2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  28.6% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  14.3% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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 pads2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  14.3% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.7% of all 2003 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.

• Individual direction indicators3.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  9.8% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  7.9% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  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.

• 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
  24% 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 2003 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 1.9× as often on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?