Advice needed on ML55
Discussion
I'm looking at buying an ML55 in the next few weeks. Always wanted one & depreciation has done it's work so it's well within budget now 
Basically I'm putting it to the PH masses to advise me on what to look out for to make sure I end up with a good one. For example, I've been told that the facelift (2002+) is the one to get but are there any differences apart from the styling?
Also, fuel costs aren't a problem as it's only going to get used occasionally but out of interest what sort of real world MPG can I expect?
Thanks in advance guys
Basically I'm putting it to the PH masses to advise me on what to look out for to make sure I end up with a good one. For example, I've been told that the facelift (2002+) is the one to get but are there any differences apart from the styling?
Also, fuel costs aren't a problem as it's only going to get used occasionally but out of interest what sort of real world MPG can I expect?
Thanks in advance guys
Hi, I got one about 4 months ago. Get around 16mpg on average, though on a steady run can get it out to about 19/20.
Watch for crank sensor, they fail when hot causing car to stop, but will restart after a few minutes, reasonably cheap to replace though.
If it has a full MB service history paint will be covered for 30 years, though they seem to try and get out of it. Watch for corrossion round tailgate handle, and numberplate.
Rear suspension may give problems, look over it as expensive, and unique to ML55 AMG.
Will eat brakes, but well worth it as it is very quick for a "big truck".
I love ours.
Watch for crank sensor, they fail when hot causing car to stop, but will restart after a few minutes, reasonably cheap to replace though.
If it has a full MB service history paint will be covered for 30 years, though they seem to try and get out of it. Watch for corrossion round tailgate handle, and numberplate.
Rear suspension may give problems, look over it as expensive, and unique to ML55 AMG.
Will eat brakes, but well worth it as it is very quick for a "big truck".
I love ours.
My Dad has had a 2001 430 version for @ 7 years now after getting hit with the depriciation he decided to keep it forever 
its been a good motor against what a lot of people say about them.
The only problems he has had are the previously mentioned crank sensor, one of the rear coil springs snapped (euro car parts lots cheaper than the dealer) they come complete with shock absorbers so are quite expensive & consumables although he is on over 30k to the current tyres which i think is pretty good.
Watch out for power steering leaks from the rack area as for some reason the bolts come loose but some garages will assume the rack or pipe needs replacing.
Dont try to do a full bore launch off the line this was a bad idea!
The b service with spark plugs is an expensive one as it has 16 plugs so £100 worth of plugs + a couple of hours labour soon adds up.
I work in a garage so have done all the work on it & if you are reasonably compentent with the spanners you can do most things yourself.
its been a good motor against what a lot of people say about them.The only problems he has had are the previously mentioned crank sensor, one of the rear coil springs snapped (euro car parts lots cheaper than the dealer) they come complete with shock absorbers so are quite expensive & consumables although he is on over 30k to the current tyres which i think is pretty good.
Watch out for power steering leaks from the rack area as for some reason the bolts come loose but some garages will assume the rack or pipe needs replacing.
Dont try to do a full bore launch off the line this was a bad idea!
The b service with spark plugs is an expensive one as it has 16 plugs so £100 worth of plugs + a couple of hours labour soon adds up.
I work in a garage so have done all the work on it & if you are reasonably compentent with the spanners you can do most things yourself.
Thanks guys
Interested to hear more about the 30yr warranty on paint - presumably that'll cover corrosion aswell?
Regarding the rear springs - is it just a case of a quick visual inspection to check they're not excessively worn/broken?
16mpg sounds fine for the use it's going to get.
Presume the engines are pretty sound as they're handbuilt? What about transmission? Any known faults to look out for? Is the auto box as responsive as it needs to be? Anything electric wise to look out for?
Interested to hear more about the 30yr warranty on paint - presumably that'll cover corrosion aswell?
Regarding the rear springs - is it just a case of a quick visual inspection to check they're not excessively worn/broken?
16mpg sounds fine for the use it's going to get.
Presume the engines are pretty sound as they're handbuilt? What about transmission? Any known faults to look out for? Is the auto box as responsive as it needs to be? Anything electric wise to look out for?
Sorry when I said paint, meant corrossion. THe box is really good, superb kickdown, you can also just knock it up and down. Suspension shouldn't clonk. Check the lights for corrosion, especially the front fogs as they seem susceptable, most I looked at had them rusting, including mine. Most interiors are black, though you could order "designo" which was two tone with coloured inserts, the interior stands up well. The engine is what makes it, in my opinion.
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