[thorberg]

I am in the market for an SUV, and due to a very tight parking situation in a car port, need an extremely good turning circle (38-39 ft.) and relatively narrow width. The ML actually fits well, while virtually every other SUV is either too small, too bulky, or has a terrible turn radius (esp. volvo).

To be honest, I wouldn't have considered a MB from the outset as I am more concerned about value and reliability than status. However, after test driving it, I must admit it is ridiculously comfortable and quite roomy (I'm 6'6"), handling is more than solid.

The asking price is 38k for 2009 ml350 with 30k miles. For me, this is quite a lot to pay for a three year old car, though it's not out of my price range. I do not want to pay 50k+ for a new one.

Can anyone comment as to the expected reliability of this purchase and as to the expected maintenance cost?

To give you an idea of the extent of my search, the only two SUVs that fit and seem to have any interior size at all are the ML350 and the Hyundai Santa Fe. I would bet this is the first time those two have ever been mentioned in the same post!

Any insight is appreciated, thanks.

 

[don10autos]

Is it from an M-B dealer and can you get a 100k all inclusive warranty? I bought a "like new" 07 CDI, and while the basic motor, transmission is troublefree, all the electronic "toys" are giving me fits. The burglar alarm goes for no reason, the power locks work only when the moon is aligned, says brake light is out (false alarming when driving) battery goes dead, and so on. The M-B dealer will charge a fortune to work on it. I now have an appointment with a recommended independent repair shop. I love the car, I hate so many glitches. They have something called the "CAN" system in which the computers talk to each other and send many messages through one little wire-seems not too reliable-like early windows computers. If you live in a desert climate, it may help-it seems lots of electric problems are due to water leaking in!

 

[thorberg]

Thanks.

It is from a dealer, and has 1 year left on warranty. They say they can extend the warranty to a second year for $1650, but I am hoping in would not cost that much to repair any problems in my second year of ownership.

I like to hang onto cars for a long time. I am wondering whether I can get a lot of use out of this and not expect too much in the way of expensive maintenance and repair.

Finally, I did notice a very faint whining sound then the car was shifted between P, N, D, R, which is a little different than the sound most cars make. Also, in idle there is also a very faint knocking sound coming from the a/c. Are these things normal?

 

[don10autos]

Don't know about the whining sounds. Look for a good recommended independent M-B specialist in your town. (There is a list on this forum) Tell the dealer you want to take it to "your mechanic" for a good inspection. With the repair troubles I have had $1650 does not sound like much. Also, M-B has a "certified used car program" which should take it to 100k and I believe it is much cheaper than that. Ask the dealer why it isn't "certified" and can they include "certified program" in the price of car.

 

[GregW / Oregon]

'09 ML

Thanks.

It is from a dealer, and has 1 year left on warranty. They say they can extend the warranty to a second year for $1650, but I am hoping in would not cost that much to repair any problems in my second year of ownership.

I like to hang onto cars for a long time. I am wondering whether I can get a lot of use out of this and not expect too much in the way of expensive maintenance and repair.

Finally, I did notice a very faint whining sound then the car was shifted between P, N, D, R, which is a little different than the sound most cars make. Also, in idle there is also a very faint knocking sound coming from the a/c. Are these things normal?

The sound when shifting in and out of gear is normal. Should not have knocking from the AC, though.

If it doesn't have Airmatic that eliminates a potential headache down the road. I might still be temted to extend the warranty to 7 yrs/100k.

 

[morbid angel]

Thanks.

It is from a dealer, and has 1 year left on warranty. They say they can extend the warranty to a second year for $1650, but I am hoping in would not cost that much to repair any problems in my second year of ownership.

I like to hang onto cars for a long time. I am wondering whether I can get a lot of use out of this and not expect too much in the way of expensive maintenance and repair.

Finally, I did notice a very faint whining sound then the car was shifted between P, N, D, R, which is a little different than the sound most cars make. Also, in idle there is also a very faint knocking sound coming from the a/c. Are these things normal?

$1650 for one year? its a bit ridicules. First off, I would recommend to never own a mercedes without a warrant unless you have a sure way of repairing it without it costing you an arm and a leg. Mercedes dealer's rate is $135 per hour (you should check what it is at your dealer), and to repair something might cost you simply thousands. For example if you were to change brakes at a dealer they would charge you an hours worth of work even though it takes them minutes to do the actual job, that sort of thing.

In regards to the warranty, do not pay $1650 for one year, instead buy an extended 3 year term which for ML is around $3,500/80,000km - in Canada (again find out at your dealer what is the actual cost, or on the website it might be different in US).

I had owned a 2009 ML 320 and in the beginning the vehicle was great. After owning it for two years (bought brand new) it had a lot of problems. Nothing serious with engine/transmission, diesels are known to be solid in that area, but electronics were going crazy and it drove me crazy. If you do a search in this forum you will find detailed descriptions of my encounter. Luckly I had it all fixed under warranty, but soon after traded it in for ML550.

Good luck!

 

[thorberg]

Thank you for the replies. I'm getting the sense that there is potential for some costly maintenance and repairs, and MB ownership is not something to enter lightly.

I think I may have found an option for a new vehicle that is a bit cheaper and will still turn tight enough for my purposes, the Volkswagen Toureg. I was really, really impressed with this, and hoping that ownership and maintenance costs will beat a pre-owned MB. It still doesn't handle as tight as the ML, but I guess the feel of the ML, and all MB in general, are one of the reasons you guys have them, and have this great site to discuss them.

