2008 Mercedes-Benz MBO 12000
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164 chassis) is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfort and off-road capabilities. The MBO 12000 is not a specific model within the M-Class lineup; you likely mean the ML350. Engine options for the 2008 M-Class included a 3.5L V6 (ML350), a 5.0L V8 (ML500), a 5.5L V8 (ML550), and a 3.0L Diesel V6 (ML320 CDI/ML350 BlueTEC). The ML350’s 3.5L V6 engine produced approximately 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Owners often appreciate the M-Class for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and all-weather capability. Common dislikes include higher maintenance costs and potential electrical issues. All engines were paired with a 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
3.5L V6 (ML350)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise from the engine, particularly on cold starts. Engine may run rough. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft or crankshaft position.
- Solution: Replacement of the balance shaft and potentially the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, reduced engine power. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to camshaft position sensors or variable valve timing.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8 (ML500)
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover, Oil Cooler)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
- Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals, or the oil cooler itself.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $300 - $800, Oil cooler: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
5.5L V8 (ML550)
- Intake Manifold Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, and vacuum leaks.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600-$1200
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Diesel V6 (ML320 CDI/ML350 BlueTEC)
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, DPF warning light. Can lead to complete blockage of the DPF.
- Solution: Forced regeneration, cleaning of the DPF, or replacement of the DPF.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning: $300 - $700, Replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Swirl Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, limp mode. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the intake manifold or swirl flaps.
- Solution: Replacement of the swirl motor or the entire intake manifold assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9) 7-Speed Automatic (All Engine Options)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift into certain gears, transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, transmission overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Airmatic)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits low on one or more corners, inability to raise the suspension, Airmatic warning light. Noises from the compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Strut Leaks (Airmatic)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits low on one or more corners, hissing sound from the struts.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per strut
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, steering wheel lock malfunction.
- Solution: Replacement of the EIS module and potentially reprogramming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of various electrical components such as lights, wipers, windows, or door locks.
- Solution: Replacement and programming of the faulty SAM unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery dies overnight or after a short period of inactivity.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic draw, which could be caused by a faulty module or component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tail Light Assembly Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Bulb failure warnings, flickering lights, or complete failure of the tail light. Sometimes caused by corrosion or faulty wiring within the assembly.
- Solution: Replacement of the tail light assembly or repair of the wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per assembly
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks water.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation/Infotainment System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: System freezes, screen goes blank, navigation malfunctions, or audio system issues.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the head unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) can be a rewarding vehicle to own, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues, especially with the balance shaft in the 3.5L V6, the Airmatic suspension, and electrical system components like the EIS and SAM modules. Repair costs can be significant, particularly for engine and suspension work. Diesel models can suffer DPF issues. Thorough pre-purchase inspection and a detailed service history are highly recommended.