Diesel ML issues
Discussion
Hi all, I've been looking for a descent 4x4 and have been swayed away from a range rover due to some reliability problems. My new choice is a 280 or 320 ML sport, probably 2005/6/7. I'd be looking for sub 50k miles and FSH. If anyone could pass on any suggestions as to what to look for or any comon issues/problems I'd be grateful.
Cheers
Bill
Cheers
Bill
We have a MY08 W164 ML320CDI. Fabulous car. Not aware of any issues with the engine but ours uses a little oil (maybe a litre every 3500 miles which is not much but more than I'm happy with - going to get Mercedes to look into it).
The 7G-tronic gearbox has had a number of software revisions. This is only worth checking if you get any problems with it. Generally it's a rock solid gearbox though.
Great car all round.
The 7G-tronic gearbox has had a number of software revisions. This is only worth checking if you get any problems with it. Generally it's a rock solid gearbox though.
Great car all round.
Mars said:
pist nbroke said:
listen for a creaking from the rear suspension as the ball joints can become noisey.
Are you sure there are ball-joints there? Ours definitely creaks - noticable when I get out (I'm heavy). I need to have someone look at it I guess.There are rear bottom ball joints on the W164 and they are prone to creaking, however parking brake shoes can make a noise when getting in and out of the vehicle also, but the creaking from a ball joint is much more prominent.
If you get down behind the rear wheel you can see the ball joint in the lower part of the hub assembly attatched to the rear lower arm. Get someone to rock the vehicle and you will probably find the noise resonating from there.
The ball joints dont cost much but its reasonably labour intensive to fit them.
Edited by pist nbroke on Monday 21st February 20:47
OK, thanks. Don't suppose there's any way to pump grease into the joint? The truck's only done 30K miles.
When they changed the wheels over for the winter, I stood under it on the ramps. It's a monster. The engineering is both elegant and industrial. Land Rovers, by comparison, are just industrial. The wishbones are massive and I think it's a double wishbone setup front and rear, which is very unusual for a modern car. Looks like it's made to last.
When they changed the wheels over for the winter, I stood under it on the ramps. It's a monster. The engineering is both elegant and industrial. Land Rovers, by comparison, are just industrial. The wishbones are massive and I think it's a double wishbone setup front and rear, which is very unusual for a modern car. Looks like it's made to last.
Mars said:
OK, thanks. Don't suppose there's any way to pump grease into the joint? The truck's only done 30K miles.
When they changed the wheels over for the winter, I stood under it on the ramps. It's a monster. The engineering is both elegant and industrial. Land Rovers, by comparison, are just industrial. The wishbones are massive and I think it's a double wishbone setup front and rear, which is very unusual for a modern car. Looks like it's made to last.
Yeah, they are tough underneath especially if you spec'd the off-road pack.When they changed the wheels over for the winter, I stood under it on the ramps. It's a monster. The engineering is both elegant and industrial. Land Rovers, by comparison, are just industrial. The wishbones are massive and I think it's a double wishbone setup front and rear, which is very unusual for a modern car. Looks like it's made to last.
Unfortunately there is no way of greasing them, in the past i have removed the plastic clip at the top of the dust boot and lubricated them with WD40 but all to no avail.
Mars said:
Ah well, I suppose we'll live with it until it fails at MoT or servicing then. Thanks.
It wont fail an MOT mate, they might pick it up on a service but i doubt it. There will be nothing mechanically wrong with the ball joint as a component its just noisey.To fail MOT it would have to have excessive play and you would here it knocking over bumps.
Turn the radio up! I.E nothing to worry about.
pist nbroke said:
It wont fail an MOT mate, they might pick it up on a service but i doubt it. There will be nothing mechanically wrong with the ball joint as a component its just noisey.
To fail MOT it would have to have excessive play and you would here it knocking over bumps.
Turn the radio up! I.E nothing to worry about.
Oh, fair enough. When a Rose joint got noisy on my Caterham it had failed completely. I'll have a closer look at the underside of the ML over the weekend. Thanks.To fail MOT it would have to have excessive play and you would here it knocking over bumps.
Turn the radio up! I.E nothing to worry about.
SLacKer said:
circo said:
Thanks fellas, one last question. Anyone know when the half leather/alcantera replace full leather?
I think the Alcantara/Leather is the Sport spec and full Leather is the non sport spec.The brand new grand edition final model has full leather.
I personally really like the Alcantara with half leather!
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