The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M276DE30AL, M276DE30LA, M276DE35 and 1 more.
Repair: from 31 EUR
vinkodex.Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166 common faults.
2011–2015. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
M 93 / CC BY-SA 3.0 de
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
critical4
The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage.
Applies to the engine OM642LSDE30LA.
The chain tensioner seal starts to leak and engine oil can drip onto the exhaust system.
Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.
The sealing ring of the chain tensioner starts to let through, and engine oil escapes at the tensioner.
Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.
expensive4
At a cold start a brief, metallic rattle comes from the front of the engine, and it has two causes.
Applies to the engine M276DE30AL, M276DE30LA, M276DE35.
In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.
Applies to the transmission MB7229.
The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers.
It can affect every car in this generation.
At a cold start a rattle comes from the top of the engine, and it is loudest when the car has stood for hours.
Applies to the engine M157DE55AL.
9 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
Official recall3 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
A12/0069/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to incorrect functioning of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0083/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe axle screws on the front/rear axle may not have been correctly secured which could lead to an overload on the remaining screw connections on the axle concerned. This overload may result in the rupture of the screws and under certain conditions, in loss of control over the vehicle.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00830/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateSevere corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force required to decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a possible increase in stopping distance. Moreover, due to severe corrosion, a particularly strong or severe braking manoeuvre may cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, preventing the vehicle from decelerating through the service brake and thus increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
W166 · 2011–2015
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
6 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
ML 250 BlueTEC 4Matic
2011–2015 · ML 250 BlueTEC 4Matic
204 HPdiesel · automaticSUV3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
ML 350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2011–2015 · ML 350 BlueTEC 4Matic
258 HPdiesel · automaticSUV3.0 l · 2996 cm³
M276DE30AL · MB7229
ML 400 4Matic
2011–2015 · ML 400 4Matic
333 HPpetrol · automaticSUV3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35 · MB7229
ML 350 4Matic
2011–2015 · ML 350 4Matic
306 HPpetrol · automaticSUV4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
ML 500 4Matic
2011–2015 · ML 500 4Matic
408 HPpetrol · automaticSUV5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL · MB7229
ML 63 AMG
2011–2015 · ML 63 AMG
525 HPpetrol · automaticSUV
Neighbouring generations
W166 · 2011–2015
W166 (2011-2015). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Previous generation
W164 · 2005–2011This generation
W166 · 2011–2015
Next generation
This is the latest.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2011–2015. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.