When the W164 was taken out of the factory in Alabama in 2005, the enthusiasm of the fans of the German crossover knew no bounds. Stuttgart engineers have done a tremendous job on their new "brainchild", throwing advanced developments on board automotive industry. beautiful round fog lights, powerful protection peeking out from under the bumper, and, of course, the popular metal stamping on the doors, which even manufacturers of budget foreign cars used to hang.
However, the achievements of 10 years ago are already last century. Today, the consumer needs a healthy sports "beast" that can stand up for itself and crush competitors with its charisma. Therefore, the German company decided to step over the psychological barrier and launch the third generation of the premium ML-class in 2011. The car became more consistent with the given stereotypes, but still it was a little damp.
Four years have been waiting for restyling: in April 2015, a refreshed SUV arrived in New York to officially show off its forms for the first time. international motor show. What has changed in the body of the W166 and how did the designers and engineers cope with the modernization?
Appearance Mercedes GLE 2015 - 2016
The design staff did not have to go far for new ideas. You can quite peep a fresh concept on your “territory”. Remember the swift appearance of the silver "bullet" executive sedan S-class? So - German designers decided to try on the image of a premium long car on updated crossover G.L.E. 
In length, of course, the SUV loses to its “relative”, but for a mid-size crossover, it has quite significant overall data. Especially in comparison with the main rivals in the class. The new GLE is 4819mm long, 1935mm wide and 1796mm high. With these parameters, the Japanese RX seems to be a “short guy” (4740/1845/1715 mm, respectively). But X6 from a competing concern, located in neighboring German lands, smashes both "premiums" to smithereens - 4909/1989/1702 mm. The ground clearance of the W166 falls short of the 215 mm declared by the Bavarian SUV - only 202 mm. But this is quite enough for confident driving on Russian roads. Moreover, the buyer has the opportunity to purchase an air suspension that can increase ground clearance up to 255 mm!
With dimensions, the elite "German" did not let us down. Herculean power has not gone anywhere. Solid dimensions only emphasized the power inherent in the rethought body of the car. Now the roads will be driven not just by a continuous, crushing, shapeless mass of scrap metal that could be seen in the last generation, but above all, a stylish and sporty body that delivers unforgettable pleasure. The car will definitely stand out in a gray everyday traffic jam, catching the views of others. 
If in the second generation front bumper just hung, causing only tenderness, now real aggression is hidden in it. Its shape speaks of great experience and excellent driving dynamics. It practically does not hide the predatory "grin" of the crossover - a huge air intake mesh that permeates the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe front of the car.
From above, the mesh fabric is covered with a radiator grille, reminiscent of a graceful airplane with double wings and a massive propeller in the form of a branded three-beam star.
The headlights again make a reference to the S-Class. So much luxury and presentability is embedded in this "crystal look" that it is impossible to tear yourself away. In the dark, not a single New Year's illumination can compare with the beautiful unsurpassed LED design, artfully hidden in a durable glass shell.
But most of all, the unprecedented expression of the hood of the restyled GLE catches the eye. Remember what it looked like in the last generation: a wide, endless canvas that curves slightly around the edges near the headlights. The Germans this time thoroughly “pumped up” the metal cover. As a result, the picture acquired even more severe and courageous tones. 
The profile of the former W164 is striking aerodynamic protrusions on the sides and wide puffed wheel arches, unusual for those years, guaranteeing overcoming any extreme situation on road. In the current crossover, the sidewalls have been significantly modified. The “muscles” of the arches, which accommodate wheels from 17 to 19 inches, began to look even more expressive, and the door faces themselves received a lot of relief, emphasizing the sporty interest of the car.
The rear part looks much more presentable than the stern 8 years ago. Plafonds of side lights became larger, and the upper overhang on the roof with a brake light repeater turned into a deep “visor”. The German manufacturer removed the childish, naive bumper and replaced it with a powerful athletic element with flat reflectors and recognizable exhaust pipes.
Salon
Comfort, functionality, ergonomics - work to improve the interior of the GLE was carried out by German craftsmen mainly in these areas. An experienced specialist will not find cardinal transformations. Here, the topic of a standard facelift, which is popular with most automakers, is rather touched upon. 
