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Expensive Mercedes-Benz M-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (25%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (3%)

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Chart based on 181 repairs.

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Mercedes-Benz M-Class repair cost distribution

$2500+ (32%)

$1000 - $2499 (68%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

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Chart based on 125 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

71000 mi

US $2100

Failed [ignition] coil

53600 mi

US $1700

All coils and spark plugs replaced to deal with sensor warning for misfire on #5. Frustrating that there was no reasonable path to debug this one part at a time, because too expensive to get in an out to the coils, unlike on a BMW. This is very young to have such problems. Only going to buy toyota from now on ...

80000 mi US $500	Fluid change.
147000 mi US $3000	New water pump hoses thermostat belts pulleys valves and cam shaft gaskets

62000 mi A $2500	EGR Valve replaced
65100 mi A $1800	Nox Sensors faulty and replaced under goodwill arrangement.

71880 mi C $600	Oil cooler system leak Soot sensor defective
85560 mi C $250	Rear Wheel bearing
97340 mi C $2500	Replace both rear radar sensors for blind spot system
103540 mi C $2500	2- Oxygen sensors

69300 mi US $1500	air suspension failed. Dealer had car in twice to complete repair.
70000 mi US $1800	Oil leak at turbo repaired, leak continued. Ultimately determined the problem was with the intercooler. All told dealer had Mercedes for 3 months on and off. Dealer did complete the repair and covered it under warranty even though I was out of warranty.

39600 mi US $450	Transmission and locks were acting up. A new battery solved the issues.
60000 mi US $1200	Cable was severed leading to a fuel pressure sensor. First replaced sensor and then found damaged wire. Heat shield under car was responsible.

73000 mi US $604	replace drive shaft rear flex disc - parts $206.25, labor $256.37 Anti-microbial treatment to A/C evaporator due to persistent bad smell - $140.95 - this smell issue seems to affect many MLs, and our service advisor told us MB will try to fix it under warranty only during the first year of ownership.
86200 mi US $325	replaced suspension links to cure clunking noise replace hub and bearing
104600 mi US $325	Replaced worn cover on drivers bottom seat. Purchased OEM cover on line, had local trim shop install it.
133000 mi US $700	Lock on rear tail gate failed, lock replaced, which require disassembly of entire tail gate $600.00 Another attempt to remove bad smell from A/C, still not completely successful $90.00 Another attempt to remove bad smell from A/C, still not completely successful $90.00
143000 mi US $930	Passenger seat cover worn, MB only sells cover as part of complete lower seat assembly due to airbag weight sensors imbedded in seat so repair was much more expensive than expected. Bought OEM seat assembly on internet from a MB dealer for $830 (local MB dealer wanted MSRP of $1200 for the part only!), had trim shop install for $95. Car computer had to be reset by MB dealer ($260).
149000 mi US $1200	Replace rear struts due to rough ride with occasional bottoming, also did 4 wheel alignment at same time
233000 mi US $1875	The original alternator failed after 233,000 miles. Replaced alternator
236000 mi US $1500	replace right side catalytic converter due to persistent check engine light

37180 mi C $2000	replace ignition switch
37580 mi C $500	Radio reporting that it detected theft and is shutting down. Lane assist stop working after the vehicle was used for towing. Two radar sensors were replaced.
58480 mi C $600	Check engine light went on. Determine that is air intake sensor and that either the sensor is faulty or intake control valve does not function correctly.
76880 mi C $2700	Lane assist sensors were faulty. Shutdown whole electrical system. Replaced by MBC. Timing chain stretched because tensioner was faulty. replaced
86800 mi C $5500	need to replace intake sensors and valve that got stuck oil cooler leaked. need to replace seals

58900 mi C $1200	Wiring harness was replaced, found by parking sensor and passenger mirror fault. I noticed this problem during the initial test drive. Only replicated once out of warranty. They paid half after I proved that it was on every service request.
68200 mi C $450	Diesel exhaust fluid heater failed, Mercedes paid full cost of part, I paid labour.
87420 mi C $2500	2 Parking modules from back bumper of truck. Failure causes a Canbus fault from constant failure signals. Truck goes into limp home mode and all dash gauges fail, only 3 gears available, etc, etc.

77200 mi US $500	Thermostat
137000 mi US $4000	CV boots, rear brakes, new tires Command System replaced

71300 mi US $600	Ignition switch was malfunctioning and was replaced.
89100 mi US $850	Actuator for front passenger door electric lock malfunctioned and required replacement. But estimated cost was very high ($850), so decided to live with the problem.
167000 mi US $500	Replace faulty lift gate lock actuator
170000 mi US $2000	Replace water pump

43900 mi US $150	Engine failed to start, it would crank but not start. NO CEL, NO Add Blue lights. Towed to shop, where it started, no error codes were noted. Issues could not be duplicated.
48000 mi US $480	TPMS system, two of the sensors went out, replaced all four
62000 mi US $2200	Diesel Exhust Fluid heater replacement.
103000 mi US $2226	Front Break pads and Rotors with system flush

25010 mi US $1426	Windshield replacement due to crack caused by passing truck $1,426.25; mostly paid by my insurance.
53277 mi US $834	Right front door lock defective latch assembly; the 2nd on this car; first one fixed under warrant. MBUSA refused to cover anything as warranty had run out; dealer gave 15% discount - cost to me $834.
60028 mi US $1351	NOx sensor replaced for 2nd time; also EGR Temperatur Sensor and air cleaner turbo seal replaced. $1,350.92
66241 mi US $1676	Turbocharger Intake Shut-off Motor was defective; no spare parts in USA available; had to be imported from Germany. $1,675.89
69000 mi US $504	paid for Bad Glow Plug Control Module. In addition dealer fixed free of charge Turbo Pipe Gree O-Ring seal & V-ribbed belt. Engine oil leak and damage to belt caused by previous repair.
81000 mi US $5384	2 collapsed air suspension front struts and defective air compressor; all replaced; slow leak on right strut caused left strut & compressor to fail. Tire wear due to consequent bad wheel alignment required 4 new tires not incl. in cost above Turbo inlet pipe seals replaced $186.01 plus sales tax Transfer case input shaft seal replaced and oil replenished $807.84 plus sales tax Backup camera & module finally replaced after years of haggling. Intermittent outages usually when humid or rainy; eat. cost $2,400. Yes, you read that right. MBUSA and dealer paid as problem 1st appeared during warranty period.

120000 mi US $2300	Rear air shocks
143000 mi US $2000	Front air shocks

43400 mi $2800	Rear air springs replaced. Rear turn light led Passanger and driver lock doors were not working.
47120 mi $500	Steering pump didn't work. Replaced for a new one.
62440 mi $2100	Door attenuator didnt work
65720 mi $1000	Some parts replaced

17900 mi US $650	Basic oil & filter stop, brake calipers replaced, multi-point check & service recall. We wanted the truck checked from top to bottom. Great experience!
37244 mi US $839	I installed a recon nav/audio but no way to unlock "anti-theft (AT) warning message." Neither dealer, Socal parts or YouTube told me to expect this. Dealer removes unit, obtains pin from their MB internal network, performs start-up to unlock AT, plus software update and coding! Pathetic. This cost $215. With headlight bulb, inspection, and "B service" total was $839. N/C to "renormalize" the operation of all windows since one of the rears was slow.
38000 mi US $380	Right rear tire replaced. Could not be repaired with a plug so new tire fitted - road hazard warranty for the Continenals purchased 15K miles ago no longer in effect. Slow leak, onboard computer alerted us, dealer found a nail went through the inside sidewall.
38802 mi US $325	Warning light showed one of the stop light bulbs had failed. Dealer found contacts burnt, with the other side near failure. Installed "stop light socket updates" and two new bulbs. Labor was 235 and parts were 64.
42500 mi US $322	Left rear tire replaced, had been losing pressure for several months, so I just kept refilling it.
47291 mi US $1420	Battery dead, jumped vehicle to get to dealer, replaced battery; Blower motor replaced (it kept running, drain for fresh air intake box clogged malice Front parking lamp bulb replaced.
52073 mi US $667	"B" service + inspection.
57590 mi US $3997	Driver's side window switch panel replaced; "1 year/10K Service" performed; Replace spark plugs; Replace front & rear brakes/rotors; Replace rear springs (one was cracked, was told we had to do both malice Replace all wiper blades; Inspection.

37000 mi US $836	ignition would not sense the key fob. ignition starter switch was replaced.
52000 mi US $900	thermostat needed replacing
53000 mi US $1400	Both lock actuators on front doors needed replacing

63240 mi C $850	Rear tailgate would not open electrically only manually. Replaced latch and lever mechanism + 2.5 hrs labour.
65340 mi C $950	rear door hatch would not open. Dealership replaced solenoid under warranty and charged for new latch and arm to inflate customer cost, $825. Engine trouble light. Code stated fuel cutoff solenoid defective / required replacement. Reset it, $125. Factory Warranty not honoured by dealership. Found dealership double dipping on warranty. Charging warranty and customer for same repairs.
72900 mi C $455	Fuel cut off solenoid engine error. No output voltage. Solenoid replaced.
133700 mi C $3150	Fuel Pump died on trip to Florida. vehicle towed to Jacksonville dealership and repaired. New pump in gas tank, filters, hose. Left dealership and discovered nav, sat & radio not working. Returned to dealership. Improperly flashed computer.
158100 mi C $368	Rear Door Sw lockout stuck. Could not open rear windows using rear door switches. Replaced Driver side entire door/window/lock switch.
161200 mi C $1035	Drivers door would not lock by using remote. Mechanically closed by reaching from rear door, pushing down, then closing rear door and using remote to lock other doors and alarming vehicle. Door switch replaced. Door locks.
192820 mi C $280	Engine error code. Replaced 3 cylinder sensor
253580 mi C $850	Oil Cooler Leak. Replaced gaskets and oil cooler

69000 mi US $1470	Intake runner flap motor and related parts. Car was in Limp mode and shifting badly because of that.
70000 mi US $800	Replaced fuel pump car now starts and runs fine after 2 weeks, problem is gone. The new pump is an updated version that is self cooling. I believe the original pump generated excessive heat when the fuel level got low.

51700 mi US $825	Check engine light (CEL)earlier for Temp sensors in emissions, shop cleaned contacts, but CEL returned 2 days later. Since shop could not replicate problem,replaced 2 temp sensors that seemed to be failing, but only on an intermittent basis Aug = a bad month for my "CEL" Sensors! Back again in just 2 weeks for another CEL & Glow Plug warning light briefly illuminating at each startup. Glow plug relay switch was replaced, no issue with plugs. Part was $180, rest was labor/tax
83000 mi US $300	Check engine light on. Defective DPF pressure differential sensor.
96000 mi US $275	10 year old xenon low beam headlight burned out. Expensive since it is xenon gas bulb, vs traditional bulb or newer LED
136000 mi US $300	entire rear tail lamp assembly needed replaced as electrial connectors were corroded and unable to be cleaned
141000 mi US $1200	Rear shocks replaced, leaking. Original equipment about 14 years old.

79360 mi C $700	Drivers signal light not working. Tail light seals leaking & replaced. Electrical control module replaced due to moisture damage.
96720 mi C $380	replace rear driver tail light assembly replace transmission pan, gaskets, oil and filter. pan was rusted so did routine service at same time
99820 mi C $2000	replace crankcase vent valve assembly replace intake servo motor replace upper radiator hose
56080 mi C $600	replaced leaking fuel filter loss of power / check engine light on faulty differential pressure sensor
118420 mi C $1100	replaced pads & rotors

50840 mi C $200	Spontaneous blow out of the back windshield while parked in the garage. The glass blew out a 4 foot radius in the back of the ML550 in the garage. Auto insurance will pay after my $200 deductible. Not a happy camper !!!
57660 mi C $4400	Mercedes infamous piss poor air suspension blew apart and took out the shocks (rear). An inherent design problem that Mercedes refuses to recognize. In 3 yrs,spent more money on the Benz than i have spent on ALL 5 of my vehicles. YES, all 5.
65720 mi C $4500	balance tires, adjust computer for acceleration Rear hatch does not close because a bolt snapped off the hinge. There's still one bolt barely holding the hinge. They need to cut/ drill out the existing bolt and reposition the hinge and new bolts placed in. This was a cost of $308 cdn before taxes. seat belt not rewinding, would be $712 cdn before taxes. passenger back seat stuck adjust shocks-rough ride oil leak interior fan filter replaced front wheel bearing replaced, brakes replaced
88040 mi C $5500	needed new rear shocks, oil filter seal leakage, front driver side light - full unit replaced as it leaked and sustained water damage.

83000 mi US $1000	leaking gasket New front tires Oil change engine air filter
120000 mi US $120	Replaced rear brake light assembly and wiring harness

68500 mi US $600	Oil Cooler Seal Failed. Need to still replace.
112000 mi US $2600	Oil cooler seal, transmission purge and oil change. Plastics for under body.

81000 mi US $450	EGR hose plugged
142000 mi US $2000	auto lights

Expensive Mercedes-Benz M-Class repairs by problem area

Mercedes-Benz M-Class repair cost distribution

2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Expensive Problems

126000 mi US $1000	Replaced all shocks with Bilstein hd. Original shocks leaking.
127000 mi US $500	Alignment was going to be performed until it was noticed the front boots were leaking. R&R both front CV boots
138000 mi US $10000	Shop destroyed engine attempting repairs. Vehicle totaled.

149420 mi C $1128	loss of several electrical functions including wipers, horn, keyless entry, turn signals, fuel guage, powere seets. nEventuakl diagnosed as rear SAM due to severe corrosin of the unit.
154380 mi C $718	Fuel gauge read full regardless of actual fuel level. Replaced sending unit.
164939 mi C $420	replace water pump replace right front wheel bearing
187686 mi C $430	replace left rear wheel bearing
187894 mi C $1390	Replace rear shocks and coil springs

127000 mi US $6050	Transfer case broken tensioner
132000 mi US $250	Rear SAM unit got wet from unknown source

50220 mi C $600	Air suspension failure, replaced one rear air shock.
55800 mi C $900	Tailgate right upper hinge - one of two bolts sheared. Had to be drilled out, retapped, and replaced.
98580 mi C $1200	Rear airmatic shock blew out, making the car unsafe to drive. Fourth (or fifth) shock blown in six years. Makes car unreliable if away from an urban centre. Traded car in after this since warranty was expiring.

99200 mi C $470	Rear light corrosion between bulb holder and light housing. Emission valve sticking resulting in oil leak near top rear of engine.
110980 mi C $3480	loss of power / limp home mode. injector control module replaced. Glow plugs replaced. Full set three times Glow plug controller replaced twice
143800 mi C $848	Left front wheel bearing started to howl. Had to replace ABS sensor on same wheel due to rust preventing removal of sensor
124000 mi C $570	1. Error code- Particulate filter and sensor replaced. 2. New battery. 90% charge, but cold starting became an issue. Starter spun slower then normal and didn't want any issues.

72000 mi US $2700	Leaky tail lamp housings [Left and Right] caused water to get into the car and short out the SAM computer below the spare tire well. Computers had to be replaced and reprogrammed.
75000 mi US $385	CEL w/ P2187. Dealer diagnosed PCV Breather Hose as needing replaced. Paid to replace. CEL back in the next day. Dealer replaced intake manifold under warranty. 2nd repair took about 20 days.

56700 mi US $742	Replaced tailgate lock.
70000 mi US $1367	Replaced air compressor, belt pulley, a/c drier, and serpentine belt.
70800 mi US $914	Replaced alternator
104000 mi US $2000	replaced intake manifold, cylinder #5 ignition coil, crankcase vent valve, Cam Housing Plugs

79700 mi US $2100	Flywheel replacement -
85000 mi US $3000	Camshaft Positioning Magnets, Spark Plugs, etc.
87000 mi US $500	Rear Right Brake/Turn Signal Housing Assembly

59200 mi US $180	Replace power steering reservoir and O-ring seals
64000 mi US $1100	Replace transmission control unit and fluid.

70060 mi A $890	Had to replace the turbo intake shutoff motor. No problem driving it, just low power (and much better fuel economy!) because the turbo wouldn't work.
81840 mi A $3500	Air suspension on drivers side front needed replacing. Had to order genuine MB parts through Singapore because local MB dealership was going to charge far too much.
91760 mi A $1660	Rear door lock actuator not working properly. Repair shop lubricated. Four new tires.
92380 mi A $360	We had the right rear wheel bearing replaced in early July 2011- a humming noise while going straight and turning left but quiet turning right.
124620 mi A $8500	Front left air shock failed and caused compressor pump failure. Both rear shocks leaking Sway bar knocking noise
136400 mi A $1000	Rear air bag suspension
143480 mi A $900	Other rear air suspension bag failed.
171740 mi A $2000	Rear passenger door lock replaced.
179180 mi A $1100	Tailgate locking mechanism failed; tailgate would not stay latched and the car could not be locked.
207700 mi A $1296	Replace driver's side front air strut.
226300 mi A $4600	replace intake manifold and turbo seal Replace compressor