1999 Mercedes-Benz ML: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  39.4% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Headlights3.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  23.9% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint3.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  17.3% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.9% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake pads3.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  15.9% All 1999 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  12.3% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  47% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  44% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering
  15% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?