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Common disadvantages of the Mercedes ML in the W164 body (Mercedes ML). Mercedes ML: relaxation for the soul on the road or sheer expenses? The difference in percentage between the values ​​of some vehicle characteristics and their average values

Story

Mercedes ML 350 is a premium crossover produced from 1997 to 2011. The Mercedes ML 350 was supposed to serve as an actual replacement for the already existing G-Class. In the early 90s, the concern signed a preliminary agreement with Mitsubishi Motors on the joint production of SUV series cars based on the Mitsubishi Pajero. However, the alliance was dissolved.

Design development was carried out in Germany from 1992 to 1994, and the construction of a plant for the production of a new line of crossovers took place in the USA (Alabama). At the beginning of 95, the first prototype of the car appeared, two years later, after all the technical tests, mass production of a completely new M-class from Mercedes began. Produced from 2005 to 2008.

Appearance

ML 350 SUV with brutal body lines. The front LED headlights are equipped with a *smart light* function and turn the lamps following the wheels (which is very convenient in the dark). The Mercedes signature badge is embedded in the massive chrome radiator grille. The front bumper has built-in fog lights and is also equipped with skid plates. This arrangement greatly facilitates travel on unstable road surfaces and protects against gravel.

18 wheels come with alloy wheels. Large side mirrors are equipped with turn signal indicators. Moldings are attached to the roof - this makes it possible to install an additional trunk for transporting goods. The main trunk is closed with a button on the key. Some trim levels have footrests with suction cups for comfortable entry into the car.

Salon

The interior is made of high-quality expensive materials. The seats and dashboard are covered in leather, the ceiling is Alcantara. Front seats with active lateral support and an extended cushion for the driver’s feet. They can be adjusted according to height, proximity to the steering wheel and backrest angle. The electrical settings control buttons are located on the driver's door. The instrument panel is in the form of analogue wells. The steering wheel is mechanically adjustable in height and reach.

On the center console of the Mercedes ML 350 there are:

  • Multimedia system screen, with music control buttons and parking sensors cameras.
  • *Turns* climate control.
  • Buttons for heating and cooling seats.
  • Control of car stabilization systems with the ability to disable them.
  • Assistance buttons for ascent and descent.

The car has a very spacious interior, with plenty of legroom for both rows of seats. The rear sofa is divided by a folding armrest with cup holders. Airflow and heating of the rear row was available as an option. The basic package includes: power windows, a large front armrest, pedals with suction cups, heated rear-view mirrors.

Main technical characteristics

  • Acceleration to the first hundred is 8.4 s.
  • Maximum speed is 225 km per hour.
  • Fuel consumption city 15 l, mixed 12.2 l, highway 9.5 l.
  • Permanent all-wheel drive.
  • Engine with Bluetooth function.
  • Luggage compartment volume 550 l. with the rear row folded 1900 l.
  • Fuel tank volume 95 l.
  • The turning circle is only 12 m.

Engines

The Mercedes ML 350 4Matic is equipped with a gasoline power unit with a displacement of 3.5 liters and a capacity of 272 horsepower. Turbodiesel with a volume of 3.5 liters and a power of 240 horsepower.

Transmission

The ML 350 Mercedes was equipped with a seven-speed 7-G tronic gearbox. Mechanics are not available for this model.

Chassis

The stock version is equipped with rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive automatic is available as an option. The layout of the car is front-engine. The suspension has double wishbones at the front and a multi-link at the rear. The ML 350 is also equipped with an imitation of a center differential lock, which greatly helps when climbing uphill. Initially, the model was designed as a mid-size urban crossover, but trips outside the city with a 350ML will also be comfortable.

A test drive in city mode showed that the car is soft, the steering is very responsive, and roll in corners is minimal. The car is pleasant to drive in city traffic jams with an automatic transmission. On the highway at speeds over 100 km per hour, it behaves awkwardly, despite the fact that the speedometer has a mark of 225 km per hour, it will only be comfortable to drive up to 140 km per hour. The SUV is quite tall and there is a risk of flipping over when entering a turn at high speed. Do not forget that highway consumption is 9 liters only when the road surface is in ideal condition and at speeds of up to 100 km per hour. At high speeds of 140 and above, consumption increases to 18 liters.

Dimensions

  • Length 4 m 80 cm.
  • Width 1 m 92 cm.
  • Height 1 m 79 cm.
  • Net weight 2 t 130 kg.
  • Permissible loaded weight 2 t 690 kg.

Safety

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, the ML 350 Mercedes is equipped with:

  • 4 airbags, side curtains and a knee airbag for the driver as an option.
  • Automatically tightens and locks seat belts in the event of a collision.
  • Optional cruise control with distance control and collision warning.
  • ABS anti-slip system reduces braking distance and prevents tires from slipping on slippery roads.
  • ASR anti-skid system, especially important for rear-wheel drive models.
  • Isofix anchors for car seats.
  • Disabling the front airbag when transporting small children in a car seat in the front seat.
  • 4 stars according to EuroInCap.

Competitors

The main competitor of the Mercedes 350 ML is the 3-liter diesel Volkswagen Touareg, it goes faster - only 7.9 seconds to a hundred. The price on the secondary market is 10-15% cheaper than a Mercedes, and it behaves more collectedly on the highway. For one thing, the Tuareg is still a VAG, distinguished by its ascetic interior and stiff suspension. Here Mercedes clearly wins in terms of comfort characteristics for long-distance driving.

