How Long Do Mercedes-Benz ML350 Last?

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Part of the Mercedes Benz M Class, the Mercedes ML350 started its production in 1997 and has seen various production sites, including Austria, India, Thailand, and America.

It would be later renamed the GLE Class to synergize the naming convention with other lineups.

Formally, the M class ceased its production in 2015, which led a lot of people to ask how long do Mercedes ML350 last, and that is something you should not fear as the average Mercedes ML350 will last you an average of 225,000 miles, give or take 25,000 miles depending on your care of the vehicle.

While this range of total mileage is quite respectable, it is not as much when compared to other select vehicles, which is why I will be taking an in-depth look into the Mercedes ML350 and seeing how well it can last in today’s environment and compete against other cars and vehicles so make sure you stick around till the end if you want to know everything about how long your Mercedes ML350 can last and how you can make it last even more.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Mercedes ML350?

Is Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable after 100K miles? Let's find out through my guide

225,000 miles is quite standard for most vehicles that you can find today, meaning the Mercedes ML350 is not doing anything special or beating any records.

The minimum you can expect from your Mercedes ML350 is about 13 years which is very respectable for a luxury midsized SUV.

However, if you give it careful attention and care, you can see it last even further, up to 16 years which is much better and more in line with what you’d expect from a company as well known and renowned as Mercedes.

Despite this, however, people are still not convinced about the lifespan of the vehicle, which is why I will compare it to other prominent cars to see how it can compete against them and if it has a decent lifespan.

Does Mercedes ML350 Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

When talking about the Mercedes ML350, many similar vehicles are in its category. Many of them have their unique specifications, features, and other things that separate them.

These differences also stack up together to provide you with different lengths of lifespan.

In this section of the article, I will directly compare the reliability and lifespan of 3 different and well-known vehicles with the Mercedes ML350 to see which car has a longer life.

To do this, I will only be taking into account the factors that directly affect the car’s lifespan to present more accurate test results that will properly determine which car can last longer and is worth getting over the other.

1. Mercedes ML350 Vs. Lexus RX 450h

The first vehicle that I will compare with the Mercedes ML350 is the Lexus RX 450h, which transitioned from a compact luxury SUV to a midsized luxury SUV in 2003.

  • Despite being quite reliable, the Mercedes ML350 is beaten by the Lexus RX 450h, which boasts higher reliability ratings across various sources.
  • The Mercedes ML350 has a much higher minimum life expectancy when compared to the Lexus RX 450h, but the RX 450h can reach up to 300,000 miles which are 50,000 more than the ML350.
  • The Mercedes ML350 and the Lexus RX 450h have very common issues, but according to raw data, which fluctuates based on popularity, the Lexus RX 450h had much fewer issues than the Mercedes ML350.
  • You cannot expect cheap repairs when talking about the Mercedes ML350, probably the most expensive car in the luxury midsized SUV category, so it is easily beaten by the Lexus RX 450h.

In this first test, it is evident that the Mercedes ML350 could not hold up to the Lexus RX 450h, which is superior in most regards and is the better choice.

Related: How Many Miles Will A Lexus RX Last?

2. Mercedes ML350 Vs. Infiniti FX35

The next car to go up against the Mercedes ML350 is the Infiniti FX35, discontinued in 2017, having a small run of only 15 years.

  • Both of these cars can easily rank in the top 10, but the Mercedes ML350 still cannot cross the Infiniti FX35, which can more consistently reach the top 5 when it comes to reliability and longevity.
  • Speaking of longevity, I believe that the Mercedes ML350 has an advantage when it comes to it as both cars can reach 200,000 miles, but there is no set estimate on how higher up the Infiniti FX35 can go.
  • Following the same result as the comparison above, both the cars have very few issues, but when it comes down to raw data, the Mercedes ML350 is beaten by the Infiniti FX35.
  • The same thing applies here, the Mercedes ML350 is overall $200 more expensive to repair in the year compared to similar vehicles, but the Infiniti FX35 is $200 Cheaper.

While the Mercedes ML350 may last slightly longer, it only gets this due to a lack of consistent and proper information on the Infiniti FX35, which is better in every other regard.

3. Mercedes ML350 Vs. Acura MDX

The final car to be compared against the Mercedes ML350 is the Acura MDX, available in the market since 2001 but saw a break between 2020 and 2022.

