2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, capability, and prestige. The ML350 came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC) was the only transmission option. While owners generally appreciate the ML350’s comfortable ride and luxurious interior, some common complaints revolve around reliability and repair costs. Other engine options available were the ML500 with a 5.0L V8 Engine and the ML63 AMG with a 6.2L V8 engine.

Engine

3.5L V6 (M272)

• Balance Shaft Sprocket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket can occur, leading to rough idling, engine misfires, and eventually, engine failure. The check engine light will illuminate with codes related to camshaft timing.
  • Solution: Replacing the balance shaft, timing chain, and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
• Intake Manifold Runner Flap Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold can develop cracks or the runner flap motor can fail. This leads to a check engine light, rough idling, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Oil leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level, and visible oil accumulation around the engine. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and front crankshaft seal.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC - 722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and erratic transmission behavior. The transmission may get stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate, which houses the transmission’s electronic control unit (TCU) and sensors, can fail, leading to erratic shifting, limp mode, and difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Air Suspension (Airmatic) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can develop leaks in the air struts or compressor, causing the vehicle to sag, ride unevenly, or fail to maintain the correct ride height. The “Visit Workshop” message may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking air struts, the air compressor, or repairing air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,000+ for the compressor.
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and loose steering.
  • Solution: Replacing worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per ball joint.

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, the key not being recognized, and the inability to turn the ignition.
  • Solution: Replacing the EIS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as malfunctioning lights, wipers, or other accessories.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can occur, especially in areas prone to salt exposure such as rocker panels, wheel wells, and around door edges.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the severity.

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
• Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND navigation system can experience issues such as a frozen screen, inaccurate GPS, or failure to load maps.
  • Solution: Updating software, replacing the navigation unit, or repairing faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,500+

Summary

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a comfortable and luxurious SUV, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. Engine problems, particularly the balance shaft issue in the M272 V6, can be very expensive to repair. Transmission issues and air suspension problems are also significant concerns. Electrical issues with the EIS and SAM modules can cause a variety of malfunctions. Repair costs for these vehicles can be high, so a thorough inspection before purchase is highly recommended.