In inexpensive trim levels, soft plastic is most often found in the cabin, which is slightly diluted with leather trim and various decorative inserts made of aluminum and wood. In the top version, the picture looks like this: the entire upper part of the dashboard is covered with natural leather with beautiful double stitching, the lower part of the “tidy” and the passenger panel above the glove box are finished with high-quality rare woods. Finally, the drawer itself and the climate control console are sheathed in leather. Seats, a wide central armrest and interior door upholstery are also “drowned” in leather excesses.
Ergonomics on the same high level as five years ago. Even the “twists” of the climate panel are easy to reach with the fingers of your right hand. The only thing that confuses is the great variety of buttons on the center console, which make life easier for those who are not used to poking at touch screen multimedia system.
The new deflectors in chrome frames look impeccable. Those on the sides are located horizontally, and the central ones frame an 8-inch “tablet”, comfortably fitted into the panel and slightly protruding above the dashboard. 
The “tidy” of the refreshed GLE is a beautiful scattering of colored light bulbs that adorn the deep hatches of the two main measuring instruments- tachometer and speedometer. A miniature screen is squeezed into the window between them. on-board computer, which notifies about fuel consumption, engine temperature conditions and other electronic parameters of the machine.
The steering wheel in the expensive configuration is a rich fashionable rim made of first-class woods to match the middle part of the dashboard. The edges of the rim are covered with leather inserts, which bring great pleasure to the driver while riding. If you need to set up an audio complex or answer a call, your fingers will be able to intuitively come across the corresponding button on the steering wheel spokes. In standard versions, the owner is waiting for the usual, but pleasant to the touch plastic.
Crossover chairs are also made in an ergonomic style. The front seats are mechanically adjustable in a wide range. At the backs you can also independently choose the appropriate angle of inclination. All setup work will be done for a fee. electric drives. For rear passengers it is possible to finance the installation of electric heating, a personal climate control unit and separate multimedia displays.
The dimensions of the trunk can vary in a decent range - from 690 to 2010 liters. In the secret compartment, depending on the configuration, there is a “spare wheel” or an air suspension receiver.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 2015 - 2016: technical equipment
Unlike many overseas competitors offering their "favorites" with two - maximum three - pumped power units, the Germans have prepared as many as five engines for each version of the SUV:
2.1-liter turbodiesel with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, working in conjunction with the new 9-band automatic transmission 9G-Tronic. "Hundred" obeys in 8.6 seconds, and the fuel goes about 5.9 liters in mixed mode. The device is set to 250d.
3.0-liter "six-biturbo", which produces 249 hp and 620 Nm. The same “automatic” with 9 steps allows the car to overcome the barrier of 100 km / h in 7.1 seconds. At the same time, the engine “eats” about 6.6 liters of fuel per 100 km. The power plant is mounted under the hood of the 350d modification.
3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 333 hp and 480 Nm, installed on the GLE 400 4Matic. Due to the 7-speed automatic transmission, the engine picks up a "weave" in 6.1 seconds, and fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer's statements, rises to 9.2 liters.
4.7-liter bi-turbo "monster" with 8 V-cylinders means that 435 “horses” capable of creating 700 Nm of torque will work on performance. With a 7-speed "automatic" the car leaves behind the first "hundred" in 5.3 seconds. About 11.5 liters are consumed for every 100 km in combined mode.
Finally, the Germans still have a hybrid representative of the family in store - the GLE 500e 4Matic. The engine, working in tandem with a 7-speed automatic transmission, consists of two parts: a 333-horsepower turbocharged V6 and an electric “engine” with a considerable 116 hp. In sum, both engines produce 449 “horses” and 820 Nm of torque. The car accelerates to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds. Engineers German company they assure that the crossover consumes only 3.5 liters for every 100 km.
Conclusion
The basic configuration of the GLE 250d carries a price tag of 3,730,000 rubles. Compared to the debutant of 2011, which spawned the third wave of the popular SUV, the restyled version has acquired a stylish sporty appearance, a slightly retouched interior with the same “chips” familiar to all owners, and a large list of power units for every taste. The successor to the M-class fully justified the hopes of both many fans and the concern itself.
