2008 ML320 CDI - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

deportes · #1 06-21-2020, 12:07 PM

Are these ML320 CDI any good? Looking to buy one with 160k miles.
Thanks for your responses.

tjts1 · #2 06-21-2020, 12:38 PM

No.

deportes · #3 06-21-2020, 12:39 PM

Thanks.

Actros617 · #4 06-21-2020, 05:36 PM

Don't be so quick to judge them with a simple No, OP you not going to get a very good response with these diehard OM617/OM603 fans so hear out, I actually owned both OM648 (I6) (E320 CDI) and 2 OM642 (V6) GL320 CDI, E320 Bluetec)

The OM642 V6 is not a bad engine but they're not as robust or cant take negligence and abuse like the older diesel engine but for its application and what it does it quite good, its smooth, has good low end power but not so much of high rpm power, the efficiency is not bad for an SUV with 4matic for that era

The downfall of these engines are oil cooler seals and emission relate stuff (CDI only has EGR, DPF ONLY) they seem to hinder these cars reliability. I wrote an extensive DIY article on replacing the oil cooler is buried under lots of parts (turbo, intake manifold and plumbing ect) but its doable (if your handy) and the emissions stuff well (if allowed) a delete would take care of that and it should make it relatively reliable there after.

Bottom line, if you want a CDI and not afraid to work on them, then get them they're wonderful vehicles, but if you rely on a mechanic to fix everything (dealer or independent shop) probably better pass on it because of cost and labor.

ROLLGUY · #5 06-21-2020, 09:35 PM

"Bottom line, if you want a CDI and not afraid to work on them, then get them they're wonderful vehicles, but if you rely on a mechanic to fix everything (dealer or independent shop) probably better pass on it because of cost and labor".

I would have to agree. Once the common problems are addressed, and maintained properly, they are quite reliable. Also, I am not sure if the ML had Adblue in '08 (I think not), so that is a plus. The Adblue system is plagued with problems, so I would stay away from them if at all possible. However, if you are a DIY guy, the common problems are not that hard to repair, or that expensive.

deportes · #6 06-22-2020, 01:16 AM

Thanks for your evaluation. I am capable of working on these cars so I will look into it.

jay_bob · #7 06-22-2020, 07:42 AM

I have one.

Bought it in 2013 from our local MB dealer with about 70k miles, so too many to be CPO.

This model does not have the DEF system. It does have the DPF. Dealer replaced the dpf as part of the pre-sale fix n flip.

I have done the following:
Oil Cooler seals (I contributed to this thread, my posts starting about page 4 or 5).
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/363973-journey-into-infamous-om642-oil-cooler-leak.html

Had to replace the steering rack
Normal maintenance (brake pads, it takes 19" tires so they are on the expensive side)
Glow plugs
Not too much else

My son has about 160k on it now, still doing well.

The only thing about these is the interior trim is not as high quality as found in the W166 (the successor model that went from 2011 to 2018). Lots more cheap plastic.

Also be sure to look in the arm rest and make sure there is a device about the size of a small candy bar that is sitting horizontally on the shelf. This is your Bluetooth adapter for your phone. This car was designed back in the day when there was a bespoke Motorola flip phone designed for this car (that does not meet modern carrier standards for E911, plus it's a flip phone). So they brought out this module to plug in to the dock for the flip phone that allows Bluetooth connectivity with any phone. This only allows Handsfree profile, it does not support A2DP.

They did produce a dealer installed accessory box that allowed you to play your 30 pin iPod through the sound system. It will be in the glove box if the car has it. Hint, the cord for this is long enough to be rerouted up into the center console compartment where it is much more convenient. And you can attach a 30 pin to Lightning connector adapter and a short Lightning extension cable to this and it will allow you to use a modern iPhone.

wallbenz · #8 08-15-2020, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Actros617

Don't be so quick to judge them with a simple No, OP you not going to get a very good response with these diehard OM617/OM603 fans so hear out, I actually owned both OM648 (I6) (E320 CDI) and 2 OM642 (V6) GL320 CDI, E320 Bluetec)

The OM642 V6 is not a bad engine but they're not as robust or cant take negligence and abuse like the older diesel engine but for its application and what it does it quite good, its smooth, has good low end power but not so much of high rpm power, the efficiency is not bad for an SUV with 4matic for that era

The downfall of these engines are oil cooler seals and emission relate stuff (CDI only has EGR, DPF ONLY) they seem to hinder these cars reliability. I wrote an extensive DIY article on replacing the oil cooler is buried under lots of parts (turbo, intake manifold and plumbing ect) but its doable (if your handy) and the emissions stuff well (if allowed) a delete would take care of that and it should make it relatively reliable there after.

