Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI W163

In 1996, during the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes showed the world its first SUV, the ML. Although it was first produced in Europe, production was launched in the United States, as the North American market was to become a key one. Assembly began in 1997. A year later, Mercedes ML won the prestigious North American Car of the Year award. At the time, ML was very beautiful and functional. The attractive physique was perfectly combined with the excellent technique and experience of Mercedes in creating good SUVs. However, the model soon received many complaints. Not only was it rusted, but it was poorly assembled. Therefore, in 1999 it was decided to produce Mercedes ML for the European market in Graz, Austria, where the legendary Gelendwagen was assembled. Along with the “move” expanded and model range. There was a diesel modification of 270 CDI and the top – AMG. Product quality increased instantly. It was a completely different car. In 2001, it was decided to conduct restyling, which even more beneficially affected the quality - especially the interior. Along with the modernization, the 400 CDI model with a diesel V8 appeared. Unfortunately, a year later, ML production was discontinued in Graz, and in 2005, a generational change took place. The introduction of the Mercedes ML W163 marked the advent of the SUV era. Soon after the debut, similar cars were introduced by BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche and Volvo. But the competitors were a little more perfect. The ML was based on an outdated design. It is enough to mention the frame, which did not have the X5, Touareg, Cayenne and XC90. Not a mandatory attribute was the gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive, although all this was present in Mercedes, Volkswagen and Porsche. One of the advantages of ML is a very spacious interior. Mercedes is shorter than its competitors, but offers more space than the BMW X5 (with the same wheelbase) and the most spacious trunk. Its volume is 633 liters, and with the back sofa folded - more than 2,000 liters. Access to the trunk is through the door that opens upwards. In the version with a spare wheel on the rack, first you need to open the frame, and then the lid. Not a good solution.

Engines

The range of engines of the first generation ML is quite wide. The petrol versions were designated 230, 320, 350, 430 and 500, and the diesel versions were designated 270 CDI and 400 CDI. The smallest gasoline unit is a row four with a volume of 2.3 liters and a capacity of 150 hp. The engine was designed for European versions. Debuted ML with a very popular 3.2-liter V6, developing 218 hp. After restyling, it was replaced by a 3.7-liter V6 with a recoil of 235 hp (ML 350). V-shaped "eights" got ML 430 (4.3 l/272 hp), ML 500 (5.0 l/292 hp) and top 55 AMG (5.4 l/347 hp).

In Europe, the most widespread diesel engines, in particular the ML 270 CDI with a 2.7-liter R5 with a capacity of 163 hp 8-cylinder unit ML 400 CDI develops 250 hp and an impressive torque of 560 Nm at 1700 rpm. We will focus on the Mercedes ML 270 CDI.

Typical problems and malfunctions

As mentioned above, Mercedes ML received a lot of complaints at the beginning of its production cycle. First of all, it concerned the quality of the interior and leather upholstery. Not without the corrosion of the body metal. It appeared on the frame and in the lower part of the body (on the thresholds, lower edges of doors, wheel arches, floor). In cars hailing from the 90s, creaking and worn interior, foggy headlights and numerous defects of electricians are the norm. Unfortunately, many electrical problems are caused by unprofessional repairs in the past. Owners who believe that they are dealing with a real SUV, change their point of view at the first revision of the suspension. The sleeve is not particularly strong. There are two levers on each front wheel. The lower has removable sleeves and ball, and the upper indissoluble - from 6000 rubles. Failed torsion will devastate the budget more significantly - from 19 000 rubles per torsion. You can do a used set - from 3,000 rubles. Fortunately, torsion has a great resource. Brake discs and pads, on the contrary, wear out very quickly. Therefore, it is better to invest in high-quality components. 5-cylinder turbodiesel 270 CDI (OM612) appeared in 1999 and immediately fell under the hood of large models of the brand, including ML. The SUV received a weaker 163-horsepower engine version, and, for example, the Mercedes E-class – 170-horsepower. However, 370 Nm of torque does a good job with ML. The OM612 has an interesting design. Among the advanced solutions of that time there are also archaic ones. For example, a cast-iron block with interchangeable shells.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• Not without the corrosion of the body metal.
• In cars hailing from the 90s, creaking and worn interior, foggy headlights and numerous defects of electricians are the norm.
• Unfortunately, many electrical problems are caused by unprofessional repairs in the past.
• When the turbocharger fails, you will have to pay from 50,000 rubles, and in case of problems with the valves of the collector - from 30,000 rubles.
• Therefore, during operation, it is necessary to pay special attention to the temperature of the coolant and the state of the cooling system.
• The consolation will be the fact that the engine itself has a very high resource, and, in addition to the attachments and the head, nothing else fails.
• Mercedes ML is not a reliable car, but at least there is no problem with the availability of spare parts.

The Mercedes ML 270 CDI is not the most common modification. The cheapest diesel ML on the go can be purchased for 400 000 rubles. The owners estimate the most well-groomed copies at 700 000 rubles. Preference should be given to cars assembled in Europe after restyling (2001-2002). A prerequisite is the availability of free amount (minimum 50 000 rubles) for unforeseen repairs. Unfortunately, the cost of operation will not be small.

• Engines: The range of first-generation ML engines is quite wide.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: Not without corrosion of the body metal.

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