Old shape ML, any owner views??

[silverback mike]

Morning all.
Sadly the old Range Rover has proved uneconomical to repair after sterling service for a P38. I'm after another dog carrier. I live in the sticks so a 4x4 is important although it doesn't have to go up the north face of the eiger
I've looked at a couple of older (w - 51 reg ish) and at £2500 ish and seem ok.
I'm always interested to hear peoples views especially owners. I'm probably aiming at a 270cdi but won't discount a 320 petrol.
Thanks in advance for any views.
Mike

[richarda0109]

The model of ML you mentioned is the W163.
There are still plenty around but they were regarded as troublesome.
There is a classic web page from an American owner who wanted to apply the "Lemon Law" to his,
Anyway just make sure you do your homework otherwise it could be another liek another old "Range Rover" :-)

Rgds
Richard

[jfdi]

I've had a 04 plate ML270 for 2 years now, purchased primarily for towing duties which it excels at. Looked at all the various alternatives and read up on the issues with each, The ML was the only big 4x4 of that age that didn't appear to have a common problem of something majorly expensive.

The only 2 issues i did read up on were chance of gearbox failure caused by the transmission cooler sharing the main radiator, so a failure of the radiator results in water mixing with the transmission fluid, not good. However this is only on the preface lift models later ones (including mine) have a separate transmission rad.
The other issue which is common to all the merc 270 engines is the swirl flaps in the inlet manifold failing, but it's only about £300 in parts and a days labour which I'd do myself.

Every time someone mentions old MLs on here someone will come on saying they have loads of problems but never specify what these are. In 2 years I've had no issues what so ever, compared to other 4x4 of a similar age I drove the ML drives much nicer and has a much nicer interior, I'd just stick with the post face lift (indicators in door mirrors) version to avoid the above mentioned gearbox issue.
The early ones were all built in Alabama and got the nick name of Alabama trash cans due to the build quality being far more American car like than Mercedes like. Austrian built one have a far better reputation.

Edited by jfdi on Friday 6th February 10:33

[silverback mike]

Thanks folks! I'm used to "Don't buy one etc etc" as this was what the majority said when I embarked on P38 Range Rover ownership.
However I bought one and the old girl was absolutely marvellous, granted, turning turtle now but I've had my money's worth out of it!!

[silverback mike]

Oh, and how can you tell where the respective ML was manufactured?

[jfdi]

First character of the VIN
1 or 4 = USA
W = Germany/Austria

http://www.autohausaz.com/mercedes-auto-parts/merc...

[silverback mike]

Thank you