Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Great used buy but poor gas mileage

I was originally looking for a wagon but not many choices in the US. I really don’t like SUVs but this one was such a beautiful vehicle! I love the styling inside and out. It’s classy, masculine (especially with the black interior), and has good cargo space. I love the fact that the rear seats fold completely flat. It is cumbersome to do in comparison to having a lever in the back, but it doesn’t bother me because they fold flat this way. Unlike most German cars I’ve owned, it has decent cup holders too. Everything in the interior just feels solid and well put together. The ride is very smooth but it doesn’t take rough roads really well at low speed; kinda bumpy. The transmission shifts silky smooth. The car is not sporty handling but rather very relaxed and smooth. I love most things about it except for the crappy gas mileage, but it’s about average for a gas vehicle of its size and weight. The command system has too many menus and switching back and forth to use. I can imagine an older person being very frustrated with this system; especially the voice command system. It’s just exasperating! The windshield wipers do not have a regular slow interval setting; they use a rain sensor and it just doesn’t get it right. If you leave it on auto, it will eventually burn the motor out or wear out you blades. It will run full speed with a light drizzle. I end up activating them manually. You have to turn traction control off on ice and snow or you can’t drive the thing at all! No BT streaming for 2011 is a pain but you can buy a plug in module that will do it. On the other hand, I like the sound system, phone BT works well, passenger room and comfort is very good, utility is great. I cross shopped the RX350(too small and feminine), Outback(not refined enough), and the Q7(not reliable at all),and the Venza(just as good but already have one and I didn’t want two of them) and this was the winner. It’s not perfect but it’s a good deal of buying preowned and well taken care of.

The #1 HONEST Turbo Diesel Review

We live in the hills and noticed right away the ride is more stiff this year, making it safer on curvy roads. This is a Diesel that gets up and goes, not sluggish like diesels of the past. My wife and I enjoy being in this SUV, to us the interior looks elegant. You want safety?--Get this SUV - you WILL feel safer. A/C and Heating works excellent - keeping steady temperatures. BE SURE TO GET BLACK FLOOR MATS - other colors will get dirty and look terrible very soon. We are averaging 24 Miles Per Gallon of Diesel (city and highway combined)- that is great for such a big SUV! It got more noisy after about 500 miles for some reason.

ML 350 4matic 2011

I own several MB products; this ML is a joy to drive and although it does not take the corners like my MB coupe and sedan, it is a solid performer, well laid out interior and has all the current tech features. Controls are easy to use, has great cargo capacity, roomy cabin, adequate power, smooth transmission and the blind side assist feature is like an extra set of eyes.

Good but has hidden issues

Purchased a used 2011 ML350 Bluetec with 65,000 miles for about $30,000 with taxes. Same day troubles began. Check engine came on and I opened a bar tab at the dealership. Local shop replaced the Nox sensor ($700) and said that there is a possibility of a bad valve body. Reset was performed with hope it doesn't come back but shortly after a 45 miles drive check engine came on. Only MB dealer can fix a valve body and they did for about $2,400. Took a 1000 miles road trip with no issues until 3 weeks later. Check engine again and new code P20BE1B, reductant heater performance, possible $1,200 fix. Mechanic reset the code and said to drive it and see if code comes back. To be continued...

2010 Bluetec

Purchased 2010 Bluetec in May 2010, so far we have been very happy with the vehicle. We have just about all of the options on the vehicle, including the P1 and P2 as well as lighting. While it has taken a little bit of time to get used to location of some of the switches, we have not had any issues at all and the mileage has been phenomenal. We have ranged from 26 mpg to 30 mpg, with an average of about 27 mpg. The rear seat has plenty of room and the storage in the back is excellent. Really fits about exactly what we need for a short vacation or taking the golf clubs with us. The vehicle performs well, accelerates just fine into busy traffic and is relatively quiet.

Luxurious, fun to drive and practical

Exceptional fuel economy. Ride is exceptional, engine and transmission work very well together. Lighting is great. The Harman Kardon sound system may be the best in any auto. Pulls our 27' Travel Trailer with authority, and is in control even in emergency maneuvers. Off-road prowess was a surprise - it moves easily through the tough stuff that has Jeepers scratching their heads and breaking out their winches. Warranty is comprehensive. Service is essentially identical to the gas-engined variety - no surprises there. Recently drove a 2016 ML with the 2.1 twin turbo 4 cylinder and definitely prefer our 3.0 V6 TurboDiesel. This car is hard to fault. UPDATE Sept 2016: 71,000 miles. Still no service surprises. Still on original brakes - maybe another 15,000 miles left there. Have recently shopped for replacement. Still want Diesel. Shopped Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7, BMW X5, M-B GLE and GLS. Range Rover and BMW had lusher interiors but ho-hum handling. Surprised at how numb the BMW was. The (new 2017 model) Q7 was much improved over previous versions, but still felt like a boat. Cayenne is a handling star, but interior layout is poor. The new M-B GLS with air suspension handles better than their current steel-springed E and S-Class SUV's, but not really better than our 2010 steel-sprung version. It's nice that it still has the 3.0L diesel, but really too big for us. It's going to be hard to find a replacement for this gem.

MB SUV

Sturdy, responsive, reliable, comfortable. Smooth ride, and at times felt more like a car with the SUV convenience of size and durability. Only complaint is navigation. Cumbersome, unreliable, and frustrating after many years using different makes of navigation systems.

Great MPG 31.1

Great MPG, I got up to 31.1mpg, but meticulous maintenance, watch for turbos leaking oil. More powerful than gasoline counterpart ML350.

Huge improvement!

I had a 2006 ML 350 with multiple problems. I was interested in a 2010 GL, but just couldn't justify the 85k sticker price with options. I took a 2010 ML350 for a drive and was very surprised at the improvements. The seats are unbelievable, and while everything looks similar to the 2006 model, there are improvements at every level. The ride was always great, especially on the highway, but the 2010 is even more comfortable. The fit and finish is better than any car I have ever owned (previous MB, BMW, etc...)

First ML

I purchased this vehicle on Sept.4th 2009. I will admit that I did an extensive study on this vehicle including test driving an 08 and three 06's of this same model and make. I also test drove eight other comparable SUV's of the same size. However, I always went back to the ML because it was just a cut above. The older ML's that I test drove had held up quite well telling me that a new one should be just fine.(including the improvements).

Rollin in the Benz

This is a beautiful car! I love it. But...... I had to spend 800 dollars on a battery and thermostat in the first three weeks I owned it. It runs beautifully! It's comfortable! The sound system! Amazing! I love my Benz! Thank you, Edmunds! I was a bit upset that the battery can only be changed by a mechanic because it's under the passenger seat and they need to save all data to a chip when changing battery. But I won't need a new one for a long while. I was a bit upset the dealer I bought it from left it to me. They must have known the battery was no good:( I'm happy with my 2010 350 M Class, SUV. Very happy!

Great SUV for small family

Turned in 2 months early my leased 07 ML350 and bought a 2010 ML350. It rides better probably because of the wider/larger 20" wheels. Though it's not a race car it has plenty of power and the 6 speed transmission is very smooth. If you don't have the need for a third row set and want top quality that will last this is the SUV. I'm self employed and it qualified for the 3 year accelerated depreciation schedule. (25K this year)! Will be keeping this one for a long time (10 Years?)

By far the best SUV I've ever owned!

I absolutely love my 2011 ML350 4Matic. So much that I don't want to upgrade in fear that the new won't be as dependable as mine. Knock on wood, I haven't had one issue & it's 10 years old! Mind you, I take very good care of my baby; never miss an oil change, tire rotation, etc. We experienced a lot of snow this year & my ML350 4Matic is the only vehicle we could drive in ice/snow without one problem. My husband has a much newer Chevy Silverado that doesn't get through weather like my ML. Since they don't make the ML350 4Matic I'm holding onto mine until the wheels fall off! When that happens I will most likely get the G class & pray it's as awesome as my ML!

My Birthday Gift

We have been in the Benz family since 2001. This is our second ML. We owned the 2002, and traded it in 2008 for C300 "a red hot mama"! We did not know how much we missed the ML until a Chicago winter!!! We traded that "red hot mama" in 2014 for a 2010 certified ML350 with all the bells and whistles. We love everything inside, and out. Another Chicago snow hit, and we didn't miss going anywhere. As a former owner of 3 Volvos, I can feel the safety in the ML350 as I did in those Volvos.

STEER CLEAR OF THE ML350 BLUETEC 2010

Do not buy this vehicle. I finally got rid of this vehicle in November of 2023. I put over $18,000 in repairs in this thing. When I sold it it was leaking gas from somewhere and nobody could seem to know where to find it. Between class action lawsuit repairs and just general repairs this car was the worst car I've ever owned. It was a horrible piece of junk. I tried to trade it into a Mercedes dealership and the salesman said he would not take it in because the car will end up in Africa that should tell you all you need to know.

