They Rejected This 17 Year Old Mercedes After 5 Months!

[@TheGalifrey]

Needs a conductor plate, have to do mine, easy job, drop the pan, remove the connector block, drop the valve body, swap the conductor plate, replace all and refill the gearbox. OR the transmission fluid is low which is VERY common! Having owned Mercs and Range Rovers I would take the ML over any Range Rover for reliability 🤣

[@oxygen6371]

Are you sure?

[@TheGalifrey]

@@jamesdavis8425 I am running a couple of Old mercs here in France and we don't have VED, I do all the repairs myself and at least you don't have to take the body off the frame like my previous RRS. If you warm the engine before trying to remove the glow plus they usually come out fine, if you force them when cold you'll be in a world of trouble, same with my OM606. Never had a DPF fail with regular cleaning, if it is the V6 I would avoid, but the Straight 6 is decent, just keep an eye on the Injector seals. The 7G tronic issue is the conductor plate, it's a real easy swap if you have a few axle stands and a decent jack, takes a few hours. was the same with the 722.6 on the W210.

[@TheGalifrey]

@@jamesdavis8425 Yes, they were all 320 cdi V6 for the W164 or the V8, definitely more troublesome than the inline 6, but nothing compared to the RRS/D3 Lion Engine which is orders of magnitudes better than the 3.0 V6 diesel in the D4 onwards... ugh. I am currently restoring a W210 OM606 Estate, usual body panel replacement haha The engine is OK with a few leaks of Fuel to deal with and could use an injector service, but the OM648 is my preferred Engine after the 606 if you keep an eye on the injector seals. My Last E-Class was a Facelift W213 E-Class with the OM646 (Like your C), that motor is a gem IMHO. Had a GL350 a few years back X164 never had any issues with that, was pretty solid, despite the crappy V6 haha

[@CheshireCars]

Joe Sadly you’ve been tucked up by the previous.

[@janxx7045]

100% conductor plate,oil and filter oh and change the electrical connector too.

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

Conductor plate normally and easy and cheap to fix. Sort it and get Sophie to sell it Joe.

[@gerryattrickbiker]

And buy her a suit of armour

[@stevenballinger7976]

Its the conductor plate common issue .had mine done

[@steveblack728]

I got the same issue with a car I bought, trying to get the dealer to take it back, it is the Conductor plate , it can be done about £1500, SPR autos at Stockport , mine is sat on my drive at the moment.

[@curtisj2165]

That is Matt from High Peak Autos choice of Mercedes gearbox specialist. They also have a KZbin channel

[@raybeer5213]

It is SITTING on your drive, not SAT. Basic English.

[@mikebowers7161]

I wish you had been around when I was buying cars (mobility cars now) I have NEVER seen a garage as fair and open as you. I live near Whitby but I would happily come down to you to buy one. I would feel so confident you were honest and open!

[@ShiftingMetal]

Thank you!

[@steves5172]

Your honesty is so refreshing, I wish you were nearer!

[@duncbee]

I had four of them and three GLE never had a problem with any of them but I bought them new!! Dealer however did say don't touch a ML over 5 years old. Very expensive to fix.

[@liamegan4303]

Hello from Ireland again, Joe. Yes, that Number plate is a "Northern Ireland" plate, Joe. I used to like these Wagons, but I have learnt from watching you, that they are very Problematic. Great video again Joe. 🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jayp5169]

I used vehicle score today & Used your discount code (thank you) It found out the car I was looking at had been written off twice in its lifetime need I say more I walked away, thanks Joe 👍🏻

[@ShiftingMetal]

@@jayp5169 phew! 😅 that was money well spent then!

[@jayp5169]

@@ShiftingMetal definitely thanks again 👍🏻

[@HA05GER]

I've got a car that been written off 3 times 😂 it's fine

[@stermindelves4251]

Job it on. Move onto the next sale. Respect to you for telling it honestly.

[@wightrebel]

It’s just a wire that is going to open circuit to the gearbox and communication has been lost. You may find a chaffed wire that needs reconnecting. The gearbox will stay in one gear because that is selected mechanically but the other gears are selected automatically by the Transmission control module.

[@R-K61]

I had a ML320 and had a similar issue, changed the conductor plate, solenoids and checked the wiring loom for oil, it was better initially, stripped and checked again and same issue, I then found a post to remove all the atf fluid and use the exact one from Mercedes, did that and was perfect, trick is to put the exact amount in of the right type.