  • Another tough matchup for the Mercedes ML350, the Acura MDX is widely regarded as one of the most reliable luxury Midsized SUVs, giving it a distinct advantage for reliability across multiple different platforms.
  • This is reflected in how long the vehicles can last, as the Mercedes ML350 lasts 50,000 miles less on its highest mileage when compared to the Acura MDX, whose minimum lifespan is the Mercedes ML350’s highest.
  • While this could easily be due to the popularity gap of both vehicles, the Mercedes ML350 has fewer problems compared to the Acura MDX, which has had a few troublesome models.
  • However, these problems are much more expensive to fix in the Mercedes ML350 than in the Acura MDX, which is more than $200 cheaper.

This comparison is also lost by the Mercedes ML350, which does have fewer issues but ultimately is worse in every other category.

Related: How Long Does An Acura MDX Last?

Life Expectancy Of Mercedes ML350 Car Parts

If you have been happy to see how long the Mercedes ML350 can last, you should know that many different factors go into its lifespan.

It is your duty as a responsible car owner to make sure all of these factors are satisfied so that your Mercedes ML350 can live as long as it can.

This will involve taking care of the parts of the vehicle. In this part of the article, I will talk about the various components and parts you should monitor when dealing with the ML350 and take good care of them.

I will also tell you how long you can expect these components to last and how you can better take care of them.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Brake Pads

Depending on the amount of use and the condition of both the road and the traffic, you can expect an average of 50,000 miles from the brake pads of the Mercedes ML350, which is on par with many of its competitors.

Depending on the factors above, you can get more or less 10,000 miles from the brake pads depending on how you use them.

To make sure you get the most out of your brake pads, you must try to avoid keeping your foot on the brake at all times, as this can wear out the brake pads.

You must also avoid speeding, resulting in longer or sudden breaks, which will further wear out the brake pads.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Battery

The battery life of the Mercedes ML350 is the same as you would expect from batteries of other cars.

This would be an average of 4 years or 60,000 miles. Similar to other components of the car, its lifespan will shift depending on how well you take care of the battery.

For that reason, you should make sure that the battery is well tightened and secured inside the car, as bumps and vibrations can cause damage or short-circuiting.

You should also avoid using the internal electrical components of the car for extended periods as they can also decrease the life of the battery by reducing its charge, which you should take care to maintain.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Tires

The tires have the most variation when it comes to lifespan as they will depend heavily on the owner as well as the location and setting of the car.

In an ideal setting, the tires of your Mercedes ML350 should last as long as five years which is very nice, but this can just as easily get cut down by half depending on the situation.

To maximize the lifespan of your Mercedes ML350’s tires, you should take care to avoid all sorts of speeding, off-roading, and drifting.

You should try to avoid areas with a high density of traffic.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Transmission

The transmission of every vehicle typically lasts as long as the vehicle itself, which saves users a lot of money they would rather spend on a replacement transmission system.

Unfortunately, for some models of the Mercedes ML350, transmission failure was somewhat of a common occurrence, especially at the early stages of the vehicle.

For the most part, you should get the full 250,000 miles, but without proper care, it can be significantly lower, which is why you should regularly change the fluid of the transmission and shift as well as you can so that no issues rise up in the system.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Spark Plugs

As is standard for high-quality spark plugs, you can expect the ones inside your Mercedes ML350 to last well over 100,000 miles which translates to more than six years of usage before you need to have them replaced.

To keep the spark plugs healthy, you should try your best to keep the engine as healthy as possible, as it will have a direct impact on the life of the spark plugs.

Average Lifespan Of Mercedes ML350 Key Fob

The Mercedes ML350’s key fob has had some mixed reviews when it comes to how long it can last, particularly the battery of the key fob, which can last as low as one year and go up to 4 years.

This will depend on how much you use the key fob and the battery you put in it.

To extend the battery, you should avoid spamming the buttons, as this reduces both the button life of the key fob and the battery.

You should only press the buttons when you are in the range of the car.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Mercedes ML350?

Considering that the Mercedes ML350 is pretty good when it comes to durability, lasting just as long as most of its competitors, being beaten by a select few.

This gives you a lot more room to buy used models of the car as you can get them for slightly higher mileages.

Typically, you should try to get the lowest mileage you can, but in the case of the Mercedes ML350, the most optimal range to get a used car would be between 50,000 to 75,000 miles.

If you spot an ML350 that is in great condition, then you can maybe consider it in 100,000 miles, but you try your best not to go over like this.

How To Increase How Long Your Mercedes ML350 Last

As you will see below, there are quite a few problems with the Mercedes ML350, and while you will most certainly not encounter them at all, especially if you follow the tips laid out in this article.

Here are a few more trips you can follow to further reduce their chances of springing up and Increase the longevity of your car.

  • Regular maintenance and servicing.
  • Going to the mechanic as soon as you get a problem.
  • Frequent fluid checkups.
  • Monitoring the oil of the car.

Incorporating these into your daily routine will help increase your car’s life by a lot and reduce problems as well.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your Mercedes ML350

Overall, the Mercedes ML350 has had a lot of utility and features that a lot of people will love.

This is complemented by a distinct lack of problems that the car has faced throughout the years.

Many models of the ML350 have a few issues and complaints which have been made known by owners, making the vehicle a good car to get if you do not like dealing with issues or trips to the mechanic.

Here are a few issues that you can face when dealing with the Mercedes ML350:

  • The car shuts down while driving.
  • Oil cooler leaks.
  • Electrical fires.
  • Power steering fluid loss.
  • Transfer case leaks.
  • Oil leaks.
  • Faulty balance shafts.

These are just a few problems that you can deal with when owning a Mercedes ML350, but this should not alarm you as these problems are few and far between, spread across multiple different models, making it easy for you to avoid all of these issues.

What To Look For When Buying A Mercedes ML350

If you are in the market for high quality and luxury vehicle, then the Mercedes ML350 might just be for you as it comes with the amazing build quality and all the bells and whistles you would expect from a top-tier brand like Mercedes.

This, however, does not mean that you can buy the car with your eyes closed.

There are many different models and trims which you should be on the look for when buying a Mercedes ML350, and here, I will tell you what things you should particularly look for:

  • Twin turbo V6 engine.
  • All wheel drive.
  • Air suspensions.
  • Split view monitor.
  • Various interior options.
  • Redesigned models 2012 and up.
  • Hybrid models.

Getting high performance should be a top priority which is why you should definitely look for the twin-turbo engine.

To complement this, you will also need proper suspensions to handle any small bumps at high speeds.

The All-Wheel-Drive system also shines here. Apart from that, I would recommend getting models that are the redesigned ones which are only 4, ranging from 2012 to 2015.

These come with a variety of different interior options that you can choose to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The Mercedes ML350 A Reliable Car?

While it may have its ups and downs, as I have shown throughout the article, the Mercedes ML350 is overall a very solid and reliable car that lives true to the company’s name and provides yet another luxury vehicle that is extensively lavish and can quite durable.

It is by no means the best vehicle in its category; however, it is definitely a top 10 contender, which is why you should have no issue with the Mercedes ML350, which is a pretty reliable car.

Q2. Does Mercedes ML350 Have A Lot Of Problems?

While you mostly hear good things about cars produced by Mercedes and praise for its vehicles, sometimes the car will have issues as it is only natural for a vehicle to display some sort of shortcoming.

The Mercedes ML350 has had a lot of shortcomings over the years, but on a per-model basis, the ML350 has little to no problems, with the worst model being the 2006 one which was known for issues like the check engine light staying on the camshaft sensors and various power train issues.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used Mercedes ML350?

Durable, long-lasting, and not prone to rust, the Mercedes ML350 has a lot of qualities going for it which make it a great idea to buy the vehicle, even in a used condition.

As long as you make sure that the car does not have a lot of mileage on it, as explained above, and is in good condition.

You should see yourself getting a great vehicle that can provide you with a lot of value and utility, which will last you for years.

Q4. Does Mercedes ML350 Rust Easily?

Mercedes as a company has not amassed a great reputation as it has by having its cars prone to rust and corrosion.

Coming with a lot of corrosion protection and being made with the finest quality materials, the Mercedes ML350 gets the same treatment, being quite protected against rust.

This is further heightened by remarks from various people who owned the vehicle over the years.

While the car itself can definitely develop rust if left to its own devices, given proper care and attention, you should never see any rust at all.

Q5. Is Mercedes ML350 Expensive To Maintain?

While you may have heard a lot of good things about various Mercedes vehicles, being cheap to maintain is never really one of them.

With that being said, the Mercedes ML350 is probably one of the most expensive vehicles that you can get in the midsized Sports Utility Vehicle class, costing over $200 more than what you would normally have to pay for a vehicle of that structure.

This is further made evident by the fact that many of its competitors are quite cheaper compared to it.

Conclusion

Mercedes is a brand that has built itself upon its careful dedication to quality and reputation for providing users with reliable and durable vehicles.

While it may not have always hit the mark, it definitely did so with the Mercedes ML350.

If you have been wondering how long do Mercedes ML350 last, you should fret on it since it can last you easily over 13 years and even more depending on how well you take care of the car.

Since you have reached this far, you will no doubt have all the skills necessary to make sure the car has a long and problem-free life.