Test drive Mercedes Benz ML class W166 since 2011 SUV
Optimal balance
Cars with a three -beam star on the hood in Russia are treated with special trepidation. However, among the Mercedes jeeps, for some reason, they bow to Gelendevagen, and the M-class car is almost for the second grade. In vain. If you need a comfortable car, and not a comfortable tractor, Emka looks much more preferable. In the shade of Golendevagen
The popularity of Gelendevagen in Russia, as we have already written, is based on endurance when working in difficult conditions and phenomenal cross -country ability. In the driving qualities and level of comfort, this is a natural cart. Another thing is Emka. In terms of smoothness, dynamics and handling, she surpasses her older brother on her head.
Of course, there are no miracles in the world. If you get in one, then in the other you inevitably lose. Emka chassis with an independent suspension of all wheels is much weaker than that of Gelendevagen. There are no forced locks in its transmission either. And delicate plastic bumers hang low. Therefore, it is better not to meddle on heavy off -road. Even just on broken roads, you should not drive it daily. But even on a par with SUVs like Lexus-RX300 or BMW-X5 EMKU cannot be put either. Unlike the latter, it was created not on the basis of a car, but was originally built as a full -fledged alternate. The car has a powerful frame that lowers the gear in the handout with a coefficient of 2.64 and almost a flat bottom that is not afraid of contacts with the ground. Therefore, if the driver has a head on the shoulders, EMKA, if necessary, is quite capable of overcoming medium severity of off -road. Or are you claiming more?
American Mercedes The skeptical attitude to Emke was largely determined by her overseas origin: six years ago, the phrase of the American Mercedes was perceived, to put it mildly, inadequate. But the Germans saw North America the main market for Emka. Therefore, the design of the machine was imprisoned under the tastes of the Yankees, and production was established in a tascalus, Alabama.
When ML first appeared before the demanding European public, many said: this is not a Mercedes. The fault was an amorphous design and cheap, completely indecent for a Mercedes, finishing materials of the cabin. Plus a whole bouquet of childhood diseases. In general, at first, Emka really did not live up to expectations.
In this regard, there is a common opinion that ML European production, they say, is better than the American one. The fact is that in 1999 the assembly of cars was also established in the Austrian grace. At one time, all modifications were made there, then only diesel versions remained, and recently the production of Emka in Austria was completely stopped. You can distinguish a European car from the American one by the 11th sign of VINA. In the first case, it will be the letter X, and in the second A.
Emka’s seats are located at the optimal height from the floor. Ease of landing as in minivans
However, do not score your head. In fact, the assembly quality on both sides of the Atlantic was the same. EMKA of any origin became noticeably better by the 2000 model year, when almost all childhood diseases were eliminated and the quality of the interior decoration increased significantly. Another thing is that it is preferable to buy a car in a European specification (it can be made in the USA) in order not to have problems with the lighting technology of the American standard. Moreover, cars brought from Europe and America are the same.
Almost a car
Not everyone really likes plasticine body design. But, unlike Gelendevagen, here you will not see the gaps between doors in the finger with thickness and iron instrumental boxes under the front seats. The body is tailored very neatly, and the ergonomics of the interior provides an almost passenger level of comfort. In almost all machines there is a leather upholstery of the cabin with heating seats, all kinds of electric drives and air conditioning (automatic climatic appeared only after restyling by 2002 model year). In general, even a demanding buyer for a complete set to complain.
However, he will surely visit the wooden plastic of the torpedo and the upholstery of the doors, used until the 2000 model year. Not only does it look cheap, but it also begins to thunder over time. Alas, this is not treated. Bumpers are also made from the equally solid plastic. A light blow and the entire bumper goes with a screw. In order to more or less give it to him and return to his place, the craftsmen have to sweat pretty much.
Emka’s bottom is almost flat to cling. But the bumers hang low
Under the rear bumper there was a place only for a narrow docture. If you need a full -size reserve, you will have to buy a remote bracket. He goes to original accessories
But other body and salon sores behind Emka are less than behind other Mercedes. The absence of some is explained by the body highly located from the Earth (for example, cooling radiators are almost not clogged with dirt and their electric fanks do not fly). The time has not come for others.
Cursed sclerosis
The door locks on Emke over time begin to show senile distraction, ceasing to slam or block. But this is not scary. The disease is treated with adjustment without replacing parts. Worse, if the car suddenly stopped recognizing the owner by an individual key (rarely, but it happens). Then you will have to change the so -called AAM electronic block, which, depending on the performance, costs $ 200600.
Of the other possible electrical problems, you can note the failure of the shutter switch, the block of the windows buttons and the gas pump. The latter is installed in the tank and refuses when the receiving mesh is clogged with dirt. In order not to have to change it, it is advisable to rinse the tank annually.
In the presence of a hatch in the roof, as in all Mercedes, you need to contact the service immediately after the first signs of sealing. Otherwise, instead of penny guides, change the entire hatch drive. If a panoramic hatch is installed in the entire roof with type of blinds, do not try to open it in the cold: the hatch is entered into the spare parts.
What is the price
REPAIR OF THE DOCTOR COMPLE $ 60
Replacing the glass windows buttons $ 130
Replacing the shutter switch $ 38
Replacement of a gas pump $ 300
Emka starts with six cylinders
In the fall of 1997, at the request of European workers, the production of ML230 with a 150-horsepower 4-cylinder engine began. But even the Europeans, who consider every penny, soon stopped buying two hundred and thirtieth and by 2000 it ingloriously disappeared from the model range. Naturally. A solid ML with such a motor that a dreamy eunuch trying to look like a brave macho. If you are not transplanted to EMKU from the Volga, you should definitely not buy ml230. Even despite its attractive price (1999 cars are given for $ 25,000 26,000), the low cost of engine service and relative economy.
The most optimal choice is ML320, equipped with a 218-horsepower V6 with a volume of 3.2 liters. If the G320 with such a motor travels mediocre, then having a smaller mass and much better streamliness of the ML320 on 400 kg looks much more interesting. Agree, the maximum speed of 195 km/h (on cars for the American market it is limited by electronics 180 km/h) and acceleration to hundreds of 9.5 s for the permissive is very worthy. At the same time, the real fuel consumption in the ML320 is 1520 l/100 km, which does not go beyond the reasonable framework. Emka’s trouble is one too small (70 l) fuel tank. If you do not burn its leisure, the range on the highway is a maximum of 400, and in the city 300 km.
Diesel ml: a cat in a bag
In mid-1999, the ML270CDI modification appeared, equipped with a 53-horsepower 163-horsepower 2.7-liter turbodiesel. The power so high for such a volume is due to the use of a fundamentally new Ustromon-Rail injection system. There is no classic fuel pump here. The fuel under super-high pressure is supplied to the general highway and distributed through the cylinders using electronically controlled nozzles almost like on a gasoline engine.
The new diesel turned out to be very nimble and economical. But how he will behave in our conditions is unknown. The cars equipped with him on our roads are still running very little. Yes, there were cases when fuel equipment was out of order from water. But after all, ordinary diesel engines are strictly contraindicated in fuel. So diesel emka can only be bought at your own peril and risk.
The ML430 version (V8; 4.3 l; 272 l.) This is primarily prestige. With such a motor, Emka receives a legal pass to the upper class of all -terrain vehicles. To become the owner of a three -year -old ML430, you need to pay about $ 30003,500 more than for ML320 of the same age and condition. In operation, it will cost a little more expensive. For example, gasoline will require only 12 liters more.
In addition, soon a charged modification of the ML55AMG with a 347-horsepower V8, a sports chassis and completely hurricane by all-resistant standards of dynamics should appear on the secondary market. This device will really cost completely different money (including in operation) than an ordinary Emka. However, this is unlikely to be a revelation for the buyer of such a car.
V6 and V8 engines love oil
All Mercedes engines have not requiring attention of the chain timing, but traditionally demanding on the quality and timely replacement of oil and coolant.
On the ML320, ML430 and ML55AMG, the V6 and V8 (M113) of the new generation with an aluminum unit and three valves per cylinder are installed unified in design (model M112). They are more economical, quieter and ecologically cleaner than the former Mercedes in -line six and V8. But the new engines were quite expensive in operation.
The first cost item is motor oil. A completely working motor in high -speed modes can eat up to one liter per 1000 km. Therefore, if you like to step on the pedal and travel mainly along the suburban highway, keep the oil canter in the trunk and are not lazy to control its level more often.
Next, the spark plugs. On the V6 and V8, expensive platinum candles are installed two pieces for each cylinder. The cost of their replacement can be found from the table. These figures would be perceived adequately if the candles nursed the laid 90,000 km. But on our gasoline they have to be changed three to four times more often. And you can’t save on candles. Unsheated gasoline disables the catalyst and its ceramic fragments can enter the cylinders. The result is overhaul of the engine.
In addition to suppositories, in the unstable operation of the engine, candle tips can be guilty, which are enough for an average of three years and they change along with candles, as well as injection nozzles. The latter are completely unpredictable: they can remain in service after 100,000 km, and can lock on a 40 thousandth run. Mechanics recommend for preventive purposes to clean the nozzles with ultrasound (and not chemistry!) Every 3040 thousand.
In addition, on each it is necessary to control the condition of the crankshaft pulley. After about 60,000 km, its rubber damper is divided.
Another age disease typical of all Mercedes engines is a gradual failure of the air flow meter by about 45 years. Symptoms: increased fuel consumption and shooting in an air filter or exhaust.
From unscheduled expenses, a breakdown can be noted, sometimes found only on the V6 engine installed only on EMK: the front cover of the engine cracks and the oil pours with a stream. Treatment is one lid replacement.
What is the price
Replacing candles (V6/V8) $ 200/260
Candle caps (V6/V8) $ 360/480
Cleaning and checking nozzles (V6/V8) $ 160/210
Nozzle (1 pc.) $ 105
Replacing the crankshaft pulley $ 100
Replacement of air flow meter $ 350
Replacing the front cover of the engine (V6) $ 570
The machine is required
The manual gearbox was installed only on ML230 and diesel ML270CDI. But both in the secondary market is a rarity. Therefore, there is no statistics on mechanics.
All other modifications are equipped exclusively with automatically. This is a modern 5-speed box of the so-called sixth series. It works rather softly, provides the engine with good efficiency, although in Mercedes is thoughtful. At first, the box was declared as inconsistent. There is not even an oil probe in it. But after time, the recommendation appeared to check the condition of the oil on each and change it when signs of burning appear. However, if it is forced to update oil at least 60,000 km in forced order, it will not be worse.
At first, one of the electronic boards included in the control circuit of the box often refused on the machine guns of the sixth series. At first, the mechanics were limited only to the replacement of the board itself. But, as further experience showed, the reason for the refusal of the board were unsuccessful bearings of the shafts of the box (eventually they crashed). When in the spring of 1999 the design of the bearings was changed, the electronics also ceased to refuse. Therefore, if the machine rises in an emergency mode by car of earlier production, get ready not only to change the fee, but, most likely, repair the box.
What is the price
Replacing electronic automatic transmission $ 180
Automatic transmission $ 1600-2700
All -wheel drive
Emka has a permanent all -wheel drive with free (without blocking) differentials. However, on off -road, it is by no means helpless. Instead of technically complex and expensive mechanical locks, German designers used an electronic traction control system on EMK. In fact, this is ABS on the contrary. If one or more wheels began to rotate faster than others (hit the slippery plot or hung in the air), the electronics slows them down, forcing them to row those wheels that have more reliable contact with the soil.
The front and rear wheels of EMKI should be strictly the same diameter. Otherwise, the anti -wings system will begin to slow down the slipping wheels until it disables the brake.
On heavy off -road, such a system is less effective than forced locking Gelendevagen. But it is in constant readiness for action (including on an ordinary slippery road), does not worsen controllability and does not require any special skills from the driver. He can only put pressure on the gas.
The only transmission control button with the inscription Low Range includes a lowering gear
But most importantly, the transmission practically does not require maintenance and is not afraid of high -speed driving. Try on a G-Vagen or any other professional all-resistant to rush with the gas pedal in the floor or forget about the need to regularly syringe the cardans. Three years later, the transmission will turn into trash. And on Emke you just need to change the oil in the handout and gearboxes of bridges after 100,000 km and control the condition of rubber covers of the CV joints. All. No more worries. True, up to 2000 of the model year, the intermediate bearing of the rear cardan shaft did not differ in durability. He could crumble after 40,000 km. At the same time, the bearing enters the spare parts only assembled with the cardan and costs $ 590. But you will receive a part of a new model, replacing which once, forget about its existence.
Chassis? Not so weak
Excellent driving qualities and smoothness of the EMKA stroke are largely due to an independent suspension of all wheels. Looking at this complex thin -brown skeleton, it can be assumed that under two tons of iron on our roads it will crumble before our eyes.
However, practice has shown that only the lower ball supports and the rear shock absorbers, which, depending on the condition of roads and driving style, serve 40,00060,000 km, were really weak. At first glance, trifles. But when you begin to count, it turns out that even in the conditions of a relatively inexpensive service, their replacement is $ 1600. It is not surprising if four balls cost $ 620 (they are done in the gilded corps, or what?). With shock absorbers, too, everything is good for $ 650 per pair, since for some reason they are supplied to spare parts assembly with springs. But to the indicated run and shock absorbers, and even more so, the springs retain full performance. They have to be changed only because they rust from salt and begin to creak the lower supports of the shock absorbers. If the supports are filled with grease immediately after receiving the car from there or before installing a new kit, the rear shock absorbers will last no less than the front ones.
In the independent suspension of Emka, there are a lot of articulated joints. On heavy off -road with such a better do not meddle
But other details of the pendants were unexpectedly durable. For many of them, we diplomatically indicated a term of more than 120,000 km. How more unknown. During this period, these parts have never changed these parts, and Emki has not yet entered our roads.
There are no problems with the brakes either. The brake discs honestly withstand three sets of pads, ABS sensors are reliable, and calipers, if they are bifurcated from salt, almost always manage to develop. Sometimes the steering rack flows. But it is quite successfully and inexpensively repaired. Emka has not yet appeared other age and resource sores. Apparently early.
Operational costs (chassis)
Front suspension and steering
Rear suspension
40,000 - 60,000 km
40,000 - 60,000 km
lower ball supports (2 pcs.) $ 360
lower ball supports (2 pcs.) $ 505
60 000 - 90,000 km
Shock absorbers $ 775
steering tips $ 135
90 000 - 120,000 km
brake discs $ 245
Stabilizer bushings and stabilizer racks $ 170
shock absorbers $ 415
Brake discs $ 240
90 000 - 120,000 km
more than 120,000 km
stabilizer bushings and stabilizer racks $ 235
Upper levers assembly $ 890
more than 120,000 km
Silent blocks of the lower levers (4 pcs.) $ 295
upper levers assembly $ 480
Adjusting thrust $ 240
lower levers assembly (4 pcs.) $ 900
unscheduled expenses
steering rods $ 205
REALLY REAKE REAKED $ 355
______________________________________
Prices of original details, taking into account the replacement in an unauthorized technical center.
Buy?
As you were convinced, the M-class Mercedes successfully combines the comfort of a car with the capabilities of a real alternate. Today in the secondary market this is the only car in its price category with a similar set of qualities. You can’t call it especially problematic (if we talk about the machines of the 2000 model year). Yes, there are some expensive positions of maintenance and repair, for example, replacing lights of ignition and ball supports. But if you waved to the Mercedes Benz, you must understand that expensive cars are not cheap in content.
There is another argument in favor of a used Emka. Like all Mercedes, it becomes a relatively profitable purchase only upon reaching the age of three. Below are the prices of the 2000 model year brought from Europe and America.
ML320 $ 35,00037,000
ML430 $ 38 00040 000
This is exactly half the cheaper of a new Emka with a similar motor. For comparison, Japanese all -terrain vehicles after three years lose on average only 40 percent of the initial cost.
Alexander Konov, photo Alexander Sadovnikov
Source: Magazine "Limousine" [03/03]
