general ml 430 issues

[montyv6]

hi, im thinking of buying a ml 430 and would like to know of any faults (common or otherwise) to look out for, or indeed if a ml500 or 350 would be a better option.I currently drive approx 17k miles a year with approx 2k towing a large caravan,I would not be against converting to gas or buying diesel instead.I look forward to all replies

regards Phil

 

[montyv6]

can I assume the lack of posts is due to the fact the ml 430 is such a reliable car that there are no faults with it

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,

Welcome. As your looking at ML's you probably know there is a 'normal' model and then the facelifted model (which I think was around 2001) you can tell the facelifted ones with indicators in the mirrors.

Now generally when I was looking people said go for a facelifted one as the build quality is better and general trim quality etc is better.

The ML430 is a V8 and I think is only available pre face lifted. They will be a great buy as big engine will put people off.

17K is quite a lot of miles to do at maybe 20 mpg, saying that the ML270Cdi sme people say only ger 25mpg so aothough good for towing (the 2K miles) you might as well have the performance of the bigger engine.

Myself I went for a ML350 which is actually a 3.7 V6, its also an Inspiration model that has bits from the ML55. I had a colleague with a ML500 a few years ago and his trip computer regulary showed in its teens...even on gas thats not great

Mine will do 25mpg on a run (took it to Europe last summer) and 85mph cruising = 25mpg. With our van it does about 18mpg but then you don't know its their. If I cruised I could get probably close on 30 on a run solo and 22 with the van.

Depends on your budget as ML430's can be had from round 6K then you can spend 15K + on the other engines.

I'm very happy with mine had it a year and nothing squeaks, rattles etc, needed nothing bar fuel so I would recommend it.

One thing to check is if you look at a 430 it may well have the full sunroof, now I would love this in my car but apparently they brake and leak so cost a lot to put right. Try to get one with the family pack (rear seats, opening windows, dark windows) as for resale more people tend to want this.

OOh and towbar wise I had a detachable one fitted, twin elctrics that drop down £300 all in.

For me you maybe as well looking for one already converted to LPG (multi point with certificate) mine would be £1600 + vat for gas but I only do 6K a year so not worth it.

Here are some pics of mine.

ML350 Inspiration

 

[SilverCLK]

Im new to Mercedes, by no means an expert and apologise in advance if i offend every ML owner on the Forum..

However..I do know 2 different people that bought early ML's and had nothing but trouble with them.

1 bloke bought his brand new - an ML270 and for the first 6 months it drank oil faster than it did diesel. Within the first yr it was more often back at the garage than it was in his drive..the list of faults were endless and after 2 yrs of ownership, he never wanted to see it again and sold it.

2nd was the V6 petrol which has had many niggling faults but seemed to go ok, until it developed the flu, with fits of caughing and splutting. Left it with a Mercedes dealer who kept it 2 days and after every test possible, presented him with a bill for almost £900 and traced the fault to a set of leads!!

Both of their opinions regarding ML's were one of disappointment and that the vehicle didn't really live up to the reputation of the badge on the front.

As stated in the previous reply, i too have heard the updated model was a better buy as a lot of the gremlins were ironed out by then.

Im sure they can't all be like this but be VERY careful what your buying..

 

[montyv6]

thanks for the advice, will keep you posted as to what i eventually buy. Stunning car by the way & fantastic views on campsite, could you give me the name & address of it please