looking for advice on purchasing a ML Class

Baldmechanic

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Hi all our trusty 2003 CLK270 has to go, there is nothing wrong with it but my wife is having problems getting down into it, so i am looking around for a ML Class, i have not got the earth to spend, about 5-6k and maybe the CLK to go with it. What would you recommend engine wise and what to stay away from, seen a few on the fleabay and the FB market place around the 2007-2008 in year for around 3-5k with over 100k on clocks mainly 280 and 300, i am not in any urgent rush, so will take our time for the right one
 

A.J.

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SUV's not my bag but good luck with your search :)
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
That puts you into the om642 engine which is pretty solid , with known faults , turbo , turbo actuator , inlet manifolds blocking with gunk , orange turbo inlet seal leaking onto inlet port shutoff motor , swirl flap issues . I think I may have read something about a knocking noise from cylinder 1 , but I can't remember the cause ?
I have had an om642 engine for 8 years , which now sits at 98k , with very few issues .
Gearbox , at least look for an ATF and filter change at 37,500 miles (hopefully every 40k after as well ) .
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
look an older car pre w166 as after they start to get to much emission crap on that will cost lots to fix at some point.along with a good deal of YOU WILL be coming to pay us electronic events unless and even if you are up to doing all yrself,even then the parts can be very costly. . the disadvantage will be that the later models are generally better on fuel.at a cost... i am sure that if you take time/care a good early ml can be found ,be prepared to pay a little more for the best ,clean well maintained example and i personally would avoid the dealers, i like a face to face as i can normally make up my mind as to the likely care taken of the vehicle that way .yr price range of car likely leads you to pay well over the odds for a car with not much chance of any real comeback at many dealers. i just had a look on auto trader,plenty there pick one out you like ,post on here someone will advise known dramas,if any.
 

flowrider

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If your wife is having trouble getting into the CLK she may have trouble getting into an ML. Both have their access issues just in the opposite way. My 82 year old mum finds it easier to get into and out of my SL than she did my ML.
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
my 86 yr old lady hated getting into the sl even more getting out ,only slightly better in w166 which was a surprise,easy on w168 a class tho.
 

Craiglxviii

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An M Series is a form of BMW I thought? ;)
 

kid-jensen

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The W164 version is a sensible choice in your price range. The 280 is a bit sluggish, (and unpopular) so will be harder to sell-on. Go for the 320.

Watch out for:-
Bearing noises from the front diff.
Oil leaks from the engine/autobox interface
ANY warning lights
Clapped-out Shocks
Non working Parking Sensors
Operating problems with the infotainment system.
Body scratches and dents. Unless small enough for a paintless repair.

Avoid the above, and you should be ok for many years ahead.
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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That puts you into the om642 engine which is pretty solid , with known faults , turbo , turbo actuator , inlet manifolds blocking with gunk , orange turbo inlet seal leaking onto inlet port shutoff motor , swirl flap issues . I think I may have read something about a knocking noise from cylinder 1 , but I can't remember the cause ?
I have had an om642 engine for 8 years , which now sits at 98k , with very few issues .
Gearbox , at least look for an ATF and filter change at 37,500 miles (hopefully every 40k after as well ) .

^ pretty much covers common faults but I would add oil cooler seals. The oil cooler sits at the bottom of the v on the OM642 and seals have a tendency to start leaking at circa 70 - 100k miles - £10 seals that cost £600 in labour to fit
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
^ pretty much covers common faults but I would add oil cooler seals. The oil cooler sits at the bottom of the v on the OM642 and seals have a tendency to start leaking at circa 70 - 100k miles - £10 seals that cost £600 in labour to fit
Oh yeah I'd forgotten them (or tried to push them out of my mind :rolleyes:)
 

Craiglxviii

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Oh yeah I'd forgotten them (or tried to push them out of my mind :rolleyes:)
But- and this is what you should consider- have they forgotten you?
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
Oh yeah I'd forgotten them (or tried to push them out of my mind :rolleyes:)


^ pretty much covers common faults but I would add oil cooler seals. The oil cooler sits at the bottom of the v on the OM642 and seals have a tendency to start leaking at circa 70 - 100k miles - £10 seals that cost £600 in labour to fit



wo a surprise !!!!
 
OP
Baldmechanic

Baldmechanic

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CLK 270, Landcruiser 4.5, VW T4 2.5.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #18
The W164 version is a sensible choice in your price range. The 280 is a bit sluggish, (and unpopular) so will be harder to sell-on. Go for the 320.

Watch out for:-
Bearing noises from the front diff.
Oil leaks from the engine/autobox interface
ANY warning lights
Clapped-out Shocks
Non working Parking Sensors
Operating problems with the infotainment system.
Body scratches and dents. Unless small enough for a paintless repair.

Avoid the above, and you should be ok for many years ahead.
well this chap pretty local to me has a black 2005 ml320 W164 with 135k on clock, i personally have not seen it yet, i am trying to get time to go and look at it, he wants £3550 ono, he claims it has no faults what so ever and has full but no MB service history.
 

bembo449

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well this chap pretty local to me has a black 2005 ml320 W164 with 135k on clock, i personally have not seen it yet, i am trying to get time to go and look at it, he wants £3550 ono, he claims it has no faults what so ever and has full but no MB service history.
good price and the cheaper tax bracket
 


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