2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  28.5% All 2001 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2001 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints5.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  11% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.4% of all 2001 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× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  18.5% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.7% of all 2001 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 pads2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  13.3% All 2001 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.4% of all 2001 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.

• Transmission oil leaks3.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  5.8% All 2001 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  43% 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
  40% 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
  33% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol

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 1.8× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?