Should I buy an ML-class

[Isaac spencer]

Hi everyone

New to the forum and potentially MB.

I'm looking to replace our leased Tiguan with an ML-class.

I just think they look great, especially with the AMG kit, and we need the large boot space. The leather seats look so sumptuous too.

We only do about 5k miles a year, little to no long distance driving. I would intend to keep this for the next 8yrs or so.

Can anyone kindly make some suggestions as to which 2013yr+ model/year/engine tends to be the most trouble-free and cost-effective to maintain?
Any other related advice would be much appreciated too.

Cheers

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Buy a petrol version

 

[Isaac spencer]

Hello and welcome,

Buy a petrol version

Yep, I came to the same conclusion. The only tricky thing there's not many about. Thanks

 

[RhodieBill]

Hi.

I hear that if you can get a really good w163 (1997 - 2005) they are much better that the later models. More utilitarian as the are built like a truck, Body-on-Frame.
They do suffer from rust but you can find good ones that are not too expensive with bullet-proof Petrol Engines! (320/430/55). And cheap to maintain, actually easily DIY with very little Electrics.

Those would be my choice. I know not what you're looking for, but worth a shout!

 

[Blobcat]

Yep, I came to the same conclusion. The only tricky thing there's not many about. Thanks

When they were new very few people wanted petrol because of the economy benefits of the diesels (that and they drive really nicely with lots of low down torque.
The world has turned upside down and diesel cars will soon be uneconomical to drive (my opinion (other are available...))
Worth searching around and be prepared to travel (once allowed to...) for the right one

 

[Isaac spencer]

When they were very few people wanted petrol because to the economy benefits of the diesels (that and they drive really nicely with lots of low down torque.
The world has turned upside down and diesel cars will soon be uneconomical to drive (my opinion (other are available...))
Worth searching around and be prepared to travel (once allowed to...) for the right one

That being the case, if I can pick up a well-priced diesel then it should help offset the added running costs going forward.

What I don't want to do is pick diesel if it's entirely inappropriate based on other factors like my mileage projection. If the diesel engine wasn't designed to be used that way, then I really shouldn't.

 

[Blobcat]

ML350

 

[V6Matty]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011156153145

I’ll just leave this up there, okay a tiny bit older than you want but a lot of car for the money

 

[Ody7474]

Wish I had off bought a petrol as I do roughly the same miles or less but I do love my 08 ml


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MBDevotee]

I've had 2 x W163 ML's (ML500's) both converted to LPG. Dont bother with the 320 - ots underpowered and uses at least as much fuel in the 500. I believe the 350 (3.7 engine) is better than the 320 and does save a bit of fuel, but not much.


I ran on LPG as the savings are huge, total no brainer - here's the numbers…..


Conversion is about £1400 - 1600 for a good kit (must be multipoint, and must be able to deliver enough gas to power 5.0 V8!) - but remember that an LPG converted car with a proper certificate etc will fetch a good £1000 more than an equivalent unconverted car, so the net cost is about £400-600.


I did about 12,000 miles per year, and the figures were as follows:-


On petrol 21-22 mpg so 12,000 ÷ 21 = 572 gal = approx 2600 litres × 1.15 per litre = £2990 in fuel


LPG 19mpg, so 12,000 ÷ 19 = 632 gal = approx 2870 litres. LPG is about 60p a litre so 2870 x 0.6 = £1722 on fuel


Let's say you do 6000 a year - over 8 years you will save £1268 a year in fuel or £10,144 in total fuel - all for a conversion of £400- 600 - a no brainer.


Yes the gas needs an annual service at £50 but I used to get the same people to service the car, so they threw the gas service in free when they did it. Also, the oil stays cleaner, spark plugs live longer and so on - would do it every time…...

 

[Isaac spencer]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011156153145

I’ll just leave this up there, okay a tiny bit older than you want but a lot of car for the money

Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to pull that link across.

I agree, it is a lot of car for the money, however the mileage concerns me. That's the sort of mileage id be looking to pass a car on to someone who has more appetite for risk than myself.

I'm aiming to purchase at around 60k for between £18-25k depending on spec.

Just seen the ML63. Good Lord thats looks beastly!! But I don't think I can justify having a 5.5l engine on any day to day vehicle.

 

[ajlsl600]

I think waitin for a tidier,older model a good move.also many more non dealer pts,repairs ,experience avail .I really wish I had kept my last GWagon !
Newer model are not owner friendly for diy or pts,grand if yr leasing or willing to pay for repairs otherwise avoid like the plague ..

 

[flowrider]

With just 5k miles per year and I'm guessing lots of short journeys I would advise against a diesel fitted with a DPF which all the W166 diesel MLs will have.

 

[Isaac spencer]

I've had 2 x W163 ML's (ML500's) both converted to LPG. Dont bother with the 320 - ots underpowered and uses at least as much fuel in the 500. I believe the 350 (3.7 engine) is better than the 320 and does save a bit of fuel, but not much.


I ran on LPG as the savings are huge, total no brainer - here's the numbers…..


Conversion is about £1400 - 1600 for a good kit (must be multipoint, and must be able to deliver enough gas to power 5.0 V8!) - but remember that an LPG converted car with a proper certificate etc will fetch a good £1000 more than an equivalent unconverted car, so the net cost is about £400-600.


I did about 12,000 miles per year, and the figures were as follows:-


On petrol 21-22 mpg so 12,000 ÷ 21 = 572 gal = approx 2600 litres × 1.15 per litre = £2990 in fuel


LPG 19mpg, so 12,000 ÷ 19 = 632 gal = approx 2870 litres. LPG is about 60p a litre so 2870 x 0.6 = £1722 on fuel


Let's say you do 6000 a year - over 8 years you will save £1268 a year in fuel or £10,144 in total fuel - all for a conversion of £400- 600 - a no brainer.


Yes the gas needs an annual service at £50 but I used to get the same people to service the car, so they threw the gas service in free when they did it. Also, the oil stays cleaner, spark plugs live longer and so on - would do it every time…...

Very interesting. Do you have any pictures of what the job looks like? For example where is the fill up point, where has the gas tank been installed etc.

 

[Isaac spencer]

I think waitin for a tidier,older model a good move.also many more non dealer pts,repairs ,experience avail .I really wish I had kept my last GWagon !
Newer model are not owner friendly for diy or pts,grand if yr leasing or willing to pay for repairs otherwise avoid like the plague ..

Good points, precisely the reason I've waited this long. I'm thinking if i get 2013/2014 that will be a 7/8yr old car now. Isn't that like the sweet spot?

 

[ajlsl600]

If do as above .petrol, 320 engine ,at least in.my clk bomb proof 20 yr old no bother and its been 100% reliable such that if a prob comes I will not begrudge it...
I doubt if a modern 320 will be as reliable. Its designed to keep us paying out today.

Research,research,research.it the way to avoid getting caught out with a dealer magnet !

 

[MBDevotee]

2013/14 is w164 not 163 mine were w163's

Savings still valid tho

Fill point wherever you want- I had in bumper some fit to towbar, I dont like in panel as the hole could rust.

Tank was underslung in replacement of spare wheel, did limit the size, not sure of w164 has underslung or in- boot spare?

Sorry, no pics but pm me for installer info (no connection other than v happy customer)

 

[MBDevotee]

2013 will also be high road tax. Sadly you have to go back pre March 2006 to get the cheaper road tax.... so may as well have all the POWWWWWER lol

+ everyone needs a v8 in their life before they ban em

 

[MBDevotee]

2013 will be high road tax - consider trying to find a 2005 or pre 22nd March 2006 model - much cheaper

 

[MBDevotee]

Not a 500 but....

https://play.google.com/store/apps/...onsumersearch&referrer=utm_source=App%20Share

Cheaper tax