Which Years of Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicles Are Most Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz M-Class by Overlaet - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a highly popular midsize luxury SUV, offering flexibility, dependability, and value for money in spades. The second generation of this vehicle is especially valued in the used car market, leading many car shoppers to seek out the most reliable Mercedes-Benz M-Class year possible. If you don’t know where to start, read on; we’ll explore the various different model years of Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles, including which ones you should avoid.
Most Reliable Years for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicle
Like many cars, more modern iterations of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class tend to be more reliable and dependable than their earlier counterparts. The most reliable Mercedes-Benz M-Class years include:
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
If you purchase any of these model years, you’ll benefit from better engine performance, improved safety features, and reduced vehicle recall risks. Many of these cars are so good because they improved upon earlier problems noted by previous vehicle owners.
However, your shopping might run into some confusion. Note that Mercedes changed the line of the ML class of vehicles in 2015 to the GLE class. Still, most used-car markets will have the vehicles listed by both names to ensure you can find the right car for your needs.
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Are Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicles Generally Reliable?
If you’re in the market for any used Mercedes-Benz M-Class, you might wonder whether the vehicle line is reliable in general. Fortunately, it is.
According to mirarmarspeedcircuit.com, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class didn’t begin as dependable as it is now. The first generation of these vehicles, indeed, had major drawbacks. But the second and third generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles saw significant improvements in terms of interior space, fuel economy, and performance. As a result, the most reliable Mercedes-Benz M-Class years are those made later in its manufacturing lifespan.
Enginepatrol.com also indicates that the Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles are generally reliable, particularly the newer vehicles. For example, the Mercedes ML350 has high-reliability ratings, usually four out of five or higher (or equivalent). All in all, you can rely on a well-maintained, more recent used Mercedes-Benz M-Class to be a dependable, good vehicle.
Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicles Are the Least Reliable?
It’s crucial to avoid certain model years of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class so you don’t accidentally purchase a car that causes more financial trouble and greater headaches in the long run. You should specifically avoid these model years:
- 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Many of these model years had over 100 complaints from owners within a year of their initial manufacturing. Some were even worse. For example, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class had over 200 distinct problems recorded, many of which were related to serious systems, like safety systems or the transmission.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS YEARS TO AVOID
We rounded up some of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class years to avoid if you’re looking to buy a used model. Plus, we offer insights into why these model years should be cautiously approached.
Are Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicles Expensive to Maintain?
It’s a good idea to keep the average maintenance costs of a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class in mind before buying one. According to repairpal.com, the average cost of maintaining a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class is just over $1000 per year.
Naturally, some expenses will run you much more than others. As an example, a rack and pinion replacement will be thousands of dollars, but a diagnosis or test of the antitheft system should be less than $100 in total. For the best results, take your used Mercedes-Benz M-Class into a repair shop if you notice anything wrong with it ASAP. That way, a small issue won’t spiral into something worse.
Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicle is Most Reliable?
Overall, the most reliable Mercedes-Benz M-Class year is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz ML350. According to fourwheeltrends.com, there are lots of things that set this vehicle apart from competitors.
For example, it’s very high performing in terms of engine performance and gas mileage, and the cabin is very quiet, even if you drive at high speeds. The seats are pretty comfortable, and drivers enjoy good all-around visibility. All in all, the car is easy to drive even with its size.
The ML350 also comes with technological improvements over the previous GLE model from the same line of vehicles. These used cars also come with powerful 3.5 L V6 engines.
What Are the Most Common Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicle Problems?
It’s always a good idea to know how to recognize common problems and solutions in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class line, just in case you need to take it to a mechanic’s shop. Breakeryard.com says the most common problems include:
- Poor idling and power loss
- Excessive braking distance
- Engine misfires
- Extensive engine noise and vibration
- Water in the boot
- Knocking noises
Any one of these flaws could indicate something is terribly wrong with your vehicle, so be sure to get it checked by a trusted auto mechanic at the earliest opportunity.
Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicle Worth It?
Provided you purchase a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class from one of the best model years, it could very much be worth your time. That’s because even a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class will provide excellent fuel efficiency, good safety features, and overall comfort and reliability.
On top of that, these vehicles are so old that you’ll have difficulty finding a mechanic or car shop that has the right parts and technicians for regular fixes. Given this fact, it’s unlikely you’ll pay exorbitant fees for any repairs you do encounter in the future, as mechanics won’t have to look for certain parts or manuals to get the job done.
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Final Thoughts
Bottom line: a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class might be just what you need as a commuter, family, or vacationer. Indeed, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class can serve you well when taking your family to an exotic location or when dropping your kids off for soccer practice.
However, be sure to ask for a vehicle history report for any used Mercedes-Benz M-Class. That’s the only way to know whether a given car has serious causes for concern and if you should skip over it in favor of a different used car from a more reliable seller.
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