Very happy with BlueTec

I looked at all the diesel SUV's available on the market and this is by far the best in my opinion. Its pricey but very well done in all respects. I love the BlueTec diesel engine. On a recent road trip I got 30 mpg and here in town I get 20 mpg. That's much better than the Lexus RX330 I traded. Very luxurious and comfortable interior with great seats. The Luxury 2 package has many features my wife and I love. I only have 4000 miles on it so can't speak to reliability; however so far I haven't found one thing wrong.

ML450

I got the HYBRID Limited-Production ML450 because my son convinced me to. I am so happy he did. I get 20MPG on average and have the feeling i'm driving an ML550 which gets a mere 14 MPG. I sacrificed nothing, and in the city, it runs mostly on electric power.

BEST SUV in it's class. Just FANTASTIC!!

1st MB. Upgraded from Toy RAV4. Wanted Lexus RX350. Tried and liked MB GLK but couldn't resist the roominess, smoothness and overall feel of the ML. It is a pleasure to ride. Suits my style of relaxed driving. With Costco program got $1500 below invoice with P1 package and few add-on options like heated rear seats. Get about 18-19 miles/gallon on Highway. Have about 4500 miles in 3 months. This is a keeper for 10+ years. Hope MB has ironed out most of the past issues. Cabin is simple but elegant. All controls are well placed. Clean lines. Prefer the route info in the odometer area instead of the heads up display in Lexus & BMW.

Only One Thing Missing

Great car, got a great deal. Whole family loves it. Amazing ride. Got $3,000 off MSRP using USAA buying program and dealer threw in Premium 1 package. Cheaper to lease than a Ford Edge.

Glad We Moved Up!!

We replaced a 2007 Honda Pilot who's lease was maturing. Couldn't pass up the deal. Lower payment than a new Pilot or Pathfinder do to MB's year end event and a much higher residual. Couldn't be happier so far. True German engineering and craftsmanship. Plenty of power and room for a family of four. Looks great in Capri Blue with a tan interior. It has the P1 package which includes NAV, power liftgate, etc, heated seats, running boards and the dual dvds for the kids. Perfect fit and finish with high end materials. NAV, bluetooth, etc. aren't as intuitive as my Infinity but got used to it. This truck is a tank in the snow...handles much better than the Pilot did!

Overall it blows away my expectations!

There is not enough to say about how much I love this car. From the stylish design to how solid the car is....its just the finest automobile I have ever owned. Mercedes has won me over to the point that I'll never buy another domestic car again. And their customer service is bar none! Spending 55K on a car, I expect a certain level of Customer Service, and Mercedes has delivered. Go ahead, buy a Cadillac and see how GM treats you. We now have 2 ML 350's in the family and I honestly do not see another brand even being considered at this point! So long GM, it was fun while it lasted!

Wow!!

I only have about 900 miles on this SUV so far, but it's been the best 900 miles I've ever driven. Granted, I traded in my '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 104,00 miles on it, but still, what a difference. It's like going from sitting in coach to first class. I look forward to driving it everyday. It's such a smooth and solid ride you have to be impressed. It's a much more luxurious ride than the BMW X5 I test drove, which was fun and sporty, but not the comfort I was looking for. It's hard to comment on reliability with only 900 miles on it, but so far so good.

The Utility under the SUV designation some missing.

I could have gotten the 2012 model when it came available but didn't because its persona was weak looking and no towing, MHO, while the 2011 ML350 have a masculine stance. I was not losing much because mine have the light package (the LED) and HID, Premium 2 Pkg, leather, Towing Pkg, etc. Being the end of the model run, most if not all kinks may have been fixed, I hope. Like most new cars/truck it's fun to drive.

Nice SUV for the price, but not built for towing trailers

I've owned Lincoln Navigators, Land Rover Range Rovers, Supercharged, and LR3s. Leased a 2011 ML 350 4Matic with the OEM towing package, front/rear park assist, side lane change assist, dual & rear AC, 20 inch tires. As far as ride, it rides as any normal SUV, not as soft as a Range Rover, or the softer Navigator, but more like a sporty (hard ride) supercharged RR or LR3. BIG TURN OFF...even though MB installed OEM Trailer Package, MB does not included a trailer light adapter to change the 7-pin (European) to an American 4-pin, or 5-pin. I've gone to many U-hauls/Pep Boys,/Advance/O'Reilly/Auto Zone/and others, no one sells an adapter; Not even MB dealers sell an adapter for their own cars!

Great SUV--but not cheap!

We sold a 2006 Pathfinder SE 4x4 for the ML350 4matic. So far, we are extremely pleased with ride quality, comfort and overall ergonomics. The cargo area is plenty big (almost as big as the Pathfinder with the 3rd row folded down), and the standard features are all very nice (well, with Package 1). With options, it came out to nearly $56K MSRP, which is a bit high, considering you can get a comparably equipped and styled MDX or Lexus for a few $$ cheaper. But overall, we are pleased with the styling, performance, and ride...and it has the latest and greatest safety features, which makes me feel comfortable when the wife and kids are out without me.

Best Yet

Bought this for my wife who spends her weeks between NY, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. It feels so solid and safe. Love taking long drives, looking forward to New England this summer.

Great car, horrible NAVIGATION interface

Love the car. Great MPG for the size, great price with all the incentives. The Nav interface has to be taken back to the drawing board. The search function is frustrating. The voice recognition is average to poor. Other than the electronics, I love the car. It's easy to drive, handles well and has enough power to merge onto a busy highway.

Not exactly thrilled

The driver's seat is not ergonomically proportionate. The sides of the seat protrude out creating an unnatural position for your arm. The remote needs to be accented with white so you can see the buttons easier. Running boards get extremely slippery when frost on car and pre-heating car doesn't help. Could do without the light vents in the sunroof. Burns as much gas as Chevy Suburban but not as versatile. Tire pressure lights always on even after service. Sound system has much to be desired.

Amazing

Many improvements and changes since my 02 ML-320. Averaging 28.4 mpg combined driving for first 1400 miles. For highway driving- 29.7 mpg. GPS shows where ULSD Diesel stations are located. Good safety features- Transmission will go to park (P) if you open the door. Doors have reflectors so if the door is open in dark, will reflect when hit by other light source. Actually is lighter than 02 ML, and a little longer. Very well done.

Great mileage & looks but

The mileage is stunning for a car of this size; we're getting about 500+ miles per tank, and that's mostly city driving. The car looks great, too. BUT, the COMMAND system (nav, radio, phone) is pretty AWFUL. Our Acura's nav system is far more pleasing and 100% more intuitive. Even the nav voice is annoying.

ML 350 4matic 2011

This is my first ML 350, in fact first Mercedes-Benz, last car was a 2009 Lexus RX-350 which was a lemon, many problems, lights, steering column. So far, a dependable vehicle, have had no major concerns. This vehicle is absolutely beautiful! Such a great find at an incredible price. The car is outstanding, design, practicality, reliability! Just a Mercedes quality, knock on wood, I have had it for 10 months.

Great SUV!

Absolutely love this car!!!!

I previously owned a 2006 Volvo XC90 Ocean Race. It was a great car but lacked a lot of technology. When shopping, I was ultimately looking for a less gas consuming vehicle. I made the choice to buy the mercedes because of the overall quality; comfort, luxury, beauty, gas mileage, etc. The engine is a V6 which provides a good amount of power but not compared to my Volvo which was a V8. However, I can manage because the Mercedes gets superior gas mileage. I live in Los Angeles, which means lots of city driving, and I am getting 500-600 miles on one tank. I find relief in knowing that the car is better for the environment than hybrids with the clean diesel system. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

Great car

I owned ml550 for almost 1yr. It’s pretty reliable, maybe because I am lucky because the pre-owner replaced all the air bags on suspension. Only problem is a abs sensor which costed me $50. For the driving experience, no doubt it’s the best for money(second hand price). In my mind,if you can do some DIY work, used Mercedes is always a good choice. BTW, battery is still original.

Great family car

Love it!!

2010 ML-350

We've had the car a month and absolutely love it. I can only compare this to a German tank. My wife uses it for business and drive between Philadelphia, NY and Washington D.C. every week and I feel this vehicle is one of the safest I have driven (also own a Volvo). Great to load the family and go for long drives. Can't wait to take it to New England this summer.

MY 3rd Mercedes Benz

I upgraded from sedan to SUV and I do love my ML350 because of the features that my old card didn't have. If I had a choice I would have gotten a later model.

Rolled 3 times and I won't pick a different vehicl

Saved my life and great eveyday vehicle. I went off the side of the and ended up rolling 3 times and landing on the roof. The front end was destroyed but the passenger compartment kept its shape well enough that I was able to crawl through a window. I walked away with a concussion and a scratch on my arm but I know things could have been worse. Mercedes are expensive but I wouldn't trust my life with anyone else.

Great Vehicle fancy

I own this vehicle and has a comfortable and luxury ride.