True Cost of Owning a CHEAP Mercedes ~ Full breakdown on repairs and Review | Gears and Tech

Ever wondered what the true cost of owning a FINE LUXURY GERMAN Vehicle is? Let me break it down for you!
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[@sliqvuemedia2083]

I’ve got the 2006 ML350 in Jamaica shipped from Florida in 2007🇯🇲, 250k on the clock… Only problems I’ve got is the right Brake light harness, Just service on time and it’s a beast ✅.

[@bekabeka71]

W164 is bulletproof

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

@@bekabeka71I have the same car in the uk and its faultless

[@bekabeka71]

@@livingthedreambuildingthedream I have bought w166 a year ago now and it is still as good in terms of reliability as w163 or w164. But handles way better and is on another level in terms of driving experience and beautiful inside out

[@etiennelaurier8021]

Hi, I appreciate your honest review! Can you post the link for your aftermarket entertainment system?

[@GearsAndTech]

here is the install video with links in the description for the stereo and components used kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKWYpZaenbycf7c

[@jdclarke8729]

I was lucky and had the opportunity to buy a 2011 ML550 Grand Touring with 165000kms on it. It is the most comfortable and fun car I have ever owned. I got it at a great price and it was well maintained with all service records. It did need an oil cooler rebuild and idler pulley with belt. Also the rear door switch would stick. Being handy and KZbin savvy I fixed it all myself for $300. Also I found an independent German car service garage whom I can take it to for anything that might be beyond my capabilities at a lower price. I feel these cars are a bargain if you have the same attitude towards fixing it.

[@GearsAndTech]

Totally agree

[@speedyd8150]

Thank you for this video. I've been debating about buying a ml350 for a few weeks now. I'm down in Florida so I'm not worried about rust. Now I just have to find one that was taken care of.

[@GearsAndTech]

If you can find a 550 it's amazing!

[@Hannelore7]

Same here looking at a 2011 ml350...

[@tacey01]

@@Hannelore7I have owned a 2011 ML350 since 2014. Very good car only needing regular maintenance. We like it.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

Have owned many MBs since my very first 220s in 1967. Cheapest cars I have ever driven. Mostly have just changed the fluids, brakes and tires and driven then. Have a MB electric today that has had one repair in 35K miles and a service is only $130 (US) every 20K miles.

[@r.weaver3769]

A new car, will cost on average $50k to $70k, is still way more money than taking that Mercedes to shop to fix. Then the cost of insurance on a new car, taxes on a new car, tags, it all adds up to tens of thousands more for the "New" car than that of the Mercedes. Yeah, you need to be a millionaire or an idiot to buy a new car. I might spend $20k on my car over the next 10 or 15 years, so a new car will cost double compared to that Mercedes, even over the next 10, 20 years.

[@GearsAndTech]

All true

[@edwardr5084]

Just got a 2023 GLC. I'll be trading before off warranty.

[@jasonx4569]

My fist car was a 2001 ml320 and is still my daily driver. I have had a similar experience but have had to replace alot more than you from the start. As with any old car. But after that it just runs and runs. I didnt really know anything about cars until buying it now i have changed in the last 3 years radiator, ac sensor, all 4 oxygen sensors, abs motor brushes, yaw sensor, window switch, upgrading the lights to leds, carier bearing on the drive shaft, coolant resivior, power steering resivior, battery and about to put in new struts. Its supprisingly easy to work on

[@GearsAndTech]

Great intro to the world of cars.

[@rontruocchio5744]

i bought an 08 ml 350 a few years ago and truthfully i was a little nervous should i have to work on it. so far nothing i can't handle. changed brakes, rotors, plugs , thermostat, belt, pulley. everything accessible with plenty of room.looks like the underside of the truck is where mb put a lot of attention. exhaust , suspension , brackets. no rust at all and i'm in the northeast

[@GearsAndTech]

Agreed. That was my experience too

[@tacey01]

My wife bought a used 2011 ML350 in 2014. It now has about 100,000 miles on it and it runs good. No major repairs other than replacing brake lines that corroded due to very salty Pennsylvania winters. I had a minor repair which I fixed myself by watching KZbin. So now the algorithms know that I’m a Mercedes mechanic which meant that I would watch your video which I did. Thanks and we do like the ML350.

[@GearsAndTech]

Thanks for sharing

[@gravitygabri3l]

Does your ML550 have the original water pump? I have a 2010 GLK350 4matic with 165k miles which basically has the same engine just 2 less cylinders. Bought it at 90k miles and the engine feels like it never lost power! You can make the m272 6 cyclinder and m273 8 cylinder engines last but you need to buy a 08+ plus built after, I believe its March (dont quote me on the month) because Mercedes fixed the expensive balance shaft issue. Besides that all you really need to do is change all the fluids, change the oil cooler and oil housing gaskets, crank case breather valve and hoses/caps, oil drip pan, and belts. There are tutorials all over youtube and its extremely EASY. Last thing is that the plastic intake manifold actuator arms are known to break cause if the PCV and caps are not replaced oil can get into the intake manifold causing more stress on the arm. If you wanna make it bullet proof you can buy an aftermarket aluminum arm. To most people this might seem a lot BUT if you can learn to be a garage mechanic the M272 and M273 will last 300k or more miles! Buy an old Mercedes, do the simple repairs once as mentioned above, then enjoy it for 100,000's of miles. Ive owned Audis, BMWs, Toyotas, old Lexus and nothing beats the reliability and comfort of an old NON TURBO Mercedes. No wonder why you see so many still driving on the road with shiny 20 year old paint and clean interior!

[@GearsAndTech]

I Beleive it was original

[@sammyers6862]

Thanks just bought an 09 550 I’ve named it the waft mobile I had a Nissan Maxima “2010” for 5 years and spent 10k maintaining it and I gave up after the CVT started to slip after 190k miles “US” my “new” benz drives like nothing I’ve ever driven before and thanks for the convincing.

[@GearsAndTech]

Glad I could help. That's a great machine.

[@CapeGlam]

I have an Ml350 hes named Klaus because he's a big German boy 😂😂😂 also fully kitted like yours, 158 000km on the clock thats around 98 000miles , also have had amazing experiences this far.

[@GearsAndTech]

Glad to hear it

[@donparkinson9561]

Good video. I like your upbeat philosophy. I have been driving a 1999 Honda CRV since new. Currently at 474,300 km. I put 3 transmissions in it. I don't want to put in another one. I am going to go with a transmission flush to see if that improves how it runs. My brother drives a 2007 Mercedes Benz M-Class 350 and does the maintenance himself, like you. He would probably service the car if I drove it to his place in Nova Scotia. I live in BC. Eh, I think I will pass. I plan to keep my Honda in Kamloops so my siblings can drive it (albeit) slowly, when they come to town. It is cheaper than renting. The snows are still on it, because I am expecting winter to come early this year, like in June. This mini ice-age happens every 700,000 years. It will be better for Gaia (Earth's planetary consciousness), in about a hundred years. Plant an indoor garden, you will be fine. Use magnets to create your own power for the interim. I just had the heads ground last month and I hate to say bye to my Honda! It drives good in the snow.

[@GearsAndTech]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@erikgillisostrom6109]

Great review! Live in Sweden so I have similar climate. Have had my ML500 for 10years (2008). Very nice quality on interior, still looks new. Some minor rust on the lower end of doors but I'll fix that myself. have 200.0000 km (124.000 mi) replaced leaking rear shocks (not difficult but a hazzle for access in boot) leaking rear air suspension. (super easy to replace) Replaced front leaking airsuspension with integrated shocks for convenience. Also replaced the airpump (Maybe it had been working too hard due to leaking airsuspension) Used parts are super easy to find on ebay. Main cost if you cant do it yourself is labor. But most work is actually quite easy. One thing to check is the suspension levelling mechanism since it is unprotected i the open and tend to rust solid......no good. Gas milage is really close to what is stated, 1,3 l/10km (18mi/g US) Not super good but less than expected on a 5.5l V8 moving brick 🙂 And just for my own pleasue I replaces the discs with new Zimmermann with non rust coating..... Not planning to sell........still close to new condition and super comfy .

[@GearsAndTech]

Thanks for sharing

[@oakmen4604]

I got a 2008 ML320. Replaced the headlight lens, the grill, , the battery, fuel filter, belt, fixed tail lights, O2 sensor, oil seal, turbo seal, PCV Valve. Removed the super dark tint. It's diesel, so I'm hoping to get 500,000 miles on it and I'm at 130,000. It's way cheaper to fix myself because it's a Mercedes, and everything a mechanic would do is that much more expensive. I did get a recall on the master cylinder, so that's good to go too. I would not recommend this car to anyone unless they were mechanically inclined.

[@GearsAndTech]

It helps

[@lesiageni2909]

It would be great if you did a video on how to change the oil and other maintenance tips please.

[@GearsAndTech]

How to change oil video is on this channel already. It's from a few years ago now

[@lesiageni2909]

Great! Do you have the link? Thankyou for your channel

[@CL500MBZ]

​@lesiageni2909 youtube.com/@CL500MBZ

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

I own a ml350 grand edition 2011 and it’s awesome mine has 105000 miles and still drives like it’s new.

[@GearsAndTech]

Sweet

[@manyord7089]

Hey, Could you do a video on a Porsche Cayenne 2009-10 diesel?

[@GearsAndTech]

Sure, do you have one to let me try out?

[@BlackhawkPilot]

I drove an 1986 MB 300SDL to 330K miles/450K KM would still be driving it except for a fool who ran a light. My Total Cost of Ownership was approximately 75¢/mile having most of the work done at the dealership or independent MB shops. Currently driving a MB electric that is costing about 30¢/mile and have two BEVs on order. I have almost always owned a MB and have found them to be very inexpensive to drive when you are willing to drive them for 20 to 30 years.

[@christianbarros1580]

I had a ML 270 CDI....Not a good experience. bunch of stupid electrical issues. However, I will consider this one in the near future.

[@GearsAndTech]

We are at 370,000 km on this one now and it's still doing well. It is starting to have things complain, like the power steering pump. But I'm at the point now where I don't want to spend any money fixing it because I do think it'll become too costly

[@gfritlev9956]

Good deal. Same experience here, more than 2 years with a 2015 GLA. Best car ever owned, and had 17 of them. No issues beside regular maintenance and I think the ownership costs are exaggerated, it is not anymore like in older days. Well it is going to hurt the wallet probably if it is an S Class

[@GearsAndTech]

Glad to hear others find the same

[@johnwallace7104]

Got to love a Mercedes! Especially if you know how to turn a wrench.

[@GearsAndTech]

Exactly!

[@xion1629]

Followed your link on my comment from the previous video - the constant Mercedes bashing from Scotty is one of the reasons I don't take him seriously. Mercedes is one of the best brands money can buy if you buy an S or G class Edit: if you're interested in another Mercedes, I can't recommend an S class enough. The ONLY thing it wouldn't offer is the place for your dogs that your G offers now. Power, reliability and quality are all there. I bought a c320 sport at a great price and while the suspension and drivetrain undoubtedly have the Mercedes experience, the overall features and cosmetic quality have left me wishing I'd have just paid the same amount for an S class with more miles on it. The S class's v8 also seemed to be better on gas than this C class. I could make a 4.5 hour highway trip on almost exactly half a tank (I live 2 states away from family, so I make that trip frequently). Having said that, I wouldn't trade the C class for anything except a higher end Mercedes because it still feels so much better than anything else at the same price point- and even better than a few "nicer" more expensive cars. So from my experience, you didn't just luck out- that's just a top of the line Mercedes in general. Also from my experience, it's an exception to the rule for a high end Mercedes to NOT be reliable. But as with all makes, there were a few rough years (2010-2015ish) that I'd do homework on prior to purchase. Which is another point: maintenance is CRUCIAL to the reliability, so buying one used can sway the odds in favor of running into an abused and unreliable Merc if you don't take extra steps in verifying the upkeep. I was the second owner of the S class, and I'm the 3rd owner of my C class- both came with documentation right down to the original window stickers. OHH, and from what I understand from being in some Mercedes circles is that you want a car that was actually manufactured in Germany (it tells you the country of origin on the door), although the Gs are made in North America I think and are great.

[@GearsAndTech]

glad you found your way over here. My wife is leaning towards an Audi for her next car. But I have never had very good luck with Audi. I am starting to look for a newer Merc. Thanks for your support, and for adding a comment!

[@xion1629]

@@GearsAndTech Anytime- I enjoy the way you put together your content 🤙 Happy Halloween

[@rontruocchio5744]

i have a 2008 ml350. looking for a 550 because its almost the same MPG and three times the fun

[@GearsAndTech]

All true

[@joephet]

Really? That's good to know.

[@joephet]

Few years ago I got a 2012 GLK and it's now my daily driver. Besides the interior looking a little shitty, the engine has such an earthy roar. Looking into getting into an '09 ML550.

[@GearsAndTech]

The ml550 was a blast!

[@992ni]

Mercedes's condition is pretty much depends on the owner's service. As long as you maintenance correctly, the Mercedes will running forever.

[@GearsAndTech]

True

[@RizzleDazzle888]

How much is an oil change ? I’m looking at a 2013 of this model, it has 98k and appears to have been taken care of very regularly and had only two owners. The dealership wants 17k for it but says the oil changes are 250$ each. Is this true?.

[@GearsAndTech]

It's pretty true. I do my own oil changes which is easy enough But if you take it to dealer or even minute lube it'll cost you around $250

[@m1cajah]

What in the world is so expensive on an oil change that even a Quick Lube place is $250??

[@CL500MBZ]

Oil changes are about $20. I do them at home and buy the oil and filter at FCPEuro which has a lifetime warranty for them. youtube.com/@CL500MBZ

[@tacey01]

@@m1cajahthe oil capacity is something like 12 quarts.

[@m1cajah]

@@tacey01 😮 that’s a LOT of oil!

[@TheRomanMak]

2.7 gallon per mile? Your editor is not a millionaire, but he must also own a Mercedes lol

[@GearsAndTech]

Lol. He's from out of town.

[@osamaothman3538]

We owned many Mercedes benz cars but the most reliable one was the W140 S320 1997. That car almost costed 0$ in repairs in 5 years !!

[@GearsAndTech]

That's a common car that many believe to be very reliable.

[@SoulStar47]

I just got a 2013 GLK 350. Read and watched so many awesome reviews, even by those who dont like MB as a brand. I love the look. Bold prestigue. "It's like a sophisticated Jeep" was my fave! ...cant stand the way the RX looks so yea, I'm in love.

[@GearsAndTech]

Good choice!

[@Tyrian_]

I love the GLK! Loved how the design is boxy!

[@obushaala]

Not true , I had 5 of ml and gle 350 are the best build car ever

[@GearsAndTech]

I agree. My ml550 is still going strong

[@kimchee94112]

I have a 60 vintage 230 MBZ, it's a money pit. Friend had a broken AMG parked on the driveway for 3 years and finally donated it. Could you imagine timing belt change every 40K miles at $4,000 a pop? I know a guy who has an old Rolls-Royce that needed tow service every couple of months. Reason why those high end cars go for cheap after 100K miles.

[@GearsAndTech]

I got ama after getting the Merc in anticipation of needing frequent tows. That just hasn't been the reality for me

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

I'm getting an E-Class Cabriolet for the summer. I'm stupid.

[@GearsAndTech]

You'll have the best time ever though

[@radoslavvasilev5499]

For the German cars it matters a lot with which engine configuration you would choose. Also usually the last models of a particular generation are usually better than early models for newer generation. Actually this maybe applies only to Mercedes and VW family, BMWs are all crap now :D

[@GearsAndTech]

True about BMW. I don't trust them

[@liythalhamzah8289]

Where was the car assembled?

[@GearsAndTech]

No idea

[@cristinamontece3647]

My gf and I are being offered a 2012 GL 350 Bluetech 4matic diesel ... its a tank. Feels so safe and solid. Runs excellent it has 200K, the inside is immaculate - Our biggest concern is everybody says Mercedes repairs/manteinance are super expensive.... Thoughts anybody? Are we beinf stupid ? Or are we pretending to be millionaires?? We are in our mid forties... 😂😂😂

[@GearsAndTech]

If you can wrench yourself then go for it

[@nico-toscani]

Thank you Scotty !

[@GearsAndTech]

Scotty Jr

[@peedohtv4403]

in 2008 your kia barely started

[@GearsAndTech]

I don't think I owned a Kia ever

[@vincentpickett121]

Yes I own a 2003,e320 I bought in 2014 well.its still rolling. When I bought it,it had 73 000 miles on it,now 230,000 miles, well I bought another 1 2017 e300 with 84,000 miles the Germans get it

[@GearsAndTech]

Glad to hear it's going well

[@bestgaming6566]

Nice vid, no mercedez for me jajajjaja

[@GearsAndTech]

I'm seriously considering another

[@supersoniqamanyi3075]

Editor still ddnt add the conversion of km to MPH

[@GearsAndTech]

Dangit.

[@drewmorg.]

conversion was like 22mpg assuming he meant liters per 100km which is a standard measurement

[@micks7655]

Buy 3.0 cdi diesel engine, only regular oil changes it works for ever.

[@GearsAndTech]

True

[@00.50goldeneye]

sounds like its gotta join the fleet🙂

[@GearsAndTech]

Currently still driving it. We are at about 350km now. It's just not worth enough to sell it. I think we need to drive it till it does. I was going to ice drift it this winter. But got my hands on a sweet car that was perfect!

[@00.50goldeneye]

@@GearsAndTech I felt that. I was cross searching before I ran across your vid. definitely gotta get one soon. I cant thank you enough for the transparency

[@GearsAndTech]

I'm curious to know if I just got lucky or of these things are actually pretty good!? If I could I would want to find an amg 63. Its even faster than the 550. If not then the 550 has been really solid as well

[@zacksalvatore9443]

Video starts at 16:15

[@GearsAndTech]

Thanks for the help

[@user-qb3zq5pj1u]

Scotty was 100% right

[@GearsAndTech]

.... that Im an idiot?

[@Carlb328]

Um, 2.77 gallons per mile is not good gas mileage, or his math is off.

[@GearsAndTech]

its about 20 MPG. This is no economy car, thats for sure. but a giant 5.5L V8 pushing 400 hp getting this kind of range is pretty good!

[@benetaue]

A little donut deep in your MB will deliver a milk shake in time

[@GearsAndTech]

Worth a try

[@bobbyz23]

These reviewers be exaggerating to a degree, it costs a lot to own a Mercedes if you take it to the dealer or other Mercedes shops.If you do some of your own maintenance it's not that expensive to own.

[@GearsAndTech]

Exactly

[@MiniFun92]

Trust me ot isnt nearing end just with mileage. Send it to eastern europe!

[@GearsAndTech]

I hope you're right! I don't usually see many in Canada with this many km

[@aknsg1]

MB ml particular those year model are good vehicles,,, not all MB are good,,, just be careful.... listen to Scott 😂

[@GearsAndTech]

I'm worried I just got lucky

[@FORTRAN4ever]

You couldn't pay me to take ownership of a Mercedes, BMW, etc.

[@GearsAndTech]

You're missing out I agree though if we are talking bmw

[@vladimirseparovic]

Because you don t understand BMW Mercedes or Audi like Europeans do.

[@nanieenriquez9757]

Scotty is crazy. hahaha

[@GearsAndTech]

Probbaly

[@mmucalov]

What I'm not getting is why don't you maintain your car properly. Repairing rust is better sooner than later. Same applies to the rest. If you're so proud of your car (why wouldn't you be), why don't you treat it with respect?

[@GearsAndTech]

its a problem that I have. In Canada rust is inevitable, its going to happen. the fact that its got so many miles and is only showing that much rust is actually a miracle.

[@levimcfadden7276]

No records. Suspect.

[@GearsAndTech]

I tried to show you the records but accidentally got the wrong folder full

[@MiniFun92]

Yes older luxury car is much nicer than newer non luxury car. But i think ur telling tales here for shure. One thing is positeve is a bs. It doesnt use 10l/100km. Diesel engines with 3.0tdi uses aroud 10 to 14l/100... so there is no way gasole is consumed that little

[@GearsAndTech]

I know it's surprising how good my fuel economy is

[@BK-it6te]

Porsche Cayenne turbo 4.5 seconds

[@GearsAndTech]

that is a worthy competitor, and one I have considered many times. unfortunatly Im not brave enough to buy a porsche yet

[@BK-it6te]

When the automatic goes you will seat down and cry

[@GearsAndTech]

I sold it before it broke

[@sadder9531]

im an idiot 😂

[@GearsAndTech]

Its easy enough to figure out. If youre not a millionaire you must be the other.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

V8 gas guzzler!

[@GearsAndTech]

Switched to an electric car now

[@BK-it6te]

Why would a millionaire want to buy an old car?

[@GearsAndTech]

If I was a millionaire my garage would look like Im stuck in the 80s and 90s

[@sydbarrett1146]

Some like to fly under the radar and could care less what you think of your car as they at least are wealthy

[@champmon1572]

That’s a stupid question that only a broke person would ask. A lot of millionaires buy used cars.

[@hoppysport2872]

Good video, except for that contrived, beyond annoying, broken film crap. Keep it simple.

[@GearsAndTech]

I'll see what I can do

[@yorgovanis]

What's up with the annoying transitions every couple of seconds? Great car, poor video experience 😢

[@GearsAndTech]

Im sorry, I just had a quick watch and Im not sure I see what youre talking about. I do see a couple awkward jump cuts that were used to hide some mistakes I wanted cut out. But thats only in a few places

[@Freddy-td8fl]

Dude we do not care about all the bullshit we only care about cost of ownership and RELIABILITY

[@GearsAndTech]

Cost of ownership was cheap Reliability was top notch