And the mushroom has grown! New Mercedes ML. Engine Mercedes ML class W166 Mercedes ML 350 wk 166 reviews

In the 90s, SUVs gained enormous popularity, even the brand, which previously did not have a “civilian” SUV, besides the militarized “G” class, released the first generation “ML”. Production of the Mercedes ML began in 1997, the model carried the index W163, and the second generation began production in 2005, the index was W164. The first two generations sold 1.1 million copies around the world. The third generation of the Mercedes SUV is produced on a common platform with. The third ML received the index - W166. Mercedes is somewhat inferior in size to cars such as, or, but this is also an advantage in city traffic. The first two generations were very popular in the CIS, evidence of this is the fact that every Mercedes sold in 2012 in Russia was an ML - class.

Appearance:

The appearance of the new Mercedes B166, in comparison with its predecessors, can be characterized as more sporty. The car retains the signature rear pillar, which was found on the W163. In comparison with the previous -W164, the drag coefficient decreased from 0.34 to 0.32 - this positive factor, affecting fuel economy and acoustic comfort. Compared to its predecessor, the length of the new product has increased by 24mm, width by 15mm, and height by 14mm. IN basic version Tires with dimensions of 235/65 R17, 255/55 R18 are installed, but twenty-inch tires are offered as an option for all-wheel drive Mercedes. The horizontal line of LEDs installed in the side air intakes looks very impressive.

Salon:

Words about highest quality executions will be redundant. The car is equipped with a Pre-Safe system, which, if necessary (in the event of an impact), tightens the seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and sets the seats to the optimal position from a safety point of view. An optional night vision system is Night Viev Assist Plus, which is known from the S-class W221 executive sedans. The night vision system can recognize people. On the armrest, between the seats, there is a washer that controls all-wheel drive, the system has six modes: automatic - for daily driving, light off-road - dirt roads and country roads, serious off-road - terrain where you need to “climb”, Winter - mode for roads covered with snow and ice, trailer - mode for towing a trailer, and mode - Sport. It is very interesting that the sports mode is available only to cars with the optional offroad package; as you know, good cross-country ability contradicts refined handling; it seems the Germans decided to create the most universal vehicle. The suspension control buttons are also located on the armrest; it is interesting that they are present even in the base, on a car with spring suspension (adjustments are made using special shock absorbers). The basic equipment of the Mercedes ML W166 includes dual-zone Thermatic climate control and cruise control. The seat adjustment buttons are located like a Mercedes - on the door cards. The legroom for second row passengers has increased by 15mm compared to the W166. The luggage compartment holds 690 liters.

Technical characteristics of Mercedes W166

The second EmElka from Mercedes in the B166 body was equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, as well as a start/stop system as standard. A car with a spring suspension can overcome a ford with a depth of 50mm, and a Mercedes with an Airmatic suspension with the ability to increase ground clearance to 285mm can overcome a ford with a depth of 600mm. Versions with on&offroad package in addition air suspension are equipped with additional body protection from below, as well as a cross-axle differential lock, not to mention the hill start assist system, as well as the hill descent assist system. The optional Active Cruve System minimizes body roll when cornering. The option is only available in Mercedes with air suspension. On off-road, the button labeled offroad helps a lot, which allows the wheels to slip and also engages higher gears at higher speeds than usual.

Only one is available as a gearbox for any of the versions - the seven-speed automatic transmission 7-G Tronic Plus. In tests conducted by foreign journalists, the SUV withstood lateral acceleration of 0.85 g without skidding.

The base diesel engine - ML 250CDI produces 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque - this allows you to gain one hundred kilometers in 9 seconds, and maximum speed, even with this least powerful engine - 210 km. A more powerful diesel engine - 350CDI develops 258 horsepower and 620 N.M. With such a diesel engine, the SUV reaches a hundred in 7.4 seconds, and on the highway it is capable of developing 224 km. The gasoline ML350 with a power of 306 horses and a torque of 370 N.M reaches the first hundred in 7.6 seconds, the maximum speed is 235 km. The top-end ML500 develops a power of 408 horsepower, which allows it to accelerate to hundreds in 5.6 seconds. ML 63AMG develops 525hp and 700Nm. The ML63AMG accelerates to hundreds in 4.8 seconds, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometers.

Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the gasoline Mercedes ML350 W166 with a conventional spring suspension.

Technical part and characteristics:

Engine: V6 3.5 petrol

Volume: 3498cc

Power: 306hp

Torque: 370N.M

Number of valves: 32v

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0 - 100km: 7.6s

Maximum speed: 235km

Average fuel consumption: 8.5l

Capacity fuel tank: 78l

Body:

Dimensions: 4804mm*1926mm*1788mm

Wheelbase: 2915mm

Curb weight: 2175kg

Ground clearance: 202mm (air suspension, up to 285mm)

Price for Mercedes W166

A Mercedes B166 SUV can be bought for an average of $100,000 - $120,000. The cost is mainly determined by the engine installed under its hood. The most “affordable” diesel 250CDI is estimated at $70,000, and the 63AMG already costs $250,000. The petrol ML 350 costs $74,000.

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In the summer of 2011, Mercedes-Benz officially presented the 3rd generation ML-Class SUV in the W166 body, the world premiere of which took place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The car is built on the modernized M-Class platform of the previous generation, and with the same wheelbase of 2,915 mm, it is 24 mm longer (4,804 mm), 16 mm wider (1,926) and 19 mm lower (1,796) .

Options and prices Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 2015

The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166 is evolutionary in nature - the car received a massive front bumper, an enlarged radiator grille and optics with smoother outlines.

Relief stampings appeared on the sidewalls of the new Mercedes ML 2013, and new tail lights other shapes have become larger. For the new product, wheels with an updated design are offered, available in diameters from 17 to 21 inches.

The interior of the Mercedes ML-Class 2013 has changed more noticeably. Along with improved finishing materials, the design of the front panel has also changed, in which a style inspired by flagship sedan.

The middle part of the panel is made of wood, the center console has become wider and sports aluminum inserts. The proprietary COMAND control system has also been updated, and customers can optionally order a panoramic sunroof.

At first, the new Mercedes ML W166 was offered with three engines. The most modest of them is the 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel on the ML 250 Bluetec version with 204 hp. (500 Nm).

The more powerful version of the ML 350 Bluetec SUV is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 258 hp. (619 Nm), accelerating the car from zero to hundreds in 7.5 seconds and providing a top speed of 224 km/h.

The ML 350 BlueEfficiency modification is equipped with a 306-horsepower petrol six, producing 370 Nm of maximum torque and allowing it to reach a speed of 235 km/h. At the top of the range is the ML 500 with a 4.7-liter V8 producing 408 hp. With it, the SUV starts from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Regardless of the selected engine type, they are all paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus transmissions and have a proprietary system all-wheel drive 4MATIC.

Of course, Mercedes-Benz has paid great attention to safety, so the 2013 ML-Class is equipped with a variety of different systems, including night vision with pedestrian detection, driver fatigue detection, blind spot monitoring, automatic braking in dangerous situations, and also many others.

In turn, the comfort of the driver and passengers is taken care of by the suspension, which dampens all unwanted vibrations, and the Airmatic air suspension is optionally available, having six different operating options, depending on the type of road surface.

Russian prices for the new Mercedes ML-Class 2015 start from 3,550,000 rubles for the basic version with a 3.0-liter diesel engine 249 hp, and for the top-end version ML 500, dealers ask for a minimum of 4,650,000 rubles. We also receive a “charged” one with a 525-horsepower 5.5-liter engine, which will cost RUB 6,500,000.

In the summer of 2014, the initial version of the ML 250 BlueTEC reached dealers, for which they are asking from 3,450,000 rubles.

Third generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class(factory code W166) was officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2011. The new Mercedes ML appeared in Russia in the spring of 2012. In our review we will try to understand technical characteristics crossover Mercedes-Benz ML 2013 (engine, gearbox, 4Matic all-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension), evaluate dimensions bodies, equipment options rims and tires, choose the paint color of the SUV, sit in the cabin, look into the trunk, conduct a test drive, find out prices and find out the nuances of operation and fuel consumption. Our traditional assistants will be photo and video materials, analysis of numerous reviews from owners of the 2012-2013 Mercedes M-Class.

With the change of generations, the German premium crossover SUV Mercedes ML (W166) retained the platform of the previous generation model (W164), but increased slightly in size. External dimensions dimensions The bodies of the new ML are: 4804 mm long, 1926 mm (with mirrors 2141 mm) wide, 1796 mm high, 2915 mm wheelbase.

• Ground clearance Mercedes Benz ML - 191 mm or 202 mm for crossovers with spring suspension, adjustable for cars with air springs clearance from 180 mm to 255 mm.
• Depending on the wishes of the car owner, the car can be shod in tires on light alloy disks various sizes: 235/65 R17, 255/55 R18, 255/50 R19, 265/45 R20, 265/40 R21 and it is even possible to install tires 265/35 R22, 285/30 R22, 295/30 R22.

A wide palette is offered for body painting colors: non-metallics - Black and White calcite, and metallics - Black obsidian, Blue tanzanite, Gray tenorite, Silver iridium, Silver palladium, Beige pearl, Brown citrine, the cost of the color is included in the price of the car. For a special metallic White Diamond, an additional payment of 53,789 rubles is required.
Let's evaluate the appearance of the new Mercedes Emel visually. It is no secret that the crossover is aimed at the North American market and, of course, German designers tried to make the car truly American - plump, with a lot of chrome elements. The front part of the Mercedes-Benz M-class (W166) is similar to the design of a larger and more expensive one. Neat almond-shaped headlights (xenon) are located high on the ledges of the front wings, a large radiator grille with three horizontal bars and a large Mercedes logo, a huge front bumper with multi-level air intakes, bright chrome inserts and stylish strips of LED daytime running lights. The hood rises above the overall architecture of the front end, giving the car a solid, arrogant appearance.
When viewing the body from the side, we see the familiar proportions of previous generations of the M-Class, but the sides of the body now have more pronounced stampings, the window sill line has become higher, and the original solution of the rear roof pillar and the increase in the glazing area at the rear makes the body monumental. The rear part looks somewhat heavy, but at the same time solid. Huge chandeliers with oversized lighting extend far onto the sides, a large tailgate with panoramic glass, a powerful bumper cut from the bottom and decorated with a chrome insert.
We would like to note that the body of the crossover SUV is made of high-strength and ultra-strong steels, aluminum (hood and front fenders) and parts made of magnesium alloys (cross member between the front pillars). The design of the load-bearing frame (cabin capsule) has become stiffer, while the deformation zones have increased, designed to minimize the impact on passengers in in case of an accident. The serially new ML is equipped with an active hood that can rise when hitting a pedestrian. The developers also managed to reduce the drag coefficient of air flow to 0.32 Cx.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz ML 2013 welcomes its five passengers with high-quality finishing materials (fabric, soft plastics, artificial and natural leather, wood or aluminum inserts), there are a great many variations. The front seats, powered and heated (ventilation is an option), are comfortable and comfortable, but lack lateral support. A grippy four-spoke steering wheel dashboard consisting of two dials in deep wells, but the black and white multifunction screen seems somewhat out of place in a premium car.
The controls are placed in the traditional Mercedes way: on the steering column on the left side there is a multifunctional lever (turn signals, wipers, high beam), below it is the cruise control control knob. On the right side is the automatic transmission joystick. At first glance, it seems that it is very difficult to understand the switches, but after a couple of days you realize how correctly and logically everything is placed. The design of the front dashboard and center console echoes the GL-class.
In the basic version, the top of the console is crowned with a monochrome 11.4 cm screen of the Audio 20 CD audio system (CD MP3 AUX USB Bluetooth), for an additional fee they will install an advanced Comand Online multimedia system with a 17.8 cm color screen (navigation, DVD) and Harman Kardon Logic acoustics or Bang and Olufsen Beo Sound. Below the dual-zone climate control unit (three-zone is an option), the console goes into a high tunnel, on which the suspension settings control washers are conveniently and correctly located electronic systems. There is plenty of space in the front in all directions; the driver and passenger of a large build will not interfere with each other. The rear row of seats can comfortably accommodate three passengers, the split backrest changes the angle of inclination, and as additional equipment, a multimedia system with two color screens can be installed for the rear passengers. Legroom, headroom and width may not be record-breaking, but you can easily get comfortable.
The huge luggage compartment of the new ML is impressive. With five crew members, the trunk of the car is capable of absorbing 690 liters of cargo; when transforming the rear row, a flat cargo area is formed with a width of 1034 mm and a length of 1700 mm to 1833 mm (depending on the position of the first row seats), with a maximum possible volume of 2010 liters.
The salon is bright, comfortable and cozy; the interior pleases with its thoughtfulness, plenty of containers for storing small items and a rich level of equipment. But, alas, the basic functions of comfort and systems that make driving easier are available as options. And there is something to order: Distronic Plus (active cruise control with the ability to stop the car), Intelligent Light System (adaptive lighting system), night vision system Plus, automatic parking, rear view camera, tracking systems road signs, driver condition (Attention Assist), crossing the center line and blind spots, Keyless-go (keyless entry and push-button engine start), panoramic glass roof with sliding sunroof and, of course, accessories for the Mercedes-Benz ML.

Specifications Mercedes M-Class 2012-2013: basic equipment crossover M-Class (W166) is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive 4Matic, its correct work provide ESP, 4ETS, ABS and ASR. The suspension is completely independent, on double wishbones at the front, multi-link at the rear (levers, steering knuckles and hubs made of aluminum alloy), ZF electric power steering is used, there is an Offroad mode, with which the driver can confidently move off paved roads (the electronics adapt operation of the engine, automatic transmission, suspension and all-wheel drive for off-road driving). Airmatic air suspension and an advanced On&Offroad package are available as an option, increasing the maximum ground clearance to 285 mm with a selectable value ground clearance(Auto - standard mode, Sport, Offroad 1 - sandy soil or light off-road, Offroad 2 - heavy off-road, Snow mode, trailer towing mode), also provides full 100% locking of the cross-axle differential, low gear. All engines are paired with an automatic transmission - automatic 7G-Tronic Plus and can be equipped with an ECO start-stop system. For the ML 63 AMG version there is a special AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.
In Russia, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML is offered with one diesel and three gasoline engines.

• The V6 ML 350 CDI 4Matic diesel engine (258 hp) accelerates a car weighing 2175 kg to 100 mph in 7.4 seconds, a top speed of 224 mph, and fuel consumption in the combined cycle, according to the manufacturer, will be 6.8-7.4 liters. Analysis of owner reviews suggests real consumption fuel in the city is at the level of 11.5-12 liters, and in mixed mode 8.5-9.5 liters.

Gasoline engines

• The V6 ML 350 4Matic (306 hp) will provide the dynamics of a car weighing 2130 kg to the first hundred in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 235 mph. The rated fuel consumption ranges from 7.4 liters on the highway to 11.3 liters in the city; in real conditions, the engine consumes 13-14 liters in mixed mode, and in urban driving conditions the consumption can rise to 15-16 liters.
• The V8 ML 500 4Matic (408 hp) shoots a crossover weighing from 2130 kg to hundreds in 5.6 seconds, acceleration will slow down when it reaches a maximum value of 250 mph. Based on the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that the engine actually consumes 12-13 liters on the highway, and in urban conditions at least 17-18 liters of gasoline.
• The 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo ML 63 AMG (525 hp) shoots the AMG car up to 100 mph in 4.8 seconds, the top speed is electronically limited to 250 mph, you can remove the limiter and then the top speed will be 280 mph. Factory fuel consumption data from 9.6 liters on the highway to 15.7 liters in the city, in real operating conditions results in average fuel consumption, which rarely drops below 17 liters; in the city it can be more than 22 liters.

Test Drive Mercedes M-Class 2012-2013: it’s simply not possible to drive the new Emel calmly and measuredly, even the power diesel engine in abundance, the automatic is fast and shifts willingly up, the suspension settings are distinctly sporty. With a mass of over 2 tons, the crossover is obedient and adequate - the new ML gives drive, speed and adrenaline in the blood. The most interesting thing is that despite its correct and stable behavior on paved roads, the Merc has not lost its off-road potential, although it has lost its rear differential lock. Of course, it’s better to go off-road on a crossover with air suspension and the On&Offroad package.
According to statistics, only 1% of Mercedes Benz M-Class owners are ready to drive their beautiful and expensive car into impassable mud, where the thoroughbred Mercedes will climb and drive forward until at least one wheel can find proper support. You can also safely cross a water obstacle up to 60 cm deep. The M-Class is certainly not, but for the remaining 99% of owners the car’s off-road capabilities will be more than enough.
I would like to say a few words about the typical breakdowns of Mercedes in recent years: the main problems will be caused by air suspension elements, the automatic transmission electronic control unit, engine sensors and electrical equipment. Considering these possible shortcomings and malfunctions, we can guess how much it will cost to buy spare parts, diagnose and repair a Mercedes M-Class. It is clear that they will also cost a pretty penny service maintenance and ML tuning, which is usually carried out by a car dealership (official dealers).

01.05.2017

Mercedes ML (Mercedes-Benz W164) - the second generation of the popular M-class SUV from the German car brand Mercedes-Benz. The three-pointed star on the hood has always evoked special awe among most car enthusiasts, but not everyone can afford a new car of this class. At the moment, prices for used ML have become more affordable, thanks to which car enthusiasts, for whom status and prestige play an important role, can fulfill their old dream. When buying a car at the age of 7-10 years, you need to be aware that such a purchase is fraught with additional costs. But what they are, and what you should pay attention to when choosing a Mercedes ML (W164) with mileage secondary market, I will tell you in this article.

A little history:

Work on the development of the Mercedes ML (W164) began back in 1999 and lasted 6 years. Steve Mattin worked on the car design project under the strict guidance of Peter Pfeiffer for more than 2 years. Testing of the prototype was carried out throughout 2003 - 2004 and completed at the beginning of 2005. The debut of the Mercedes ML (W164) took place in 2005 at the International Auto Show in North America. In April of the same year it was established mass production. The car was assembled in the USA at the Chrysler plant located in Tuscaloosa (Alabama).

The new product was built on a common platform with the GL-class, thanks to which it was possible to increase the body size and wheelbase compared to its predecessor (W163). In 2008, at the New York auto show, a restyled version of the car was presented to the public. The main changes affected the front and rear bumpers, optics and radiator grille (it was increased in size and equipped with chrome inserts along the edges). The changes also affected model range, albeit slightly: the diesel model ML 420 CDI was updated, the ML 280 CDI was renamed the ML 300 CDI, the ML 320 CDI was renamed the ML 350 CDI, and the ML 420 CDI was renamed the ML 450 CDI. In 2009, the new ML 450 Hybrid SUV was presented at the New York Auto Show. Production of the second generation M-Class lasted 6 years and ended in 2011, and was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz W166 series car.

Weaknesses of Mercedes ML (W164) with mileage

The body of the Mercedes ML (W164) has practically no weak points– he is not afraid of corrosion, but only on the condition that the car was not restored after an accident. But chrome elements do not withstand the harsh realities of our winters and quickly become cloudy, after which they begin to bloom. When inspecting the car, be sure to check the trunk door; on most copies it is skewed (the screws holding the door hinge are destroyed). There may also be problems with door locks (mechanism failure, failures in the “Keyless Go” keyless entry software). If there is moisture in the trunk, the problem most likely lies in worn out lamp seals. If you do not pay attention to this for a long time, over time, problems will begin with the SAM unit, since its electronic board is located in the right niche of the trunk.

