ML63 AMG buying advice and servicing

[logit]

Morning gents. I'm just doing my research before buying an ML63 AMG. My budget is up to a max of £20k so I'll be looking at 2007 models with around 60k miles on the clock. There doesn't seem to be much info around on these as they're a rare beastie.

I was wondering if there are any things I need to look out for (reliability wise) when going to look at one? Is it worth getting a Merc warranty (I believe Tier 1 is £1200 if less than 60k miles) or one from Warranty Direct?

What are the services intervals like and when are the big services due? I don't want to buy something and then realise it needs new spark plugs, transmission oil etc.

Many thanks for any help and tips :-)

[daveenty]

Can't help with the ML, but I do know there were some issues with the M156 engine in the earlier cars, namely head bolts and cam buckets. Mercedes addressed this on later models, and it doesn't affect all cars, though it's an expensive fix if it does happen.

Google M156 head bolts for more information.

I'd be very tempted with the Mercedes Tier 1 warranty due to this fault alone.

ETA: Thread HERE about it.

Edited by daveenty on Monday 17th November 08:07

[Enigma AMG]

Head bolt issue would give symptoms similar to head gasket failure but I have not heard of this issue on uk ml63 but there have been odd ones in the US and it is a rare car here.
Think 16 plugs every 3-4 years or 40k and tranny fluid every 60k.
Biggest watch out is corrosion on door edges, they were badly under sealed at the factory, it is a known issue to mercedes uk and I had all 4 replaced under warranty at a cost of around 6k. Dealer initially denied any issue but refered it to their body shop who sent pics to MB UK who immediately approved new doors and gave excellent service. This issue also effects GL.
Other than that it's been a brilliant family wagon.

[logit]

Great, thanks for the tips guys. They seem to be a rare beast so there's not too many up for sale in my price point. The ones for sale seem to habe been listed for quite a long time but sellers aren't keen to do a deal.

[JasonSF]

I've just bought one. What a great car. Much prefer it to my Range Rover.supercharged.

[DJRC]

Issues we are experiencing on our 08 ML now:

Steering pump
Shocks

We have had both turbos go whilst on hol touring in it and Im sure we are currently one turbo down.

We have loved the ML, but they are big heavy cars and it does tell.

[chiefski26]

DJRC said:

Issues we are experiencing on our 08 ML now:

Steering pump
Shocks

We have had both turbos go whilst on hol touring in it and Im sure we are currently one turbo down.

We have loved the ML, but they are big heavy cars and it does tell.

You have an 08 Ml63 with turbos?

[DJRC]

chiefski26 said:

DJRC said:

Issues we are experiencing on our 08 ML now:

Steering pump
Shocks

We have had both turbos go whilst on hol touring in it and Im sure we are currently one turbo down.

We have loved the ML, but they are big heavy cars and it does tell.

You have an 08 Ml63 with turbos?

May the Good Lord spare me from fkwits.
4 lines. 3 of which are entirely relevant to a bloke looking to run a big heavy high powered reasonably modern but not brand new ML. All of which are directly wired to his wallet. You have picked the 1 line which is is ever so slightly off topic, however, that being its an 08 ML with twin turbos means it can only be one car which comes with a big fk off load of torque and is...rapid. But hey, perhaps the OP didn't want to hear from someone running a rapid, heavy, expensive, reasonably modern ML and possible travails might await him in the future, my experience however is that generally speaking...wallet trumps ego.

[sasha320]

DJRC said:

May the Good Lord spare me from fkwits.
4 lines. 3 of which are entirely relevant to a bloke looking to run a big heavy high powered reasonably modern but not brand new ML. All of which are directly wired to his wallet. You have picked the 1 line which is is ever so slightly off topic, however, that being its an 08 ML with twin turbos means it can only be one car which comes with a big fk off load of torque and is...rapid. But hey, perhaps the OP didn't want to hear from someone running a rapid, heavy, expensive, reasonably modern ML and possible travails might await him in the future, my experience however is that generally speaking...wallet trumps ego.

Mine doesn't feel heavy. Maybe that's because it has the M156 engine. Oh, that's two off topic lines out of four now (50%).

[Stu R]

Crank angle sensors, oil temp senders and the odd electrical gremlin are what I was advised to look out for.

mine was pretty solid aside from the minor issue of devouring its own gearbox (warranty job, thankfully)

[developer]

Enigma AMG said:

Think 16 plugs every 3-4 years or 40k and tranny fluid every 60k.

8 plugs in the M156.

[JasonSF]

Mine has a cracked radiator. Water poured out on the way back from buying it from dealer.

[FalconWood]

chiefski26 said:

DJRC said:

Issues we are experiencing on our 08 ML now:

Steering pump
Shocks

We have had both turbos go whilst on hol touring in it and Im sure we are currently one turbo down.

We have loved the ML, but they are big heavy cars and it does tell.

You have an 08 Ml63 with turbos?

Mine doesn't!!! I didn't think the ML63 had turbos - just NA V8

[FalconWood]

chiefski26 said:

DJRC said:

Issues we are experiencing on our 08 ML now:

Steering pump
Shocks

We have had both turbos go whilst on hol touring in it and Im sure we are currently one turbo down.

We have loved the ML, but they are big heavy cars and it does tell.

You have an 08 Ml63 with turbos?

Mine doesn't!!! I didn't think the ML63 had turbos - just NA V8