Modifications and tuning

On the secondary market you don’t often see a Mercedes ML 350 in its original form from the factory. A popular tuning of this model is the installation of:

  • AMG mats.
  • Raincoats.
  • Additional wind protection.
  • Towbar.
  • Non-original LED headlights.
  • Plastic door sills and bumper.
  • Upgrading the engine and increasing power to 400 horsepower, acceleration to hundreds in 6.5 seconds, and maximum permissible speed up to 285 km per hour.

Options and prices

Today, you can buy a used Mercedes ML 350 with mileage at a price of 14 thousand dollars for a rear-wheel drive car in the basic configuration, all-wheel drive from 18 thousand dollars. The price depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and condition of the body. The special series is sold on the secondary market from 24 thousand dollars and is distinguished by the presence of wooden and chrome parts in the interior, a radiator grille covered in matte carbon fiber and a wide range of upholstery colors.

Problems and malfunctions

The ML 350 has a *maslozhor* type power unit; if for new cars this was only 100-150 grams per 3 thousand km, then for cars with mileage over 150-180 thousand it was at least 500 grams per 3 thousand km. The timing chain must be replaced up to 150 thousand km, otherwise it will fly off and may lead to a major overhaul of the engine. The fuel pump (mandatory routine replacement up to 180 thousand km) should not be expected to fail when driving on the highway.

When purchasing a 10-year-old German crossover, it is better to immediately replace the chain and pump, regardless of the mileage indicated on the speedometer. The service life of an automatic transmission before overhaul is +-250 thousand km. The air suspension is distinguished by the expensive replacement of stabilizer struts and air springs approximately every 50-70 thousand km. 4 air cylinders will cost 3 thousand dollars. Even minor malfunctions in the operation of the radio or climate control entail disassembly and repair of the entire electrical system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

  1. The versatility of the interior and body is suitable for daily commuting. So is it for transporting the whole family or traveling out of town.
  2. Good sound insulation.
  3. Smooth ride and soft suspension. Due to the presence of air springs, the car *swallows* bumps without transmitting shaking and rolling into the cabin.
  4. Small turning radius of only 12 meters.
  5. Maneuverability and ease of control, suitable even for a beginner.
  6. High-quality interior materials, plastic lasts a long time, the leather on the seats does not wear out.
  7. Bluetek internal combustion engine technology allows minimizing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
  8. Traffic safety, the passenger capsule reliably protects people's lives and minimizes injuries in both side and frontal collisions.
  9. A special system that protects against incorrect gear shifting.
  10. Large selection of additional options.
  11. The presence of a panoramic roof and sunroof.
  12. Locking locks and windows on the driver's door (convenient for transporting small children).
  13. Door and trunk closers.
  14. You can travel up to 1000 km on one fuel tank.

Minuses:

  1. Expensive spare parts for machine repair and maintenance. It is recommended to be serviced only by an authorized dealer using original Mercedes consumables and oil.
  2. Expensive overhaul of the gearbox and engine, at least 3 thousand dollars each.
  3. Large tax (over 200 horsepower for a crossover).
  4. Eats butter.
  5. Fuel consumption is almost 50% higher than the rated data.

Owner review

Mikhail, Moscow. I have owned the car for 5 years, the mileage has exceeded 280 thousand km. Immediately after purchase, I replaced the brake discs and changed the oil. Then I encountered the problem of adding about 2 liters of oil between changes. I bought it with a mileage of 162 thousand, after a month of operation and 1500 km the rear shock absorber leaked - replacement with labor cost 300 dollars. After another 3 months. in winter, when climbing to the third level of the suspension to get out of a snowdrift *slam* rear air strut replacement - $850. (As it turned out later, after reading the instructions, Mercedes recommends raising the car to such a height in extreme cases).

When the mileage approached 200 thousand, the fuel hose burst when leaving the highway. The revs immediately dropped and the car stopped completely. I had to use the services of a tow truck; replacing the hose, filters and cleaning cost $450. After this, the automatic transmission shift knob began to *glitch* and it was impossible to put it in park - replacing the switch cost $140. Next, replacing the *power steering* pump costs $320, excluding labor. This is all without counting the costs of fuel and small consumables. In reality, in traffic jams the car consumes up to 22 liters. I would not recommend buying with your last money. For a year you need to calculate only maintenance without taking into account fuel up to 2 thousand dollars. This crossover is in the premium segment, and you have to pay for comfort.

Mercedes Benz ML 350 is bought and sold quite often on the secondary market. It is comfortable in the cabin and comfortable to drive. With regular maintenance, your car will last for many years. The car is also suitable for tall people; there is enough legroom and headroom in both rows of seats.

Video review on Youtube

Specifications

Suspension, brakes, tires
Wheelbase 2,915 mm
Ground clearance (clearance) 200 mm
Front track 1,627 mm
Rear track 1,629 mm
Front suspension
Rear suspension shock absorber, wishbone
Front brakes ventilated disc
Rear brakes disk
Tire (wheel) size 235/65 R17

    ML in the 164th body began to be produced in 2005. The car has been equipped with new technical solutions, which has added a bit of a new headache for car owners. But more on that later.