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advanced car model Mercedes ML W164 was discontinued a few years ago. However, those copies of this model that appeared on the market much earlier cost more than two new Dusters. Therefore, now we will figure out whether it is worth giving crazy money for a used Mercedes ML.
The Mercedes W164 body is characterized by the so-called exemplary survivability. Its outer surface is coated with high quality paint and varnish, such paintwork long lasting. Metal, as is typical for Mercedes, is also durable and properly processed, therefore, the owner of this model can forget about the word “corrosion” for a long time. Even the chrome from the outside looks representative, of course, the chrome on older specimens loses its gloss a little, but this is all a matter of life. All in all, Mercedes ML body deserves respect.
The interior of the car is no less attractive. So, you need to try hard to somehow fray the interior trim, because it is made of reliable and resistant materials. Creaking in the cabin can only curtain the trunk and back rear seats And then, after a long time. The interior is durable, so only the look of the wooden finish worsens - cracks form on the varnish surface.
A sore subject is only the electronics installed in the cabin. For cars that were produced for the first time, there are sometimes interruptions in the functioning of the climate control system. The driver needs to either reflash or install another KLA control unit, which, by the way, is not cheap - about 1000 euros. In addition, after several years of operation, the heater motor, as well as servos, begins to "jump" air dampers. Replacing these parts will cost the owner of the car about a thousand euros.
After some time, you may notice that the audio system can be “greedy” at times - it does not give away discs. Therefore, you will have to install a brand new CD changer. Quite often pressing the buttons located on the steering wheel stops responding sound signal, in connection with which it is necessary to install a new steering column wiring cable.
The real scourge for drivers is oxidized electronic boards. At first glance, a minor nuisance, which consists in the deteriorated quality of the tightness of the rubber seal on the rear right lamp, can turn into either a simply unexpectedly extinguished brake light or a damaged rear block of the SAM information processing system.
Equally unimportant is the reputation of the front SAM units installed in the space under the front passenger seats. As soon as a small amount of moisture gets there, instrument backlight failures immediately begin to occur and all electronic devices located in the front of the cabin can turn off. And new such SAM blocks cost around 400 euros.
Unlike the surface of the body, external handle driver's door fairly easy to corrode. Poor quality contacts cause the performance of the optional system to deteriorate. keyless entry Keyless Go. In most cases, after a few years you have to change and door locks because the springs break in them.
Due to software failures, the electric lock on the trunk begins to act up, and after a few more years the plastic structure can completely collapse. Around the same period, many begin to notice failures in the tailgate servo, which are “cured” as a result of recalibration.
But the biggest problem should be expected in about eight years. Exactly then Mercedes owner ML may be surprised by the "behavior" of the ignition switch, which will not respond to the transponder key and, as a result, simply will not start the engine.
Motors in Mercedes ML
Most popular model the gasoline "six" M272 is considered, which has a volume of 3.5 liters. It is she who constitutes a significant part of all automotive market. Such a machine is characterized as the most problematic. Vehicles that have not undergone restyling experience sticking of plastic swirl flaps, after which you have to purchase a new intake manifold. But for newer machines (released after 2007), this defect has been fixed.
The car uses 2 batteries, costing 55 and 70 euros. They are usually enough for about 5 years, they provide power to all the electronics in the cabin. The Mercedes ML has a fairly reliable generator, it can easily work out 250,000 km, the starter solenoid relay may break after about 100,000 km. To change it you will need 45 euros.
However, sore spot of this motor is hidden in the ceramic-metal drive gear balance shaft. Its teeth sometimes wear out so much that the valve timing shifts, and chips with crumbs adversely affect the functioning oil pump, the cost of which is approximately equal to 170 euros.
When purchasing a used car, you should pay attention to the presence of "diesel" tapping, as well as to the correct operation of the motor. Do this Mercedes ML test it is necessary, otherwise you will have to fork out for its repair, which involves the mandatory removal of the engine, which is about 2,500 euros. At the same time, it is possible to install new clutch adjusting the valve timing and a drive chain with dampers and tensioners, which will stretch evenly over time.
