Considering a high mileage ML320
 

This is my first time on the ML section of the boards. I am looking at a high mileage 2000 ML320 with over 200K on it as a secondary car to replace a Volvo wagon that I used occasionally for grocery hauling and cargo stuff.

What kind of issues would one look for in a 200K+ ML. I would rather a Mercedes Wagon but I can't really find one that's condition and price I am willing to deal with locally.

I have a great mechanic and drive a w126 and a w140 already so I am familiar with most common Mercedes problems just not specifics to the ML's.

Just got back from picking up my 99 ML320 beater from an oil change. I haven't had it for very long, but the things to check off the top of my head:

Make sure the catalytic converter service bulletin has been done. The cats in these are known to split. Yours is close to being beyond the 8 year, 80,000 mile cutoff.

There's also a recall on the power steering hose and clamp. Yours is still good to have that done.

There are a lot of minor things with these, but those are the two I've had to deal with in mine.

<http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1391706-new-members-guide.html>

Read through it and make sure the all of the problems have been solved previously. Everything but the cheap things (brake switch, CkPS) are mostly a one time issue. You run across the defect, fix it, then you never have it again. So make sure the the prior owner has fixed these things. One problem is that there are lot of vehicles owned by either ignorant people or young boys who don't fix the problems and then you wind up with far more expenses in the future.

Assuming the owner maintains the vehicle correctly once they get past 60k miles or so other than the cheapo items mentioned above and regular maintenance they tend to keep going. Transmission are reported to need rebuild in the high 100k's of miles. So your vehicle will probably need it soon if it hasn't been done already. I have yet to hear of a catastrophic engine failure that was not due to poor maintenance.

It probably needs another set of plugs and wires (moderately expensive) and the EGR tube cleaned again (not too expensive but can be a royal pain in the rear). Front end should be well inspected as well as center driveshaft bearing and wheel bearings. Brakes can be a bit pricey.

One a used vehicle I would expect in the US$500-1,500 range for immediate repairs. Get all of the fluids changed (including transmission and transfer case!), change the CkPS unless it has been changed recently, same thing with the brake switch. Plan on buying a MAF sensor in the next year or so if it hasn't been changed recently.

Note that you can find vehicles with half the mileage for fairly cheap right now.

Powerpig - are you still selling your 1999 Black ML320?

You must be getting a really good price on that 200K ML. The prices have dropped quite a bit in the last year or so. If you are going to get it, you have to do the usual-ppi, get records etc.

Not at this time. Since the kid took out my 560SL, I now have room for it. I am selling my 560SEC and am considering selling the SL600 though.