ML55 AMG any known major issues before buying?
 

I am thinking about buying the AMG version. I would like to know if they have any known major problems, or somethings I should look for? They seem to be a great deal, I guess people did not want to spend the money for them new and they never really sold well, but that is just a guess on my part. Mid 20's for a three year old all wheel drive, 342 horsepower motor, and all the other goodies, and the amazing ML looks and I can't see any reason to not buy one! Any responses is greatly appreaciated. I am new to MB. thanks Jody

You might want to post your question here http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=53, this forum is devoted strictly to ML55's ;)

The ML55 has the M119 engine, the same as what was offered for the R129 (SL-series) roadsters. They have proven to be one of, if not, the most bulletproof engines that MB has ever made!

One caveat about the 55 is that you will lose a great deal of cargo space over the standard MLs as the spare resides in that area instead of the undercarriage...as much as I wanted one, I need that room for my extensive music and soccer gear.

But I don't think most ML55 owners buy one to jaunt over to the nearby Home Depot, do they? ;)

I have had more problems with my 2000 ML55 AMG than the Ford I owned in high school. I will never buy this product again. The car is great when there are no issues, but those times are few and far between. I am currently dealing with Mercedes regional service techs to resolve a rapping noise that I have been complaining about for over a year. Apparently the engine keeps building up carbon even though I don't baby it and buy only premium 93 octane gas.

Work done to date includes rocker arms and lifters (both sides), lifters again, carbon cleaning 3 times, ball joints, tranny seal, rear brakes at 18K miles, new stereo/nav system, new antenna, mass air flow sensor, and the list goes on. The car still has less than 40K (90% highway) miles.

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND AGAINST BUYING A ML55.

I have a 2001 ML55. I love it. I had a fuel pump and door switch problem. Both easily corrected! Great Truck, i guess some folks just get duds.

Knock on some wood!

just to clarify a previous post, the ML55 has the 113.981 engine not the 119.xxx
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net