The few owners of ML with a V8 engine of the M273 series should not relax too much. They also expect problems with gears. Its only advantage is that there is no need to remove the engine when replacing the balance shaft.
most reliable model is the "eight" M113. It can be compared with a tank, but such a "rarity" is very rare. Therefore, connoisseurs of reliability should consider, as an option, the diesel "six" OM642. Behind her wheel, one can face a rather serious problem only when driving a pre-styling version, which was released no later than 2007.
The inner surface of these cars is made of erroneously selected material. In addition, after about 150 thousand kilometers, the welds begin to crumble very quickly. Metal chips enter the turbine, as a result of which it stops its work.
Transmission
One thing pleases: you don’t have to rack your brains with the choice of the type of gearbox. Indeed, today there is no alternative to the 7-speed automatic Mercedes G-tronic 722.9. It was established in 2005 and even then had big amount minor shortcomings. The ISM module is experiencing faults that prevent the selector from being switched. The main drawback is the weak Siemens ECM electronic control board. The latter is not able to withstand roasting in a special oil box for long period. In this regard, a temperature of 130 degrees is considered fatal for her.
The valve body, combined with the ECU into one system, is also not famous for its reliability, because control solenoids become out of service over time. As a result, the clutch packs are disabled. Exactly the same consequences can occur due to incorrect operation an oil pump whose gears are deformed after crossing the mark of 150,000 kilometers.
However, all the problems described above often concern only those cars that were produced before 2007. In other models, only one drawback is manifested - in the places of rolling, the cooling tube of the "machine" flows. But the box itself has the ability to nurse about two hundred thousand kilometers without supernatural effort.
The transfer case can last about the same. But occasionally there is another breakdown after every hundred thousand kilometers. There may be a strong rattle that occurs under the influence of a load from an extended chain, as well as beeps after picking up speed if the planetary bearings are already worn out. As a rule, the cause of the hum is the outboard bearing. cardan shaft, which changes along with the cardan. Replacing the gearbox is mandatory if you feel vibrations generated in the front gearbox.
The disadvantages do not end there in the Mercedes ML. Many car owners complain about uncharacteristic sounds in the steering system. For instances that are more than eight years old, it is better to immediately replace the power steering pumps, as well as the reservoir. Such measures are carried out for the purpose of prevention, because the filter mesh becomes clogged after a few years and quickly fails.
As for the steering rack, it rarely breaks, but it can leak. This shortcoming is corrected with original kit from seals with stuffing boxes. The play in the steering shaft cardan shafts should be checked after a noticeable knock appears when the steering wheel is turned.
Car suspension
In the suspension of a car that has traveled at least seventy thousand kilometers, the stabilizer strut usually breaks first. Then the tie rods begin to give up (after about 100,000 km), as well as rear shock absorbers. In addition, you may have to spend cash, necessary to replace the front shock absorbers and at the same time the lower arms, in which silent blocks are torn along the inner race.
This is where the problems with the spring suspension end, which is not typical for the rather capricious pneumatic Airmatic. Her worries are just beginning. For general washing vehicle the air bellows should be flushed every time. Otherwise, with constant movement, they will be erased to holes. However, it is worth remembering that even with proper care, pneumatic parts cannot last longer than 120,000 kilometers.
The first generation Mercedes-Benz M-class (W163 series) began to be produced at a newly built plant in the US state of Alabama in 1997. To avoid confusion with BMW models M, to the vehicle modification indexes were changed to ML.
"M-class" could rightly be called an SUV - he had carrier frame and permanent four-wheel drive with downshift. The model was very popular, so the capacity of the American plant was increased to 80 thousand cars a year, and in addition, the assembly of SUVs was organized in Austria, at the Magna Steyr plant.
Under the hood at the base Mercedes-Benz modifications The ML 230 had a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (150 hp) More powerful versions equipped with V6 and V8 engines with a capacity of 218–292 hp. With. There were two turbodiesels - a five-cylinder 2.7 and an eight-cylinder four-liter.
On the top model range there was a “charged” Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG with a 5.4-liter “eight” (347 hp), which allowed the car to accelerate to “hundreds” in 6.7 seconds. Gearboxes - five-speed, manual or automatic, drive - only all-wheel drive.
