Which engine is more reliable in ml 164. Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse W164 with mileage: the most shameful engine and the horrors of air suspension. How to find out the real mileage of a Mercedes

We can conclude that this is a pretty bold SUV. The gearbox and frame are attributes that usually indicate serious off-road capabilities. But the luxurious Mercedes ML had mediocre abilities (despite the presence of a center differential). However, few owners dared to test the potential of an expensive car.

When preparing a successor, Mercedes decided to rely on comfortable driving and more advanced technical solutions. They abandoned the frame, added air suspension (optional), changed the range of diesel engines and almost the entire palette of gasoline ones.

The gearbox has disappeared from the list of standard equipment. Does this mean the company has given up off-road ambitions? Not really. Basic versions are indeed less suitable for off-road travel. However, for those who wish, Mercedes has prepared a special package that allows you to increase efficiency off-road. A special set includes: full-fledged locks of the central and rear differentials, a gearbox and other air suspension settings (allowing you to get a higher ground clearance).

But back to the Mercedes ML body. Here we can only express admiration. Pleasantly surprised by the space on the back sofa. There are no objections to comfortable seats either.

Additional benefits are revealed when inspecting the trunk. The long compartment has smooth walls, and when the rear seat is folded, a flat surface is obtained. Well, if the first buyer did not save on various packages, then you can count on, for example, a practical organizer of space in the trunk, which makes it easier to maintain order.

Unlike its predecessor, the Mercedes ML II does not have a third row of seats. Although it was not particularly spacious, it allowed to expand the functionality of the car.

It is worth paying attention to the interior trim elements. Here, too, the generosity of the first buyer was of no small importance. Mercedes offered a very wide range of options: woodgrain inserts, various colors, etc.

No less successful was the range of engines. Even the weakest 190-horsepower modification with a diesel engine accelerates to 100 km / h in just over 10 seconds. And consumes an average of about 11 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. With dynamic driving in the city, 15-16 l / 100 km will be required. The 3-liter diesel was offered in several power options, not very different from each other. The maximum figure was 231 hp. For lovers of dynamics, a 4-liter turbodiesel with a return of 306 hp is provided.

The range of gasoline offers is not too large, but there is a motor for everyone. The base volume of 3.5 liters develops 272 hp, and the top-end AMG - 510 hp. The latest modification has a redesigned chassis, thanks to which it behaves more confidently. The ML 63 AMG accelerates to the first hundred in 5.4 seconds, and after 18.8 seconds the speed indicator arrow crosses the mark of 200 km / h. Fuel consumption significantly exceeds 20 liters per 100 km.

All engines work with a 7-speed automatic transmission. With dynamic driving, speeds change quickly and without jerks, but it is quite clear that the box is designed more with the expectation of a sedate driver.

Behind the asphalt

So is it worth recommending the Mercedes ML to a person who plans to go to the ground? Yes, but provided that the vehicle is equipped with an off-road package. It was offered as an option and could be combined with almost any engine (except AMG).

Such a car can be very efficient. It has a capable technique and allows you to increase the ground clearance up to 305 mm, and the depth of the ford to be overcome reaches 600 mm. However, it is worth remembering that off-road there is a high risk of damage to transmission elements, and repair costs will be very high.

It is worth noting that the Mercedes ML is not overly problematic. However, maintaining a car of this class will not be cheap.

What will cause the most trouble?

Gasoline engines are a relatively safe choice. But this does not mean the complete absence of problems. For example, Check may light up, and the computer will show the wrong position of the camshafts. This means that you will have to replace the timing chain, and the guides and tensioner, depending on the condition

The weak points of the 3-liter diesel are the intake manifold flap and the electronic turbine controller, which, unfortunately, is integrated into the body (some services are ready to repair). After 200,000 km, problems with the injection system and stretching of the timing chain should be expected.

The most risky - 4-liter diesel V8. Even the smallest faults can be expensive to fix. To dismantle the turbine (and there are two of them), you will have to dismantle the entire engine. The operation to remove and install the motor will take about two days, which will greatly affect the cost of repairs. But the most unpleasant disease is the lowering of the cylinder liners. You can try to restore the engine, but the repair will be expensive, and the result is doubtful. In addition, the timing chain can stretch after 200,000 km.

Gearboxes often suffer when paired with more powerful engines (especially diesel V8s) - they cannot withstand high torque. In almost every machine, the control board fails. Replacement is fortunately not particularly expensive (through the bottom of the gearbox).

Additional problems are caused by air suspension air springs - they withstand about 100,000 km. The cost of the front strut assembly is about $400, the rear - about $300. Often require replacement and wheel bearings.

Fortunately, the body of the ML is very well protected from corrosion. Not too annoying and electronics.

Model history

The ML is the first SUV in Mercedes history. The Germans had a lot of experience in creating SUVs (G-Class) and luxury cars. The combination of all-wheel drive and comfortable solutions turned out to be very successful.

Despite the great success of the first generation Mercedes ML, the second ML was a completely different car. The designers focused on comfort and handling. The interior of the SUV has become even more versatile and modern.

Modifications

• ML 350 (3.5 / 272 hp) - 2005-2011
• ML 500 (5.0 / 306 hp) - 2005-2007
• ML 280 CDI (3.0 / 190 hp) - 2005-2008
• ML 320 CDI (3.0 / 224 hp) - 2005-2008
• ML 350 BlueTEC (3.0 / 211 hp) - 2009-2011
• ML 420 CDI (4.0 / 306 hp) - 2006-2010
• ML 63 AMG (6.2 / 510 hp) - 2008-2011

Design features

Mercedes ML second generation received the designation W164. In comparison with its predecessor, in technical terms, it has become much more modern: a self-supporting body, independent suspension of all wheels. Air suspension was offered as an option.

The all-wheel drive system uses a center differential. In AMG, the scheme is implemented a little differently. Vehicles with the Rough Road Package have a gearbox and 100% locking center and rear differentials.

"Wild animal"

Specialists from the AMG campaign develop sports versions for almost the entire Mercedes range, without losing sight of SUVs and SUVs. In addition to a special style of finishing and installation of a powerful 6.2-liter engine, changes were made to the transmission. Instead of a differential that divides the thrust between the axles in a ratio of 50:50, a differential appeared that sends the lion's share of the moment to the rear axle.

Spare parts prices

There are no problems with spare parts on the market. In addition, there are a large number of cheaper and no less quality substitutes.

Approximate cost of spare parts (ML 320 CDI):

• Oil filter - $ 9;
• Air filter - $ 20;
• Brake pads front - $ 60;
• Brake discs front - $ 120;
• Exhaust gas temperature sensor for DPF filter - $ 120;
• Front shock absorbers - $ 400;
• Nozzle - $ 300;
• Halogen headlight - $ 110;
• Wing - $ 300.

Conclusion

Mercedes ML is a good all-around car. However, it should be borne in mind that maintaining a premium SUV is not a cheap pleasure. Fortunately, ML is not extremely problematic.

Specifications Mercedes ML II (W164)

Specifications			(280 CDIs)	(320 CDI)	(420 CDIs)
Engine			turbodiesel	turbodiesel	turbodiesel
Valves / timing drive / power system		24 / chain / intermediate injection	24 / chain / common rail	24 / chain / common rail	32V / chain / common rail
Working volume
Compression ratio
Max HP / rpm
Max. torque. Nm / rpm
Transmission	7 speed automatic
gear ratios	I 4.38; II 2.56; III 1.92; IV 1.37; V 1.00; VI 0.82; VII 0.83; R3.4
Final drive ratio
Reducer	absent or H 1.00; L 2.93
Drive system	permanent all-wheel drive with center differential (traction distribution along the axes 50:50) option: central and rear differential lock, gearbox
	self-supporting
Front and rear suspension	independent, spring or pneumatic
Steering
Brakes: front / rear	Ventilated disc / disc
	235/65R17, 255/55R18,
Fuel tank
Curb weight / carrying capacity
Towed trailer weight: with brakes / without brakes
Dynamic characteristics
Max speed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
Fuel consumption: city / highway / average, l / 100 km	15.2 / 9.4 / 11.5	18,6 / 10,4 / 13,4	12.7 / 7.5 / 9.4	12.7 / 7.5 / 9.4	14.2 / 8.5 / 10.6

In 2011, a new generation of the excellent Mercedes-Benz ML W166 2016-2017 crossover was created, which is an excellent city car that can overcome light off-road conditions. It is also good for families.

This is the third generation of the crossover, which is located next to the GL, it is essentially exactly the same, but longer in length and slightly in other planes. This is a well-selling model, ideal for those people who need a crossover, but for them it is huge, not small.

The car compared to the previous generation has changed a lot in all parts. Now we need to understand all the changes in more detail and tell you about them.

Exterior

We will start, of course, with the appearance, because this is the first thing that a buyer or an ordinary motorist sees. Appearance has changed dramatically, the model has become more aggressive than it attracts, and a more modern design is also certainly tracked.

The muzzle has a hood with slight reliefs and small air intakes to remove air from the engine compartment. The car has a stylish LED and xenon optics, made in the shape of a petal. Between the headlights is a large chrome grille. The bumper of the model has air intakes for cooling the brakes, in which there are rectangular fog lights. Bumper ML looks good and has a large chrome protection.

The side of the crossover is not as aggressive as the muzzle. Yes, there are quite strongly inflated wheel arches here, which are connected by stamping in the lower part of the body. The stamping is deeper at the back, and in front it is almost imperceptible.

Behind the car received stylish optics with LED elements. The embossed trunk lid is equipped with an electric drive. The upper part is equipped with a small spoiler, on which the brake light repeater is duplicated. The massive bumper of the car is equipped with a chrome insert for the convenience of loading cargo into the trunk. It also has reflectors and plastic protection.

The dimensions of the body compared to the previous generation have also changed:

• length - 4804 mm;
• width - 1926 mm;
• height - 1796 mm;
• wheelbase - 2915 mm;
• clearance - 200 mm.

Specifications Mercedes-Benz ML W166

Type	Volume	Power	Torque	Overclocking	Max speed	Number of cylinders
Diesel	2.1 l	204 HP	500 H*m	9 sec.	210 km/h	4
Diesel	3.0 l	249 HP	340 H*m	7.4 sec.	224 km/h	V6
Petrol	3.0 l	333 HP	480 H*m	6.1 sec.	247 km/h	V6
Petrol	3.5 l	249 HP	340 H*m	8.5 sec.	-	V6
Petrol	4.7 l	408 HP	600 H*m	5.6 sec.	250 km/h	V8

The buyer can choose any power unit from the 5 offered. There are BlueTEC diesels and petrol units that do the job without any problems. You should not expect profitability from them, but you can’t call them gluttonous either.

1. The weakest is a simple 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 2.1-liter unit is also installed on other models of the German company. It gives out 204 horses and 500 units of momentum. With it, the crossover exchanges the first hundred in exactly 9 seconds, the maximum speed is 210 km / h. Consumption according to the manufacturer in a quiet mode will not exceed 8 liters of diesel fuel in the city.
2. The 350th version is equipped with a 3-liter V6 with direct injection. The turbocharged engine produces 249 horses, the moment is over 600 H * m. The dynamics decreased by 1.6 seconds and amounted to 7.4 seconds, the maximum speed increased to 224 km / h. It is surprising that consumption has increased by only 1 liter in city traffic.
3. There is a gasoline engine that produces the same number of horses, but less torque - 340 H * m. The gasoline aspirated Mercedes-Benz ML with a volume of 3.5 liters complies with Euro-5 standards and the dynamics up to a hundred takes 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed is unfortunately unknown, although enough time has passed since the release of the car. It consumes almost 14 liters of gasoline in the city, the highway requires 8 liters of AI-95.
4. A 3-litre petrol turbo V6 is also present in the range and is assigned to the 400 version. The unit produces 333 horses and 480 units of torque transmitted to all axles. 6 seconds to a hundred is already quite an excellent result for such a heavy crossover. He will spend 12 liters, this appetite cannot be called large.
5. The most desired version, not counting the 500 version. The 4.7-liter engine is a V-shaped atmospheric eight. 408 horses and 600 units of torque are excellent power, allowing the car to accelerate to hundreds in 5.3 seconds. The maximum speed was electronically limited. Here the appetite is already impressive - 16 liters of 95th gasoline, the track requires 12 liters.

