First jobs for a W163 ML 270 CDI?
Discussion
Hi all,
I've got a very cheap ML on the way that is cosmetically very rough (plenty of scrapes and panel rust), but functionally great with MOT until June 2019. 53 plate car with around 120,000 miles on it. I'm planning to use it daily and tidy it up with a bit of elbow grease and T-cut (I don't want to spend loads on bodywork)
I think it could be ideal for me (a 4x4 estate with seven seats would be great!) but what (if any) jobs should I do first? At this stage I don't know the history.
What problems should I look for? I've been reading around and it looks like rust is the main issue and the later cars aren't too bad otherwise.
Once it all seems to be ok, I'll be putting a tow bar on it and putting third row seats in (if it doesn't have those things already - I don't even know that yet)
Finally, if anyone has experience of this engine and gearbox, is it worth remapping? If so, is there anyone particular to be recommended/avoided?
Oh, and it's an automatic (like 99% of them, I imagine)
I've got a very cheap ML on the way that is cosmetically very rough (plenty of scrapes and panel rust), but functionally great with MOT until June 2019. 53 plate car with around 120,000 miles on it. I'm planning to use it daily and tidy it up with a bit of elbow grease and T-cut (I don't want to spend loads on bodywork)
I think it could be ideal for me (a 4x4 estate with seven seats would be great!) but what (if any) jobs should I do first? At this stage I don't know the history.
What problems should I look for? I've been reading around and it looks like rust is the main issue and the later cars aren't too bad otherwise.
Once it all seems to be ok, I'll be putting a tow bar on it and putting third row seats in (if it doesn't have those things already - I don't even know that yet)
Finally, if anyone has experience of this engine and gearbox, is it worth remapping? If so, is there anyone particular to be recommended/avoided?
Oh, and it's an automatic (like 99% of them, I imagine)
Mine (52 plate) was great for 5 years but got progressively more rusty. The expensive issue was leaking injectors (all of them went at least once, google "Black Death ml270"), then in the last year I had it the thermostat went and the rad leaked so needed replacement. It also developed a power steering leak. It is still on the road according to the MOT history, most of the rust appears to have been cosmetic.
It was a great car and could tow an awful lot (we used it to tow a two horse box), it did numerous trips to the Alps without trouble, and was pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
It was a great car and could tow an awful lot (we used it to tow a two horse box), it did numerous trips to the Alps without trouble, and was pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
Thanks, I read about the black gunge on the injectors and that's on my list. Seems like an easy enough job to fasten them back down.
I'll check to make sure hot and cold air work
Are there any simple options for connecting a phone for aux in or similar? If not, I have a couple of old head units I can install. I'm assuming that a car that old won't have it already
I'll check to make sure hot and cold air work
Are there any simple options for connecting a phone for aux in or similar? If not, I have a couple of old head units I can install. I'm assuming that a car that old won't have it already
lilwashu said:
Mine (52 plate) was great for 5 years but got progressively more rusty. The expensive issue was leaking injectors (all of them went at least once, google "Black Death ml270"), then in the last year I had it the thermostat went and the rad leaked so needed replacement. It also developed a power steering leak. It is still on the road according to the MOT history, most of the rust appears to have been cosmetic.
It was a great car and could tow an awful lot (we used it to tow a two horse box), it did numerous trips to the Alps without trouble, and was pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
I've just seen this comment. On this one I'm pretty confident that the rust is cosmetic - I'll probably just slap a load of rust converter on it and then primer and rattle can it as close as I can. I should be able to inspect it next week to judge if that's going to workIt was a great car and could tow an awful lot (we used it to tow a two horse box), it did numerous trips to the Alps without trouble, and was pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
If cosmetic rust is the only real issue with this one, it'll be a real bargain
Check fuel lines for misting/leaking as you'll have endless start issues otherwise.
Leaking injectors as already mentioned, easier to catch them at the beginning than spending hours removing all the carbon.
They also suffer with rear springs, lower ball joints wearing quickly.
Not a bad car when working, but when they go wrong they can get quite expensive quickly.
Leaking injectors as already mentioned, easier to catch them at the beginning than spending hours removing all the carbon.
They also suffer with rear springs, lower ball joints wearing quickly.
Not a bad car when working, but when they go wrong they can get quite expensive quickly.
Classy6 said:
Check fuel lines for misting/leaking as you'll have endless start issues otherwise.
Leaking injectors as already mentioned, easier to catch them at the beginning than spending hours removing all the carbon.
They also suffer with rear springs, lower ball joints wearing quickly.
Not a bad car when working, but when they go wrong they can get quite expensive quickly.
Thanks also for this. Leaking injectors as already mentioned, easier to catch them at the beginning than spending hours removing all the carbon.
They also suffer with rear springs, lower ball joints wearing quickly.
Not a bad car when working, but when they go wrong they can get quite expensive quickly.
First thing I'll do is examine the injectors for carbon building up and then let it run to see if any diesel/exhaust is blowing back past the injectors.
I'm pretty sure it's sound apart from the superficial rust though - it's coming from a trusted family member who has had it from near new. I should know what's what when I finally see it for myself
It's here and the bodywork is very shabby, interior is good and there is no sign of any carbon/grime building up around the injectors. No real functional faults I can find - it drives perfectly and feels good.
It flashed the Low Range light about 10 times when I first started it, but then I engaged and disengaged low range and the light is gone now. I tested it too - that works well
The glow plug light stays on for a minute or so after starting but it starts perfectly. Should I change the glow plugs before it gets colder?
It flashed the Low Range light about 10 times when I first started it, but then I engaged and disengaged low range and the light is gone now. I tested it too - that works well
The glow plug light stays on for a minute or so after starting but it starts perfectly. Should I change the glow plugs before it gets colder?
I guess it's the OM642 engine in which case there were issues with the glow plugs and their controller but issues that seem to be related to those aren't always... A poor battery can leave you with strong cranking but delayed firing as the glow plugs are not hot enough.
Don't know much about the W163 but I have had a W164 and I currently have an X164 (GL), and my wife has had an E350 and now has a GLC350, all with that engine which, when running well, is bloody great.
Oh, as said above, they remap well too.
Don't know much about the W163 but I have had a W164 and I currently have an X164 (GL), and my wife has had an E350 and now has a GLC350, all with that engine which, when running well, is bloody great.
Oh, as said above, they remap well too.
OldGermanHeaps said:
might not be the glow plugs, the glow plug light can indicate other electrical faults. get it plugged into a star before spending money.
Thanks, that’s a great tip. There’s a Mercedes specialist near work that has been recommended so I’ll call them at some point.I’ve been in and out of the car all day and it doesn’t seem to be doing it today. Either way, I’m really starting to like it
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