[@ColinGarner-h1t]

Lots of advice coming in hope you get it sorted .

[@sv_endless6340]

there is a servo intelligent module actuator A0002701752 outside the gearbox on the side that needs to be changed. First do live data testing and fault codes but common issue with these w164

[@stekwack]

Definitely its the conductor plate usualyy the speed sensors failing or could be oil seeping through the connector plug. Had same issue with my vito fixed for about £400 i think it was can buy geniune kit off ebay with everything needed but the oil. Only thing is mercedes parts numbers have been removed for some reason from the parts.

[@antoniosvorrias9100]

I might be going overboard here, but I never buy cars with tow bars. Towing puts a whole lot of strain on the drivetrain, engine and transmission, so to be cautious I stay clear.

[@carforumwanker]

Same..... and I check to see if ones been removed . Also tyres that are all different . . But "sellers" are the biggest warning. Certain "types" I wont entertain at all . And I always let them take me for most of the test drive. It gives a clue on how they have driven it (if private sale )

[@JohnPatrickGore]

u ok joe it's maff sensor mate we spent over 2k on 2010 ml fixing it and still wouldn't work right had 3 similar problems with other models on mercs unplug the maff sensor plug it back in will drive fine for 10 15 mins cheap fix tbf good luck mate

[@GeekOfShaves]

Great video showing how it is all a gamble 😊

[@homeofVash]

I had the exact same issue with my Peugeot 3008 automatic. Was a solanoid sensor issue. But it apparently lead to damaging the clutch and I was quoted £5000 when the car was only worth £1600 (working). Ended up paying the gear box specialist place the cost of transport for them to keep it and send to auction. Now I got a Ford C Max automatic and within 3 months had transmission issues and it’s just gone back again for transmission issues after being at the garage for 5 weeks. 😅 it’s been the longest and confusing time for my autistic son who doesn’t understand what’s happening to our car.

[@Brian-nf6bt]

Well you can get the conductor plate repaired and if you do you can put it back in the car and you do not have to code it to the car but if you buy new it needs coding and that will mean a MB star or a very top end diagnostic tool.

[@sydsurfman012]

my ML 250n had that problem with the auto box, cost me £250, to sort it, it as a combo od fluid levels/ and a semi broken sensor wire, really pissed me off ! bur once looked at , it ran fine........And yes new glow plugs sorted my smoking!!

[@russellswann2450]

Conductor plate or the 13pin seal gone and oil by capillary action travelled up and filled tcm

[@redpill3145]

Wack a brand new battery on the ML might start alright but if the battery’s not bang on mercs it causes havoc

[@Eastbarn1]

I had the same problem on my SL a few years older but batteries were a common problem - because it was stuck in 2nd gear I couldn’t drive to SPR who always looked after my Mercs. A local garage couldn’t fix it but after two weeks I told them to put a new good quality battery in and it cured the problem. A comparatively cheap thing to try?

[@thanehalesphillips1395]

try asking al at 6d diesels mercedes experts down south near chops garage i believe

[@robertthomas485]

Had the same problem with mine it started ok but the gearbox was only going to second it needed a new battery I couldn't believe it as it started no problem

[@andytetlow3600]

Great again Joe as long as there’s lots more ups than downs mate

[@andyWebb-ex5vr]

Send it to Al at 6D Diesels. He would sort it out!

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

Now that would be a great collab.

[@chiefrocka8604]

Als the KZbin Bedford CF god 😂

[@StephenClarke-m6s]

More projects to keep in the yard for a while 😂

[@hemtet5500]

So would SPR Autos but unfortunately busy up the wazoo.

[@kevinmoffatt]

The used car sales market is totally skewed. A couple of years ago, ie pre covid, no one would have even thought of retailing a car like this, just way too old and unpredictable; virtually guaranteed to fail expensively. Pointless exercise creating future grief for both buyer and seller.

