2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined driving experience. The ML350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Some owners praise its elegant design and advanced features, while others cite concerns about reliability and maintenance costs. Other engine options available in the 2011 M-Class include the ML550 and the ML63 AMG, with larger V8 engines. A diesel ML350 Bluetec model was also available. All models were equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.5L V6 (M272)

• Oil Filter Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the oil filter housing, resulting in oil consumption and potential engine damage. Visible oil on the engine block.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket or the entire oil filter housing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor performance, check engine light. Often accompanied by specific error codes related to camshaft position.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Diesel (OM642) (ML350 Bluetec)

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, frequent regeneration cycles, check engine light. Can lead to DPF clogging.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often noticed as oil drips under the vehicle or a smell of burning oil. Can be difficult to pinpoint.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler and related gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Rough shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor running constantly, suspension malfunction warning.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1000+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, difficulty starting the vehicle, complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module. This typically requires dealer programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. This often involves systematically disconnecting electrical components to isolate the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Assembly Water Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation or water inside the tail light housing, potentially causing bulb failure.
  • Solution: Replace the tail light assembly or reseal the existing one.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per assembly
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, difficulty opening or closing, leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, while offering a luxurious experience, is prone to certain common issues. Engine oil leaks and electrical problems like EIS failures are common and potentially costly. Models equipped with Airmatic suspension are also susceptible to expensive repairs. Transmission issues, especially those related to the torque converter and valve body, can further contribute to the ownership costs. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintaining the vehicle’s performance and reliability. Overall, the severity of issues ranges from moderate (oil leaks, suspension noises) to severe (transmission failure, EIS failure), with repair costs that can accumulate significantly over time.