Used Mercedes-Benz ML270

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz ML270

From 4 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• A 2004 ML 270 CDI owner was very satisfied with the car; the reported starting and revving problems resulted from poor servicing rather than a spontaneous failure.[2]one source
• Opinions on 270 CDI reliability are mixed: one forum member called it an unreliable ML variant, while another said the engine often receives favourable reports.[3]one source
• One W163 owner considered it worth buying if the buyer can accept possible imperfections, although his experience mainly concerned the ML 320 rather than the ML 270.[5]one source

Typical faults

• A 2003 car at 196,500 km lost power near 3,000 rpm and idled unevenly. The fault returned after a fuel-filter change but disappeared after diagnostics identified and the owner replaced the airflow meter.[3]one source

  196 500–196 500 km · 2003–2003 · 2.7 CDI

• After poor transmission servicing, a 2004 car became hard to start and would not rev properly; a workshop found a flywheel tooth bent with a screwdriver, disrupting sensor synchronisation.[2]one source

  2004–2004 · 2.7 CDI

• A 2002 2.7 CDI owner reported uneven idle without fault codes. A forum moderator suggested the fuel-pressure regulator or an injector, but no final diagnosis was published.[4]one source

  2002–2002 · 2.7 CDI

• An ML 270 CDI owner reported black exhaust smoke under hard acceleration even though computer diagnostics found no abnormality; the source gives no confirmed cause.[1]one source

  2.7 CDI

• The same owner reported a rubber-like steering squeak when turning right; the source provides neither a diagnosis nor a repair outcome.[1]one source

  2.7 CDI

• A W163 owner relayed another ML 270 CDI driver's claim that the diesel can sometimes refuse to switch off, requiring battery disconnection; this is an indirect, unverified report.[5]one source

  2.7 CDI

Which engine and version to take

• Choose a 2.7 CDI only if it starts cleanly from cold, idles evenly and revs without interruption; the sources document faults involving all three symptoms.[2][3][4]

What to avoid

• Avoid a car with power loss, uneven idle, black smoke or restricted revving until the cause is established; the sources show differing causes or no confirmed diagnosis.[1][2][3][4]

What to check at the inspection

• Start the engine cold after an overnight rest and check for prolonged cranking; on a 2004 car, difficult cold starts were linked to a flywheel tooth damaged during servicing.[2]one source
• During the test drive, verify smooth acceleration through 3,000 rpm; on a 2003 car, power loss around this point was cured by replacing the airflow meter.[3]one source
• Listen to the idle both cold and warm and run Mercedes diagnostics; the sources report uneven running that sometimes occurred without warning lamps or stored fault codes.[2][3][4]
• Watch the exhaust under hard acceleration: one source reports black smoke despite a computer diagnostic check showing no problem.[1]one source
• Turn the steering both ways while stationary and listen for squeaks; one owner reported a rubber-like sound when turning right.[1]one source
• Check that the key always stops the engine, and test the central locking, windows, alarm and HVAC temperature control; a W163 source reports failures affecting these systems.[5]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]ml-club.com — ml 270 cdi подскажите две проблемы - ДВИГАТЕЛЬ · forum
2. [2]clubmercedes.ro — probleme motor ML 270 cdi 163 din 2004 · forum
3. [3]autotitre.com — Problème ML 270 CDI · forum
4. [4]mercedes.auto.com.pl — Mercedes klasa ML | ML270 Cdi nierówna praca... · forum
5. [5]mbclubtr.com — ML 320 W163 Kronik Sorunları ve Değerlendirmesi. · press

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