Merc ML270 tdi

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

OK after bad language any thoughts on these.

Gather full time 4wd, typically auto main box. push button centre lock and low box.

7 seaters, with 7 3 point belts.

think 3500kg trailer weight.

seem popular suspect some complicated mechanics need merc plug in.

 

[Sweety]

One thing I got told over 20 years ago by 2 Merc Mechanic's I knew was never touch a Merc with a manual gearbox as they are cr*p & the boxes are very weak:doh Don't know anything about the Merc ML270 tdi but around here there are quite a few but they are just used for the school runs:lol:lol prices of parts can make Nissan look very cheap & the Merc garage rates are around £100 per hour +VAT:doh TBH for that sort of money i'd be looking at Landcruisers:augie

 

[cncfabs]

Dont know if the 2.7 suffers from it but common problem is black death ie leaking injectors weve had 2 vans do this it causes cab to fill with fumes when stopped in traffic you have to wind windows down of risk suffocation can be expensive to fix

 

[macabethiel]

Ml 270

They are not particularly prone to leaking injectors that came with the later 6 cylinder models for a brief period. Leaking / failed injectors is only a problem with 4 cylinder engines.
The 2.7 is based on the old 2.5 5 cylinder engine and is well proven.
Build quality was very variable as they are built in the US and they are not what you expect from Mercedes. The autoboxes are generally reliable but towing can take it toll.
The 4 matic system is pretty reliable.
Snags with the old ML include problems with the steering angle sensor when it faults the stability control light stays on plus a few other dash warning lights. Its an MoT fail and its not a cheap fix as you have to replace the whole steering column assembly as it is not a replacable seperate part as on the later ML.
I work for a MB dealer and have avoided the old ML as its such a gamble with components such as the steering angle sensor. Look out for body rot at rear end on older models and for ABS light problems - they can be expensive to fix.
There might be some aftermarket options for the steering angle sensor.
Later ML much better but if they have had a hard life then rear suspension mounts can fail and its a subframe removal to change them.

 

[firebobby]

A friend had one from new, he had to take it back quite a few times, due to electrical gremlins, he got rid of it after about 6 months. He then bought a brand new Range Rover vogue and suffered with that too, being recovered from the road side was the final straw.
He now drives a land cruiser and is very happy with it.

 

[macabethiel]

Ml 500

The 270 ML is not particularly economical there are some nice ML500 models around.
The V8 is a decent engine and low 20's mpg is achievable.
Drive it hard and on local journeys can plunge down to 16/17 mpg but for towing brilliant !!