Ml Mileage Survey ...
 

I am wondering if you guys ( & gals ) will do a little survey concerning highest mileage out there on ML's.

And list at what mileage if at all, you did a MAJOR repair.

Lets define MAJOR repair as: 1 > transmission rebuild, 2 > rear end rebuild,
3 > differential rebuild, & 4 > engine < head job or rebuilds only >.

I have been wondering about this so those with high mileage please pitch in.

* ( lets use 100,000 miles as the minimum for 'high mileage' ... though I really do not feel 100K is high mileage on a MBZ... but that is my opinion ...

ME: '98, ml320, 135,000 miles ( none of 1 thru 4 )

Thanks

111,000 - no 1-4 problems.

Jim W.

1999 ML430 with 121,000 miles
No 1-4 problems

My best friend has a 00 ML430 that we take everywhere on trips , it has 215,000. No 1-4 problems , the only thing is it has gone through 2 or 3 alternators. The only thing that is broken is the typical raised center console ( Vinyl ). Very reliable vehicle.

Survey Average So Far ...
 

Based On The Above 4, We Have A Average Lf 145,500 Miles
Per Vehicle With Zero ( 0 ) Issues 1 - 4 As Listed.

Please Keep Posting, This Could Be Very Interesting.

100 Replies Should Give Us A Very Interesting Result ..

Thanks

138,000 On my highest mileage MBZ no problems w/1-4 on any of them at all though.
Only had the radiator neck break off,on one of the 79's one time.

Put me down for Item #1 - 147,000 on the ML now. Wrecked the trans at 145,000 miles. Not sure what the part is called, but the shaft with the little gears on it - toast. And the gear that those ride on as well. And little needle bearings in the pan. Black oil. UGLY.

I don't care what anybody says, I will now change the trans fluid every 25,000 miles. Even though the owner's manual says good forever. I suggest you do the same, and put a Benz pan magnet in the pan too.

But I still happy with my ML. I've had to replace the EGR about 15,000 miles ago. That's about it. Oh, I bought some new rear shocks that I will change in the spring - they have the squeeks.

189500 so far, no 1-4 problem, though transfer case have been replaced

My ML430 has 140,000 on the odometer. The transmission just internally destroyed itself last week. The shameful part is I replace the fluid/filter and electrical plug every 30,000 miles and use genuine MB fluid and parts. It gave me no signs of any problems until last week it started making terrible noises and stopped moving.
Other than that, the car is in perfect shape. I've replaced the water pump, fan clutch and fuel pump at 100k for maintenance (I do a lot of driving from NJ to New Orleans and one it took me over an hour to find Mobil 1, so a breakdown will be much worse).
Dave
Autobahn Automotive

Mileage Survey Up-date ...
 

AT 8 X POSTING POINT = 167,750 MILES ADVERAGE < 180k WITH MEMBER 'SPRINGERFEVER' INFO INCLUDED. >

3 X TRANSMISSION ISSUES AT ADVERAGE MILEAGE OF APPROX 180 k

** NOTE: MEMBER 'SPRINGERFEVER ' POSTED ON 8/4/06 HIS TRANS FINALLY GAVE OUT AT *** 259,531 ' MILES ... IF HE OFFICIALLY CHECKS IN, THIS WILL GREATLY PUSH THE ADVERAGE CONCERNING TRANS ISSUE UP ...
( TO APPROX 180k BEFORE ANY 1 - 4 ISSUES ON ADVERAGE .. )

ONLY 1 X TRANSFER CASE ISSUE REPORTED:

SO FAR: << BASED ON STRAIGHT ADVERAGES & WHATS BEEN POSTED >>

.112 % CHANCE OF TRANS ISSUE AROUND 180 K * < INCLUDES SPRINGERFEVER's POSTED MILEAGE BEFORE HIS ISSUE >

.087 % CHANCE OF TRANSFER CASE ISSUE AROUND 180 k

.0 % MAJOR ENGINE ISSUE

.0 % REAR END ISSUE

MORE POSTINGS CAN OF COURSE REDUCE ( OR INCREASE ) THAT %

** TOTAL DRIVEN MILES POSTED BASED ON 8 X POSTINGS ABOVE +
SPRINGERFEVER #'S = 1,601,531 K **

THIS IS NOT OFFICIALY SCIENTIFIC, BUT IT COULD GIVE US SOME GUIDANCE AS TO THE RELIABILITY Q'S RAISED; BY REFLECTING A ROUGH IDEA AS TO WHAT CAN HAPPEN, AT WHAT MILEAGE POINT, AND SOME ODDS ..

'99 ml320, 107,000 miles - none 1 thru 4.

Fellow outlander.
 

