ML (2012 onwards) owners, opinions please

[Patrick1964]

I'm considering an ML 250 / 350 for my next vehicle, and am interested in anyone's pros and cons, both of the ML generally and each engine size specifically please.

[MustangGT]

I am also considering an ML of 2013-4 vintage. The 250 is the 4 cylinder 2.1 diesel in 201bhp spec, my thinking is that this is a bit lacking in grunt for such a large car, however, if economy is your thing then it may be a good choice. Looking at the official figures is no real guide. Honest John shows 35.5 mpg for the 250 and 29.9 for the 350. The 350 is the pretty much bullet-proof V6 3.0 in a mid state of tune. This is the one I will go for, can be tuned to 300bhp easily enough if you want more grunt.

[BunkMoreland]

MustangGT said:

I am also considering an ML of 2013-4 vintage. The 250 is the 4 cylinder 2.1 diesel in 201bhp spec, my thinking is that this is a bit lacking in grunt for such a large car, however, if economy is your thing then it may be a good choice. Looking at the official figures is no real guide. Honest John shows 35.5 mpg for the 250 and 29.9 for the 350. The 350 is the pretty much bullet-proof V6 3.0 in a mid state of tune. This is the one I will go for, can be tuned to 300bhp easily enough if you want more grunt.

Watch for oil cooler leaks into the centre of the "V" and out the bottom of the bellhousing. Heck of a job and very labour intensive! And that's before you encounter seized bolts that shear off and require specialist extraction techniques at additional costs.

Obviously air suspension is getting old now and there WILL be leaks in due course on the bags themselves (easy) or the compressor (easy) or the lines (utter grief)

[MustangGT]

I gave up on my search for a decent ML of either engine. Nearly all of them are the low spec 'Sport'. I cannot make do with leather seats in winter if there is no heating. The only 3 AMG Line around were all down south and 2 were Cat cars.

Yesterday I went a bought a GLE 250d. Nice in red with two tone interior. Just within my budget as well.





Edited to add, on the 200 mile journey home I managed a very respectable 43.4 mpg. Mind you, the first fill was a bit of a shock, 82 litres and £123.50. Still. won't need more for about 6 weeks.

[BunkMoreland]

MustangGT said:

I gave up on my search for a decent ML of either engine. Nearly all of them are the low spec 'Sport'. I cannot make do with leather seats in winter if there is no heating. The only 3 AMG Line around were all down south and 2 were Cat cars.

Yesterday I went a bought a GLE 250d. Nice in red with two tone interior. Just within my budget as well.





Edited to add, on the 200 mile journey home I managed a very respectable 43.4 mpg. Mind you, the first fill was a bit of a shock, 82 litres and £123.50. Still. won't need more for about 6 weeks.

Nice!

Great to see a non Grey, Black or Silver one too!

IF and it is a possibility with the red cars, the lacquer and paint starts flaking. MB were covering respray costs for a huge amount of year outside of warranty

Car would need to be inspected first. The gist seems to be front end stone chips wont be covered but obscure middle of panels with no apparent outside influence would be.

[MustangGT]

Thanks for that, I will keep an eye on it.

[Greenmantle]

MustangGT said:

Thanks for that, I will keep an eye on it.

yes very nice - but it looks like a later model (post facelift) say 16 maybe 17?

[MustangGT]

Greenmantle said:

MustangGT said:

Thanks for that, I will keep an eye on it.

yes very nice - but it looks like a later model (post facelift) say 16 maybe 17?

Registered December 2015, so, an early one.

[MrC986]

I’m guessing the later W164 MLs (the facelift cars) probably have similar issues to the earlier 2012 onwards cars?! I ask as MrsC is in need of a 4x4 with a decent towing capacity (3500 kgs - the XC60 she has isn’t up to the job) & I’m looking at an ML 350 CDI Blue Efficiency model (circa 2011 vintage). As I have a 350 CDI CLS, I’m hoping as long as I stay away from anything with the Airmatic suspension it should lessen the “bork” factor I’m also going to try & buy a car with full MB/specialist history & proof of the gearbox service.