Dave
Let m tell you...I had the same reservations about buying my wife a 2006 ML500 after I read all of the horror stories here. Normally, people only go to these kind of forums initially because they're experiencing some kind of problem. Before I bought, I went to a service shop that repairs nothing but MB's. These guys were all at one time working at a Certified MB dealership and broke away and started their own. They offer all of the expert advice and sevice at a fraction of the MB prices. Example: I had a B Service done and the local MB shop quoted me $399...these guys did it for under $200. So, I went and had a nice chat with the owner. He said that the W-164 (ML-500) were, in his words "...absolute beasts." I asked him about tranny problems and balance shaft issues. He told me that over the last 7 years since the ML500 was introduced, he could only remember one maybe two issues with the transmissions. And he said that the problems were probably caused by neglect in maintenance,etc. Then I asked about the balance shaft issue...he said it did NOT include the V8 in the ML500. It was only an issue on the ML-350. He added that MB should issue a recall on them because there's no doubt there's a design/material issue.

He was nice enough to give me names and phone numbers of owners of ML-500's. I called all 3 and NONE of them had any big-dollar issues other than normal maint. and service. The one owner had 178,000 miles on his 2006 ML-500!!

So yes, I could see how you could get spooked, but do your homework...find a ML-500 and research it.

The gas mileage isnt that great and $4.20 premium is lousy but the pure joy of driving these quality vehicles is worth it!

Good luck!

 

Something to consider. Retrofitting a trailer hitch to a W164 ML is a bitch. Both mechanically and electrically.

The W163 ML's (up to 2005) have a full frame chassis and trailer hitches are readily available. There are many posts on the W163 forum on how to use the factory trailer wiring that already exists in the rear of these ML's.
Mike

 

For a real tow vehicle consider a 4th gen V8 Explorer with tow package (years 2006-2010, BOF, SOHC 4.6L V8, IRS, 6 speeds, 7K pounds rating).

 

Wonderful car

My 550 is probably the best car i've ever owned. Looks mean (with some amg additions) and goes like a TRAIN!

Only had one issue (new powersteering rack) but otherwise very reliable. Nobody writes about their car having no problems and if you want to read about problems google porsche IMS and even that is a very reliable car based on known stats. As per the other poster, you come to places like here to ask diy questions so its going to be full of issues.

Its extremely powerful but not sure of its merits towing. Also a bit loose cornering with the std 19 inch 155 wheels. 20 inch 195 solves that problem.

I diy all reasonable things and buy online for discount. Yes mb dealers and parts at dealers are very expensive. Then again, for the performance of this car ( you can tune the std engine to 400 hp) things like rotors are not silly money like the amg or porsche.

The m273 engine feels indestructable ( more qualified can comment on field reliabilty) as does the tranny. Ive found the car also always throws usable obc codes ( new co sensor was needed also) so havent had the need for a mb star reader or clone to date. You will find decent DIY guides here also ( sorry no engine or tranny guides tho!)

Coupled with a good crash ratings, whats not to like apart from terrible fuel consumption ! I also like the fact this car is always telling me to change bulbs, washer fluid, tire pressure etc... and doesnt let me see the std display( without toggle) until i have.

 

Mike's ML - Good tip. Just would have to make sure it had a tow package installed from factory then for the w164?

ouroboros - What year is yours?

MB-SV- The last explorer I owned was a 1994 limited. It was a great little truck, but of recent times, the beercan metals used on the frames up here in new england have been rotting through like crazy. I recently had to patch a friends 05 mountaineer frame... Thanks for the thought though, maybe If my ML500 hunt gets tainted I'll look into another explorer from Dallas and ship it.

Thanks for all the feedback so far guys, it's greatly appreciated!

Dave

 

One thing to keep in mind...if you do have a transmission issue...you will have to deal with an authorized dealership. MBUSA will not sell W164 model transmission parts to anyone else. I had a problem with mine, but the dealership was very easy to deal with. I paid $600 for labor and they covered about $2000 worth of parts. I love my ML-500. It is the top of the line so you get many of the add-ons that you would have to pay for in an ML-350. I would stay away from the Airmatic suspension. Costs for the shocks alone are close to $1000 if one fails. I have the standard suspension and it feels like it is build like a tank. Good luck with your search.