Thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML (1997–2011) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,500–$5,800
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Mercedes-Benz ML faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01M272/M273 Balance Shaft Sprocket Premature Wear
CriticalVery commonEngine $6,500–$13,000 to fix
The M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines used a composite plastic balance shaft idler gear sprocket that wears prematurely. As teeth degrade, the timing chain slackens and the right-bank camshafts fall out of time. A class action lawsuit was settled by Mercedes-Benz in 2011 for approximately USD $4,000 per affected vehicle. Engines with serial numbers below 30468993 on M272 are most commonly affected, though failures outside this range are also documented.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start timing chain rattle lasting more than 2–3 seconds
Check engine light with P0016 or P0017 camshaft correlation codes
Rough idle or misfire at low RPM
Metallic debris or swarf in engine oil
What to check
Check engine serial number against the Mercedes published threshold (below 30468993 on M272). Scan for P0016 and P0017 fault codes. Listen at cold start for chain rattle lasting more than 2 seconds. Confirm whether balance shaft sprocket, idler gear, and timing chain have been replaced as a set. If a workshop inspection is possible: Drain a small oil sample and inspect for metallic swarf.
Where to look: Timing cover, front of engine
Ask the seller
“Has the balance shaft sprocket and timing chain been replaced, and can you show a workshop invoice?”
“What is the engine serial number?”
“Have there ever been check engine lights or stored cam correlation codes?”
Green corrosion develops inside the brake pressure sensor (B34) wire harness connector on W163 vehicles, causing intermittent and eventually permanent failure of the ABS, ESP, ETS, and BAS systems. Moisture ingress into the exposed connector housing drives the corrosion. The fault causes multiple simultaneous warning lights and in some cases causes the speedometer to drop to zero and the transmission to behave erratically. Fault code C1141 is the primary indicator.
Symptoms to notice
ABS, ESP, ETS, and BAS warning lights illuminated simultaneously
Fault code C1141 (brake pressure sensor)
Speedometer dropping to zero intermittently
Transmission shifting abnormally
What to check
Check instrument cluster for any combination of ABS, ESP, ETS, or BAS warning lights. Scan for C1141 and related brake system fault codes. Physically inspect the brake pressure sensor B34 connector at the front of the engine bay for green or white corrosion on the terminals. Check whether the connector has been previously replaced or treated.
Where to look: Brake pressure sensor B34, front engine bay near ABS pump
Ask the seller
“Have any ABS, ESP, or stability system warning lights appeared?”
“Have any brake or stability system faults been repaired?”
“Has the brake pressure sensor connector been replaced?”
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
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7 more documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz ML
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz ML, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Mercedes-Benz ML with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes-Benz ML?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz ML, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mercedes-Benz ML?
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Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz ML fall between $1,500–$5,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mercedes-Benz ML?
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Yes. A Mercedes-Benz ML inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.