The production of the first generation model ended in 2005, with a total of 620,000 cars produced. It is noteworthy that it was on the basis of this car that the so-called “popemobile” was created, which the Pope uses for parade trips to this day.
| Version | Engine model | engine's type | Volume, cm3 | Power, l. With.Note | |
| ML 230 | M111 | R4, petrol | 2295 | 150 | 1997-2000 |
| ML 320 | M112 | V6, petrol | 3199 | 218 | 1997-2005 |
| ML 350 | M112 | V6, petrol | 3724 | 235 / 245 | 2002-2005 |
| ML 430 | M113 | V8, petrol | 4266 | 272 | 1999-2001 |
| ML 500 | M113 | V8, petrol | 4966 | 292 | 2001-2005 |
| ML 55 AMG | M113 | V8, petrol | 5439 | 347 | 2000-2005 |
| ML 270 CDI | OM612 | R5, diesel, turbo | 2685 | 163 | 1997-2005 |
| ML 400 CDI | OM628 | V8, diesel, turbo | 3996 | 250 | 2001-2005 |
2nd generation (W164), 2005–2011
Introduced in 2005, the second-generation M-Class was a completely different car. He got bigger load-bearing body instead of a frame, lost versions with mechanical box gears, and air suspension was added to the list of options. For those who like to move off the road, the Offroad-Pro package was offered with a lowering range in the transmission and locking center and rear differentials.
Four-cylinder engines for the car were no longer offered. Base petrol Mercedes-Benz The ML 350 was equipped with a V6 3.5 engine, the ML 500 modification had an eight-cylinder engine with a volume of 5.0 or 5.5 liters under the hood, and at the top of the lineup was a “charged” Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with a V8 6.2 engine (510 hp). .), capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. There were two turbodiesels: a three-liter V6 (190–231 hp), and a four-liter V8 with a capacity of 306 hp. With. All cars were equipped with seven-speed automatics.
In 2008 was held small restyling models, and in 2010 the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid appeared with a 330-horsepower hybrid power plant, consisting of petrol engine V6 3.5 and two electric motors.
Production of second-generation machines at the plant in Alabama continued until 2011.
Table of Mercedes-Benz M-class car engines
| Version | Engine model | engine's type | Volume, cm3 | Power, l. With.Note | |
| ML 300 | M272 | V6, petrol | 3498 | 231 | 2008-2011 |
| ML 350 | M272 | V6, petrol | 3498 | 272 | 2005-2011 |
| ML 500 | M113 | V8, petrol | 4966 | 306 | 2005-2007 |
| ML 500 | M273 | V8, petrol | 5461 | 388 | 2007-2011 |
| ML 63 AMG | M156 | V8, petrol | 6208 | 510 | 2006-2010 |
| ML 450 Hybrid | M272 | V8, petrol + electric motor | 3498 | 279+84 | 2010-2011 |
| ML 280 CDI | OM642 | V6, diesel, turbo | 2987 | 190 | 2005-2009 |
| ML 300 CDI | OM642 | V6, diesel, turbo | 2987 | 190 / 204 | 2009-2011 |
| ML 320 CDI | OM642 | V6, diesel, turbo | 2987 | 224 | 2005-2009 |
| ML 350 CDI | OM642 | V6, diesel, turbo | 2987 | 224 / 231 | 2009-2011 |
| ML 350 BlueTEC | OM642 | V6, diesel, turbo | 2987 | 211 | 2009-2011 |
| ML 420 CDI | OM629 | V8, diesel, turbo | 3996 | 306 | 2007-2009 |
| ML 450 CDI | OM629 | V8, diesel, turbo | 3996 | 306 | 2009-2010 |
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class replaced the first-born in the spring of 2005. Engineers from Stuttgart have done a great job of creating a new crossover. The car received advanced and sophisticated technical solutions that turned into a headache for the owners of the second generation ML. The W164 was assembled at the assembly line of the Tuscaloosa plant, Alabama, USA. In March 2008, a restyled version of the M-class went on sale.