    The cars were equipped with a 3.5-liter gasoline six (V6) (ML350), a 5.0-liter eight (ML500), and a diesel three-liter six OM642 in two modifications (ML280 and ML320). Later, a diesel four-liter V8 was added, and the five-liter gasoline engine M113 was replaced with the M273, which has more power. In 2009, there were also changes in the line of three-liter diesel engines: the ML320 was replaced by the ML300 and another ML350 was added (although the OM642 six-cylinder diesel engine with various settings remained throughout).

    The main line of ML W164 engines and their characteristics:


    The gasoline version of the ML350 gained the most popularity, but the first M272 engines installed on it had factory shortcomings, which the company corrected in 2007. For example, closer to 100 thousand mileage, the engine began to sound like a diesel engine, and an “engine error” popped up on the panel. This was evident from the worn out sprockets of the balancing shaft. To replace them, it was necessary to completely dismantle the power unit from the car, which made the cost of repairs simply astronomical. In order not to remove the engine a second time, it was recommended to immediately change: the timing chain, tensioner, stabilizers and camshaft magnets, since after 100 thousand kilometers the chain already stretches, and problems with all of the above begin. Similar malfunctions also appear on the 8-cylinder engine, but to eliminate them there is no need to remove the engine, which significantly reduces the cost of repairs.


    Closer to 150 thousand km, many ML350 owners had the need to replace the intake manifold due to failure of the vacuum damper valves. In 2007, the manufacturer revised this unit.

    The cylinder head plugs, made of plastic, began to leak engine oil closer to 50 thousand, and it could also leak at the junction of the oil filter housing and the oil heat exchanger (the gasket needed to be replaced there).

    Pre-restyling diesel engines had a factory defect in the exhaust manifold, which affected the operation of the turbine, breaking its blades and the shaft itself. The collectors had to be replaced (and there are two of them, and they are not cheap). The turbine itself, with proper maintenance, can last almost 300 thousand km or even more.


    The ML was equipped exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission (7G-Tronic 722.9), which again had problems before restyling. The expensive electric hydraulic unit failed after a mileage of just over 100 thousand km. Due to the welded bushing, the gears of the automatic transmission oil pump were destroyed, and this caused scuffing in the gearbox housing. Sometimes the gear shift control unit malfunctioned.

    You can read in detail about the 4matic all-wheel drive system, which was installed on Mercedes ML W164 cars, by following this link.

    The automatic transmission of this Mercedes model is still very fond of pushing at the start or during gear changes. To cure this malfunction, it is necessary to alter the transmission and engine ECUs, and then synchronize the operation of these two units.

    There are known cases of failure of the front axle gearbox and front driveshaft. The appearance of crackling and grinding noises under a loaded vehicle indicates a worn-out transfer case chain.

    The lifespan of the stabilizer struts and bushings is approximately 70 thousand km. The rear silent block of the front control arm is the weak point of the ML suspension. Suspension shock absorbers (not pneumatic) last well for about 150 thousand km, wheel bearings - about the same.


    But ML’s pneumatic cylinders are not very durable - in most cases they do not survive up to 120 thousand km.

    The rattle of the rack, which appears over time in all MLs, is treated by replacing either the steering crosspiece or the suspension bearing. The rack itself rarely fails up to 150 thousand km. The cost of a new rack is fantastic.

    The body of this car is worthy of all praise - its paintwork is at the proper level and there is no tendency to corrosion. Except that chrome parts may eventually lose their appearance after several winter seasons.

    Sometimes there have been cases of a skewed rear trunk door. Broken screws securing the hinge were to blame for this. In addition, the warped door made a loud noise when hitting uneven roads. The lock of this door can also cause problems after 100 thousand km.

    In winter, problems may arise with other door locks. To avoid this, it is necessary to periodically lubricate their moving parts for preventive purposes. Another common cause of door lock failure is a damaged internal spring. The problem is so widespread that lock repair kits for ML have already appeared on sale.

    Loss of tightness of the rear light seals is also one of the common diseases of ML. Because of this, moisture begins to get into the trunk, and what’s most unpleasant is that it gets on the electrical board of the rear SAM unit, which leads to its oxidation. I think that there is no need to write about the fact that because of this, various “glitches” begin in the electrical system.

    The quality of the materials used to decorate the interior of the ML is excellent. Crickets don't like to live here. Although they still chose one place - this is the trunk rod (and sometimes the back of the rear seat). Various electronic units are located under the mats, so you should not allow snow on your shoes to get into the interior.


    Some cars may have problems with climate control. This can be treated by uploading new firmware to the climate control unit. The unit itself fails quite rarely.

    In general, despite all the flaws, this generation of ML turned out to be more reliable than the previous one. I'm glad that the manufacturer has corrected any shortcomings in the car's operation. The only thing worth adding is that it is very expensive to repair such a car in official technical centers, but to the delight of car enthusiasts there are a lot of high-quality service stations that will perform all the necessary repairs on your ML for a reasonable price.

    A selection of video reviews of the Mercedes ML W164:

    Crash test Mercedes Benz ML W164:

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In the analysis of the Mercedes ML350 before restyling

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Piston Connecting rod Cylinder head Crankshaft sensor Injectors Hood Generator Pump Headlight Door Bumper Power steering CV joint Radiator Air conditioning compressor Steering knuckle Lever Fan diffuser Manifold inlet exhaust fender trim dashboard pad AirBAG Subframe Bumper Rear pipe universal joint subframe trunk abs radio cassette rheostat Torpedo Buttons Threshold Step Fuel ive ramp Engine mounting Mount Gearbox, Beam Heater resistor ABS unit SRS ABS, gearbox Transmission Automatic gearbox Automatic transmission hinge trunk lid Lamp selector automatic transmission starter pump throttle fan rocker cable ceiling TV amplifier front rear bracket Lever front left upper right lower rear Knuckle left right rear Shock absorber Transfer case front gearbox rear Steering rack tip stabilizer front rear ABS sensor ABS Esp PML servotronics airbag curtain airbag left right Seat belt left right front rear pier chuck Door glass front rear left right Door lock front rear left right Sam block front comfort block Molding trim trim mirror Hatch glass hatch handle automatic transmission ABS control unit ESP engine automatic transmission sensor Muffler intake exhaust manifold Injector generator starter air conditioning compressor brake caliper left right Hose tube pipe ML164 ML164 ML280 ML300 ML320 ML350 ML400 ML450 ML500 ML550 AMG c w C C gl GL M L M M ML E P E CLS 280 300 320 350 400 450 500 550

01.05.2017

The second generation of the popular M-class SUV from the German car brand Mercedes-Benz. The three-pointed star on the hood has always evoked special awe among most car enthusiasts, but not everyone can afford a new car of this class. At the moment, prices for a used Mercedes ML in the 164 body have become more affordable, thanks to which car enthusiasts, for whom status and prestige play an important role, can fulfill their old dream. When buying a car at the age of 7-10 years, you need to be aware that such a purchase is fraught with additional costs. Well, what they are like and what you should pay attention to when choosing a used Mercedes ML (W164) on the secondary market, I will tell you in this article.

A little history:

Work on the development of the Mercedes ML (W164) began back in 1999 and lasted 6 years. Steve Mattin worked on the car design project under the strict guidance of Peter Pfeiffer for more than 2 years. Testing of the prototype was carried out throughout 2003 - 2004 and completed at the beginning of 2005. The debut of the Mercedes ML (W164) took place in 2005 at the International Auto Show in North America. In April of the same year, mass production was launched. The car was assembled in the USA at the Chrysler plant located in Tuscaloosa (Alabama).

The new product was built on a common platform with the GL-class, thanks to which it was possible to increase the size of the body and wheelbase compared to its predecessor (W163). In 2008, at the New York auto show, a restyled version of the car was presented to the public. The main changes affected the front and rear bumpers, optics and radiator grille ( it has been increased in size and equipped with chrome inserts along the edges). Changes also affected the model range, albeit slightly: the diesel model ML 420 CDI was updated, the ML 280 CDI was renamed ML 300 CDI, the ML 320 CDI was renamed ML 350 CDI, and the ML 420 CDI was renamed ML 450 CDI. In 2009, the new ML 450 Hybrid SUV was presented at the New York Auto Show. Production of the second generation M-Class lasted 6 years and ended in 2011, and was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz W166 series car.

Advantages and disadvantages of Mercedes ML (W164) with mileage

The body of the Mercedes ML (W164) has practically no weak points - it is not afraid of corrosion, but only on the condition that the car was not restored after an accident. But, chrome elements do not withstand the harsh realities of our winters and quickly become cloudy, after which they begin to bloom. When inspecting the car, be sure to check the trunk door; on most copies it is skewed ( The screws holding the door hinge are broken). Also, there may be problems with door locks ( mechanism failure, failures in the “Keyless Go” keyless entry software). If there is moisture in the trunk, the problem most likely lies in worn out lamp seals. If you do not pay attention to this for a long time, over time, problems with the block will begin SAM, since its electronic board is located in the right niche of the trunk.

Engine

Depending on the engine size of the Mercedes ML (W164), the corresponding index was assigned: gasoline - 3.5-ML350 (272 hp), 5.0-ML500 (308 hp), 5.5-ML550 (388 hp) 6, 2-ML 63 AMG (510 hp); diesel - 3.0-ML280 CDI, ML320 CDI (190 and 224 hp) since 2009 ML300 CDI (190 and 204 hp) ML350 CDI (224 hp), 4.0-ML420 CDI (306 hp).

Gasoline

Most often found on the secondary market is a 3.5-liter gasoline power unit. Operating experience has shown that the engine is generally reliable, but some shortcomings have still been identified. As a rule, problems begin after the first 100,000 miles. The most common drawback is wear of the cermet sprockets of the balance shaft. If there is a breakdown, in most cases the error “ Check Engine" Also, a signal about the presence of a problem will be the “dilation” of the engine, vibrations and metallic ringing when starting a cold engine. Another problem with characteristic symptoms is stretching of the timing chain, this occurs at a mileage of 100-150 thousand km.

Replacing the chain and shaft sprockets is a rather labor-intensive process ( The motor must be removed to perform the work.), because of which the cost of work is quite high ( 1500-3000 USD). It is this fact that forces many owners to get rid of the car at the first alarm bells ( Before purchasing, be sure to conduct a complete engine diagnostics). When performing repairs, it is advisable to immediately replace the chain guide, the magnets of the camshaft adjustment mechanism and the oil pump, so as not to pay twice for the removal and installation of the power unit. Often, owners of cars with a 5.5 engine (388 hp) face the same problems, however, in this case, eliminating most of the shortcomings does not require removing the engine, which significantly reduces the cost of repairs. Closer to the mileage of 150,000 km, many Mercedes ML (W164) owners have to change the exhaust manifold due to problems with the vacuum rods of the adjustable dampers ( on copies produced after 2007, this problem was eliminated). A signal that there is a problem will be a wandering idle speed.

All gasoline engines suffer from oil leaks, most often leaks appear on the plastic plugs of the cylinder head. Also, on a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, oil leaks can be found at the junction of the filter housing and the oil cooler heat exchanger due to a leaky seal. Owners of pre-restyling cars often encountered such a problem as “freezing” of the plastic swirl flaps of the intake manifold, which is why they had to change the entire manifold. When using low quality fuel, catalysts die prematurely. The problem is solved by replacing them with flame arresters. The 5.0 engine has proven to be the most reliable; the only drawbacks that can be noted are high fuel consumption and high transport tax; otherwise, there are practically no complaints about it. The car uses 2 batteries, they usually last for about 5 years; to replace them you will have to pay almost $100. for every. Once every 100,000 km you have to change the starter solenoid relay; for replacement they ask for 40-70 USD.

Diesel

On diesel engines, during long trips, there is a decrease in the operating life of the turbine (during normal operation, the turbine lasts up to 300,000 km). The main reason for premature wear of a part lies in its not very favorable location (installed in a place where the temperature is highest). The cost of the turbine will surprise even wealthy ML owners (about 2000 USD). Also, common disadvantages of diesel engines include the rapid appearance of carbon deposits on the exhaust manifold, which over time begins to fall off and can “kill” the turbine. Significant costs may also be incurred if glow plugs are not replaced in a timely manner. The fact is that if a spark plug burns out, it is unlikely to be unscrewed naturally, and in order to replace them, you will have to remove the engine head and drill out the burnt spark plug.

If extraneous vibrations appear on the car, you need to pay attention to the crankshaft pulley coupling, it may have begun to fail. Also, due to the large weight of power units, engine mounts have to be replaced quite often. Diesel engines are equipped with a “Common Rail” system, which is an advantage and, at the same time, a disadvantage. The advantages include the efficiency of motors. The disadvantages are the sensitivity of the system to fuel quality. If there are no good gas stations in your region, you need to be prepared for frequent, expensive repairs of injectors, injection pumps and the EGR valve.

Transmission

Mercedes ML (W164) is equipped only with the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has a number of problems, most often annoying jerks when starting, accelerating and stopping. In most cases, flashing the transmission control unit helps to cope with this problem. The valve body is not famous for its reliability; its service life rarely exceeds 100,000 km. The main signal that there is a problem will be jerks during acceleration. If you do not contact the service on time, the clutch pack will soon need to be replaced. Replacing the valve body costs $1,500, but you can save money by purchasing a repair kit, in which case you can fix the problem for $500. By 150,000 km, the oil pump “dies” on most copies; if it is not replaced in time, the ECM electronic control unit will fail due to high temperatures. All of these defects, except for one - leaks in the automatic cooling tubes, were eliminated after restyling.

Among the shortcomings of the all-wheel drive system, we can highlight problems with the front axle gearbox (100-150 thousand km). Vibrations and hum will notify you of the imminent demise of the gearbox. To fix the breakdown you will have to pay 500-700 USD. The front driveshaft doesn't last much longer either. At a mileage of 120-170 thousand km ( depending on operating conditions) the bearings begin to hum. Often, the sound can also come from the outboard bearing, which dealers, as a rule, change together with the driveshaft; for unofficials, the bearing can be changed separately. With active use of the all-wheel drive system, the transfer case chain stretches to 100,000 km. The disease is accompanied by crackling and grinding noises under load. The transfer case, like the automatic transmission, when used correctly, does not cause serious problems up to 200-250 thousand kilometers.

Features and disadvantages of the Mercedes ML (W164) suspension

Mercedes ML (W164) is presented on the market with two types of suspension - independent spring and air suspension. If we talk about which of the two types of suspension to give preference to, then, in terms of reliability, a conventional suspension will be preferable, and in terms of comfort, pneumatic suspension. In a spring suspension, you most often have to change the stabilizer struts, approximately once every 60-70 thousand km. After 50,000 km, the ball joints begin to creak, and after 20-30 thousand km they have to be replaced. Once every 100-120 thousand km, replacement is required: shock absorbers, wheel bearings and silent blocks of levers ( change complete with levers). The rear suspension does not require intervention up to 150,000 km, the only exception being shock absorbers ( their resource rarely exceeds 130,000 km).

Air suspension repairs will have to be done every 80-100 thousand km. The cost of one original front air spring is about 1000 USD, the rear one is about 500 USD. If worn-out pneumatic cylinders are not replaced in a timely manner, this will negatively affect the service life of the compressor, the replacement of which costs 2000-3000 USD. To check the condition of the pneuma, raise the machine to the maximum level and leave it in this position for half an hour ( The machine should not drop even one mm.).

Often, when driving on an uneven road, extraneous knocks are heard from the suspension; check the fastening of the front pneumatic elements to the struts - the fasteners weaken over time and require banal tightening. The steering rack is generally reliable and can last up to 200,000 km without repair, but there have been cases when it began to leak at a mileage of 100-120 thousand km ( eliminated by replacing oil seals and seals). The weak points in the steering are: rods ( run up to 90-110 thousand km) and the steering shaft driveshaft. Also, there are complaints about the reliability of the power steering pump; when replacing the pump, it is recommended to change the reservoir as well, since the filter mesh in it quickly becomes clogged. The brake system is reliable, but due to the considerable weight of the car, the brake pads wear out quite quickly (30-35 thousand km).

Salon

The quality of finishing materials leaves an ambiguous impression. The plastic from which the central panel and other interior elements are made is of high quality and retains its original appearance for a long time. But, the seat trim does not correspond to the class of the car, the fact is that the seats are made of eco-leather, which after 100,000 km cracks and begins to peel off. As for electrics, over the years, they begin to present unpleasant surprises, such as malfunctions of the climate control ( Electronic damper servos are glitching), sound signal and standard audio system ( doesn't return disks). Fixing even minor problems in electronics is not a cheap pleasure.

Result:

Mercedes ML (W164) is generally a fairly reliable car, but copies produced after 2009 are considered less problematic. Unfortunately, the air suspension presents many problems, and the cost of individual spare parts and labor exceeds all reasonable limits.

Advantages:

  • Comfortable suspension.
  • High quality paintwork.
  • Four-wheel drive.

Flaws:

  • High cost of repairs.
  • Small air suspension resource.
  • Unreliable automatic transmission.

Article navigation:

Mercedes ML 164 – Common problems and how much does maintenance cost?
The choice of 164 body, so as not to be left without pants.

The main problem with both gasoline and diesel Mercedes ML engines is swirl flaps and their plastic rods. The reasons why the dampers fail is carbon deposits (or soot in the case of a diesel engine) in the intake manifold. Symptoms of faulty swirl flaps may include insufficient low-end traction, skipping, and tripping. In the final stages, this malfunction causes the Check Engine light to light up.

The problem can be solved in two ways: replacing the collector, which is not cheap (50 thousand for M272, 100 thousand for M273, 50-60 thousand for OM642 and up to two hundred thousand on the OM629 engine, where the collector consists of two parts.) On a diesel engine, in addition to the loss power and unstable operation, quite fatal consequences are possible when the dampers stick in the closed state. Preventive measures can be taken to disassemble and clean the intake manifold. You need to choose ML350 or ML320d only on the basis of checking the condition of the dampers; this is significantly cheaper than doing repairs.

Worn fuel injectors or injection pump- is more relevant for diesel engines, a very expensive problem for Mercedes. Taking into account the price for 2017 - 30-35 thousand rubles for replacing one injector (there are 6 in total). Replacement with reconditioned used ones from 15-20 thousand per injector. Characteristic symptoms are poor starting in cold weather, mixture adjustments, increased smoke when idle. It is easy to check before purchasing, but the problem exists to varying degrees on the vast majority of cars. To diagnose injectors, you need a test drive and a warm engine; a lift is not needed. We recommend paying the greatest attention to the diagnostics of fuel equipment when choosing W164/W166 with diesel engines.

“The Mercedes 7G-tronic automatic transmission is kicking” or in other words, the hydraulic plate needs to be cleaned/rebuilt or the gearbox control board needs to be replaced - this disease of the Mercedes ML w164 exists on every second car. A malfunction of the hydraulic plate cannot be solved by reflashing; the problem of kicking at low speeds can only be solved by repairing the automatic transmission valve body. The problem should not be confused with a faulty transmission control board. Checking is only possible during a test drive and cannot be diagnosed on a lift. ML and GL gearboxes do not die at 100 or 150 or even 200 mileage; how long the gearbox lasts directly depends on the operating style and frequency of maintenance, so choosing a Mercedes based on mileage is extremely incorrect.

We strongly recommend checking for Mercedes ML automatic transmission problems before purchasing; otherwise, you risk getting a faulty automatic transmission or a “half-functional” one, when repairs are not yet required, but the car is not comfortable to drive.

Wear of fuel injection pump or high pressure pump. A rather rare malfunction that, if neglected, can kill all fuel injectors and clog the fuel rail with shavings. Usually, computer diagnostics and a test drive in certain modes can determine the condition of the pump.

Mercedes ML w164 and not obviously expensive problems

Broken door locks- one door lock costs 25 thousand rubles, there are no non-originals and the mechanism is not repairable. Locks from dismantlings cost 15-20 thousand rubles and their service life is extremely short. Be sure to check the functionality of the central locking system.

The silent blocks of the front lower arms are a cheap part, but the original one is not sold separately, non-original ones last for six months and require replacement, and the assembled arm costs about 40 thousand rubles.

The Rear SAM block is flooded with water, the cost of a new one is about 20 thousand rubles. The unit is responsible for the operation of the rear electronics of the car. Burnt-out brake lights, an incorrect or non-functioning fuel level sensor, or a power failure to fuel pumps can seriously ruin your mood due to the service’s manner of replacing working pumps instead of the control unit.

In addition to the service life of engine components, there is a certain set of age-related and factory diseases of Mercedes. Let's look at some of the problems with Mercedes engines for a clear example:

The main problem of the aged Mercedes ml350 w164 and the M272 engine in principle is cylinder block seizure. There are many reasons, and there are even more cases of scuffing. Buying Mercedes with bad looks is stupid, so the editors don’t see much point in discussing this topic seriously. The only treatment for scuffing on the M272/M273 is the engine liner.

In order not to deal with the liner and not write angry reviews on the Internet, you need to check the problems of scuffing on the Mercedes ML/GL before purchasing, first of all, if you suspect a knocking or uneven revolutions with a clean throttle and a working MAP/MAF sensor.

Another problem with the Mercedes M272 engine is soft timing stars. The problem was eliminated on the M276 successor engine, where all that remained from the ML350 timing problems was a factory defect in the chain tensioner, which manifests itself after driving about a hundred thousand kilometers.