Pay attention to the gearbox is a must. A 7-speed automatic transmission is installed here. The Mercedes-Benz ML W166 box is installed on all cars of this year of manufacture. There are some differences, but the basic concept is the same. The moment is distributed to all wheels, the proprietary system helps in this.

An excellent comfortable chassis is an independent two-lever system at the front, a multi-link independent scheme is installed at the rear. There is a lot of comfort, but if you want even more, you can install the AirMatic air suspension. Pneuma will receive Active Curve System cylinders and an On and Offroad off-road system. Previously, the car was equipped with a hydraulic booster, but after that they began to install a ZF electric booster.

Interior

The interior of the car is of course at an excellent level, it has a chic build quality, as well as excellent skin materials. Let's start by tradition with the seats, excellent leather seats with good lateral support and, of course, electrically adjustable, are installed in front. There is more than enough space, and a person of any build can comfortably accommodate.

The back row is designed for three passengers, who can also easily accommodate and feel comfortable there. There is enough space in the back, there is heating in the back, as well as its own climate control.

The driver will get an excellent branded leather 4-spoke steering wheel, which also has aluminum and wood inserts. The steering column also has buttons for convenient control of the multimedia system, which we will talk about later. The dashboard looks great too, it has analog gauges that are placed in wells, which looks great. In the middle there are two displays, one is a fairly informative on-board computer, and the top one displays the temperature overboard and the current time.

The stylish center console of the ML 2016 is essentially the same as on most of the cars of this company. It has a small touchscreen multimedia and navigation system, which is located between two air deflectors. Below we are greeted by a large number of buttons that are just the same for media control. Next is a line with buttons that are responsible for heating and ventilating the seats, as well as for some other functions. Underneath all this is a stylish separate climate control control unit, which is also found in many auto companies.

The auto tunnel is distinguished by a huge niche for small things, in which there are cup holders. There is also a washer for multimedia, a washer for driving modes and various off-road functions. The trunk in the car is excellent, its volume is 690 liters, the rear seats do not fold down.

Price

This is a great crossover that will cost a lot. Unfortunately, it has already been discontinued, but when it was still on sale, the minimum amount for the basic version was 3,250,000 rubles and this is what she was equipped with:

• leather upholstery;
• 6 airbags;
• blind spot monitoring;
• collision avoidance system;
• power seats;
• climate control;
• start-stop;
• circular review;
• Cruise control;
• weak audio system;
• parktronic;
• rain and light sensor;
• xenon optics.

The most expensive equipment for which they asked 4 650 000 rubles, a large amount of equipment was not replenished, an electric trunk lid was added, an automatic parking system. All the most interesting was installed additionally for a fee.

List of options:

• steering wheel heating;
• front row ventilation;
• rear row heating;
• adjustment memory;
• lane control;
• Rear View Camera;
• multimedia for the back row;
• navigation system;
• excellent audio system;
• pre-start heater;
• 20 or 21 discs;
• adaptive cruise control;
• keyless access.

For the city and for a small off-road Mercedes-Benz ML 2016-2017 in the 166th body is a great car that can go through various bumps and boast relatively low fuel consumption. If you like the Mercedes-Benz M, then this will be a good buy, as you will enjoy a beautiful car, relatively good speed and comfortable interior.

Video

The first generation Mercedes-Benz M-class (W163 series) began to be produced at a newly built plant in the US state of Alabama in 1997. To avoid confusion with BMW M models, the vehicle modification indexes were changed to ML.

The "M-class" could rightly be called an SUV - it had a supporting frame and permanent all-wheel drive with a reduction gear. The model was very popular, so the capacity of the American plant was increased to 80 thousand cars a year, and in addition, the assembly of SUVs was organized in Austria, at the Magna Steyr plant.

Under the hood, the base modification of the Mercedes-Benz ML 230 had a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (150 hp). More powerful versions were equipped with V6 and V8 engines with a capacity of 218–292 hp. from. There were two turbodiesels - a five-cylinder 2.7 and an eight-cylinder four-liter.

At the top of the lineup was a “charged” Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG with a 5.4-liter “eight” (347 hp), which allowed the car to accelerate to “hundreds” in 6.7 seconds. Gearboxes - five-speed, manual or automatic, drive - only all-wheel drive.

The production of the first generation model ended in 2005, with a total of 620,000 cars produced. It is noteworthy that it was on the basis of this car that the so-called “popemobile” was created, which the Pope uses for parade trips to this day.

Power, l. from.

Version	Engine model	engine's type	Volume, cm3	Note
ML 230	M111	R4, petrol	2295	150	1997-2000
ML 320	M112	V6, petrol	3199	218	1997-2005
ML 350	M112	V6, petrol	3724	235 / 245	2002-2005
ML 430	M113	V8, petrol	4266	272	1999-2001
ML 500	M113	V8, petrol	4966	292	2001-2005
ML 55 AMG	M113	V8, petrol	5439	347	2000-2005
ML 270 CDI	OM612	R5, diesel, turbo	2685	163	1997-2005
ML 400 CDI	OM628	V8, diesel, turbo	3996	250	2001-2005

2nd generation (W164), 2005–2011

Introduced in 2005, the second-generation M-Class was a completely different car. He became larger, received a load-bearing body instead of a frame, lost versions with a manual transmission, and air suspension was added to the list of options. For those who like to move off the road, the Offroad-Pro package was offered with a lowering range in the transmission and locking center and rear differentials.

Four-cylinder engines for the car were no longer offered. The base gasoline Mercedes-Benz ML 350 was equipped with a V6 3.5 engine, the ML 500 modification had an eight-cylinder engine with a volume of 5.0 or 5.5 liters under the hood, and at the top of the lineup was a “charged” Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with a V8 6.2 engine (510 hp), capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 5.0 seconds. There were two turbodiesels: a three-liter V6 (190–231 hp), and a four-liter V8 with a capacity of 306 hp. from. All cars were equipped with seven-speed automatics.

In 2008, a slight restyling of the model was carried out, and in 2010 the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid appeared with a 330-horsepower hybrid power plant, consisting of a V6 3.5 gasoline engine and two electric motors.

Production of second-generation machines at the plant in Alabama continued until 2011.

Table of Mercedes-Benz M-class car engines

Power, l. from.

Version	Engine model	engine's type	Volume, cm3	Note
ML 300	M272	V6, petrol	3498	231	2008-2011
ML 350	M272	V6, petrol	3498	272	2005-2011
ML 500	M113	V8, petrol	4966	306	2005-2007
ML 500	M273	V8, petrol	5461	388	2007-2011
ML 63 AMG	M156	V8, petrol	6208	510	2006-2010
ML 450 Hybrid	M272	V8, petrol + electric motor	3498	279+84	2010-2011
ML 280 CDI	OM642	V6, diesel, turbo	2987	190	2005-2009
ML 300 CDI	OM642	V6, diesel, turbo	2987	190 / 204	2009-2011
ML 320 CDI	OM642	V6, diesel, turbo	2987	224	2005-2009
ML 350 CDI	OM642	V6, diesel, turbo	2987	224 / 231	2009-2011
ML 350 BlueTEC	OM642	V6, diesel, turbo	2987	211	2009-2011
ML 420 CDI	OM629	V8, diesel, turbo	3996	306	2007-2009
ML 450 CDI	OM629	V8, diesel, turbo	3996	306	2009-2010

25.12.2017

Restrained, solid, a little conservative - this is how you can characterize the Mercedes ML. This model appeared on the market back in 1997 and is one of the first mid-size premium crossovers. The second generation of Mercedes ML appeared eight years later and it was this generation that became a real bestseller in the world market. The car attracts with a pleasant design, rich equipment and a large selection of powerful powertrains and low cost in the secondary market, however, when choosing a car, these are not the most important criteria, especially when it comes to a car that already has more than 100,000 kilometers. Therefore, today I will talk about how reliable the Mercedes ML has proven itself and what problems you may encounter during operation.

Specifications

Brand and body type– J (crossover);

Body dimensions (L x W x H), mm- 4780 x 1911 x 1779;

Wheel base, mm – 2915;

Tire size- 237/65 R17;

Fuel tank volume, l – 95;

Curb weight, kg – 2185;

Gross weight, kg – 2830;

Trunk capacity, l – 500 (2050).

Problem areas Mercedes ML in the back of the W164

Body weaknesses:

Paintwork - German cars of past years have always been famous for their quality and good corrosion resistance. Mercedes ML was no exception in these components, its body steadfastly resists the onslaught of the “red” disease; chips and small scratches do not rust for a long time, the exception may be specimens restored after an accident by the “handicraft” method.

Chromium - chrome elements do not tolerate chemicals, which we generously sprinkle on roads in winter, as a result, after a couple of years of operation, it begins to become cloudy and “bloom”.

tailgate - it often warps it, due to the destruction of the bolts holding the door hinges.

Door locks – often stop working for one of two reasons. 1. The lock mechanism fails. 2. Faults appear in the Keyless Go software. In the cold season, especially after washing, the fifth door lock may start acting up.

Water in the trunk - the cause of moisture, as a rule, is leaky rear optics seals. If the seals are not changed for a long time, moisture will damage the electronic board of the SAM unit (located in the right niche of the trunk).

Vin code - located under the passenger seat, on the right side.

Common malfunctions of power units

Mercedes ML engines, subject to the manufacturer's recommendations for operation and maintenance (high-quality lubricants must be used), are usually reliable, but some troubles still happen to them. Batteries (there are 2 of them) have a limited resource - 5 years, each replacement will cost about 50 USD. The starter solenoid relay fails every 80-100 thousand km, the replacement work will cost 50-70 USD.

"Sores" of gasoline engines M272 (3.5) and M273 (5.5):

balance shaft - problems with it begin after 100,000 km of run. Symptoms: the engine may start to “diesel”, and the Check Engine indicator lights up on the instrument panel (during diagnostics, it gives errors 1200 and 1208). The main cause of the disease is the wear of the ceramic-metal sprockets of the balance shaft. To fix the problem, you will need to remove the motor (the M273 motor does not need to be removed, in it, instead of the balance shaft (which is not), the intermediate gear of the timing chain is changed). Together with the shaft, it is necessary to replace the timing chain, its tensioner and damper. If the breakdown is not eliminated in a timely manner, it can lead to a violation of the position of the camshafts, metal chips are formed from their friction, which can “kill” the oil pump. In most cases, the problem occurs on cars manufactured before 2008. Restoring an engine costs $1,500-3,000, and therefore, many owners, when the first symptoms appear, try to get rid of the problem car as soon as possible. Therefore, diagnostics should not be neglected.

Oil leaks - a fairly common phenomenon for this engine, as a rule, plastic plugs of the cylinder block are the cause. The service life of the plugs rarely exceeds 50,000 km.

Intake manifold - here the problematic place is the early failure of the damper adjustment rods, they fail after 70-90 thousand km. Symptoms - if there is a malfunction in the collector, the motor starts to “troit”, the speed can also “float”, and the “Check engine” error appears on the instrument panel. To eliminate the disease, the entire assembly will need to be replaced.

Catalysts - when using low-quality fuel, they begin to break down ahead of schedule. To solve the problem once and for all, the catalysts must be replaced with flame arresters.

Problem areas of the motorM 113 (5.0):

Increased oil consumption - the culprit, as a rule, is the strong wear of the valve stem seals, often replacing them solves the problem. Also, the cause of the "zhory" of oil by the engine can be severe carbon contamination of the crankcase ventilation system. Treatment - cleaning is required.

Oil leaks - appear due to loss of tightness of the oil heat exchanger seal (treated by replacing the seal). Leaks can also be found at the junction of the oil filter housing.

Pulley damper and crankshaft sensor - the damper may begin to delaminate after 80,000 km of run, the sensor also serves approximately the same amount.

fuel injectors - when using "badyazhny" gasoline, they will not last even 80,000 km. A malfunction of the fuel equipment entails a loss of power and unstable operation of the engine.

Otherwise, you should not expect any serious troubles from gasoline engines, it should be noted that their motor resource is more than 350 thousand km. The AMG version looks better than the civilian ML in terms of reliability. The fact is that the production of such cars is subject to more stringent quality control. The power units are assembled by hand and each motor is affixed with a personal stamp of the master, which formally gives almost a lifetime guarantee.

Disadvantages of diesel power unitsOM 642 (3.0):

An exhaust manifold - on pre-styling versions, there were cases when pieces of the inner shell of the collector or welds broke off over time and fell into the turbine, damaging its blades, shaft, and also the geometry change mechanism. The reason is a large amount of soot (the use of low-quality diesel fuel exacerbates the problem). Replacing collectors costs almost 1000 USD.

Turbocharger Garrett - the turbine is afraid of traveling long distances, the main reason is the unfortunate location of the unit (installed in the most heat-loaded place) - it can fail on a run of 100-150 thousand km. The price tag for a new turbine can surprise even wealthy owners - about $ 2,000. With careful operation, the turbine will last up to 300,000 km.

Glow plugs - the ignition elements are reliable, but it is not worth delaying their replacement, since the thread of a faulty candle quickly turns sour, and it is not always possible to unscrew them in a natural way. Very often you have to remove the head of the engine block and drill out a burnt out candle.

crankshaft pulley clutch - often become the culprit of the appearance of extraneous noise and increased vibrations.

engine mounts - due to the heavy weight and vibration load of the engine, the pillows have to be changed much more often than in gasoline versions.

Fuel equipment - all diesel power units were equipped with a Common Rail system, which painfully tolerates diesel fuel “from a canister”, when using low-quality diesel fuel, there is a high probability of problems with injectors, injection pump, EGR valve at a range of up to 150,000 km. Eliminating any of the malfunctions in the fuel system is not cheap.

Transmission

The main symptoms of a malfunctioning automatic transmission are jerks (jolts) when starting, accelerating and stopping. With low mileage, the problem can be eliminated by flashing the automatic transmission control unit. If this procedure does not help, most likely your 7G-Tronic has a typical problem - the hydraulic valves or control valve solenoids are out of order. The disease is so common that the manufacturer has released a special repair kit, which is a board and the valves themselves. If you drive jerkily for a long time, the failure of the clutches will not be long in coming. Replacing the valve body will cost 1500 USD, you can try and restore it, they ask for about 500 USD for repairs. Closer to 150,000 km, the oil pump fails, if it fails, the risk of transmission overheating increases, as a result of which the ECM dies. Another ailment is the leakage of the cooling tubes of the “machine”

P.S. During restyling, the manufacturer managed to eliminate most of the problems.

Disadvantages of the all-wheel drive system:

Front axle reducer - fails on a run of 100-120 thousand km. Symptoms - the appearance of vibrations and hum. Repair costs 400-600 USD.

Front driveshaft - requires replacement on a run of 120-170 thousand km (the resource depends on the operating conditions). Symptoms - the bearing starts to buzz.

Outboard bearing - it can make noise after 130-150 thousand km, the officials change it only assembled with a cardan shaft, in unofficial service stations it can be replaced separately.

Transfer box chain- with frequent off-road trips, it stretches after 100-120 thousand kilometers. Symptoms - cracking (grinding) appears under loads.

Razdatka - with careful operation, it will last 200-250 thousand km.

Suspension resource Mercedes ML W164

Mercedes ML W164 was equipped with two types of chassis - standard and hydraulic AirMatic. The spring suspension of the standard Mercedes ML is as strong as tank armor, but the air suspension can be an additional expense, but let's start with everything in order.

Front suspension:

• Stabilizer struts - 60-80 thousand km.
• Ball joints - may begin to creak after 70,000 km.
• Shock absorbers - surrendered on a run of 130-150 thousand km
• Wheel bearings - go up to 150,000.
• Lower levers - if you do not ride off-road, they nurse more than 150,000 km (silent blocks fail, the original part is assembled with a lever).

Rear suspension:

• Shock absorbers - surrendered on a run of 100-130 thousand km
• The remaining elements are able to serve without replacement for more than 1,500,000 km.

Airmatic air suspension:

Pneumocylinders - they often give up after 80-120 thousand km, the purchase of one original front cylinder will cost 800-1000 USD, the rear one - 400-600 USD. For an analogue, they ask from 250 USD. if you operate a car with faulty cylinders, compressor wear accelerates. Buying a new one will cost 2000-3000 dollars. Checking the condition of the air springs is quite simple - you need to raise the suspension to the maximum height and leave it in this position for 20-30 minutes ( should not fall even one millimeter).

extraneous sounds - appears as a result of loosening of the fastening of the pneumatic elements to the rack, to fix the problem, the suspension broach is required.

Steering:

steering rack - as a rule, it does not cause trouble up to 200,000 km, however, on some specimens, oil seals and seals wore out at 100-120 thousand km, as a result, it began to flow.

Tie rods - This part rarely takes care of more than 120,000 km.

Steering shaft cardan - on some copies served less than 100,000 km. When it malfunctions, knocks appear while driving on a broken road, many mistakenly think that the rail is knocking and continue to operate the car without contacting a service station.

power steering pump - it is also not a standard of reliability, when replacing the pump, the owners recommend replacing the power steering fluid reservoir, the fact is that a filter mesh is integrated into it, which clogs over time, most likely this accelerates pump wear.

Brake system:

The brakes are reliable, but due to the considerable weight of the car, the pads wear out quickly, the resource of the brake pads is 30-40 thousand km.

Salon and electronics

Decoration Materials - the build quality and most materials do not raise any questions - nothing creaks over time, plastic will retain its presentation for a long time. The only thing that can be criticized is the seat upholstery - made of eco-leather.

electrical equipment - in general, the electronics are reliable, but failures may occur over time. The weak point is the servos of the electronic dampers (malfunctions appear), there are often complaints about the incorrect operation of the sound signal, the buttons on the steering wheel and the standard audio system (the disk does not give up). "Glitches" in the climate system, as a rule, are caused by software failures of the KLA control unit, the problem is solved by updating the firmware. In winter, moisture from melted snow gets on the floor, and then into the electronic components ( located at the feet under the rug), as a result of which the electrical boards are oxidized and numerous problems appear. The main disadvantage is the high cost of eliminating even a minor “glitch”, and given the amount of electronics that the car is equipped with, their appearance is a matter of time.

What is the result:

They usually say about cars like the Mercedes ML: it’s well-tailored and tightly sewn, the car is reliable and even at an advanced age it won’t bother with frequent breakdowns. Today, in the secondary market, the ML in the back of the W164 has a very attractive price, but it is not worth buying it with the last money, since servicing this model even in an unofficial service is not cheap.

If you have experience in operating this car model, please tell us what problems and difficulties you had to face. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.