[@Alexpicardo]

!!!! Conductor plate !!!!! Can be done in a day

[@jordanjameson2422]

No always loved this shape hated the one before reminded me of an A-class tonka toy

[@alexhood7091]

Conductor plate; have encountered this issue before

[@dazzleships1]

Try Avantgarde in Clevedon. Really good independent Mercedes and Merc McLaren specialists

[@zakshipley3250]

Will need conductor plate bet it coming up with rpm sensor fault really common very easy to change

[@mikythesaint6507]

Wow as soon as you said Irish plate I knew it had a 75% chance of being a lemon, seen a few Sandos with Irish plates on , not saying they are all bad, looked at a 18 plate XF recently , Irish plate megga outside, sketchy history and the engine looked as though it was a replacement . 😞

[@alanw8311]

Solenoid selectors could be sticking due to dirty transmission fluid. If the auto box was 'flushed' that can cause debris being pushed into the solenoids, causing them to malfunction ?

[@adrianowen6524]

Interesting video!!👌👍

[@CookieMonsterawr]

Top video as usual Joe

[@waynemandco]

at least youll get the ad revenue from this video too hehe Big love Joe

[@jamiechristie9417]

Fab video totally agree with you. Would defo buy a car from you if I lived closer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@FanaticQuattro]

Chin up Joe, you're doing a great job!

[@AidanBreen-j5o]

Yeah it’s like England having a northern England, doesn’t make much sense does it but I think there working on it Joe.

[@AlastairTwigger-c6h]

Turbo will be next and that’s £1,600. Out it ASAP!

[@IfInDoubt..]

You said it shouldn't be sold retail the first time around, yet a colleague sold it. You're the boss Joe, what you say should stick.

[@ShiftingMetal]

It does but I was swayed, it's my own fault!

[@raycrocker2844]

There’s a guy on KZbin who specialises in mercs sprinters and cars, go look him up he will fix it or buy it I reckon, Al is his name 6d diesels near Bridport Dorset.👍

[@mrdeafa25]

I had one of those years ago. It cost a bomb because it was nearly new and it was the thirstiest car I ever owned and lost most of its value in no time at all. Even Mercedes themselves wouldnt buy it back because they said there was literally no market for them. Never ever again.

[@Graham-rc1cp]

🎶You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em…🎶

[@martinjackson565]

If it’s the 7 speed auto the conductor plate needs programming on line to Mercedes

[@exgtt2061]

Isn’t there a silly sensor that plugs into the gearbox housing that has a seal that leaks oil then the gearbox then plays silly buggers?

[@michaeljames1468]

My son has recently passed his test. He decided to buy his first decent car. Found a '66 Focus and decided to buy if. Driving back from the dealership, engine malfunction service soon limp mode. Took it straight back and a day later got the call, car fixed we replaced a sensor. Collect it on way back from the dealership "Engine malfunction service soon" car returned again. There a?week, again car fixed. We collect it, yes you've guessed it "Engine malfuction". We decides he's had enough he rejects the car. Hits Autotrader finds a 4th generation one that's more expensive on a '68 (lower miles) from a different dealership buys that. I kid you not on way home "Engine malfunction". He flashes me over as I was giving him a lift to collect. My first response "You have to be kidding me" Car goes back a day later, dealership and I quote. "You want the good news or the bad?" "Bad" "There is no bad. Car's fine" Great. He's at work, so I pick it up. On the way home as soon as I hit moyowsy speed on the A1 "Engine malfuctuon" limp mode. This is getting ridiculous now. Took it back while in limp mode. Dealer takes it out while we wait (clearly thinks I can't drive because thus car is fine). Comes back Oh your right, won't even climb a hill. You don't say. Call yesterday the turbo has failed we've ordered one ftom Germany be here 3-5 working days.

[@adrianbaker5811]

Hi I had a brand new Volvo v40 in 2015 same thing happened to this car I was passing Lorries at about 100 mph in France on auto route car went from top gear to third hitting rev limiter and was losing power I fortunately managed to put it into manual change up so much for a ford unit in a Volvo Volvo could not solve it ended up selling at a loss It had fords powershift auto

[@sccobyste]

You still got this

[@mikes747]

My neighbour had one of those and it was nothing but trouble!

[@Nick-bp7jf]

If it has the 7 speed transmission then that is why garages will not touch it. Different animal to the relatively simple 5 speed 722.6 unit.

[@johndeacetis4707]

Your someone in the know..as I say it's 7 speed ...when I did NVQ motor mechanics course ..we never pondered on guessing when 6 speed would become popular ..as for 7 speed

[@waynehardiman9421]

Omg you’ve turned into that grumpy old man lol 😂

[@Dalbayob69]

This era of Mercs are very sensitive to oil changes in gearbox. Just replace oil, new filter and she’s as good as new.

[@thatpeskyswan]

The previous owner definitely serviced the gearbox to see if it stopped faulting 100% , i see the tow bar and immediately see redflags, when autos tow it puts so much strain onthe Gbox and if theyre not maintened properly they f*ck up! Theyre a b*tch to replace, you may as well put a 2nd box in there and get a euro car parts gbox service kit (which are actually pretty good for old cars if available) but be warned it may need programming and i think thats probably one of the problems + when you start taking bits apart on a old ML they break, you blink and pipes/gaskets/coolers/seals just break. Theyre so crap! You were sold a bad part ex personally ^^ hope u manage to find a home for it though

[@realmusicreallife]

Could be leaky injector dripping fuel down the bore causing the smoke on start up.

[@LUFCTruth]

My ML350 was an absolute nightmare, bin it !

[@hemtet5500]

That road tax is the killer for me.

[@oxygen6371]

Must be the "conductor plate", mate 🤭

[@MariusvanZyl-r6x]

I think, I think, I think and I think, I think that you need to do a video about a car on the lot which you actually knows the details of it. I will never buy a car from a company that does not know anything about a make model year etc................. or when it will be answered with I think.

[@andy14landy]

So annoying that it was fine when sold and then broken so quickly after

[@JasonCampbell-xb5qi]

Who’s running the compilation? And what’s was the discount code!

[@glengarryglenross7127]

I've got a Skoda thats lasted longer than that

[@darrenlennox2313]

Does clear score have an app

[@duncanpoundcake]

Joe, this is an easy fix for your mechanics. New conductor plate and fit blue top solenoids. A couple of hours of their time. £4k is a piss take. I have one of these (No dodgy walnut) and as long as you look after them - which many don't - and pay attention to known faults, they are a very comfortable cruiser. If you do this, it will make it an attractive buy for those who know. If you cycle the glow plug light on and off 3 or 4 times, it will start on the button.

[@deerawselecta7709]

Auto box issues can be as easy as a transit fluid and filter change.alternatively solenoid in sump could be faulty.just needs plugging into decent Merc software to diagnose.

[@martinparker2774]

I learnt my lesson early this year, purchased an 08 plate Volvo V50 auto only 86k on the clock, 6 months later gear box failed on the motorway, quote was around 3k car was only worth 4 if that. Cut my losses and sent it to the scrap yard. I wont purchase an old auto again.

[@MaxMax-th7uz]

Power 💩

[@kaptinkeiff]

That's not all old autos, I bet it was a 2.0D...Ford Powershift gearbox, horrific things

[@mrdlewis22]

Even if it is an easy fix. No one in their right mind would buy a car for a few grand knowing it’s going to cost over £700 a year in tax! 😮

[@brianoregan2060]

How about the boys at Transformotion.

[@Cheeky-fingers]

I have to be honest I have ditched German motors now. They seem to have so many problems. Mercedes build quality can be suspect on some models. But the parts are just ludicrously expensive.

[@justso1823]

6D diesel's

[@thatdaftscottishcarguy]

what's the name of the tune played at the end of every episode?

[@SSices]

Why don’t you just sell it as trade sale only no warranty to recoupe your losses etc ??

[@paulgalpin1786]

Newer less problematic stock…is that an L322 Range Rover beside the ML….might need to rethink that newer problematic stock thing…😂

[@misanthropist3877]

fluid change first its low miles

[@filipwennergren2712]

Could have told you that in advance 😂 Shitcar. ❤️🇸🇪

[@danecowan678]

On a side note, putting the historical bollox aside there actually is a big difference in Irish and Northern Irish plates. Irish plates are EU style whereas Northern Irish like this are just the same as Uk apart from the back to front letter format If anyone’s interested 😂😂

[@sprautos]

I know a man 😉

[@ShiftingMetal]

I was hoping you’d comment! 😂 I’ll get it trailered up shall I ? 😊

[@mancavehobbies6213]

SCRAP IT 🤣

[@garymorris801]

Id say easy fix

[@Antonio-gq6fx]

BMW is king

[@liam7325]

Give this guy a call he could sort it he also has a KZbin channel. SPR Autos Ltd - Mercedes specialist

[@Eastbarn1]

SPR are not taking on any new clients at the moment.

[@liam7325]

@@Eastbarn1 are right hope you get it sorted soon all the best

[@jshoe1986]

I've got a ml420 2008 that takes foreverrrrr to change gear, Mercedes do an software update its a recall. But because its over 5 years it will cost best part 1500!!!! Reset gearbox adaptions it does help but soon goes back to the longgg gear changes. Its a common fault all Mercedes have this problem. Reading comments may be worth me changing the conductor plate???? Apart from that great car

[@DaDa-David]

Is this another premium brand built in/cheap component failure? You would have to have wragged the F*ck out of a Mercedes once to get this much grief - too much tech? who knows - so dissapointing.

[@simonwhittle5190]

Labour Govt will hike tax on big SUVs and pickups... another tax grab

[@markpaul1154]

The least able people who will be able to fix it are so called "automatic gearbox specialists" For some strange reason they can never fix anything simple and it always needs a new gearbox. They are all ripp off merchants. A good mechanic with you-tube will sort this, its usually the conductor plate and full change of ATF takes a day for the first one, half a day after that.

[@farmer6861]

The fact that model was built by Chrysler and sold with a Mercedes badge probably explains a lot. I once off-roaded one on Salisbury Plain and to be fair it got through some serious deep mud!

[@paulacklam1172]

Well, not "really" built by Chrysler was it? Daimler and Chrysler became DaimlerChrysler for a while but that doesn't mean the Tuscaloosa plant was Chrysler...and the car was engineered by Mercedes. The plant is still there building M/G class Mercs and Chrysler was divested the same year Joes car was built......

[@williamegler8771]

It wasn't built by Chrysler. It was built in a wholly-owned Mercedes factory in Alabama. The plant was built and the ML was in production before Chrysler and Daimler Benz merged. A significant portion of the ML models sold in Europe were built in Austria. And the plant still builds Mercedes-Benz vehicles and it hasn't been involved with Chrysler for years.

[@mikepalmer7687]

Go to SPR Autos

[@cabottaxi]

It's just a Chrysler underneath. Speaks volumes.

[@williamegler8771]

It isn't a Chrysler. It was designed and engineered by Mercedes and a majority were built in a Mercedes-Benz facility in Alabama but most European versions were built in Austria. The ML was in production before Chrysler and Daimler Benz merged and Mercedes still builds vehicles at its factory in Alabama long after it divested itself from Chrysler.

[@420somewhereG]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ZKev1]

7g tronic conducter plate, pain in the arse, fixing is easy coding is painful

[@stevenc5227]

What you said about cutting your losses and getting rid, that's what the previous owner was told when he owned it. To be honest when i used to buy and sell cars 25+ years ago as a side line, the cars that used to stitch me up were the autos, cars that go through the auction, look almost immaculate auto gearbox working fine, when driving home gearbox would stay in top gear when hot and not change, Vauxhall Astra. Another i think was a Ford Escort that drove fine, then would lose all gears after a few miles, others with no reverse. Ended up putting back through auction and losing money, also what made me quit, was the certain ethnic type of persons at these auctions bidding the cars up and above what they are worth, jumping on the band wagon of buying cars to sell on , but paying too much for them, idiots.

[@seangrant808]

👍🏻👌🏻

[@peterwoodhead2569]

Have owned one for 15 years, can’t believe your so negative about this car. Starting issue, follow the starting instructions, operator error! turn on to let the go plugs heat up and wait a few seconds before engaging the starter motor glow plug light will stay on once started if there is an issue with the plugs. It’s had gearbox service done as it should be done, not necessarily because there was a gearbox problem. As others have said probably conductor plate but can also be faulty wheel speed sensor, easy diagnostic check with the proper kit. It’s possible your gearbox people are wary because there can be a coding issue on some models using this gearbox not usually with these to be fair, see SPR video.

[@mrd64]

That era of Mercedes looks really cheap and dated now.

[@lesklower7281]

Why did you buy an older Mecedes Benz they are absolute rubbish lesson learnt and Range Rovers most unreliable vehicle in the UK

[@danielevans7905]

Typical old German crap

[@toy838]

U need meŕc specialist àuto boxes night màre average content! poď casts better your gd ñaturaĺ

[@martincraig-je4vo]

Joe ask Al 6DDIESELS to KZbin