2007 Mercedes-Benz ML: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Engine oil leaks2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  27.7% All 2007 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  21.4% All 2007 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.9% of all 2007 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.

• Handbrake cables8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  2.4% All 2007 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

• Diesel smoke emissions2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  2.1% All 2007 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML

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 2.3× as often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake cables? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?