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Mercedes-Benz · Mid-Size SUV · 1997–2005

Mercedes-Benz ML W163

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

250–260 PS

4.0L V8 CDI Diesel

V8 Diesel in Off-Road Form — Rare, Sonorous, Serious

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

163–231 PS

2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel Diesel

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz ML W163 is available with 7 engine variants — from 163 to 517 hp.

ML 270 CDI · Diesel· 163 PS
1999 2005
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ML 400 CDI · Diesel· 250 PS
2002 2005
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
AMG ML 55 · Benziner· 347 PS
1999 2005
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ML 320 · Benziner· 218 PS
1997 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ML 350 · Benziner· 235 PS
2002 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ML 430 · Benziner· 272 PS
1998 2001
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ML 500 · Benziner· 292 PS
2001 2005
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI (Diesel, 163 PS) has the OM612 (2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 400 CDI (Diesel, 250 PS) has the OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG ML 55 (Benziner, 347 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 320 (Benziner, 218 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 (Benziner, 235 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 430 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 500 (Benziner, 292 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Body rust from US manufacture

The US-built W163 received insufficient corrosion protection from the factory. Boot lid, sills, wheel arches and bonnet are particularly susceptible.

Symptoms: Rust bubbles under paint, perforations on boot lid and wheel arches, brown staining on sills
from 120,000 km
Ad W163 tailgate repair panelML W163 rocker panel Rost
 High
✖Rust on load-bearing frame members

Ladder frame rusts heavily, particularly at the rear and at longitudinal member sections. Suspension mounting points can be so weakened by corrosion that the vehicle's roadworthiness is at risk.

Symptoms: Visible surface rust on underbody, suspension noises from corroded bushes, MOT failure on load-bearing parts
Ad Längsträger W163 repairRahmenschutz ML W163Unterbodenschutz Mercedes ML
 High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz ML W163 (1997–2005) — 29 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: OM612 (2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel). Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Brakes, Gearbox.

ML (OM612, 1999–2005) — Stay Away!: "Black Death" -- injector seal failure with tar formation, EGR cooler fails -- coolant in intake, Cylinder head crack -- coolant loss under load. Power: 163 PS.

ML (OM628, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Bi-turbo failure (right turbocharger preferentially), Coolant loss through cylinder head. Power: 250 PS.

ML (M112, 1997–2005) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 218 PS.

ML (M113, 1998–2001) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 272 PS.

ML (M113, 1999–2005) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 347 PS.

ML (M113, 2001–2005) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 292 PS.

ML (M112, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 235 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz ML? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz ML W163 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz ML W163 has 29 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML W163? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M112 (3.2L V6), M113 (4.3-5.4L V8), OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI). Problem engine: OM612 (2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel) — stay away!
Which Mercedes-Benz ML W163 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz ML W163 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} A V8 diesel SUV was no given in 2001. The ML 400 CDI tows with disarming composure, sounds pleasantly full-bodied under acceleration, and never feels strained. For those to whom a V6 diesel is too ordinary.
Is the Mercedes-Benz ML W163 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mercedes-Benz ML W163 — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz ML W163? +
The Mercedes-Benz ML W163 is available with engine variants from 163 to 517 hp. Petrol: M112 (3.2L V6), M113 (4.3-5.4L V8). Diesel: OM612 (2.7L 5-Zyl Diesel), OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee