[gisham]

Hey Guys-

Looking at a 2006 ML500. maintenance history and miles are good- but i was wondering if there are any reasons to stay away from this model year? I know some are better than others-


thanks

Gabe

 

[audimotion]

I just picked up the same vehicle for my wife back in oct. 06 ML500 w/ 39K miles all options, AMG package, and CPO until Feb 2011. It has been in the shop a few times in only 3 months. First issue was a air bag malfunction light (fixed under warranty), and just recently was producing a metallic grinding noise and a vibration thru the steering wheel. Cause was a bad front differential. Dealer fixed under warranty. Other than that, the vehicle drives VERY nice (have air suspension) and the V8 power is great. If the vehicle your looking at is out of factory warranty, amd does not have CPO, I would recommend purchasing a good extended warranty. Good luck.

 

[gisham]

thanks for the response- bad front diff- wow that seems unusual.

not under warranty, but i have owned an ML320, E500 both out of warranty with minimal issues. i maintain them myself hence why i am set on the 500 because i am very familiar with that motor and how to work on it (i also owned a G500)-

Other than random issues i was just concerned about reoccuring issues that seem to be commonplace on particular models (like the radiator in the 03 E500 or the window regulators in the G500's)

 

[Deutsch100]

thanks for the response- bad front diff- wow that seems unusual.

not under warranty, but i have owned an ML320, E500 both out of warranty with minimal issues. i maintain them myself hence why i am set on the 500 because i am very familiar with that motor and how to work on it (i also owned a G500)-

Other than random issues i was just concerned about reoccuring issues that seem to be commonplace on particular models (like the radiator in the 03 E500 or the window regulators in the G500's)

G-Class and Window regulators!!!!! S**t...they are miserable. Our 2003 G500, 2005 G55 and our 2008 G55 had/have the most problematic windows!!

 

[gisham]

i feel your pain!

 

[MHKay]

2006 ML500 Repair History

Hello - I have a 2006 ML500, bought it new in August, 2005. I love the car, it is a joy to drive, on long road trips it practically drives itself. I currently have 75K miles on the clock, mostly driven freeways and vacations. NO off-road miles at all. There are some prevalent, costly repair issues I've encountered, one of them multiple times in the past 5 years. I am lucky in that I have 3 dealers within easy driving distance to choose from, as well as several reliable Benz certified independent shops. Here's the list, for what it's worth:

Valve cover seal leaking, replaced: 30K mi, 70K mi ($350 parts and labor, second one under warranty of the first)
Rear brake light sensor/sending unit sends false alarm to computer, replaced: 55L mi ($550 part!!)
Front Differential grinding noise and vibration, replaced 70K mi ($2,800 part plus $350 labor!!!)

The Valve cover seal and rear brake sending unit seem to be one-offs, according to my dealer. However, all three dealers confirmed they have had a higher than expected incidence of front differential replacements.

I was warned about brake pads and expected them to need frequent replacement. I have not found that to be the case. I've had two sets of pads in 70K+ miles, that seems perfectly acceptable to me.

I concur with previous poster - if you decide on a 2006 ML500, you'll enjoy the car, but don't do it without a good Extended Warranty.

 

[svniu]

I bought mine with 23k in 08.
I have now 38k on it and have had very few issues.
Awesome truck, and love the V8.

 

[cmitch]

I bought mine with 23k in 08.
I have now 38k on it and have had very few issues.
Awesome truck, and love the V8.

And I hope it continues to be a good one. But, you've not put enough miles on it for the real serious issues to show up. My transmission valve body and control module went at 45k. The front differential at 54k. The transmission never shifted correctly even after the replacement. Most of the balance shaft failures have occurred after 55k, some happened at 70+k.

 

[svniu]

Yes we don't drive much. However I did get a 6yr 100k warranty just in case.

 

[crtfour]

I bought a 2006 ML500 back in October of '09. It only had 25K miles on it. I have put about 10K miles on it since I've had it and have not had a single issue. It's been a great vehicle!


Rob