W164 Buying guide?

[roj]

Hi all,

Its been a while since I've posted on here, but I'm hoping the wealth of knowledge will be able to help out

A friend has asked me if I knew of anything specific to look out for when buying a used ML280, '07 reg. He doesn't have a particular one in mind, he and his wife just like them and fancy an upgrade.

As I'm somewhat unversed in the world of MLs (or most 'modern' Mercs TBH!) I thought I'd ask here for any advice from current or previous owners.

The usual used car checks are a given ie check history, HPI, bodywork, panel gaps etc, but I was wondering if there are any problems or issues specific to the W164, or the 280 CDi in particular, to look out for? Is there any truth in the build quality being poor due to American manufacture? What about general reliability, maintenance and running costs etc?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice, anything would be appreciated.

Cheers

Roj

 

[merc85]

Bump

 

[Smart320]

Had a 2007 ML 320cdi Sport, not sure they still built them in USA but in any case the build quality was pretty good, although must admit my current 2011 model is slightly better.
Had a few minor problems, glow plugs/ controller, and abs wheel sensors but otherwise very reliable.
Use a good Indi to service and do any repairs and costs are not too high, but never what you could call cheap! Make sure the gearbox has been serviced every 37.5k miles or 4 yearly intervals ( which ever comes first )
Never tried a 280 but it is a big heavy car and I loved the V6 320 diesel , probably worth checking out costs for both, suspect not a lot in it, but others will no doubt comment.

 

[Mactech]

I had a 08 320cdi for six years and 70k miles and it was the must squeak and rattle vehicle I have had over that mileage.
All the ML and now GLE SUVs are built in Alabama in the Mercedes plant which adheres to exactly the same standards as factories in Europe.
My own experience suggests the build quality is at least as good with both my previous and current cars.
The only costs I had with the ML were routine servicing, a £500 road tax bill each year and it was on it's 3rd set of tyres.
Other than that, it was just fuel and go.
The 280 is the same 3 litre V6 in a slightly lower state of tune and is still more than capable with keeping up with the traffic.
Condition is everything, and Airmatic suspension makes the car so much better....if you can find one with it.

 

[merc85]

Thanks for taking the time to reply peeps

 

[merc85]

Just wondering with regards to ATF changes, do the ML's have a different time/mileage period that it has tobe done? or was it "sealed for life" like all the others. I realise it should be done every 40k

Maybe looking at a w164 ML500 next week.