Hey man you drive like I do.Jersey to NewOrleans? I run 48 states, unfortunately in tractor trailer though, not in my MBZ's. Hope you are a member of an auto club. I'd say AAA is the best. They can handle almost any type of breakdown issues, and have some extremely reputable shops, in their database. They also do lock-outs, jump starts, flats, towing, and emergency gas. Among other things. I probably don't need to tell you all this though, because you're probably already a member. Happy trails.

working on only german cars gives me access to just about every other german only shop in the country via internet, which is good, but hopefully, I'll never have to have anyone else touch my car except myself and my staff.
I have been taking it easy and haven't driven more than 6 hours at a clip lately. I leave the heavy driving to my wife-who drove from NJ to New Orleans and back straight through in 34 hours...she's nuts...or determined.
Dave

98 ml with 109k...

just replaced the brake sensor and the egr valve...

and the cd player broke...$1600 to replace it...

2000 ML320 with 110,000 miles
No 1-4 problems

2000 320/1002K, just now running into some problems, do not know yet if they are major or not. Did have some sunroof problems, minor problems with CD changer and the alarm system went bizerk but healed itself.

^100K + seems to be the barrier... same situation as i...

Oh man, you need to start using ebay!

98 ML320 with 127K on the clock currently.

No major issues, although the transmission occasionally downshifts hard when coming to a stop. I had the transmission fluid changed at around 100K and it greatly improved the manners of the transmission. I will probably have it done again during 2007.

I updated the swaybar mounts with the newer rubber isolated ones, replaced the front shocks at around 85K. EGR valve and cleaned EGR tube at around 93K. Spark plugs at 102K. I have been very satisfied with the ML so far, and hopefully can get 1 more relatively trouble-free year (fingers crossed) out of it and then will go shopping for a 2003 to 2004 to replace it (might even venture into the V-8).

My 98 ML320 has just passed 147,000 with no 1-4 repairs. The PO did have to replace the transfer case. New shocks all around have been my biggest expense.

Jim in Phoenix

i went to best buy and gotta pioneer that looks and sounds better!

Performed a B service on a 98 Ml320 with 215,000 miles on it
checked service history , wow what a mess .lol . But the guy loves it and drives it all over the US .The body and interior were suprisingly in good shape .

ML320 mileage
 

173k, no 1-4 problems. Replaced the steering rack in Dec 06 to the tune of $1,100. Otherwise just regular maintanence.

4 - Engine Failure at 77K
ML320 1999.

'99 ML320; 151,000 miles

Engine rebuild at 70k miles (under waaranty) due to oil consumption issue.
Crossing my fingers that tranny can make it another couple of years. Changed fluid and filter at 100k.

How much does a tranny cost for these things anyway?

Heyyyyyyy....ohhhhhh!!!

Springerfever reporting in at 267,076 !

No more 100 mile daily commutes for me in the ML, so mileage accrual will drop considerably.I've given the ML to my 16 year old son, who so far, is loving it and just dropped in an Alpine head unit with a JL amp and subwoofer. Man, I should have done that a long time ago ! Still using the original Bose door speakers with some Boston Acoustic tweeters in the sail panels that I installed a few years back and the sound is AWESOME !!

ML is running flawlessly with new transmission/transfer case and Mobil 1 0W40 used exclusively every 10,000 miles. I installed new plugs and radiator hoses a few miles back. Radiator hoses were still good (saving them as spares) but didn't want to take any chances. NAPA offers both hoses for considerable savings over factory and I would swear they are a little thicker.

Me........I've been relegated to my trusty 1975 CJ5 jeep for my new 10 mile commute to and from Lowe's since I took early retirement from Delta. I sure do miss the ML, but not the drivin' in Atlanta traffic !!!

The ML is definately overbuilt and if you keep a close eye for trouble, it will be dependable and very safe and fun vehicle. I hope someone passes my mileage in the future. Hopefully, if she'll hang in there, I get a new Mercedes 500,000 KM badge at approx 312,000 miles.....

00 ML320 101,400 and no 1-4 probs. Getting around 14mpg 10% Hyw/city stop and go intown and 17-18mpg 80% avg Hwy/City. I would be interested in what others are getting milage wise

Well, I made it to 152,000 miles. I totaled it last night on hwy 43. I walked away unscathed. All four doors and the tailgate are creamed. I had to climb out the window.

I know if I was in almost anything else, I might not be typing right now. Hit the end of one guard rail on the driver's side, and hit the side of another guard rail with the passneger side. I don't know how the tailgate got creamed.

The restraint system worked flawlessly, I have no bruises, and I don't even have any body pains. I didn't sleep well last night, but that's about it. I'll sleep well tonight.

I am looking for another, black, black, as many options as possible. I think I found a nice 2000 all black w/67,000 on the clock and a very detailed and clean carfax. All service is documented. Hopefully insurance settles quick so I can grab it this week.

+110k miles on 02 320. original owner. usual maintenace plus wear and tear items. shocks and plugs were changed at 80k miles. water pump done at 100k. nothing unusual compared to other mb or bmw. as long as you change the fluids regularly, diffs, transfer case and engine will last a long time. still iffy on the tranny. this thing could go for another 100k easy. i do mostly highway driving and consistantly get ~20mpg, but could be better.

99 ML 320 190,000 miles

1> transmission rebuild at 185,000 miles. Cost was $2500. Could have been as much as $6500 if I had taken to dealer.

2> no rear end trouble

3> differential trouble: Dealer replaced transfer case switchover motor at 24,00 miles (warranty). I think it failed again about 50,000 miles ago but I decided to stick my head in the sand and not risk disabling the vehicle by trying to engage low range. Haven't needed low range in the supermarket parking lot yet.

4> engine trouble (head job or rebuild only): Not sure if this qualifies but I paid my indy about $500 to clean the EGR valves at 104,000 miles. Don't remember the details, but I was getting CEL and he reported sludging. No problems since.

Note: I change the oil based on the maintenance minder (usually around 15,000 miles). I didn't intend to go beyond 10,000 miles, but turned the truck over to my wife several years ago and I lost sight of the mileage. After about the third time it went well over 10,000 miles between oil changes, I decided to just change it when the computer told me to change it. The longest interval was over 19,000 miles. The dealer's service advisor chastised me that time. I told him to take a hike because they marketed the truck with that capability and I was following the owners manual.

Original Threader Comment ...
 

Hello Everyone, I Am Very Impressed By The Info That Has Come In. It Seems The Mileage Is Really Stacking Up To Give Us Some Decent Indications Of Possible Issues.

Glad To Hear 'waybomb' Survived His Incident And Is Looking For Another Ml', Guess The Ultimate Test Is Totaling Out Your Ml With 152,000 Walking Away & Having The Confidence ( By Experience ), That The Ml Not Only May Have Saved Your Life, But Mechanically Held Up Well To The 152k Before It Was Totaled . ...
Oh Yea, .... And Already Looking For Another One. ...

The One Point I Note The High Mileage Vehicle Owners Seem To Keep Reinerating Is Service Service Service, Oil Changes, Fluid Changes,
( Trans Fluid Included ) ... Appears We Are Getting A Look Into The Questions Concerning Durability Of The Ml. And It Is Looking Pretty Good So Far ...

Lets Keep The Posts Comming.

** By The Way Lets Through In Paint Durability. Mine ' 98 At 141,000 Has Perfectly Fine Silver Original Paint, And Actually Looks Brand
New When Washed ... Waxed It Over 2 Years Ago,... Yea In Need To Get To That Asap.

98 ml 128,000 no major problems -gets great mileage Fuel gauge will need to be replaced the third time. seals in rear and transfer case, harmonic balancer,
crankcase senor, MAC sensor and other routine stuff. I change the trans fluid and filter every 60,000mi. Change plugs and oxygen sensors at 90,000 miles Runs great and plan to keep it until the "wheels fall off " .Waiting for the ML270 ad blue diesel..............Teacher...Key to owning a "old "ml...you need to go through it with all the upgrades then yo have a good SUV...........

1998 ML320 miles
 

175,000 miles on the '98 ML. No engine or trans issues to this point. The bearing on the drive shaft support bracket failed. Without vehicle for one day.
Getting ready now to do rear shocks/springs and ball joints all around.
Ken

I worked on a 2001 ml320 last week with 130,000 on it and checked out the vmi. Engine rebuild for oil consumption, transmission replaced, transfer case replaced. Of course, working at the dealer I see the worst of problems.
Dustin

99 ML430 w/ 117k miles.

Replaced transmission at 80k miles but that's the only major thing that has occured. *knock on wood*

'99 ML430 101Kmi with no major issues 1-4.

Just changed the trans fluid (all MB parts and fluids) and now it shifts hard out of first when it is cold. How much does it cost to have the transmission replaced or rebuilt (just in case)?
I am on my second set of window switches. I don't mind the nagging cheap and easy fixes like that but am a little worried about the transmission as I have about 40K miles of towing a 5K# boat.

Loren

Changing the fluid should have improved things, even if only slightly. I would go back and double-check your fluid level. These transmissions are VERY sensitive to fluid level, and should be checked with the special MB dipstick that is calibrated to temperature.

Unfortunately, been there, done that recently. My cost was $2500 for an indy to do it. I understand it could have been up to $6500 to have the dealer do it.

Concerning The Tranny Hard Shift Issue, It Could Be Worth While After You Check The Fluid Level, To Have The Tranny Reprogrammed.

This Was Done On My '98 Ml About 6 Weeks Ago, ( Along With A Fluid Change ) And If I Did Not Know What They Had Done, I Bet It Was A New Tranny. Much Crisper And Responsive. ( I Think They Call It The Adaptive Codes ) Once They Are Reset, How You Drive For A Couple Of Miles Or Not Much More Than That, Is How The Tranny Programs Itself To Shift Etc.

The Tech Changed The Fluid & Filter, Reset The Codes Then Drove It Sporty For The Required Miles. Amazing Difference In Performance And Best The Mileage Is Down By No More That 3 Tenths Of A Mile Per Gallon.

I Would Really Encourage Others To Do This With A Fluid Change.
Unless Of Course You Are Happy With Your Current Settings.

'98 ML320 w/101k, no issues 1-4...
 

...but previous owner had all the major (problem) repair work done, i.e. fuel filter, harmonic balancer, front end (ball joints, etc...) windows, yada, yada, yada....

Have new 4+ plugs to put in soon/when I get the time...

New MAF sensor installed last week... Helped performance a LOT !

I change the oil every 8-10k miles & use 5-30 synthetic...

Get about 20-22 on the hwy @ 80-85, less around town...

Tranny probably needs to be serviced, but no noticeable problems, & I pull a 20' Boston Whaler on a regular basis, plus in & out on a steep boat ramp...

Fuel gauge going to 0 when filled completely, drives wife nuts... :)

Love the truck & will have it a LONG time !!



SLN

25965
 

mine has 25965 miles on it. put maybe 30 gallons of premium fuel in it for its entire life, the rest was 87 octane. Tow trailers once a month. and change the oil every 500o miles.


So far i have had no issues. Except now it's stuck in low range:mad:. but it is expected.

This week i'll get the tranny serviced and change the timing belt and pump.

I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

No timing belt on the ML320 - timing chain and you don't even think about the chain until you get well above 150K.

Tranny service won't help low-range - this is part of the transfer case. I believe the solenoid is the usual culprit on problems with hi/lo range.

1999 ML320 just bought for my wife. Now it's got 100 k miles BUT had gearbox (5-speed auto transmission) replaced by a new MB unit at 86,741 miles at a cost of some € 5,000 ($ 7.000 !!!!)

+/- 175K on my folks '99 ML320 with no major engine or tranny issues yet (they've owned it since it was new). They did have the transfer case done just before it went out of warranty along with an updated trip computer, fuel sending unit, etc..etc...and there have been a few little things along the way that are typical to the ML (window switches, etc...) but so far so good! We have serviced it every 5K with Pentosin 5W-40 synthetic oil and have done the ATF and filter every 30K, plugs at 75K, EGR around 100K, coolant every two years with Zerex G-05 and brake fluid every spring. It's held up amazingly well for an early year ML but with diligent maintenance I think one could even run a first year W140 to near 200K ;)

i have a 2001 ML 320 WITH 167000 MILES ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.........1 THRU 4............

1998 ML320 with 175K+ on the odo. We're the second owners since 2000 and 60K. No really major problems, and no 1-4, though both differentials leaked at the driveshafts until I replaced the seals. I've run Mobil 1 15W50 in Texas, and 0W40 in Michigan, at 10K intervals until this fall, when my VW lost a timing chain. 5K intervals from now on.

An ATF change at 122K restored smooth shifting.

updating my previuos post - 1998 ml320 with 203,800 miles, none of 1-4 have been done

ML320 high mileage
 

Also have a '98 ML320. Mine has 190,166 miles since new. I am the original owner. None of the work 1-4 has been done or needed.
From original post:
Lets define MAJOR repair as: 1 > transmission rebuild, 2 > rear end rebuild,
3 > differential rebuild, & 4 > engine < head job or rebuilds only >.
Ken

Boy, its been a while !!!

Just checking in. I gave my son the ML approx two years ago when he turned 16 and she is still running fine. I occasionally have to add a little of the G4 mix to the radiator (slow drip on the lower radiator hose) and I have noticed a few more drips of oil under the oilpan. Couple of bulbs have required replacing. He complains of a slight hesitation sometimes from a dead stop. My guess is either the coil packs or plug wires, both are still original. ML now has approx 290,000 miles and still running strong. He loves it !!

I'll try to do better to keep ya'll updated.

151k new bought in 2000.

Runs good so far, no problems yet. Just finished maintenence on the beast . . . seafoam, tranny fluid, 2x diffs, plugs, egr valve, and transfer case fluid. Did zero prevent. maint. till now . . . runs like new!!!