2015 Mercedes-Benz ML500

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style. The ML500 is powered by a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2015 ML-Class include a 3.5L V6 (ML350), a 2.1L diesel inline-4 (ML250 BlueTEC), a 3.0L diesel V6 (ML350 BlueTEC), and a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 (ML63 AMG). All engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the ML500 for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include higher running costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (M278)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations on the engine, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and timing chain cover. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can experience failures, including wastegate issues or complete turbocharger failure. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke, and unusual noises from the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per turbocharger.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

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

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 722.9 transmission valve body is known to have issues with the conductor plate and solenoids. This can cause harsh or delayed shifting, gear slippage, and getting stuck in a single gear (limp mode).
  • Solution: Replacing the valve body conductor plate, solenoids, or the entire valve body assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter shudder or complete failure. This can cause rough shifting, vibrations, and eventually, the inability to drive.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can experience failures in the air struts, air compressor, or air lines. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting unevenly, a harsh ride, and the air suspension warning light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, air compressor, or repairing air line leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut or compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or component. Symptoms include a dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts, or the inability to start the vehicle.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the faulty module or component causing the parasitic draw. This often involves a process of elimination by pulling fuses to identify the offending circuit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The SAM modules control various electrical functions, and failure can lead to issues with lights, wipers, and other electrical systems.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience issues with the motor, tracks, or seals, leading to difficulty opening or closing, leaks, or excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, screen freezes, or complete failures.
  • Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is a luxurious and powerful SUV, but it is not without its potential issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger issues can be expensive to address. Transmission problems, particularly with the valve body, are also common. The Airmatic suspension is a source of many potential issues. Electrical problems, such as battery drain and SAM module failure, can also occur. Interior issues with the COMAND system can also be frustrating. Overall, potential repair costs can be moderate to high, making it crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician.