Thinking about buying a ML270 CDI

[CycleSi]

2001/X, 92k miles, FMBSH.

Don't know anything about them or what to look out for. Is it simply going to be a financial disaster?

The other car l'm considering is a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same engine. Any thoughts on either?

Thanks.

[gizlaroc]

I had a 2003 ML270cdi Inspiration, I really liked it, people moan on about the handling but it is massive and wallowy so what do you expect?

Don't think much goes wrong with them? Mine was fine.

[eldar]

Early ones suffered from dire build quality, thanks to Chrysler forcing MB to build to US 90s US standards. Changed around 2003.

Later ones are far, far better.

[CycleSi]

So l guess you're saying a 2001 model might well be problematic?

Anything in particular?

[eldar]

Early ones were nasty, electrics particularly, suspension, transmission, instruments and panel fit. They got better with time, the latter ones, 2004/05 being best. Fixes don't tend to be expensive, just can be frequent. It depends how handy you are at fixing things yourself, dealers are expensive, indys less so.

Its replacement the W164 was far better in just about every respect.

[Classy6]

Personally would avoid the 163 all together. Compared to the latter 164 it was a disaster, a bit like the 168 in comparison to the 169 A class... Think they horrid to drive, as above big and wallowly, interior took a step back 20 years compared to other Mercs at the same period as well.

They suffer from ball joints failing - more frequently than most, rear springs break & has to be bought as a complete strut unit either side, electrical faults, low range problems - usually control unit related, injector leaks. As well as contending with the standard age old problems of any car..

Though in fairness, if it's been regularly maintained, dealer esp - chances are most of these faults will have been dealt with already. If you're seriously considering purchasing one, I would strongly recommend going through repair bills & seeing the work that's been completed previously or you may find you have a very expensive first service.

[toger13]

I have a 2001 ML430 and its been spot on just look out for scabby body work they tend to eat ball joints too but other than that we dont see much go wrong with them oh and the brakes will squeak they all do

Si

[CycleSi]

Can only afford a 163 model.

There seems to be a real mix of responses - some rate them, others don't. Guess it comes down to the particular car in question.

It will be replacing a Toyota RAV4 5 door so how much bigger would the ML be?

[eldar]

CycleSi said:

Can only afford a 163 model.

There seems to be a real mix of responses - some rate them, others don't. Guess it comes down to the particular car in question.

It will be replacing a Toyota RAV4 5 door so how much bigger would the ML be?

Fair bit bigger and thirstier, not a great deal bigger inside. Plus they sound rather agricultural by comparison.

Pick a good one, and set some aside for minor repairs, and you should be ok, bat the odd breakdown

[jshell]

CycleSi said:

Can only afford a 163 model.

There seems to be a real mix of responses - some rate them, others don't. Guess it comes down to the particular car in question.

It will be replacing a Toyota RAV4 5 door so how much bigger would the ML be?

I've run an '04 163 ML270 for over 6 years and it's been a great workhorse carrying loads of crap safely and in comfort over large distances. I drive Edinburgh to Aberdeen every week in it and it never misses a beat. Have replaced 2 ball joints, 1 power steering hose and discs/pads every 15-20k miles. With snow tyres it's been unstoppable in the bad weather, gets about 27mpg cruising at 85-90 mph. Proper ladder chassis and low range gearbox unlike the X5.

Was gonna change to a newer 164 ML, but we've gone right off them due to chavy/blingy image....

If you're buying a 163 ML, buy the best you can as there's loads out there!

[robsti]

Had mine over 6 years and was very good but the arches started to rust and brake pipes needed replacing and rear springs which are expensive to replace wer broken so I sold it so have the car checked out because it could cost yo £££££££££££ to put right!