 

[SeaNile]

Good thread. I'm thinking of an 08 ML350 but am concerned with the cost of ownership and reliability. I'd be coming from an 04 Explorer with 100K miles and other than oil changes it has been issue free. I've lucked out with ownership in my other cars, 4 BMW, 5 Porsches, 1 Ferrari and never once had an issue with any of them.

I'd hate to roll the dice on a ML and have a ton of issues. Sounds like a warranty is a must!!

 

[aggst1]

Good thread. I'm thinking of an 08 ML350 but am concerned with the cost of ownership and reliability. I'd be coming from an 04 Explorer with 100K miles and other than oil changes it has been issue free. I've lucked out with ownership in my other cars, 4 BMW, 5 Porsches, 1 Ferrari and never once had an issue with any of them.

I'd hate to roll the dice on a ML and have a ton of issues. Sounds like a warranty is a must!!

I own a 2008 ML350 and it has 46K on the clock. The car has been trouble free. Only expenses so far have been for routine maintenance and tires. The 2008 does not have the troubles some earlier models experienced (06 and 07) as they seem to have corrected them. With that said, my neighbor has a '06 and has 90K trouble free miles which to me it proves that not all cars will experience all these issues. As far as cost of ownership, it is on par with other high end vehicles.

As far as extended warranty, it depends. A 2 year extended warranty will run you upwards of $2500 (for a MB CPO vehicle). In essence you are buying an insurance policy in the event your car breaks down. According to their calculations, the average ML will need X dollars for repairs for that particular two year period after new car warranty and CPO run out. They add their profit on that (let's call it Y) so X+Y + dealer profit = $2,500+
Yes, if the transmission will need replaced, then you loose big! But the chances for that to happen are slim to none for a car with well under 100K miles. So, in my view, the question becomes "how much are you willing to spend for peace of mind?" This is entirely up to you. Don't listen to people that claim it is a must!

I say all this because I also have a R500 with the 2 year extended warranty and so far I have used $0 from it!

Regarding rolling the dice, in my view buying a used vehicle is less of a gamble than buying new, if you have all maintenance and repair records.

That's my $.02

 

[[email protected]]

Yep, sorry to have to agree. I would not own a 2006 or newer mercedes without a warranty.

 

[GregW / Oregon]

I own a 2008 ML350 and it has 46K on the clock. The car has been trouble free. Only expenses so far have been for routine maintenance and tires. The 2008 does not have the troubles some earlier models experienced (06 and 07) as they seem to have corrected them. With that said, my neighbor has a '06 and has 90K trouble free miles which to me it proves that not all cars will experience all these issues. As far as cost of ownership, it is on par with other high end vehicles.

As far as extended warranty, it depends. A 2 year extended warranty will run you upwards of $2500 (for a MB CPO vehicle). In essence you are buying an insurance policy in the event your car breaks down. According to their calculations, the average ML will need X dollars for repairs for that particular two year period after new car warranty and CPO run out. They add their profit on that (let's call it Y) so X+Y + dealer profit = $2,500+
Yes, if the transmission will need replaced, then you loose big! But the chances for that to happen are slim to none for a car with well under 100K miles. So, in my view, the question becomes "how much are you willing to spend for peace of mind?" This is entirely up to you. Don't listen to people that claim it is a must!

I say all this because I also have a R500 with the 2 year extended warranty and so far I have used $0 from it!

Regarding rolling the dice, in my view buying a used vehicle is less of a gamble than buying new, if you have all maintenance and repair records.

I agree with most of what you've said. I believe that MB quality control is getting better as time goes on, and certainly avoiding first-year models helps, but not necessarily, as out of spec parts from a supplier can happen anytime during the model run.

I have never bought an extended warranty and have not regretted it, but I tend to sell my cars within 2 years and 20k of warranty expiration. My recent front differential issue, which would have cost me $5,600, was such a major failure so early that most of it was covered by "goodwill assistance". It pays to have a good relationship with your dealer and get all of your required service done there.

 

[SeaNile]

This Explorer is the only car I have kept for any length of time. I'm usually getting a different car every 18 months or so. I'm in sales and drive a decent amount, upwards of 15K and more like 18-20K per year so I don't buy new. Often, I will look at auction prices and decide from there what car can be bought for X $$. I think an 08 with under 50K miles can be had for about 26-27K at most. It's always the double edged sword when buying used and from auction, great price with unknown service history. As much as I want a good relationship with my local MB dealer, I can't justify spending 8-10K more buying from them.

 

[Raypep]

I have an 09 ml350 with 28k on it. It is problem free except I had to replace the battery (dropped a cell) which was covered under warranty. I am hoping that it stays this way.

 

[M1fuzz]

I have an 08 ML350. Been trouble free and a great/comfy SUV. The only grief is my radio screen is getting squirrely. Otherwise the best vehicle I have ever owned! I bought it July of 10 w/ 39,000 miles. I have 60,000 on it now. I plan on keeping her for 3-4 more years.

 

[KY ML500]

Be careful about the Toureg. My mother owned one for three years and it was more expensive to maintain than my ML 500. Cost of labor is just as expensive and it is prone to the same electronics problems as the 2009 ML 350. German car ownership is not going to be cheap. There is no substitue when it comes to road performance - just comes at a price.