Some problems with my ML....

[vRS]

...should i have bought an extended warranty?

Hello all, i hope someone can please give me some advice with some issues with my ML.

My 2004 ML270 has done 49k miles but I have owned it myself for just under a year and have hardly driven it - i have done about 3k miles in it.

The ML is normally garaged and when i start it up there seems to be a slight rattling noise coming from underneath the car. This happens for a minute or so then the noise goes away.
Also when i reverse it out of the garage and then get out there's a strong smell which is like exhaust fumes.

The other day i also noticed that when i accelerate there is a kind of 'whooshing' noise. Is that related to the turbo?
When i get back today i will take the ML for a longer drive and see if there is any loss in power.

This is the first merc i have owned, and i didnt expect any major problems with it already since its only 4 years old with less than 50k miles on the clock, and even more due to the fact i have hardly driven it.

I was going to take out an extended warranty when i bought the ML but i never bothered with it since it doesnt get driven a lot and i didnt expect any problems so quickly.

Now im wondering whether these symptops i have described is going to lead to large repair costs i.e more than the cost of taking out an extended warranty.

Should i get an extended warranty? If so which is the best company to get it from and will cover most things and most importantly pay out for any claims?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[BenzedUP]

The 'whooshing' noise noice is deffenatly the turbo, I have owned 2 E320 CDi's and they both do the 'whooshing' noise when you hit 2000rpm so i woudnt worry about that!

i'm sorry but i have not got a clue about your other problems but by the sound of things it's nothing to worry about just take it to mercedes for a quick check

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Rattles could be simply the exhaust vibrating, or it could be catalytic converters. They'll only be coverd by premium warranties - but may not be that at all.

As they break up the cats rattle more, and become noticeable if you rapidly back off the throttle after accelerating hard. Hopefully not that.

The turbo whoosh is particularly vocal on the ML, you may hear the meow of the wastegate too, depending upon how good your ears are!!

I've just taken out a Tesco warranty - seem good but not claimed so can't say how good they are in execution. Given their brand they're likely to be fairly receptive to complaints.

MB Warranties - you'll qualify for Tier 1 - are excellent, but likely to be £1k plus per annum.

 

[Dieselman]

The turbo whoosh is particularly vocal on the ML, you may hear the meow of the wastegate too, depending upon how good your ears are!!

Or whether you've got the neighbours cat stuck in the engine bay..

 

[Dieselman]

VRs, check the Cat because if it's rattling it's probably blocking the exhaust under load so making the engine and turbo work hard.

Look at the turbo to exhaust joint for signs of blowing under pressure.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

My wifes car has started to rattle very slightly at tickover or under a very few revs. It passed its MOT the other day but was told the rattle 'could' be the cat.

It apparently just gets worse but 'should' be ok for a bit....

I think they are around £200 (not from Mercedes) plus fitting...

Few miles are not always great (i'm similar as do 6-7K a year) but do try and use it a few times a week. Cars do tend to like being used.

Hopefully its nothing too bad. Have you a good indy you can take it to?

 

[BlackC55]

Whooshing noise could be either a split boost pipe, exhaust joint not sealed or a split inlet manifold.

The rattle could be a number of things. Bet to get it llooked at when cold.

The fumes could be from combustion gas leaking past a poor injector seal. You need to get this checked asap as this can get worse.

 

[A210AMG]

Have to say,

Best thing get it checked asap. As I had my lights pop up on the dash (ABS, ESR, BAS) and was worried big bills to follow.


Now the internet is great but google and asking questions does bring back all sorts of issues it 'could' be.

For my problem I was reading new ABS control units, Brake Servos, ECU etc etc...Had in my head around a £1000 fix....

Turns out it was £45 fix for labour as a broken / coroded speed sensor.


So get it checked and at least you will know

 

[vRS]

Thanks for all the replies and helpful info.

The wooshing noise is pretty loud, and definitely wasn't there before, it does sound like hole in a pipe or something like that.

I will get it booked and and checked out from MB as soon as i can. Will post back once i find out whats up with it.

 

[Roger Jones]

"This is the first merc i have owned, and i didnt expect any major problems with it already since its only 4 years old with less than 50k miles on the clock, and even more due to the fact i have hardly driven it."

You are doing it no favours by under-using it. Contradictory to common perceptions, that's what is so unappealing about cars advertised as "hardly used", "only 27k on this 1994 car", "one lady owner; only used for local shopping trips", and so on.

If you don't use it, do you really need it?

Warranties: as an alternative, consider opening a savings account dedicated to unexpected car costs and put the equivalent of the warranty premium in it.