W166 ML350CDI - What to look for and is it any good?

[Haz750]

Hello All,

After having owned my face lift W204 C250 Sport for two trouble free years, I am now toying with idea of a ML, notably the W166 350CDI. I did want a petrol W166 but the only ones I could find were ML63's......but let's put a pin in that for now.

So learned members, would you please let me have your thoughts as to what I should look out for apart from the obvious used car checks.

One of the questions I do have is, are these models any good with high-mileage as long as they have been looked after (usual service, maintenance, etc). By high-mileage I mean 80K upwards.

Any thoughts and pointing in right directions (not the exit) would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[flowrider]

How much do you want to spend, I recently p/ex'ed my 2012 ML350 and note that the car is still available with the dealer.

 

[Haz750]

I'd be looking at about £25K and from a prelim scan of the classifieds it seems there is a LOT of metal available, which muddies the water slightly.

 

[flowrider]

I'd be looking at about £25K and from a prelim scan of the classifieds it seems there is a LOT of metal available, which muddies the water slightly.

So I think a 2013/14 ML350. I would look at the AMG Sports but be aware that features such as DAB radio, running boards and folding exterior mirrors were optional extra's.

 

[Haz750]

Thanks flowrider. I am partial to a sunroof so will keep the above in mind when looking.

Anything worth looking for mechanically? I would assume being a new-ish merc (4-5 years old) not much wrong with them?

 

[Abb]

Have had ours approx 2 years, bought it used as a 2012 model. It has been a very good all rounder, but as already mentioned EVERYTHING seems to have been an optional extra even power fold mirrors.
We have the 'sport' model and has nigh on every box ticked option wise, apart from keyless, so they are out there.
Expect late teens to mid 20's locally, and the late 20's on a run.

Try and get one with airmatic, as its night and day difference compared with springs comfort wise, but obviously will cost more to rectify if you have any problems with it.

Post links up to any potential ones for any advice.

 

[flowrider]

Thanks flowrider. I am partial to a sunroof so will keep the above in mind when looking.

Anything worth looking for mechanically? I would assume being a new-ish merc (4-5 years old) not much wrong with them?

Reversing camera would be good but again its an option, my ML didn't have one but my Audi does and I find it very useful. My ML had 19" wheels which I think look a bit small on the ML, my previous ML had 20"s which looked much better.

 

[Mactech]

Again, Airmatic makes the car. I had it on my 2008 ML and it's standard on the 350 GLE.
The upgrade to the GLE comes with everything you might want except the roof as standard. They are now creeping in below £30k....
..and you get the fantastic 9 speed auto. Mine is giving 40mpg

 

[Haz750]

Thanks All, this has given me a lot to think about and most importantly a lot to look for! Will let you all know as and when I purchase it.

 

[zenman63]

And remember the ML63 is fantastic value now if you can go to 30K you get almost every option, I love mine, yes it like fuel but its so worth it.
Not sure what the 350 does on fuel?

 

[Haz750]

Hi All, Further to my researching a ML please see below the link for one I have seen on Autotrader:

Mercedes-Benz M Class 3.0 ML350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Line (Premium Plus) 7G-Tronic Plus 5dr

It looks good but my questions is or rather does high mileage effect these machines or is simply a case of if the paper work ties up with the condition and they have been well-maintained then I have nothing to worry (subject to inspections being carried out)

I'm sure the forum get's asked these questions all the time! As you can appreciate it is a large outlay of money and I don't want to buy a lemon as it is the car for the family.

Thanks and regards

 

[flowrider]

Hi All, Further to my researching a ML please see below the link for one I have seen on Autotrader:

Mercedes-Benz M Class 3.0 ML350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Line (Premium Plus) 7G-Tronic Plus 5dr

It looks good but my questions is or rather does high mileage effect these machines or is simply a case of if the paper work ties up with the condition and they have been well-maintained then I have nothing to worry (subject to inspections being carried out)

I'm sure the forum get's asked these questions all the time! As you can appreciate it is a large outlay of money and I don't want to buy a lemon as it is the car for the family.

Thanks and regards

My thoughts are........

Nice colour, Tenorite Grey.
The seats are manmade leather (Artico and Alcantara) but will be hard wearing.
21" wheels may be a harsh ride but air suspension should help. Tyres will require a mortgage to buy!
Mileage shouldn't be an issue as long as servicing has been kept up.
Keyless go.....yuck!

 

[Mactech]

In my experience these cars take the milage very well. My 2008 ML was sold with 70k miles and was still on all it's original parts with the exception of tyres. Brakes were still the originals! Depends how it has been driven and serviced.
The 21" rims came with the Airmatic package, for a good reason (ride quality) but it's really not bad on 20's or 21's.
21" tyres are both rare and expensive, if you intend to do a lot of miles, a new or lightly used 'take off' set of 20" wheels and tyres from eBay might be a wise investment.
That one certainly has most of the bells and whistles, but the price reflects that. Depends what is important to you.

 

[moog999]

My 2011 e350cdi (265hp) is on about 80k and drives like a new car pretty much.

I'd say this particular engine is unaffected by mileage really, within reason. As long as the oil gets changed as it should, including the gearbox oil, then if it looks right, drives right and feels right it probably is!!

 

[Haz750]

Thanks All, as always you have all been a great help. Now it's time for me to do a little more research...the hunt begins.

 

[Abb]

Hi All, Further to my researching a ML please see below the link for one I have seen on Autotrader:

Mercedes-Benz M Class 3.0 ML350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Line (Premium Plus) 7G-Tronic Plus 5dr

It looks good but my questions is or rather does high mileage effect these machines or is simply a case of if the paper work ties up with the condition and they have been well-maintained then I have nothing to worry (subject to inspections being carried out)

I'm sure the forum get's asked these questions all the time! As you can appreciate it is a large outlay of money and I don't want to buy a lemon as it is the car for the family.

Thanks and regards

I think that is a very nice, clean example with some nice extras. Something I would definitely consider.