Mercedes ML

[ugene425]

Hi there

I am looking at buying one for these 4x4 vehicles for my family as they seem quite good value now (around 07-10 plate) and being a Merc are well made, and hopefully reliable (subject to car history etc).

I wanted to ask anyone on here if they have owned one and if so what where your thoughts on the car? I am looking at buying the 320 CDI engine. Given the sheer weight of the vehicle I think the 280 engine size will not do it justice when you need to put your foot down.

Many thanks and looking forward to reading your comments.

[bigmowley]

We have an 07 420CDi as a family hack. Excellent truck. Love the understated looks esp in black. Had it a good few years now see no reason to change. Only blemish is a slightly grumpy auto box occasionally. Otherwise it's super comfy, ok handling, quick enough, robust inside. Electronics are a bit last century, sat nav is ok as long as it's been updated. We have small wheels and all season tyres which work well for winter ski trips. It's a nice under the radar sort of car. Looks very Old money on a private plate.

[jjr1]

Got a 2008 ML which I bought for the dog and it has actually been a great car to throw the bikes and kids into as well. Great seats and can be very comfortable for those long weekends chock full of family crap.

No idea on reliability but they are known to be a touch dodgy tin the electrical side.

[SiT]

I recently sold a 2008 ML320 Editon 10 which was a superb all rounder. The 280 can be mapped up so don't be put off if you find the 'right' car but it's a 280 that can be sorted.

Ours had 108k on it when we sold it, used an MB Specialist for servicing which was no more costly than other cars we have owned. It averaged 28-30 most of the time and was well kitted and a very pleasant place to spend time. There are a few common problems but nothing horrendous, we suffered with the glow plug management unit which we had to replace but it was business as usual really.

I was considering X5 etc but the Merc just went about its business quietly and not shouting 'look at me' which I felt the X5 did and some other options also.

The 7 speed box is lovely and cruising on the motorway is lovely, I would have another.

Good luck!

Si

[Register1]

Hi Si,

Sorry to butt in,

Can a 2008 280cdi. be mapped up to a 2008 320cdi ?

Great if it can,
Any websites or owner forumsites ?

R1

[SiT]

Yes it's exactly the same engine and internals just 'de-tuned' if you will.

The people most recommended on the MB forums are GAD Tuning - http://gadtuning.co.uk/mercedes-ml-remapping/

They have some very good testimonials across the board of MB vehicles and their remaps/services.

This gives you an idea of their ability -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?thread...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?thread...

A little thread confirming same engine just different tune -

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?thread...

Si

[keith9849]

Once all of the things that can go wrong on an ML have gone wrong and been fixed, you should have a vaguely reliable car. Get a Range Rover; your wife and kids will give you new levels of admiration!

[ugene425]

thanks, I am thinking of getting a 2009 X5 and paying a few more £1000