Mercedes W164 is the 2nd generation of M-Class SUVs, which debuted in 2005. And already in 2006 he was recognized as the "Best New SUV". The car was produced until June 2011, once undergone restyling (in 2008).
Special versions were also released - Edition 10 and Grand Edition. Their highlight is a special exterior and a more luxurious interior. The article will talk about the features of this car, as well as reviews of people who are the real owners of this car.
Design
The appearance of the new items in 2005 has been developed since the late 90s. The development was completed in 2001, this process was carried out by Steve Mattin, led by Peter Pfeiffer.
The design was finally approved in 2002. Approximately 6 years were spent on the creation of the Mercedes W164.
The model fully justified the idea of motorists about the loud name "Mercedes". According to the styling of the design, as well as the quality of finishing materials, the car is close to the S-class. And in every detail, German pedantry and traditional quality are noticeable. Visually examining this SUV, you can notice the impressive solidity and light rigor.
Interior
This is a very important point in the description of the Mercedes W164. Regarding the interior of this SUV, you can find a lot of different comments. Some people believe that it is not luxurious enough, while others are happy with everything.
But on one point, all opinions agree: each motorist assures that this car has a very comfortable driver's seat, as well as an incredibly large range of seat adjustment in the longitudinal direction.
The passengers inside are also comfortable. Five people, taking into account the driver, will feel comfortable, without a feeling of tightness.
And the interior in this car is easily transformed. You can fold the seats, and there will be enough space for transportation of non-formatted or oversized items. The space is about 2 x 2 m. The trunk volume reaches 2500 liters.
Petrol engines
The SUV Mercedes W164 was produced with various engines. Among the models under the hoods of which gasoline units were placed, one can distinguish:
- ML 63 AMG. 6.2 liter V8 engine Power - 510 liters. from. The maximum speed is 250 km / h. Consumption - 12, 25 and 16 liters on the highway, city and in the combined cycle, respectively. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 5 s.
- ML 500. 5.5 liter V8 engine. Power - 388 liters. from. The maximum speed is 250 km / h. Consumption - 11, 20.5 and 14.6 liters. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 6.9 s.
- ML 500 (restyling). 5 liter V8 engine Power - 306 liters. from. The maximum speed is 240 km / h. Consumption - 10, 19 and 13 liters. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 5.8 s.
- ML 350. V6 engine of 3.5 liters. Power - 272 liters. from. The maximum speed is 225 km / h. Consumption - 9, 15 and 12 liters. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 8.4 s.
It should be noted that on all models the drive is full, permanent, and a 7-speed automatic transmission is also installed.
Diesel engines
In total, three Mercedes W164 models were released, under the hoods of which it was decided to install units consuming diesel fuel. Among them, the most popular are:
- 420 CDI. 4 liter V8 engine Power - 306 liters. from. The maximum speed is 235 km / h. Consumption - 9, 14 and 11 liters on the highway, city and in the combined cycle, respectively. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 6.5 s.
- 320 CDI. 3 liter V6 engine Power - 224 liters. from. The maximum speed is 215 km / h. Consumption - 7.5, 13 and 9.4 liters. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 8.6 s.
- 280 CDI. 3 liter V6 engine Power - 190 liters. from. The maximum speed is 205 km / h. Consumption is similar to the previous model. Acceleration to 100 km / h - 9.8 s.
For models with diesel units, a 7-speed “automatic” is also installed in the same way. And, of course, all cars are all-wheel drive.
Electrical equipment
This topic deserves special attention. The following options and elements are included in the standard equipment of the Mercedes-Benz W164:
- Combined air filter.
- Aluminum rims.
- Halogen headlights.
- Front fog optics.
- Power front seats.
- Power steering.
- Mirrors in body color with electric and heated.
- Leather steering wheel sheath and combined interior.
- Power windows.
- Airbags (curtains - side, front passenger and driver).
- ESP, ABS and BAS.
- Tire pressure monitoring system.
- Radio with input keyboard and CD.
- ISOFIX mounts.
- SBC brakes with electrohydraulics.
- Cruise control and speed control.
- Rain sensors and seat occupancy.
- CH with immobilizer.
These are the main options in the car Mercedes-Benz W164. There are also many additional ones: THERMATIC climate control, parking sensors, heated windshield washer system, interior lighting, COMAND APS multimedia system and a dozen other functions and equipment.
Security
The Mercedes-Benz W164 has one important feature. If another vehicle drives into the vehicle from behind, the active optional NECK-PRO head restraints will not allow negative consequences for the driver and passenger. They are truly effective additional protection against injury.
On request, anyone could get a proactive system - PRE-SAFE. ESP sensors work together with it.
It is important to note the fact that in 2005 this SUV was assigned 5 stars in the NHTSA test for rollover and side collision.
At the end of 2006, the IIHS test was performed. As a result of its passage, the Mercedes W164 (M-klasse) was named the safest car in its class. During the test, the car was subjected to side and frontal collisions. The level of protection against neck injuries was also assessed in the event that rear impact occurs.
Driving performance
Mercedes-Benz W164 (ML), as many owners of this crossover claim, is designed for ideal roads and high speeds. So driving on the highway gives great pleasure, a clear fixation of the car on the highway and comfort feel great.
Another SUV copes with small pits, potholes and potholes, but it is better to drive slowly, then the driver and his passengers will not feel any road obstacles.
Also, many motorists note one convenient point: when you get under way and take your foot off the brake pedal, the calipers retain their effect for a few seconds, and therefore you can press the gas without fussing. The car will not roll back.
Automatic transmission
What about the gearbox installed in the Mercedes ML W164? The machine in this car changes gears without jerking, shocks and kicks. He picks up the car on the track perfectly, just a slight pressure on the gas. The speed is gaining quite dynamically. The manufacturer claims acceleration to 100 km / h is absolutely true.
Although it was difficult for some motorists in the early days of owning a crossover to learn how to move sharply from the start. Here you need to catch the principle of automatic transmission to the end.
However, if you believe the reviews, then on this car and do not want to start abruptly. More owners of the crossover focus on another nuance: when lowering the automatic transmission, it holds the car, so you don’t even have to put pressure on the brake.
Diesel Model Owners
Almost all people who own a Mercedes W164 SUV (restyling version or regular) claim that it is better to find this car among junior luxury crossovers.
What do motorists like about it? They note: compactness, prestige, low maintenance, economy and, of course, high quality.
In general, if you study the reviews left about diesel versions of the Mercedes W164, you can find that the most common comments are:
- Noise isolation is excellent.
- Ergonomics at the highest level.
- Finishing materials are pleased with high quality. No “crickets” appear even after a decent run.
- After a long trip, when you need to overcome 1000-2000 km, the seats are as if the driver did not leave the house.
- Great stove. Forcing warm air into severe frost begins 3 minutes after starting.
- On the track, after the speedometer needle reaches 120 km / h, the dynamics become rather weak.
- The nature of the ride is quite soft (roll), but, however, this is not a sports crossover.
- There are few niches for storing small things, not a very large glove box.
In general, this car has no serious drawbacks. People who own a diesel version of the Mercedes W164 (M-class) assure in their reviews that this is a real high-quality car, from which it is possible to get real pleasure from driving and operating.
Petrol Model Owners
It’s also worth a little talk about the opinion of motorists about these SUVs. On the gasoline version of the Mercedes W164 (GL in the future), there are often such reviews:
- It keeps the road perfectly even at very high speeds (over 200 km / h). So you can drive this car fast for a very long time without fatigue.
- On a poor road surface, behaves decently.
- The steering wheel is very heavy, but motorists get used to it quickly.
- There are no problems in operation in the winter. It starts quickly, even in the most severe frost. It behaves perfectly on ice - each driver of this Mercedes will feel like a king.
- Transmission. To say that shifting gears on this machine is convenient is to say nothing at all. The driver literally does not need to break away from the steering wheel, everything is done with one finger.
What do owners say about engines? A motorist driving any Mercedes gasoline assures that the engine, no matter how much volume or power it is, is ideal in all modes. And the sound of his work will not be heard, even if you open the hood. And while there is no loss of power when turning on the climate system or transmission. Similarly, there is no difference in traction.
Are there any disadvantages?
An answer to this question is necessary. It would be unfair to say that the Mercedes in the back of the W164 is the perfect car. Each car has its own disadvantages. This model has the following disadvantages:
- Chrome-plated elements barely bear the realities of Russian winters. They quickly become cloudy, and also begin to bloom.
- Over time, the screws that hold the tailgate hinge break down.
- On many models, flashlight seals wear out. If you ignore this problem for a long time, then troubles with the SAM block will begin, because its electronic board is located in the right niche.
- In cars with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine, problems arise after 100,000 kilometers. The cermet sprockets of the balancer shaft wear out. This is signaled by a cold start ringing, vibration and the Check Engine error displayed on the dashboard.
- Over time, the timing chain stretches. Usually after 100-150 thousand kilometers.
- All gasoline engines suffer oil leakage. As a rule, traces of this problem appear on the plugs of the cylinder head.
- If low-quality fuel is used, then the catalysts wear out early. The problem can be solved by replacing them with flame arresters.
- The most reliable 5-liter engine has only two drawbacks: high fuel consumption and transport tax.
- On diesel units during long trips, the life of the turbine decreases. Extraneous vibrations may still occur. Typically, this is due to a failed crankshaft pulley clutch.
However, as already mentioned above, each car has its drawbacks, because this is a technique, which means that breakdowns and malfunctions are expected.
Operational nuances
There are many other common points that owners of various versions of the Mercedes-Benz W164 (M-class) note with attention. Here are the most common ones:
- Initially, it is inconvenient to see indicators in miles, gallons and fahrenheit. You can display the usual data on a small screen, but looking there is not very comfortable. So many owners of the Mercedes go to the service center with a request to adjust the settings.
- The car has many options, it's hard to get used to everything right away.
- The tire pressure sensor does not recognize performance below 2.2.
- The gas tank hatch closes with an alarm, which is very convenient and safe.
- When disarming, only the driver's door will open. All others will not “click” idle. A great option for people traveling on their own.
- If you easily touch the turn signal lever, then a brief triple blink will occur.
- The trunk is very roomy, it can easily fit a children's ATV.
What about the price? To date, a car in its early years of production will cost from 400 to 800 thousand rubles in good condition. The exact price depends on the configuration and engine.
The maximum cost is from 1.5 to almost 2 million rubles. For that kind of money, you can buy a 2011 crossover in excellent condition and with low mileage.