the gearbox is playing up a little bit at the moment, sometimes it shoots up the revs when leaving 3rd but in general has been pretty low cost to own! and it definitely gets better mpg than our old P38 Range Rover 2.5 DHSE!

Hope this helps a little!

 

[Mercedes cozy]

No Dis-respect to anyone, but I would never buy another ML270 CDI anymore, after owning one for two years.

Gearbox in them are a nightmare. Basically Mercedes have put a car gearbox in them that does not last. Sorry but this is fact.

I have know many people that have had gearbox problems on ML270CDI.

A friend of mine still has one and done about 80K on the clock, runs ok.
But when I told him about the problems they have he decided to have the gearbox serviced and he oil that came out was black as anything with loads of metal filings. Although it runs ok at the moment he now want to sell it.

When these gearboxes give trouble they go into limp mode which is 2nd gear only and you can re-start the vehicle and it will be back to normal but eventually it will be permanently locked in Limp mode.

The vehicle will then have to go on a machine to re-set.

Don't get me wrong, they are a nice vehicle but I will never touch another one.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


I have a ML350 (3.7 V6) and its great, had it over two years now and love driving it. Is this 'gearbox problem' a problem on all of them? (as long as I've been registered on here I've not heared that?)

Agree the facelifted ones have a bit more modern look and some early issues were sorted out with these.

The proper 7 seaters do seem to featch a premium when you sell them so could be worth going for, The lux pack and family pack are the two main options then Xenons, sunroof, Sat Nav.

I would like the Sat nav purely for looks in the dash although from what I hear they are not actually that good to use.

I've very happy with mine, if you don't do the miles then consider a petrol, Cheaper to buy, generally on much less miles also.

I also went for an Inspiration model which has some added goodies, I especially like the dark wood trim, alloys, stitching on the seats / wheel / gear selector. Its worth searching for an inspiration if you can.


So from my point of view I've had mine just over 2 years, Its been to Europe twice, pulls our caravan all over the place, has has seven people and luggage in. It feels very safe and secure, and the MPG is between 20 and 28


I've considered swapping mine for maybe a new shape ML500 but so happy with it no point.

 

[jimmymidnight]

without being too much of a thread hijacker (sorry) is it purely a gearbox fluid problem and if it is replaced every now and then it won't jump into limp mode?

but as i said, apart from that little snaggle on ours, it's been great to drive, cheaper and more reliable than our old landrovers...

 

[S17MMA]

So I really need to make sure that the gear box is throughly checked out before I buy...

Anything else?

 

[jaymanek]

I have a 7 seater in at the moment..

 

[S17MMA]

I have a 7 seater in at the moment..

Can you send me some info or a link?

 

[Mercedes cozy]

So I really need to make sure that the gear box is throughly checked out before I buy...

Anything else?

1) Check for rust on the rear tailgate, under the chrome handle.
2) The rear suspension creaks
3) Engine oil leaks
4) Don't buy a 5 seater as its not the same as a 7 seater, (7 seater has electric back windows that open a couple of inches.
5) Test drive it as the torsion bar can make a heavy click sound when moving off.
6) Find out when the gearbox was last serviced.
7) check the driver footwell for signs of oil stains as this can be oil from the gearbox shooting up the wiring loom.

These are just a handful of things to check.

 

[BlackC55]

www.MERCLAND.com

 

[jaymanek]

p.s. note that converting a 5 seater to a 7 seater is not simple..

Whilst the floor anchors are there the swivel anchors on the inner wheel arches are not.
Also no seat belts and no opening windows.

 

[S17MMA]

1) Check for rust on the rear tailgate, under the chrome handle.
2) The rear suspension creaks
3) Engine oil leaks
4) Don't buy a 5 seater as its not the same as a 7 seater, (7 seater has electric back windows that open a couple of inches.
5) Test drive it as the torsion bar can make a heavy click sound when moving off.
6) Find out when the gearbox was last serviced.
7) check the driver footwell for signs of oil stains as this can be oil from the gearbox shooting up the wiring loom.

These are just a handful of things to check.

Thank you

 

[youngblood]

I say the high miles if they are highway miles.

 

[MarkF]

I have had mine for 3 years with no problems, almost to the magic 100,000 miles.
spoke to a Merc tech a few months ago and he informed that the engines are good for 600,000 if serviced when required.
Not heard of problems with the gearbox, he also stated that the box fitted to these cars gave very little problems.
The car tow's the horse trailer without any problems and on a long run will return around 35mpg.

would I have another? YES.
May change it in a few years time for the new model.