Engines
The first production MLs of the second generation were equipped with a gasoline V6 - M272 with a displacement of 3.5 liters and a power of 272 hp. (ML350), V8 - M113 5.0 l / 308 hp (ML500) and diesel V6 OM642: 3.0 l recoil 190 hp (ML280 CDI) and 224 hp (ML320 CDI). In 2006 lineup diesel engines diluted V8 OM629 with a displacement of 4.0 liters 306 hp And in June 2007, the flagship V8 M113 was replaced by the M273 with a power of 388 hp. (ML500 and ML550). In 2009, there was a marketing castling: the ML320 CDI model was removed from sale, and instead the ML300 CDI (190 and 204 hp) and ML350 CDI (224 hp) appeared with the same 3-liter V6 OM642.
The most widely used gasoline modifications are the ML350. The first M272 power units turned out to have significant design flaws, which were corrected at the end of 2007. So, with a run of more than 80-100 thousand km, "diesel" could appear, and later "Check Engine" would light up. Reason: wear of the balance shaft sprockets. To replace it, it is necessary to remove the engine, which is why repairs are significantly more expensive. In addition, it is necessary to change the timing chain, the tensioner with dampers and the camshaft magnets, since the chain often stretches to 100-150 thousand km, and the magnets of the camshaft position adjustment mechanism begin to “strange”. Experts recommend changing the oil pump, although there are no problems with it. For repairs in the official service, they will ask about 150-160 thousand rubles, along with spare parts. Self-selection spare parts and replacement in a regular service will cost almost 2 times cheaper - about 80-100 thousand rubles. After finalizing the problem node, the costly trouble began to occur much less frequently. Exactly the same problem is inherent in the 273rd V8 engine. True, there, to replace the balance shaft, the removal of the engine is not required, which simplifies and reduces the cost of repairs.
With a run of more than 100-150 thousand km, some owners of the ML350 are faced with the need to replace intake manifold due to problems with the vacuum damper valves. The cost of the collector is about 40,000 rubles. The node was finalized in 2007.
Plastic plugs of the engine block head begin to "poison" the oil after 40-60 thousand km. There is also oil leakage at the junction of the filter housing and the oil cooler heat exchanger - due to a leaky seal.
Diesel engines of the OM642 series pre-styling Mercedes ML suffer from a defect in the exhaust manifold. Pieces of the inner shell of the collector or welds break off and fall into the turbine. The result is serious damage to the blades and shaft of the turbine, as well as the mechanism for changing the geometry. It will take about 70-90 thousand rubles to replace two collectors. The turbine itself is tenacious, and with proper care, it easily takes care of more than 200-300 thousand km.
Transmission
All Mercedes engines The ML was paired with a 7G-Tronic 722.9 automatic transmission. According to the established tradition, the "automatic" pre-styling ML W164 also had a number of problems, some of which were resolved in 2007. The electro-hydraulic control unit often "departed to another world" after 100,000 km. For a new block, you will have to pay about 60-100 thousand rubles. Problems with the valve body in some cases were caused by the failure of 2 speed sensors. Some services restored the valve body by soldering these sensors. Another common problem with a run of more than 100,000 km is the “welding” of the bushing, and the destruction of the gearbox oil pump gears, which in turn led to scoring in the housing. Less often, problems arise with the gearshift control unit (25-30 thousand rubles).
Shocks when starting, stopping or switching are the “sore” of most second-generation Mercedes MLs. Changing the software of the gearbox and engine control unit helps to cure the disease, followed by synchronization of the blocks. The cost of such a procedure is about 6-8 thousand rubles.
From time to time there are cases of failure of the gearbox front axle. The cost of its restoration is about 40,000 rubles. Less often, it becomes necessary to replace the front driveshaft. Have to deal with chain wear transfer box, which will tell cod and gnash under load. The cost of the chain is about 5-6 thousand rubles, and the work to replace it is about 2-3 thousand rubles. If the razdatka buzzes, then about 40-45 thousand rubles will have to be paid for its bulkhead.
Chassis
Racks and bushings of the stabilizer roll stability serve about 60-80 thousand km. in the front lower arms weakness- rear silent block. Replacement of the lever is provided only in the assembly. The cost of the original lever is about 22-24 thousand rubles, the analogue is from 2 to 8 thousand rubles. After 50-70 thousand km, the rear ones often begin to creak ball joints and they show no signs of wear. An attempt to drive grease under the ball boot with a syringe rarely succeeds, the ball will have to be replaced. The cost of the original ball is about 10-16 thousand rubles, the analogue is about 2-4 thousand rubles. Shock absorbers of a conventional spring suspension go more than 100-150 thousand km. So many live and wheel bearings: 8-10 thousand rubles plus 1.5-2 thousand rubles for a replacement.
The air springs of the AirMatic air suspension do not differ in durability - the resource is in the region of 80-120 thousand km. The cost of a new original air spring in specialized services is about 60-70 thousand rubles for the front, and 30-40 thousand rubles for the rear. Analogues are cheaper: about 20 thousand rubles and 11 thousand rubles, respectively. For many, over time, knocks appear in the right front of the air suspension, which disappear when the Sport mode is turned on. Often knocks do not go away even after replacing the air strut. Get rid of extraneous sounds often helps the banal broach of the bolts of the suspension arms or the nuts of the shock absorber rod to the upper strut support. If the knocks remain, then the whole thing is in the AirMatic suspension control unit (about 30,000 rubles).
Over time, the steering ML begins to knock. In most cases, the cause is wear and tear. outboard bearing or steering cardan. The cost of eliminating the cause in an ordinary car service is low, about 4-7 thousand rubles, in authorized services it is more expensive - about 15 thousand rubles. With a run of more than 100-150 thousand km, sometimes there are problems with the steering rack. The cost of a new rail for officials is about 110-160 thousand rubles. There are also cases of failure of the power steering pump on pre-styling copies. The cost of a new original pump is about 30,000 rubles, an analogue is about 10,000 rubles.
Body and interior
Mercedes ML body, in best traditions German quality, has a good paintwork and is not prone to corrosion. A chrome package, on the other hand, can bloom in just a few winters. Mirror elements and diode lights daylight often become the prey of "car robbers".
There are cases of skew of the tailgate due to the destruction of the screws holding the door hinge. At the same time, when driving through irregularities, a roar appears. After 100,000 km, problems arise with the fifth door lock due to a breakdown of the mechanism or software “glitches”. In winter, the key to open the tailgate often sticks.
There are frequent problems with door locks, aggravated in winter time. Preventive measures, such as lubricating moving parts, help to slightly extend the life of the lock. Often, the closing of the door lock is prevented by a breaking and flying rubber band, inside which the lock rod runs. The cost of a new gum is about 1,000 rubles. Another equally common reason: the destruction of the spring in the lock. A repair kit is available to replace broken springs. In extreme cases, you have to change the lock itself. Official services ask for a new lock about 15 thousand rubles and 5 thousand rubles for work. Additional problems the Keyless Go system also adds. Due to the loss of tightness of the special coating on inside moisture gets inside the handle, and the electrical contacts are oxidized, which leads to failures. The cost of a new pen is about 4-5 thousand rubles.
Seals lose their seal over time. rear lights which allows moisture to enter the trunk. In the right niche there is a rear block SAM, which water procedures are contraindicated. The electrical board oxidizes, and all kinds of "glitches" of electricians appear. The cost of the new unit is about 20 thousand rubles.
Salon ML is assembled from high-quality materials, and therefore crickets are very rare here. Exception: tailgate and backrest rear seat. On some instances, there is abrasion of the leather of the steering wheel. Under the mats, in the legs are electronic control units various systems. Often in winter, melted snow from the rugs falls on the floor and further into blocks that are not airtight. Electrical boards oxidize and numerous problems appear. The cost of a new block is about 20,000 rubles.
Problems with proper functioning air conditioner associated with "glitches" in software KLA control unit. After the update, the climate performance is restored. Less often you have to change the block itself - about 46-50 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz ML W164 actually proved to be a little more reliable than its predecessor. It is gratifying that the manufacturer tried to solve design flaws in individual units and assemblies. Unfortunately, a lot of problems arise with the electrician. And the cost of individual parts and work exceeds all reasonable limits.
