W164 ML420 CDI
Discussion
Shocks most other roadusers when "booted".
Great engine - just keeps going, put it down to the way that the torque is delivered.
Keep toying with buying an ML63 but realistically know the 420 is better all around package when considering fuel/insurance/servicing/etc. So keep putting off the inevitable which is to buy an E63.
Only bugbear is the gearbox takes a while to engage - common - you get used to it.
Most parts are shared with others in the range but naturally some are specific to the V8.
Used to have a GL and then went to ML. Miss the 7 seats but overall happy.
There are some super examples around. The AMG bodykit ones look rather nice.
Word of caution............22-25MPG and £505 to tax.
Great engine - just keeps going, put it down to the way that the torque is delivered.
Keep toying with buying an ML63 but realistically know the 420 is better all around package when considering fuel/insurance/servicing/etc. So keep putting off the inevitable which is to buy an E63.
Only bugbear is the gearbox takes a while to engage - common - you get used to it.
Most parts are shared with others in the range but naturally some are specific to the V8.
Used to have a GL and then went to ML. Miss the 7 seats but overall happy.
There are some super examples around. The AMG bodykit ones look rather nice.
Word of caution............22-25MPG and £505 to tax.
Thanks guys.
Hmm, 25 mpg at best, sitting around 75-80mph? Unfortunate about the road tax but hey ho.
I was reading about remaps on the DMS site; 370 bhp and enough torque to pull a Dreadnought. I assume the gearboxes go pop?
Heard about the lack of engagement on the auto - why is that?
Hmm, 25 mpg at best, sitting around 75-80mph? Unfortunate about the road tax but hey ho.
I was reading about remaps on the DMS site; 370 bhp and enough torque to pull a Dreadnought. I assume the gearboxes go pop?
Heard about the lack of engagement on the auto - why is that?
KungFuPanda said:
7G Tronic gearbox isn't known for it's responsiveness. I've got the same in my S320. Slow to engage into gear, doesn't know what gear it wants to be in when pooling around. The only time it's any good is when you're fully committed and boot it.
I used to own a 2008 ML420 and now a S320. I agree with kungfupanda. The gearbox is a bit of a joke. Its ok but it really is a weak link in an otherwise nice set up. ML420. Stupid fast, silly torque. Gearbox is a let down, repairs can be expensive. I had air suspension, front corner went and it was 1.1k job. 800 for the part alone. MPG again I agree 25mpg at best. Sold it after 5 months, got very bored of it.
S320 now feel much nicer to me - overall seems to be better paired to the gearbox than the 420 engine. Have had the S320 for 18 months now
I really wanted one but after a test drive was put off.
The 420 didn't feel like the gearbox spoke to the engine, it was always revving higher than that monster torque figure should have allowed. It doesn't sound that great and I didn't gel with it.
In the GL it makes the car, in the ML it doesn't gel IMO.
We bought a 2006 ML500 after some hunting, no cam chain issues like the 5.5 V8 and just as fast as the 420. The gearbox works much nicer with the petrol models but is still slow in manual mode.
Air suspension is essential, it's quite fun in sport for such a lump.
Dave!
The 420 didn't feel like the gearbox spoke to the engine, it was always revving higher than that monster torque figure should have allowed. It doesn't sound that great and I didn't gel with it.
In the GL it makes the car, in the ML it doesn't gel IMO.
We bought a 2006 ML500 after some hunting, no cam chain issues like the 5.5 V8 and just as fast as the 420. The gearbox works much nicer with the petrol models but is still slow in manual mode.
Air suspension is essential, it's quite fun in sport for such a lump.
Dave!
I know this is an old post but I thought that, like me, there may be guys out there who are looking at an ML420. I have a GLA45 AMG that I bought from new in 2015 and the missus has an SLK so I wanted a truck to do the dirty work, dogs, garden centre, builders yard etc. I picked my 420 up for £6,500 and have to say it has become my go-to car for most things.. Masses of torque and you could sleep in the back! Usual 7g gearbox quirks but if you are a Merc guy like me you will know all about them. I put new brakes and tyres on it when I bought it and now I just have the oil changed every year. If I tootle around you get less than 20mpg but add in a couple of longer runs on a dual carriageway and it gives me a reliable 26mpg plus and, as I don't do more than that a couple of thousand miles a year in any of our cars thatit isn't a problem. Being a 2008 it gets caught by the heinous road tax period around 2006 onwards which means £500 plus a year but the insurance is cheap at £300 for us both with no no-claims-discount (that is used on our other cars). so can't complain. I whack in some DPF cleaner every few thousand and it has performed faultlessly. When I bought it with 90,000 miles on the clock, the seats were still like new. These mid 2000 Mercedes are in my opinion the best they ever made. Zero rust, superb quality interiors that show no signs of wear, reliable big V8 diesel that will run and run. If I could go back in time to when I bought this, the only thing I would change would be to buy a newer model as I won't be selling this for a long time. amongst our many Mercs over the years I have had an E class with the 3 litre diesel V6 but this V8 tops that hands down. It will tick all of your boxes for local driving and long motorway trips here and there and will pull anything you hang off the back. The only thing that stops mine from being perfect is a reversing camera!