The problems of the Mercedes w164 ML, as well as the diesel engine, can also include the current heat exchanger, automatic transmission oil seal, weak steering rack and especially steering rack silent blocks, because of which many services condemn a working rack to replacement.

Diagnosing Mercedes engine problems does not necessarily involve disassembling the engine and hanging the body on a lift. Such measures are necessary when a malfunction has already been identified as a result of diagnostics and repairs are required. Most often, it is enough to diagnose the engine using a set of direct and indirect parameters, both physically and electronically. It is in knowing the nuances of each individual engine type that professionalism lies. Diagnostics is especially necessary for a diesel engine, because with a huge safety margin of the internal combustion engine itself, some components have increased wear due to improper use (turbines, injectors, manifold) and the cost of repairing them can shock the average car enthusiast who just wanted to enjoy the car.

Many potential buyers they are very afraid of the unreliability of the air suspension, however, pneuma is a relatively reliable and cheap to maintain unit. To emphasize the importance of diagnostics and incorrect priorities among buyers, we will present the cost of eliminating other sores after the point of critical wear and tear.
Current fuel injectors - 6 pieces for 35 thousand rubles - 210,000 rubles + labor.
Water hammer due to neglected overflow of fuel injectors - replacement of the engine or liner. (200-400 thousand rubles)
The injection pump caught up with metal shavings into the fuel line, symptoms - low pressure, ineffective acceleration, omission errors. New injection pump - 45-55 thousand rubles, cleaning the fuel line with analysis ~ 50 thousand rubles. In particularly advanced cases, replacement of fuel injectors is required.

The problems of the Mercedes diesel do not end there, due to long driving with a clogged particulate filter Possible excess pressure in the crankcase ventilation system and cracking of the cylinder head (especially important on the OM628 V8). This can only be solved by a major overhaul.

Risks of airbag explosion on the track due to the old age of the material - absolutely nothing compared to the problems described above.

Determining the original mileage of a Mercedes

“With the wizard Suleiman, everything is fair, without deception.”

You cannot “completely” roll up the mileage in all blocks. Real mileage or engine hours are still determined with an accuracy of five hundred kilometers.

The real or original mileage of a Mercedes is not determined by the wear of the pedals or the interior. Serious wear and tear on the interior of the ML W164 or GL X164 appears much later than its Japanese classmates. Estimating mileage based on wear and tear on the car interior is a counterproductive check and only helps inexperienced buyers engage in self-deception.

How to find out the real mileage of a Mercedes?

All cases of twisted run can be divided into two categories:

1. The seller only added mileage on the dashboard.

Computer on-site diagnostics of a Mercedes using Star Diag will simply reveal the fraud and show the exact mileage figures. The seller will either have to admit it or continue to repeat that “it wasn’t him who twisted it, but maybe it was before him.”

Most twisted Mercedes can be “kicked off” even at the stage of viewing ads - in the photo of the dashboard they usually have the “Trip A/B” counter recently reset to zero or the value is extremely low. This is usually accompanied by an empty tank.

Low trip meter readings are associated with dismantling the dashboard to adjust the odometer using a programmer, while the dashboard is de-energized and the values ​​are reset to zero. No one deliberately resets the Trip counter before taking photos for sale.

2. The seller spent money on adjusting the actual mileage in several ECU units.

There are three ways to understand the actual mileage of a Mercedes. In addition to individual mileage counters in various ECUs, there are “side” counters that count from certain events - it is impossible to twist them, only to overwrite them with new events (for example, forced burning of a particulate filter or events in the electronic handbrake unit).

In addition to the “side” counters, there is an Assyst Plus block, where all maintenance and the number of oil change interval resets are recorded, so if the odometer on the dashboard shows 100,000, and the number of interval resets is 20, there will be no doubt that the actual mileage of the Mercedes is significantly higher.

The last and most important criterion is engine hours. This is the engine operating meter in hours, which we consider a more objective value than the actual mileage of the car and is what we look at first. Despite the low mileage in Moscow, the number of engine hours can be very significant, so we carefully weigh the pros and cons before recommending a specific Mercedes to our client.

Computer diagnostics of Mercedes ML/GL W164

On-site Mercedes diagnostics is not only about reading errors and checking the body. This is a check of all the main components of the car with knowledge of the specifics of the engine, transmission and electronics.

Computer diagnostics of a diesel Mercedes always begins with checking the capacity of the EGR valve, the degree of clogging of the particulate filter and the maximum pressure of the fuel injection pump under load. Half of these pre-purchase checks are done while driving, due to the features of the ECU of some engines that block the maximum use of units in Parking or Neutral.

At idle speed on a cold and hot engine, Mercedes computer diagnostics allows you to check the chain tension at the corners of the camshafts, as well as fuel injection correction to determine wear of the engine fuel injectors.

After a test drive in various modes, if the auto expert suspects wear of individual automatic transmission components, a repeat test drive is carried out with a survey of transmission streaming data. This measure allows you to accurately understand the clogging of the valve body and solenoid valves with wear products of the clutches of the main pairs.

Assessing the clogging of the particulate filter and the pressure in the USR valve is also an integral part of diagnosing a diesel Mercedes.

