Dependability (W163)

[leandro_hernandezj]

At 120k miles, I purchased the car in 2020. The 6-year-old barely clocked 30,000 miles.
I experienced too many problems, even though the previous owner (my cousin) had kept the car well-maintained and there were no major problems when I got it. A lot more than what I had anticipated.
Even though the problems I listed are common, I did not anticipate it to be that troublesome.

There are numerous issues with the vehicle that need to be addressed. For example, there is a leaking brake booster and power steering rack, a faulty PS pump, an imobilizer problem, a series of faulty ABS sensors, a yaw rate sensor, repeated ESP errors, a problem with the wiper motor, a problem with the stereo not turning off with the ignition, problems with the HVAC motor, an SRS light, a problem with the wiper control stalk, a fire caused by a shorted steering wheel position cables under the dashboard, an issue with the fuel level gauge, a problem with the car alarm going off at night, power windows failure, transmission oil hoses leaking, a low range motor failure, water leaking into the footwell and sunroof water leaking into the footwell, no water spraying to the rear window due to an electronic
This occurred while driving a well-maintained vehicle with 30,000 miles on the odometer.
After taking care of all the problems, I decided to sell the automobile to a wonderful guy. I was anticipating the person to call and report me about some new problem every time my phone rang. it was short-lived.
He was left stranded a few days after buying it because the alternator failed, not because the brushes were worn. Soon after the repair, the fuel line located beneath the back seat began to leak. A few days later, he mentioned that the car was producing a grinding sound when it hit small potholes, which might be a sign of a malfunctioning ABS sensor. (I recently had a topic on that.)

The car's engine and transmission are the only parts that have impressed me with their dependability.

Is it typical for w163 to have those kinds of problems, or am I simply having terrible luck?
I am curious about w164, but I am not sure if my fate will be the same or worse.

I really appreciate everyone here. Since I was able to resolve the majority of the challenging difficulties that the shops were unable to address with your assistance.

[marco.gutierrezpj]

The news of your W163 problems breaks my heart.

Any model or make can experience an anomaly.

[christian_nakamuraf]

W163, or any vehicle, is susceptible to each of the specified problems. At 239 kilometers, I encountered largely wear and maintenance items in my mine in the late 2000s.
But it belonged to a Silver Star technician at a Mercedes dealership. He never looked into the several processes shown on the "secret" MB document he supplied me. Ask around, though, and you'll get solid 163 reports from everyone.
This doesn't add up. We already knew that the humidity from the leaky Sunroof Drain would wreak havoc on the cabin's electrical system. Are these all seals and sensors? It may have been in a flood, the mileage would have been wildly off, or the body shop would have been constructed from junk cars.

What is the mileage?
What is a Carfax?

[aidencr]

In the 21 years since I purchased my 2001 ML430, I have driven it more over 200,000 miles. Among the cars I've had, it has been very dependable. A fuel pump with 190k miles, a crank position sensor with 140k miles, a couple of window switch components from eBay, an alternator, and a few oil leaks here and there that required seals. Few other things. Until it becomes an issue, I will not sell it or swap it for anything else.

[harperhendersonfb]

It seems like the PO drove it down the beach or it was in a flood. Except for that one spot next to the ABS pump, the electronics and loom seldom create these never-ending problems. Your cuz and I would be having a very serious conversation.

We wouldn't all still be here after a year, much alone twenty, if any of this were commonplace.