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Mercedes Benz M-Class ML320 CDI

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Comments

  • billfryebillfrye Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone heard about the 2-wheel drive (rear drive) 2008 MB ML320 CDI? If so, any word on the fuel economy??

    Thanks,

    Bill
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Does anybody know when the ML 320 CDI will be 50 state emission legal (MY 2008?). And when will they be available for ordering?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You may want to check in the Diesels in the News discussion too.
  • bubbadogbubbadog Member Posts: 3
    I current have a Jeep CRD Liberty and love it and am looking for either the ML 320 or the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD.
    Does anybody know the 3.0 diesel is a CCV (Closed Crake Case Ventilation) engine?
    Does anybody know if the 3.0 diesel has an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve?
    Can someone look in their owner’s manual and see what the severe duty maintenance schedule is for:
    Engine Oil Change
    Air Cleaner Change
    Differentials oil change
    Transfer case oil change
    Fuel Filter Change
  • genew2genew2 Member Posts: 2
    I have read on other forums that it is difficult and expensive to change out a fuel filter on the CDI. I am familiar with other diesels but not Mercedes. In a cold climate , 0 or below temp, it is not uncommon to see diesel cars and trucks on the side of the road with gelled fuel and the operator changing filters. On most cars and trucks it is easy to change but sounds like the CDI needs to go to the shop. Does Mercedes diesels not have this problem with fuel filters?? Thanks
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    Hi Genew2

    I am no export on diesels but I do have an 07 ML320CDI and have driven it in the winter. Never had a problem even with temps 0 and below, starts right up the first time as well. I am also sure it depends on the type of fuel one uses, I stick to name brands. This is my firs diesel and am pleased with the drive-ability. I do notice during winter the exhaust has a different smell, like clorox. Maybe this is the additive fuel stations use during winter to prevent gelling.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Most stations mix number one diesel (kerosene) with number two during the winter. That should not gel down to minus 40 degrees. Biodiesel in the cold could present problems.

    I am glad to hear you are liking your ML320 CDI. I am looking for one that has 7500 miles so I can license it here in CA. My wife insists on Desert silver metallic with Macadamia Leather.
  • genew2genew2 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your reply and information. It is amazing you have no troubles with the cold weather. I run several over the road trucks and we have some troubles and fuel only where we have good fuel. We run both cummins and cat engines. Evidently Mercedes has it figured out. I will be looking closely at the M class diesel.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    Yeah, I'm pleased, so far so good with cold starts (this is my first diesel). That was one of the things I was worried about, hearing about glow plugs and such. But this 320CDI at most, on really cold mornings, takes a second to start, you barely have time to catch the glow plug indicator when the ignition system says go and starts immediately - it has started right up first time each time so far and runs smooth and quickly becomes quiet. Surprises quite a few folks that have diesels. Typical MB, turn the key and let go, the ignition system does the rest. During warmer seasons there is no delay at all that I can detect.

    so far my best mileage on the highway was 29mpg steady - not bad at all for a 5000 pound square. Got 26mpg with a fully loaded cargo area doing 80 plus on a 5hr trip the other month. Impressive. I have almost 7K on it to date.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    I had a 2000 ML320 (not diesel) with a similar color scheme - desert silver and java. Nice combo indeed on both.

    My 07 ML320 CDI is silver with black interior. I liked the black a bit better due to the large expanses of plastic on the dash in this model. The plastic is not of terrible quality but the black just looked higher quality, less like...well...plastic. ;) But I do like this diesel and if all goes well my next SUV will also be a diesel. It just works.
  • obrientwoobrientwo Member Posts: 9
    I keep watching for information as to when this model will be sold in California. Any information would be appreciated. Local dealer hopeless and clueless.
  • hunter312hunter312 Member Posts: 22
    Hey guys!

    I am looking to purchase either a 2007 or 2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI and when I went to the dealer he explained to me that Massachusetts (where I plan to move in about a year) does not facilitate ULSD and that you can't find it in stations there anywhere.

    I currently live in Florida and there are a few stations that do have it, so its not a problem down here. The problem I have is: If I buy this SUV (which I have my heart set on), will I be able to drive it in Massachusetts or not?

    I tried looking online but could find limited information on whether or not MA had ULSD. The closest I could find was that they were equipping service vehicles (like school buses) to run on ULSD.

    Any help would be immensely appreciated! Thanks in advance guys!
  • hunter312hunter312 Member Posts: 22
    ML320 CDI is due to be released in August-September 2008 as a 2009 Model in California as well as other PZEV states so it complies with 50-state diesel requirements.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    I think your dealer should do a little more research. I've got an 07 ML320 CDI and was in Cape Cod this past summer. On Rt 6 about 5 or 6 miles south of Well Fleet there is either a BP or Hess on the right at an intersection (it was green)...really does not matter since it had ULSD and it was stickered as such. Keep in mind some of the stickers are white and some green - just look for that 15ppm number. If you see 500ppm keep going

    The service buses do run on ULSD in MA but the nozzle is too large for the MLs tank - the station I went to had both sizes.
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    I have the R320 cdi, and have been driving it for one year. When I first got it fuel was a big problem. Now more and more stations are carrying it, but some seem not to label their pumps. Allegedly, the ULSD is all that should be available at vehicle service stations. Truck stops are another thing. The gov had issued "rules" last year about stations having the ULSD as a mandate, but kept moving the date. I had a hard time driving from MD to FL last year. While in FL I found a few stations with the fuel. In MD more and more stations are carrying it. Of course, now it's 30cents more per gallon. You can contact the major oil companies and they can tell you where they have fuel (if it's a company station).
  • hunter312hunter312 Member Posts: 22
    Well thanks for the tips guys. I did a little research and found out that he is indeed wrong.

    I also managed to find this on MB's website (after a lot of searching through google and whatnot). Thought you guys might find it useful since you already have the diesels:

    http://www.mbusa.com/locator/ULSDStationList.pdf

    Let me know if that sheet is useful and correct. Thanks for the tips guys!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I have owned two diesels in CA since 2005. I have never had a problem finding ULSD. BP started selling ULSD at their ARCO stations in about 2004. It was great fuel. Not a lot of that usual diesel smell when fueling the vehicle. Still best to have a glove as it does not evaporate if it gets on the pump handle. My local ARCO station handed you a plastic glove when you told them it was a diesel pump.
  • joemama7joemama7 Member Posts: 5
    Fingers crossed, did my research and can't find a reason not to buy this one. Only concern is the price of diesel fuel. Where do you see diesel fuel prices going in relation to regular fuel? Any feedback on the 2008? Dont know if what the difference is between 08 and 07. Guess I didnt do enough research.
    Also, I traded in a supercharged 2006 Range Rover Sport. Great car but felt like i was sitting in a coach airline seat. I am broad shouldered and edges of seat cut into my shoulder blades. Plus it sucked down fuel while I watched.
  • hunter312hunter312 Member Posts: 22
    I currently drive a 2008 ML320CDI and in terms of fuel economy it performs very well in my opinion. The figures of 18/24 are pretty accurate, though it really depends on your driving.

    After buying the car in December I took it on a road trip to New York where I got about 24.3mpg max even though I drove 80mph average but was very soft on the pedal. However, about 2 weeks ago the mileage on the car went up and I now get around 24 minimum on the highway and up to 27 if I drive it well.

    For the city, I have only ever gotten 17mpgs if I drove the car quite hard (fast acceleration etc), but usually I never go below 18 and average about 20-22/23 mpgs in the city. Generally even if you're getting about 22mpgs on the highway or whatever, the car will usually average 20-23mpgs city and highway driving if you drive it normally. The mileage does go up now quite quickly when I drive it steadily over prolonged distances (it went up by 3mpgs from 21.5-24.5 after having spent about 2 minutes doing 65-70mph on the highway after city driving). My car is currently hovering around about 4,000 miles driven. I'd say at about 3,500-4,000 miles the engine should be worn in enough and you'll get those higher mpgs.

    In any case i've had no problems and the car has been absolutely joyous and lovely to drive. Definitely a great purchase and it gets quite a lot of looks, and when you compare it to a lot of real-world mileage of gasoline SUVs it does quite well. Diesel prices don't matter as much to me, as the higher mpgs for an SUV and the 25.1mpg fuel tank make up for it. That, and the fact that diesel stations are actually easier to find than most people think, and if you look a bit longer you might find cheaper diesel rates down the road. I doubt diesel prices will go sky-high and when you consider the greater efficiency of diesel and the coming of diesel vehicles by VW, BMW, Audi and the Japanese as well as new Mercedes models, its worth it.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    I've got an 07 ML320 CDI and I also get stunning MPG. On a recent long trip to Cape Cod with a loaded SUV I got 26.5 and that was doing near 80, I divided gallons used into total trip miles when filling up.

    In winter Diesel is higher but in summer it is much lower, less then regular in some cases. Keep in mind Diesel in winter is around the same price (maybe a little more) for premium which all MBs require. Bottom line, with the extra miles you can go on a gallon and low summer prices you are paying less overall for Diesel. Get one...oh and that torque is intoxicating
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Get one...oh and that torque is intoxicating

    It is something that has to be experienced. You can have the gassers HP, I will take the diesel torque any day. How do you like the 7 speed transmission?
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    The 7 speed is ok but I do get a couple shift kicks if I do strong acceleration and then let off the gas, the tranny wants to go for the high gears ASAP so it will jump 2 to 3 gears if you let it and gives you a double kick. Only happens if I am aggressive then let off the gas (reaching 40 or so). Of course this could be because of the bigger torque causing a snap as I have a CLK with the same 7 speed and do not notice this.

    I finally found a use for the shift paddles on the wheel. The ML diesel loves to engine brake going down hill or stay in the best RPMs for full torque at lower speeds (gear 4 to 6 at 30 to 40) - to get better MPG I force it to stay in the highest gear with a tap of the right paddle....works fine. I will add that auto engine braking when coming to a full stop is great benefit - love that subtle growl too.
  • joemama7joemama7 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for all your replys. PS I pitted 3 dealers against each other and saved another grand plus got them to throw in running boards..
  • thochethoche Member Posts: 4
    Help, I just filled up my new 08 diesel with low sulfur and not ultra low sulfur. Should I pump it out? should I just fill in more of the correct ultra low? HELP HELP!!!
  • joemama7joemama7 Member Posts: 5
    My ride is so new I have not even fueled it yet. Hit your teleaid info button and choose vehicle information when they ask and they will have your answer in minutes while you sit in the car. Let me know what they say.
    Thanks.
  • hunter312hunter312 Member Posts: 22
    Pump it out! You could seriously mess up your ride if you run it on Low Sulfur Diesel. From what i've heard it'll emit black smoke and u'll hear the engine chug followed by the engine potentially breaking.

    Low sulfur has 550pm and Ultra-Low sulfur has 15ppm so you see the difference.

    I haven't filled with low sulfur yet cos i'm really careful not to- don't wanna risk damaging the engine and I think you definitely shouldn't try to run on low sulfur.
  • thochethoche Member Posts: 4
    I asked my salesmen and he said it's a new car and it's ok, but don't make the mistake too often. I was hoping anybody have more information. Somebody like a mechanic or similar profession.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    What I've heard is it can clog the special exhaust system, MB will not warranty it if that happens. The system is $1500 or more. those 550ppm and 15ppm numbers mean parts per million, so imagine 550 particles getting filtered through your exhaust system all at once vs 15 particles - not wholly accurate but you get the idea.

    You may be ok as it is a new car and the system is clean...but go ahead and get the ultra low in there to start and dilute

    good luck
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Low sulfur diesel can be anything from 30 PPM sulfur to 500 PPM sulfur. If you are in CA it is no more than 130 PPM. You can drain it and sell it to someone with a diesel PU truck which all run fine on the stuff.
  • jph3006jph3006 Member Posts: 49
    I am beginning to do the research on this interesting vehicle/V-6 diesel engine.

    1) Does this super high pressure fuel system require special treatment oil changes? Are fuel filters (I know oil filters are changed) changed when the oil is changed? What are owners paying for oil changes at the MB dealers?
    2) What special maintenance for the diesel over the 3.5L gas engine is required up to 100,000 miles?

    Thanks for any help, Jay
  • joemama7joemama7 Member Posts: 5
    Thats super. Please let us know what you find?
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    What does anyone know of the recall of the 2007 CDIs? It's a crankshaft sensor problem.
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    have not heard of the recall but my 07 CDI up and died while my Wife was driving it. Crankshaft sensor went bad. If it happens to you let it sit for 20 mins and then start it up to just get it off the road if you find yourself stuck.

    Other then that car has been good.
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    Thanks for the heads-up. I am traveling, and called my home dealer who had heard nothing. I had read the info in autonews.com and asked him to read it. He did, and then did a search on my vin no. and said my car was not involved. I can't find anything about the recall elsewhere. I checked the gov. website and MB website. Not sure what to think...
  • cneffcneff Member Posts: 65
    well it seems there is a recall. Heard about it yesterday and just got the letter today.

    Funny thing is I already had the sensor fail and replaced months ago, yesterday during service, they replaced it again....I guess just to be sure.

    From the letter it does not specify if it is just a Diesel issue, but it seems to effect some ML, GL, R and E-class models, years 2006 to 2008.

    Anyway - if you got the letter then your vehicle could be affected....go in.
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    I called my dealer when I read about the recall. He ran my vin no. through and said my car was not involved. He also knew nothing about the recall. As luck would have it, I'm traveling, so will deal with it when I get home...
  • chintchint Member Posts: 30
    I recently traded my R for a new ML320 CDI . I find it little difficult getting in and out of ML without side steps or running boards as ML has little higher ground clearence than the R.

    The cost for the delaer installed option when purchasing was 510 ( Free installation) Unfortunately the dealer had the part on order and I did'nt want to wait

    But now when I enquired my local dealer about the running boards he says the price is 940 + installation

    Any recomendations on where to get the running board ( the new aluminium ones with black spots)
  • chomondelychomondely Member Posts: 15
    I am considering one with the premium 3 package with the air suspension.
    Any one used it off road?
    Reliabilty?

    I own an LR3 and I am trying to get better mileage while preserving my ability to leave paved roads.
    What mileage?
    Thanks for your thoughts.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "For most of our test, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec led the Lexus in our comparison."

    Diesel Vs. Hybrid: We Debate Two Technologies

    image
  • watkinstwatkinst Member Posts: 119
    Wife and I currently have 3 cars and I'm trying to get it down to two:-)

    Two of our 3 cars fit our uses well but I'd like one that covers it as a whole.
    Thinking the R 320 CDI might just do it. But have never owned a MB - the reliability thing is my major hang up. And Concern

    Diesel I'm familiar with - my first car was diesel - great car took more abuse than any car should ever endur but thats what happens when a 16yr old had his first car. It wasn't a MB.

    Anyway the milege the CDI returns - the road trip comfort big Plus - and the hauling/ light trailering ability is ideal along with the AWD.

    It's not MB like for owners to do their own basic maint - but I like to know enough about my cars to know when I'm getting the BS line from the shop or can fix it enough to make it home on a road trip. Having lots of experience with Diesels I'd probably want to know how to replace the fuel filter and have an extra on board for long road trips.

    Anyway very good thread - any additional comments on reliability with the 07's - 7spd transmission - AWD system? - Air suspension system seems like a great idea though not a must have if they are known for complicated issues etc. Thoughts?

    I like to keep my cars a long time so cars that have low numbers of odd quality issues are my top interest. Hence my 94 Land Cruiser and my 2000 Subaru which I hope to replace with a single vehicle
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    I have an '07 R 320 CDI - it's a great driving car. The fuel mileage is exceptional for a vehicle its' size. The seats are big and comfortable. The rear doors are enormous - so you must park so that you can actually open them wide to appreciate the space. I had it in for a sensor(?) replacement, and a tweaking on the transmission recently. MB navigation is a dinosaur, but it gets you where you're going. We travel a lot and had to get a roof cargo box for it, but it does little to diminish the fuel mileage. It's easy, very easy to get in and out of the car.
  • doccoloradodoccolorado Member Posts: 8
    I own a R320 CDI 2008, bought new. Fantastic car, it is the most comfortable Mercedes I have ever owned. We get 21/22 mpg in town; 28/30 mpg on highway.

    The cruise control if fantastic for interstate and here in mountains, when we go down our very steep grades, the cruise will keep car from overrunning the speed you set.

    I change my own oil. I do it the same way our local MB Specialist Garage does it, using a vacuum device to pull it out of the dipstick. Also, oil filter is done from the top, no crawling under the car. I do my wifes CLK320 as well. same way, easy.

    7 speed transmission has been very reliable. When I took it in for 1,000 mile 'check' (Free)' They fixed a sensor that was saying I was low on engine oil.

    I have 1 issue now, Command system will reboot when going down hill on cruise, and there is a TB on it, deal will fix it by replacing some diodes. (Warranty);

    BTW, I did drive the ML320 & GL320 2009 Bluetecs the other day. The ML320 what a dog, it would hesitate too much on takeoff from stop. The GL320 was sweet. Both however had "run-flat" Tires, no spare. WOW are they NOISY. They are so NOISY, I will NOT buy one, and will be looking for 2007/2008 model. (CDI); They had to make room for the 'blue-tec' tank.

    Doc
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I have come to the same conclusion on the blutec Mercedes. I don't like the urea treatment business. If I could find a super clean 2007-08 ML or GL CDI I would grab it. Then sell this gas guzzling Sequoia.

    same goes for those horrible run flat tires.
  • coolpartnercoolpartner Member Posts: 10
    Hi -
    I am first time MB buyer and in fact first time considering Diesel engine.
    Does any one have any thought on fair price for
    2009 ML 320 Blue Tech + Premium 1 Pkg + Heated front seats + BRUSHED ALUMINUM RUBBER-STUDDED RUNNING BOARDS + RES Pre Wiring
    MSRP of 54845 /-

    Also any other Suggestion / Recommendation things to be careful or needs to be taken care for a MB bluetech diesel would be much appreciated. I Plan to keep Vehicle for long time

    Thanks
    Vj
  • chuckbluechuckblue Member Posts: 2
    If your in California I know a dealer selling for 14,000 off MSRP. I bought one and they drove 3 hours to deliver it no charge.
  • coolpartnercoolpartner Member Posts: 10
    Congratulations...!!!

    Where in California ? If you can please share information that be great..I am not in California but often travel there for work.
    Did you use any other discount with 8k how you able to bring down price by 14 k ?.

    Thanks
    -Vj
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    Don't forget that the ML 320 BlueTec has run flat tires and no spare. That's a deal breaker for me.
  • dolitskydolitsky Member Posts: 4
    i would have interest....where in california?
  • spwilsonspwilson Member Posts: 4
    Hey Chuck, I am in California also, San Diego area. I am looking at the
    GL320 and am interested in that dealer.
    Thanks!
  • mr__edmr__ed Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2008 ML 320 CDI - will someone tell me how to remove the large plastic engine cover so I can do my own oil changes?
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