Is it worth buying Mercedes ML w164?
What is the difference between the 2008 Restyle and the Pre-Restyle

A reasonable question, especially considering that it’s 2018 and cars that are about 10 years old don’t inspire much confidence in terms of reliability. This choice often faces our specialists, because, following our own philosophy, we buy premium aged products. The point is that after a certain age of the car, the probability of certain breakdowns is almost the same, and the difference in condition is determined not by the number of owners and mileage, but by the pockets of these owners. If you really like the Mercedes ML/GL 164, then it’s definitely worth buying a car, but you need to be extremely careful in the selection process. We will give several rules for choosing a living car from our experience:

Don't buy cars from car dealerships. Why shouldn't you buy cars from dealerships? Because the entire car resale industry in Russia, unfortunately, is tied to lies and buying cars for next to nothing. A polished body, dry cleaning of the interior and photographs taken with a professional SLR camera are not yet a sign of excellent condition. Car dealerships do not provide any warranty on the gearbox or engine, this is a PR stunt and, at best, if there is a breakdown, managers will refer to the malfunction as your fault.

Do not select cars aged 7-10 years based on the number of owners and entries in PTS. This indicator is absolutely useless and counterproductive. Only the technical condition of the engine, automatic transmission and other units matters. There are no old Mercedes, there are owners without money. Our practice is full of examples where a car with 5 owners is significantly better maintained and does not cause any complaints, while a car with 1-2 owners was openly used for all the money and the only service was an engine oil change.

Don't pay much attention to the car's mileage indicated in the advertisements, as well as the rest of the description. All sellers lie to a greater or lesser extent. Two thirds of all cars have had their mileage adjusted once or several times, so the actual mileage can only be determined by inspection.

Don't buy at all avoid cars from resales. Where the sale of cars is a business, there is a large amount of cutting material during “pre-sale preparation”. The external gloss is restored and all traces of malfunctions are washed away (the hood, turbine pipes are washed, additives are poured, headlights are mounted on screws or glue, etc.). Outbid dealers buy damaged cars, problem ones, or simply in pursuit of profit, they may not notice a broken car that has been stolen. There are more than enough such cases.

Never rely solely on your knowledge. Checking the car in a specialized service or by a specialized specialist can not only add reasons for bargaining, but can also protect you from serious problems, be it repairs costing several hundred thousand or the chance of losing all the money along with the car due to the criminal past of the iron horse.

A car check before purchase should only be carried out by a specialized organization. Anyone who does not have specialization is unable to check anything other than suspension components. If you are looking for Mercedes service, look for club services. They know all the characteristic diseases and their symptoms. If you need on-site diagnostics before purchasing, you need to look for an organization with a large portfolio of diagnostics and selection of Mercedes. You can verify your competence by asking leading questions about typical faults.

Mercedes GL and ML in the 164 body are a magnificent comfortable car, which is not worth abandoning for fear of expensive breakdowns and is rather illogical. It is important not to repeat the mistakes of our careless fellow citizens and carefully check the Mercedes before purchasing.

Mercedes ML w164 restyling differences from pre-restyling

The most significant difference between the ML Restyle and the Pre-Restyle is fixing problems with the automatic transmission valve body 722.9 (7G-Tronic). Any forum is full of reviews and discussions of the problems of jerks, impacts and drops into neutral (service mode). The malfunction associated with the electronic valve control board has been largely corrected. However, if the car suffered from racing use and the oil in the box has never been changed, there is a high probability of such problems, because The control board is bathed in hot oil.

Rear lights replaced with LED ones. The service life of the rear stops has increased many times over, and the problem of drainage of the rear struts has been partially corrected, as a result of which the Rear Sam block is flooded significantly less often. On pre-Restyle, a common problem was the frequent burnout of rear brake lights and incorrect fuel level readings.

The head unit (cassette player in common parlance) has been replaced with Command NTG 2.5.

A new range of engines, a line of gasoline engines received a new 5.5-liter gasoline engine M273 388 hp. instead of 5.0 M113 306 hp You can read about the problems of this gasoline engine created on the basis of the M272 above in the selection problems section. Diesel engines received only new power indices (320d was replaced by 350d).

The headlights have been modified, and the appearance of the radiator grille and front bumper have also changed.

The steering wheel and some decorative elements of the interior have undergone changes. In some trim levels since 2010 (Grand Edition), the steering wheel from the ML 63 AMG has become available.

Selection of a used Mercedes car in Moscow

The diagnostic laboratory has been providing auto selection services for Mercedes ML/GL W164/X164 for many years. Our main difference from competing organizations is our open portfolio and narrow specialization in premium brands. We have the greatest experience in the Mercedes brand in the diagnosis and selection of ML w164 and w166 diesel with indexes 300/320/350/420/450 CDI and gasoline ML 350/500 and 63 AMG, as well as diesel GL 320/350/420/450 CDI (including blue efficiency) and petrol GL 470/500, as well as GL 350 CDI/GL 500 and GL 63 AMG.

Our approach to diagnostics can be briefly described as “less attention to small things, more to diagnosing large and expensive components to repair.”

We are starting work on selecting a turnkey Mercedes ML W164

  • Mercedes ML (ML300, ML350, ML500, Diesel priority)
  • 1-2 owners, 1 priority
  • The interior is in good condition.
  • No need for expensive repairs
  • Without duplicate PTS
  • Legally clean.
  • No serious accidents.
  • Only a serviceable automatic transmission without the classic aged 7GTronic flaws
  • Mileage preferably up to 100,000 km
  • Full legal and forensic examination before purchasing the selected option