The Mercedes ML 270 CDI is a mid-size luxury family SUV made to compete with the likes of the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. This luxurious, AWD chariot is typically being bought by people who want to mix utility with the highest levels of luxury. Mercedes is a brand known for making some of the most illustrious SUVs in the game, and the ML-Class is known for exactly that.
When it comes to reliability, these large family luxury SUVs can be problematic if they are not kept in optimum condition at all times. They are simply way too complex in nature which means that there are many things that can go wrong. The ML 270 CDI was in production between 1997 and 2005, and in that time, many problems were reported with the car.
For starters, the car sometimes seems to be experiencing various engine issues where the car either refuses to start-up or stalls. The EGR valve is a known gripe with the ML, and so can be the transmission. The suspension system is known to fail as well and so can the car’s electronics and various comfort and convenience systems.
All in all, the 1st gen ML is the one that brought the mid-size luxury SUV to fame, but the ML-Class was replaced by the GLE-Class in 2015. The W163 ML can now be had for a really discounted price which means that now is the time to get one cheap.
Mercedes ML 270 – Engine problems
The ML 270 CDI comes with a 2.7L inline 5-cylinder diesel engine that offers 163hp and 272lb-ft of torque. This engine is not exactly the best performing engine out of all ML models as it is an entry-level ML and the least powerful diesel ML model of all time. Some owners have reported the car leaking after being left undriven for a while which can definitely pose various safety threats.
The fuel consumption of the 2.7L diesel engine is also not the very best to start with, but some owners have reported the car being less efficient than what it was supposed to be. The oil can find its way out of the engine which can end up in a fire. Finally, the engine is sometimes known to fail completely, but this is mostly on high-mileage cars that haven’t been maintained all that well.
Mercedes ML 270 – EGR valve problems
The EGR (Exhaust gas recirculation) valve is designed to control the amount of exhaust gas flowing which ultimately affects the car’s power and emissions. The most common symptoms of a faulty EGR valve are a rough idle, poor performance, increased fuel consumption, fuel odors, and the engine management light staying on at all times.
The best thing you can do is either try to repair (clean) the EGR valve or replace it completely. Many Mercedes models are known to suffer from faulty EGR, and the ML 270 certainly is not different.
Mercedes ML 270 – Transmission problems
The automatic gearbox found in the ML 270 is sometimes known to suffer from various issues such as not wanting to shift from 3rd to 4th gear or even going into limp mode which can make the car virtually undrivable. Some say that this is due to low transmission fluid levels, but some owners reported these issues even with the fluid being topped out properly at all times.
It seems like these issues are mostly due to faulty transmission speed sensors and the transmission simply can’t operate as well as it should if these are at fault. Others have reported problems with the transmission fluid leaving the housing and causing damage to nearby components.
Mercedes ML 270 – Suspension problems
The suspension on the ML-Class Mercedes is designed to cope with the added mass and stress associated with a heavy car. However, the ML 270 is a relatively old car and many suspension components are known to fail either due to old age or lackluster maintenance.
Owners have reported the car sagging on the rear end and it seems like the rear shocks can go out relatively often. Some have also reported problems with the bushings which can break after a while. The torsion bar is also known to fail, especially on cars with a lot of miles on the clock.
Mercedes ML 270 – Electrical issues
The Mercedes ML 270 is a relatively old car which means that many of the car’s electronic systems are prone to failing. The battery and the alternator can cause trouble, and so can the car’s exterior lighting system. Some say that water tends to find its way into delicate electrical housings which can cause lots of issues with the car’s electronics.
Many interior buttons and switches can break due to repeated stress, and the car’s central locking system can also go out. Many older Mercedes models experience trouble with power windows which is also a known gripe with the ML 270.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Mercedes ML 270 CDI?
There are a few reasons why buying an ML 270 CDI is a good idea, but there are also a few reasons why it isn’t. The good news is that the ML 270 is now a really affordable car as it has depreciated almost completely. Moreover, the ML 270 is a comfortable car with all the necessary features to keep you entertained in the long run.
On the other hand, the ML 270 is old and really lacking when it comes to features most of us are used to.
How comfortable is the Mercedes ML 270?
The Mercedes ML 270 is still a really comfortable car because it has a decent suspension system and it typically comes with fat tires all around. The interior of the ML270 is quiet and very well-appointed which makes it a really pleasant place to spend time in.
Is the Mercedes ML 270 a good family car?
The Mercedes ML-Class is designed for family use, but the ML 270 CDI is simply too old to be called good. Sure, it does all the essentials really well, but it isn’t as safe nor as entertaining for you or your kids when compared to every other ML model ever made.
