ML model advice

pace

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2003 ML 270 & 2006 A 150 SE
Hi all, I have owned my ML 270 for quite a few years now. It has been a mostly happy relationship, if a little costly at times! We have have covered many miles together and I use her pretty much every day to get to different places of work.
I am now facing the fact that it may be time to have to look for a replacement car at some point in the not too distant future and was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the later model (164) ML's.

I have been advised that the ML 320 is the best bet but I don't know much about the different models in the range in terms of fuel economy, reliability VED costs etc.

I cover about 10K a year and I'm getting about 25 MPG on average. My ML is a 2003 model so the VED is not horrendous at just over £300.

I know that everyone slates the 163 but it has proved to be an extremely versatile and pretty reliable car despite its age and milage. I just want a newer replacement which could give me another relatively hassle free five years or so. I get the impression that the 164 may not be quite as robust as the 163?

Any advice would be much appreciated.
 

BillyBoy

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I had a GL 420 CDI (X164) and that used to average about 25 mpg iverall, with about 27-28 on the daily commute. Best I had was a long run to Cumbria which got 33. The 320 felt a bit underpowered in the GL when I test drove one, but may be ok in the slightly lighter ML. If you can find one in your budget, however, try to get the 350 diesel, especially if you can find a 265 bhp one (post 2009 I think?).. Also try to find one with Airmatic (not standard in the ML) as it is a much nicer ride. Good luck!
 

BillyBoy

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I had a GL 420 CDI (X164) and that used to average about 25 mpg iverall, with about 27-28 on the daily commute. Best I had was a long run to Cumbria which got 33. The 320 felt a bit underpowered in the GL when I test drove one, but may be ok in the slightly lighter ML. If you can find one in your budget, however, try to get the 350 diesel, especially if you can find a 265 bhp one (post 2009 I think?).. Also try to find one with Airmatic (not standard in the ML) as it is a much nicer ride. Good luck!
P.S. If the W164 is anything like the X164, they are built like tanks!!! The underneath looks like it is crafter from girders :)
 
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pace

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Thanks for that.
Are there and 164 owners out there or anyone who services/repairs a lot of them with any thoughts?
 

kid-jensen

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Yes, I tend to fix mine myself, right up to the point where I won't.....(say a transmission rebuild).

My '07 320 has been pretty reliable in the 3-4 years I've had it, but I like it to be performing at it's best so try to keep it well serviced.

Maintenance/repair jobs I have done, generally enforced by things breaking/wearing out or MOT obligations:-

CVJ boots (several)
3x Parking Sensors
All the Oil/air filters (oil twice a year)
All three diffs oil changed
Transmission Oil changed
Rear Brake Pads
Engine Mount
4x Shock absorbers

I Converted to 18" wheels and 285/50 tyres, to improve the ride without losing grip.

So....not much really over the time I've had it, so I guess you could call it reliable. The worn shocks may not have been obvious to everybody, so maybe they were an indulgence.

To be fair, the ride, even after changing to 18" wheels, is too harsh for me on today's third-world roads. It has that "tyres filled with concrete" feel, though this might be because of the SUV-specific load index. Difficult to tell. It is rattlier than I would like, but I say that about all my cars!

Pretty chuckable for a big, high thing with jacked-up suspension, probably because it's not that heavy.

The performance I find is good (maybe better than good), certainly not sluggish. I tried a Brabus tuning box that didn't feel any faster, but a quick check revealed it was about a second quicker to sixty, so it will reveal itself at the all-important traffic-light grand Prix...

The most important point: I look forward to every journey in it. There's a LOT of cars you couldn't say that about.

Oh, I forgot to mention that it's probably the best-looking SUV on the road. Mind, there's not a lot of competition for the beauty contest....
 

JonnyCJ

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ML350 Grand Edition 2011, ML350 Sport 2010, VW Splitscreen 1965
Bought a 2011 ML350 Grand Edition for the wife and was so impressed I bought a 2010 ML350 Sport for me, for general work duties and the school run. Had the GE re-mapped which was very worthwhile. Improved the MPG, gearbox response and accelaration and will get it done for the Sport as well next week. Very comfortable to drive and much nicer all round than our 2013 and 2011 E Class E220s we had before.
 
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pace

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Thanks you two, That is helpful. Seems like it could be a good choice, and quite a step up from my old tank!
I am not too fussy about it being in perfect condition as long as it has been looked after mechanically and spec wise I'm not too worried as long as it has aircon, leather, parking sensors and rear tinted glass.

I just need something that will start every day and not let me down.

I guess I should be able to net a fairly good one for around the 8K mark?

There seems to be a lot of cheap ones on the market, maybe people are avoiding diesels and are worried about perceived maintenance costs?
 

JonnyCJ

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ML350 Grand Edition 2011, ML350 Sport 2010, VW Splitscreen 1965
Privacy glass usually comes as standard - leather is rarer, with Artico faux leather being the most common and it’s perfectly passable. Grand Editions are very nice and have full proper leather, reverse cam, folding mirrors etc. Sports are lower spec but just as nice to drive.

Plenty around so make sure you ask all the questions re condition, service history etc before buying. In particular, ask about the oil cooler seals. If they’ve been done that’s great, if not it’s quite expensive (£600-£700) so you can factor that into any negotiations.

I’ve been quoted £355 to change 2 parking sensors. They’re £80ish each plus VAT. I’ll get a pair off eBay for £40 and can fit myself now I’ve found a vid that walks you through it.
 
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pace

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Thanks, that's a good tip about the leather which could save me a lot of time.


How often do the seals need replacing? I guess I would need to see a receipt as proof that they had been done?
 

JonnyCJ

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ML350 Grand Edition 2011, ML350 Sport 2010, VW Splitscreen 1965
Hopefully only once ! Have a google on OM642 oil cooler seals for a full understanding.

There’s a nice looking ML300 on eBay ending soon with 67k and fsh. Was at £7k at last look...

Edit - just checked and it’s CAT D. Thought it was cheap !
 

John Laidlaw

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JonnyCJ

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ML350 Grand Edition 2011, ML350 Sport 2010, VW Splitscreen 1965
Keep your eyes open and don’t rush. We got the 2010 Sport for £8,500 on 62,000. Needed a service on age rather than mileage and new discs, but factor in a spend on all cars of this age.

Also use Parker’s valuation guide and pay the ££ for a month’s subscription to get mileage adjusted valuations. Helps with the negotiations
 
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pace

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Thanks for the advice, sounds like that one may be due some oil cooler seals.
Iv'e just had my 270 serviced and she has been given a relatively clean bill of health so I will plod on with her for a little longer and see what comes along!
 

JonnyCJ

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^ great find that!
Yep - you spend 2 months looking for the right spec, right colour, right mileage and right price and then get let down by two sellers, so buy a black one.

Then this comes along...

Would snap it up at £11.5k, purely to keep the wife smiling
 

BillyBoy

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Yep - you spend 2 months looking for the right spec, right colour, right mileage and right price and then get let down by two sellers, so buy a black one.

Then this comes along...

Would snap it up at £11.5k, purely to keep the wife smiling

I always tell myself whenever I buy a car that I'm going to stop looking on Autotrader etc, but I always end up looking and seeing something where you think "if only" ... ;)
 

JonnyCJ

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It was Pace what started it miss
 
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pace

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Thanks Jonny, that one looks nice but a bit more that I was intending to spend.
My cars do get a bit of a rough time, being used for every conceivable task including work, carrying furniture, building materials, tip runs etc! So I will probably look for one that is a little less pristine.

I will have to test drive one, but the trouble is, once I have tried one I will probably want one!
 


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