2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  29.6% All 2005 cars

  13.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints7.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  10.8% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  24.6% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  13.6% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 3.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  11.4% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  32% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?