Bottom line, if you want a CDI and not afraid to work on them, then get them they're wonderful vehicles, but if you rely on a mechanic to fix everything (dealer or independent shop) probably better pass on it because of cost and labor.

Looking at 08-GL320cdi... supposedly Oil cooler seals replaced- any sure fire way to confirm that? Owner says -"friend/Mech." did it for cash- so NO receipt. Also-- when doe the expensive Air shocks usually go-- he says these were replaced too.

If I get Delete-- and ABOVE was done-- will this Car/motor serve me well??

Thx

engatwork · #9 08-15-2020, 06:12 PM

I think air bags are good for 100k.

jay_bob · #10 08-15-2020, 07:26 PM

You're in Chicago, reach out to Alex (LegitStreetCars on YouTube) and see if he'll do a PPI inspection for you. He is an ex MB mechanic. He may even film it and put it up on YouTube.

wallbenz · #11 08-15-2020, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

You're in Chicago, reach out to Alex (LegitStreetCars on YouTube) and see if he'll do a PPI inspection for you. He is an ex MB mechanic. He may even film it and put it up on YouTube.

Jay-- Judging by ALL the 642's... You must be a big fan

How are all the Clean diesel sensors/filters/items holding up? Or have u deleted?

Any advice on buying one? Besides Legit guy... yes- i have seen his videos/
one of the Reasons I bought the "best Diesel MB" - e320cdi/ om648

jay_bob · #12 08-16-2020, 09:30 AM

Yes I do have 4 OM642 engined cars. Collectively I would say we've put over 100k on them since we have owned them.

Bought the 2008 ML320 for my wife in 2013 from the MB dealer with 70k. (local trade in). Non CPO since it had too many miles on it. Before we bought it the dealer had replaced the DPF as part of their fix n flip.
I have had to replace the oil cooler seals at around 125k miles. The intake had some goo but not like it was completely caked up.
I lost one of the temperature sensors on the DPF about 2 years ago. I couldn't tell which one was the bad one of the two (from the vague fault code description) so I just went ahead and replaced them both figuring if one was failing the other was right behind it anyway. Easy job once you have access below the vehicle.
I do need to replace the oil filter tower gasket and it needs new motor mounts.
Other than that it's been fine and we're up to 160k now.

In 2017 my son was driving my old Honda CR-V at college. Someone rear ended him and we decided to give him the ML and bought my wife a 2014 ML350 CPO with 45k miles. It's now up to 75k and been mostly trouble free. Did have one emissions sensor fail (I think it was a temperature sensor in the DPF) which they replaced under CPO warranty.

So then we bought a 2008 E320 in 2018 from a private individual. It had 179k on it and was going to be my DD. I drove it for about a year and then handed it to my other son. Prior owners had the oil cooler seals replaced. I had to replace the VGS (conductor plate/controller) on the transmission (that is dealer only). This car had all the fun with the CAN bus failing but that is no fault of it being a 642 engine. Rebuilt front suspension, new motor mounts, oil filter tower gasket. Now up to 220k and going strong.

Finally in 2019 I bought myself a 2014 E350. This one has been good except it had the oil leak out the intake gasket which dripped into the swirl flap motor and set a CEL. The dealer under CPO warranty replaced the swirl flap and went ahead and replaced the intake manifolds and oil cooler seals too.

All the emissions systems are intact.

Yes we have had some trouble but nothing that we haven't been able to handle. Regular maintenance is the key, they all get the 229.52 oil changed on time and none of them want for anything.

I have seen that the DPFs can be flushed. The DPF canister comes out fairly easy from underneath. I watch the %ash with my Xentry to make sure they are not getting stopped up. And we do enough mixed driving on all of these to allow the DPF time to regenerate often. If you are going to drive this car 2 miles to Publix once a week this is not the car for you.

The back story on most of these is in the 'threads started by...' under my user profile. I also contributed several pages worth of posts in the oil cooer seal replacement thread.

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