Looking at a 2015 ML350 2WD - Any Issues?

Alan Badia

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I am looking at a nice 2015 ML350 2WD, black with black interior. What are the most common problems with this vehicle to look out for?
 

John Laidlaw

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Welcome- sorry no expert on these- so much so I dodn’t even know there was a 2WD!
 

flowrider

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First post...
I am looking at a nice 2015 ML350 2WD, black with black interior. What are the most common problems with this vehicle to look out for?
There wasn't a 2wd ML, they are all 4matic.
 
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Alan Badia

Alan Badia

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It is definitely a 2015, 2WD ML350. They are not all 4matic.
 

John Laidlaw

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Just looked it up, indeed FWD on the base model.
My question would be really, why have an ML without 4matic/4WD?
That counts for any of the pseudo 4 x 4 cars without 4WD by the way, not just MB- for me personally I just don’t see the point, better off just buying an estate, more room, better ergonomics and drive characteristics.
The only difference is the high seating position
 

flowrider

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Didn't know there was a 2wd version :shock:

Being 2wd is enough for me to give it a miss.
 
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Alan Badia

Alan Badia

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Just looked it up, indeed FWD on the base model.
My question would be really, why have an ML without 4matic/4WD?
That counts for any of the pseudo 4 x 4 cars without 4WD by the way, not just MB- for me personally I just don’t see the point, better off just buying an estate, more room, better ergonomics and drive characteristics.
The only difference is the high seating position
For me, the ML350 2WD would never see off road or towing anything. It would be used for hauling my very high-end carbon race bicycles to/from races/events and family trips. 4WD is not a necessity, but the luxury/comfort/looks of the ML350 would be nice.
 

sonic

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Welcome, I am another who didn't think there was a 2WD ML, I have the E350CDI I assume yours in diesel? A great engine with a very good reliability so far.
 

flowrider

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There aren't really any issues specific to the ML, but i would make a list of what you want on the car and check the car has them because there are things like electric folding door mirrors that you would expect are standard but are options on this model year. Also most ML's are advertised as having leather but it is man made not real unless it was specified as an option.
 
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Alan Badia

Alan Badia

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There aren't really any issues specific to the ML, but i would make a list of what you want on the car and check the car has them because there are things like electric folding door mirrors that you would expect are standard but are options on this model year. Also most ML's are advertised as having leather but it is man made not real unless it was specified as an option.
Thank you.
 

M80

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Since driving 2 extra wheels that don't need the extra traction uses more fuel I can see good purpose for 2WD ML's.
Most ML owners don't actually need the 4WD capacity but they're stuck with it.
 
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Alan Badia

Alan Badia

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Purchased the ML350. I'll post some photos.
 

JBell

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I take it is a 350CDi????
 

Taffy7hfa

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Not CDI ,3.5 Litre V6 petrol.
 

kid-jensen

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I would imagine the handling would be completely different from the usual.

Probably as lot easier to hang the back end out and impress the hoodies at the local shopping Mall roundabout. Less fuel consumption too, and less noise, less weight and less tyre wear.

I'm sold! what a shame they're so rare that no-one's heard of them.

Only two snags I can see:-

1. Very difficult to sell-on because everyone wants 4WD.
2. The 3.5 petrol engine had a history of balancer shaft failures that frightened off buyers to this day.

Probably worth getting some sort of servicing evidence that the balancer shafts have been fixed, and present it at the time of resale.
 


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