Still have mine - still love mine.
Used mostly for motorway with family. Wife's comments this evening after an 80 odd mile motorway run home........ "we need to get you a slower car".
I have an E350 saloon for solo/commuting but it is cramped 5-up and so have the ML (this is my excuse for the ML and I am sticking to it) which is quick enough on motorways BUT the ML just has so much more grunt (Brabus chip may be a factor). Only thing that I hate is the RFL cost.
Used mostly for motorway with family. Wife's comments this evening after an 80 odd mile motorway run home........ "we need to get you a slower car".
I have an E350 saloon for solo/commuting but it is cramped 5-up and so have the ML (this is my excuse for the ML and I am sticking to it) which is quick enough on motorways BUT the ML just has so much more grunt (Brabus chip may be a factor). Only thing that I hate is the RFL cost.
I missed one advertised locally. It wasn't really what I was after (wrong spec, colour, bit more leggy than I wanted) but it was the right price. I don't really need another car but am getting fed up taking the older cars out in the rubbish on our country roads. Might have been an interesting conversation at home as I have a feeling had I got to see it I would have bought it!
I'll keep a vague eye out for a 420 se or a 500 se in a colour ideally.
I'll keep a vague eye out for a 420 se or a 500 se in a colour ideally.
Edited by DKL on Tuesday 31st December 16:25
I'm looking for either a ML 420 cdi or ML500. I have not seen a ML500 in this country for sale with an AMG kit, I have only seen examples in America and Europe for sale. So I'm wondering if they were ever made right hand drive. Recently I have only seen one ML 420 cdi for sale on 59 plate, ideally I would like an 11 plate as I prefer the face lift model. Both of these cars on an 11 plate are so hard to get hold of. I would have more luck with the 63, however the cost to maintain it and insurance puts me off. Any feedback will be most appreciated.
Seriously have a look at the ML63 if doing lowish miles.
Still have my ML450 and have been using it regularly recently. Commute 60ish miles a day at a steady (60mph) speed and seeing 30MPG.
Cost of repairs can be big but then this is true of virtually every ML. Air suspension is a big cost and if happens to me will be gutted. LED rear clusters wear out (£200 a pop). Repeaters in the mrrors can let in water. Parking sensors fail. Generally, they are a reliable car but not Japanese reliable.
My biggest gripe remains Vehicle Tax@ £580.
They are now showing their age but still a treat to drive.
Still have my ML450 and have been using it regularly recently. Commute 60ish miles a day at a steady (60mph) speed and seeing 30MPG.
Cost of repairs can be big but then this is true of virtually every ML. Air suspension is a big cost and if happens to me will be gutted. LED rear clusters wear out (£200 a pop). Repeaters in the mrrors can let in water. Parking sensors fail. Generally, they are a reliable car but not Japanese reliable.
My biggest gripe remains Vehicle Tax@ £580.
They are now showing their age but still a treat to drive.
I have to say the 63 is very tempting and surprisingly there are a number to chose in the range of 06 and 07, the only thing is this is a bit on the old side for me. One thing I will do is have a chat with the merc mechanic on my road and see what thinks. I think he will be biased anyway because he owns a 4 door 63 amg saloon.
If I can find a ML500 on a 11 plate, you are getting a lot of car for your for a fraction of the cost of a 11 plate 63 amg. Only thing I have only seen one ML500 on a 11 plate for sale recently. There are a few face lifted 63s but at a cost! I have to test drive a 63 and what it like. If and mean if I can find a ML500 or a 420 facelifted I will arrange a test drive. I will keep looking.
If I can find a ML500 on a 11 plate, you are getting a lot of car for your for a fraction of the cost of a 11 plate 63 amg. Only thing I have only seen one ML500 on a 11 plate for sale recently. There are a few face lifted 63s but at a cost! I have to test drive a 63 and what it like. If and mean if I can find a ML500 or a 420 facelifted I will arrange a test drive. I will keep looking.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff