Mercedes Benz ML and GLE W166 buying guide

2011 to 2019. A W166 suits a family that wants a big, comfortable SUV and will check the recall history and budget for Mercedes running costs.

Big jobs

Air suspension. The optional air suspension improves comfort and handling but is less reliable than the steel springs.
ML 250 BlueTEC timing chain. Wear of the single row timing chain and tensioner is reported at higher km on the OM651 diesel, and access is tight so replacement is expensive.

Electric sensors, switches and motors. Auto Express says the electrics are generally sound, but sensors, switches and motors can fail and repairs tend to be costly.
V6 and V8 start up rattle. A rattle for several seconds after start up on the ML 350 and ML 500 comes from low oil pressure in the secondary chain tensioners. A Mercedes bulletin replaces both tensioners and adds check valves.
Towing wear. A truck used for heavy towing may have tired brakes, suspension and transmission.

Oil leak onto the exhaust recall. A recall covered trucks sold from February 2012 because oil foam could form in a reservoir if oil was low, and escaping oil could spray onto the exhaust and catch fire.
Fuel pump control unit and other recalls. A 2023 recall covered 2012 to 2015 trucks where water can reach the fuel pump control unit and cause loss of power. Others covered wipers, seatbelts, the passenger airbag, transmission leaks, power steering and the panoramic sunroof.

Is it an ML or the facelifted GLE, and which engine?
Have all recalls been done, including the fuel pump control unit and the oil on exhaust recall?
Does it have air suspension?
Has it towed heavy loads?
Is there a full Mercedes service history?

Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.