Engine

Depending on the engine size of the Mercedes ML (W164), the corresponding index was assigned: gasoline - 3.5-ML350 (272 hp), 5.0-ML500 (308 hp), 5.5-ML550 (388 hp) 6, 2-ML 63 AMG (510 hp); diesel - 3.0-ML280 CDI, ML320 CDI (190 and 224 hp) since 2009 ML300 CDI (190 and 204 hp) ML350 CDI (224 hp), 4.0-ML420 CDI (306 hp).

Gasoline

Most often found on the secondary market is a 3.5-liter gasoline power unit. Operating experience has shown that the engine is generally reliable, but some shortcomings have still been identified. As a rule, problems begin after the first 100,000 miles. The most common drawback is wear of the cermet sprockets of the balance shaft. If there is a breakdown, in most cases the error “ Check Engine" Also, a signal about the presence of a problem will be the “dilation” of the engine, vibrations and metallic ringing when starting a cold engine. Another problem with characteristic symptoms is stretching of the timing chain, this occurs at a mileage of 100-150 thousand km.

Replacing the chain and shaft sprockets is a rather labor-intensive process (to perform the work it is necessary to remove the motor), which is why the cost of the work is quite high (1500-3000 USD). It is this fact that forces many owners to get rid of the car at the first alarm bells (be sure to conduct a full engine diagnostics before purchasing). When performing repairs, it is advisable to immediately replace the chain guide, the magnets of the camshaft adjustment mechanism and the oil pump, so as not to pay twice for the removal and installation of the power unit. Often, owners of cars with a 5.5 engine (388 hp) face the same problems, however, in this case, eliminating most of the shortcomings does not require removing the engine, which significantly reduces the cost of repairs. Closer to the mileage of 150,000 km, many Mercedes ML (W164) owners have to change the exhaust manifold due to problems with the vacuum rods of the adjustable dampers (on copies after 2007, this problem was eliminated). A signal that there is a problem will be a wandering idle speed.

All gasoline engines suffer from oil leaks, most often leaks appear on the plastic plugs of the cylinder head. Also, on a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, oil leaks can be found at the junction of the filter housing and the oil cooler heat exchanger due to a leaky seal. Owners of pre-restyling cars often encountered such a problem as “freezing” of the plastic swirl flaps of the intake manifold, which is why they had to change the entire manifold. When using fuel Low quality catalysts die prematurely. The problem is solved by replacing them with flame arresters. The 5.0 engine has proven itself to be the most reliable; of its shortcomings, only high consumption fuel and high transport tax, otherwise, there are practically no complaints about him. The car uses 2 batteries, they usually last for about 5 years; to replace them you will have to pay almost $100. for every. Once every 100,000 km you have to change the starter solenoid relay; for replacement they ask for 40-70 USD.

Diesel Mercedes ML (W164)

On diesel engines, during long trips, there is a decrease in the operating life of the turbine (during normal operation, the turbine lasts up to 300,000 km). The main reason for premature wear of a part lies in its not very favorable location (installed in a place where the temperature is highest). The cost of the turbine will surprise even wealthy ML owners (about 2000 USD). Also, common disadvantages of diesel engines include the rapid appearance of carbon deposits on the exhaust manifold, which over time begins to fall off and can “kill” the turbine. Significant costs may also be incurred if glow plugs are not replaced in a timely manner. The fact is that if a spark plug burns out, it is unlikely to be unscrewed naturally, and in order to replace them, you will have to remove the engine head and drill out the burnt spark plug.

If extraneous vibrations appear on the car, you need to pay attention to the crankshaft pulley coupling, it may have begun to fail. Also, due to the heavy weight power units Quite often you have to change engine mounts. Diesel engines are equipped with a " Common Rail", which is an advantage and, at the same time, a disadvantage. The advantages include the efficiency of motors. The disadvantages are the sensitivity of the system to fuel quality. If there are no good gas stations in your region, you need to be prepared for frequent, expensive repairs of injectors, fuel injection pumps and the EGR valve.

Transmission

Mercedes ML (W164) is equipped only with the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has a number of problems, most often annoying jerks when starting, accelerating and stopping. In most cases, flashing the transmission control unit helps to cope with this problem. The valve body is not famous for its reliability; its service life rarely exceeds 100,000 km. The main signal that there is a problem will be jerks during acceleration. If you do not contact the service on time, the clutch pack will soon need to be replaced. Replacing the valve body costs $1,500, but you can save money by purchasing a repair kit, in which case you can fix the problem for $500. By 150,000 km, the oil pump “dies” on most copies; if it is not replaced in time, then high temperatures The ECM electronic control unit will fail. All of these defects, except for one - leaks in the automatic cooling tubes, were eliminated after restyling.

Disadvantages of the all-wheel drive system include problems with the gearbox front axle(100-150 thousand km). Vibrations and hum will notify you of the imminent demise of the gearbox. To fix the breakdown you will have to pay 500-700 USD. The front driveshaft doesn't last much longer either. At a mileage of 120-170 thousand km (depending on operating conditions), the bearings begin to hum. Often, the sound can also come from the outboard bearing, which dealers, as a rule, change together with the driveshaft; for unofficials, the bearing can be changed separately. With active use of the all-wheel drive system, the transfer case chain stretches to 100,000 km. The disease is accompanied by crackling and grinding noises under load. Transfer case, like automatic transmission, with correct operation do not cause serious problems up to 200-250 thousand km.

Reliability of Mercedes ML (W164) suspension

This model is presented on the market with two types of suspension - independent spring and air suspension. If we talk about which of the two types of suspension to give preference to, then, in terms of reliability, a conventional suspension will be preferable, and in terms of comfort, pneumatic suspension. IN spring suspension Most often you have to change the stabilizer struts, about once every 60-70 thousand km. After 50,000 km, the ball joints begin to creak, and after 20-30 thousand km they have to be replaced. Once every 100-120 thousand km, replacement is required: shock absorbers, wheel bearings and silent blocks of levers (changed together with levers). The rear suspension does not require intervention up to 150,000 km, the only exception being shock absorbers (their service life rarely exceeds 130,000 km).

Repair of the Mercedes ML (W164) air suspension will have to be done every 80-100 thousand km. The cost of one original front air spring is about 1000 USD, the rear one is about 500 USD. If worn-out pneumatic cylinders are not replaced in a timely manner, this will negatively affect the service life of the compressor, the replacement of which costs 2000-3000 USD. To check the condition of the pneuma, raise the machine to the maximum level and leave it in this position for half an hour (the machine should not drop even a single mm).

Often, when driving on an uneven road, extraneous knocks are heard from the suspension; check the fastening of the front pneumatic elements to the struts - the fasteners weaken over time and require banal tightening. Steering rack in general, it is reliable and can last up to 200,000 km without repair, but there have been cases when it began to leak at a mileage of 100-120 thousand km (it can be eliminated by replacing oil seals and seals). Weak points in the steering are: rods (run up to 90-110 thousand km) and a steering shaft driveshaft. Also, there are complaints about the reliability of the power steering pump; when replacing the pump, it is recommended to change the reservoir as well, since the filter mesh in it quickly becomes clogged. Brake system reliable, but due to the considerable weight of the car, brake pads wear out quite quickly (30-35 thousand km).

Salon

The quality of the interior finishing materials of the Mercedes ML (W164) leaves an ambiguous impression. The plastic from which it is made central panel and other interior elements are of high quality and retain their original appearance for a long time. But, the seat trim does not correspond to the class of the car, the fact is that the seats are made of eco-leather, which after 100,000 km cracks and begins to peel off. As for electrics, over the years, it begins to present unpleasant surprises, such as malfunctions in the climate control (“electronic damper servos are glitchy”), sound signal and standard audio system (does not return discs). Fixing even minor problems in electronics is not a cheap pleasure.

Result:

Mercedes ML (W164) is generally quite reliable car, but copies released after 2009 are considered less problematic. Unfortunately, the air suspension presents many problems, and the cost of individual spare parts and labor exceeds all reasonable limits.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.