2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  12.4% All 2000 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Headlights2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  18.4% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 3.3% of all 2000 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.

• Brake pads2.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  14.9% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 2000 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

  12.9% All 2000 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.8% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  13.6% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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.

Common 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  52% 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.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  41% 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
  29% 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
  28% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?