2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style. The ML500 comes standard with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2006 ML-Class include the ML350 with a 3.5L V6 engine and the ML320 CDI diesel. All engines were paired with a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the ML500’s powerful engine, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, electrical issues, and some reliability concerns.
Engine
5.0L V8 (M113)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from various seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The camshaft position sensor can fail, causing rough running, stalling, or a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6 (M272)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (Early Production)
- Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket, particularly in early production M272 engines, can lead to engine noise, rough running, and ultimately engine damage if not addressed. Symptoms include a check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing.
- Solution: Replacing the balance shaft and potentially other related components. This is a significant repair requiring extensive engine work.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Runner Flap Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold runner flaps can break or become stuck, leading to poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the intake manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L V6 Diesel (OM642)
- Oil Cooler Seal Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The oil cooler seals are prone to leaking, leading to oil loss and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replacing the oil cooler seals. This can be a labor-intensive repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The 7G-Tronic transmission can experience valve body issues, leading to harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or failure to shift.
- Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate, which houses the transmission control unit (TCU), can fail, leading to various transmission issues, including being stuck in a gear or not shifting at all.
- Solution: Replacing the conductor plate and reprogramming the TCU.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
- Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can develop leaks in the air struts or lines, causing the vehicle to sag, ride harshly, or display error messages. The air compressor can also fail.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, air lines, or air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1000+ for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can wear out, leading to clunking noises, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The EIS can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting or causing intermittent electrical issues.
- Solution: Replacing the EIS and reprogramming it to the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The SAM units (front and rear) control various electrical functions and can fail, leading to problems with lights, wipers, or other systems.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM unit and coding it to the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Depending on Location)
- Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop in certain areas, particularly in regions with harsh winters, such as around the wheel wells, door edges, and underbody.
- Solution: Rust repair and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+, depending on the extent of the rust.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to jam or not open/close properly.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation system screen can fail or the system can become unresponsive.
- Solution: Replacing or repairing the navigation unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is prone to several common issues. Engine issues like oil leaks and balance shaft wear (on some V6 models) can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, particularly with the valve body and conductor plate, are also frequent concerns. The air suspension system is a known weak point, with potential failures in the struts, lines, and compressor. Electrical issues, such as EIS and SAM failures, can add to the ownership costs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with repair costs varying accordingly, making pre-purchase inspection and consideration of a warranty essential.