Mercedes-Benz ML W164
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
V8 SUV — 510 hp in 2.3 Tonnes
Fun to Drive!457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
10 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz ML W164 is available with 7 engine variants — from 190 to 525 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDI (Diesel, 190 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (Diesel, 224 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC (Diesel, 258 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 420 CDI (Diesel, 306 PS) has the OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG ML 63 (Benziner, 510 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz ML 500 (Benziner, 306–388 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (2005–2011, Be Careful) und M273 (2007–2011, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the ML 500!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear SAM module defective due to water ingress Water enters through defective tail light seals and damages the rear SAM module. Mainly pre-facelift models up to 2008 are affected. Symptoms: Brake lights do not illuminate, rear indicators not working, tailgate does not open from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear SAM module defective due to water ingress The rear SAM fails when water enters through tail lights. Result: failure of lighting, wipers and displays. Mainly pre-facelift models up to 2008 affected. Symptoms: Sudden failure of rear lighting, wipers non-functional, multiple fault messages simultaneously from 80,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Kia Sorento XM
Mittelklasse-SUV (2009–2014)
Audi Q5 8R
Mittelklasse-SUV (2008–2017)
Suzuki Grand Vitara JT-FL
Mittelklasse-SUV (2008–2015)
Toyota Highlander XU40
Mittelklasse-SUV (2008–2013)
Volvo XC60 I
Mittelklasse-SUV (2008–2017)
Nissan X-Trail T31
Mittelklasse-SUV (2007–2010)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 55 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 (2005–2011) — 48 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG), OM629 (4.0L V8 CDI). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Gearbox, Steering.
ML (OM642, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 190 PS.
ML (OM642, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224 PS.
ML (OM629, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head warped -- coolant loss, NAG2 transmission at torque limit, Oil Cooler Leak in V-Section. Power: 306 PS.
ML (OM642, 2009–2011) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 258 PS.
ML (M113, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 306 PS.
ML (M272, 2005–2011) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
ML (M156, 2006–2011) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 510 PS.
ML (M273, 2007–2011) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 388 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 W164 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML W164? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz ML W164 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz ML W164 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee