Mercedes M Class?

Wombat457

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I have a 2010 Nissan Rogue, for the winter months, but need to rid myself of it before the cruppy CVT transmission blows up. I am considering two replacement vehicles for it, either an X3 BMW due to MB lousy CS here, or an M Class Merc.

I know a bit about the BM but nothing about the M Class other than it has some good reveiws and some bad reviews. With that being said, I am looking for a V6 (min) for towing purposes.

Basically, what do you guys think about the M Class generally? Are there any years to steer away from? Are there any know problems with the M Class I should be aware of? Would a GL? be a better option?
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Can I assume from that that @ajlsl600 has an M Class?
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
Can I assume from that that @ajlsl600 has an M Class?
Yup w166004. Many things I like about it and a nu I don't. I won't be buying another modern car, makers business model is not for me and I only interested in vehicles where I don't need to carry diagnostics, require updates or headlights costing 1k each!! and ones I can fix myself without spending 1 k with snap off, on new tools to remove fasteners that I already have 15k of tools to do.
 

Richard Moakes

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W164.175 (ML500) is the one to go for, the W164 has its well known issues with water ingress, but the M113 is a reliable powerhouse and provides an entertaining drive. Just wish I had found one with the offroad pack, but that’s like finding a unicorn.
 

JBell

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Friend of mine had an X3 2.0d, the Transmission blew up, £11k for a new one, paid £3k with large "good will" contribution from BMW
 

Richard Moakes

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Had an X3, 3.0 Petrol, really didn’t like it, lacked power and crashed over our uneven roads, also gave me scary moments with the panoramic sunroof and ignition coil failure.
Friend of mine had an X3 2.0d, the Transmission blew up, £11k for a new one, paid £3k with large "good will" contribution from BMW
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Thanks for the feed back and yeah - I'd love an 8 but find it a bit hard to justify the extra cost when the vehicle will be primarily for the winter months. If I was driving it all the time, or was my main vehicle then I wouldn't hesitate.
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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So to keep it in plain English for me - if you had to choose the best year to buy an M Class 3.0 ltr V6 between 2010 and 2015 which year would it be? That is the year range I am looking at.

And yes, I know the newer is supposedly better but the question refers to reliability more than anything else.
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
So to keep it in plain English for me - if you had to choose the best year to buy an M Class 3.0 ltr V6 between 2010 and 2015 which year would it be? That is the year range I am looking at.

And yes, I know the newer is supposedly better but the question refers to reliability more than anything else.
Frankly it's been my experience that newer is often, not better.
They are too complicated and designed by maker to provide a far more organised revenue stream of prematurely failing components specifically designed to make life difficult for the guys with kit and aptitude for running repairs, and servicing. And for that reason, as they say in the den, I am out.
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Frankly it's been my experience that newer is often, not better.
They are too complicated and designed by maker to provide a far more organised revenue stream of prematurely failing components specifically designed to make life difficult for the guys with kit and aptitude for running repairs, and servicing. And for that reason, as they say in the den, I am out.


I couldn't agree more with you! Newer is definitely NOT better and also why I would never buy a new vehicle of any type.
 

JBell

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I would look for something like this

 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Nice - very nice but I would prefer a petrol engine due to the cost of deisel here, I know I am being hard to please :(
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Looking for something more along the lines of this in an M Class:


About 13,000 BP :)
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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Or something likes this :


This one I like - a LOT - 11,622 BP :)

One question though - this is a 4MATIC ... I have been advised to stay away from a 4MATIC, especially an older one .. so why might that be and, what is the difference between a 4MATIC and a non 4MATIC?

To make it simpler, when I bought my car I was also offered an 2007 E350 4MATIC, so what is the difference between the two?
 
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Wombat457

Wombat457

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One question though - this is a 4MATIC ... I have been advised to stay away from a 4MATIC, especially an older one .. so why might that be and, what is the difference between a 4MATIC and a non 4MATIC?

To make it simpler, when I bought my car I was also offered an 2007 E350 4MATIC, so what is the difference between the two?

Don't worry - found out. The 4MATIC is AWD apparently. If that is right, why would I be told to steer away from them, older ones at least?
 
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