DRIVEDEX / Mercedes-Benz / ML-Class
2006–2011
Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
3.5L V6 (M272) M272 SUV (W164)
Capable family hauler — the 2006–08 balance-shaft check is the deal-breaker, everything else is manageable.
Engine Oil
Viscosity‼
✓ verified
5W-40 MB 229.5 equally approved
src: MB BeVo 229.5 sheet + AMSOIL lookup
Capacity (with filter)
8.0 L✓ verified
src: Owner's manual (per Benzworld) + Costa/AMSOIL data
Oil filter
✓ verified
OEM A 000 180 26 09
src: FCP Euro HU718/5x listing + Pelican W164 oil kits
Drain plug torque‼
— in verification queue
Being confirmed
Fluids
Transmission
✓ verified
src: FCP Euro 722.9 guide + Blauparts fitment
ATF spec & service‼
✓ verified
Some 2011s built mid-2010 take blue — check build date on the door jamb. Never mix
src: Blauparts fluid guide + FCP Euro 722.9 guide
Coolant‼
✓ verified
NEVER mix with pink MB 325.5
src: MB BeVo 325.0 sheet + Blauparts coolant guide
Brake fluid‼
✓ verified
src: MB BeVo 331.0 sheet + genuine fluid listings
Filters & Ignition
Engine air filter
✓ verified
Replace both sides together
src: FCP Euro/AutoZone W164 fitment + MB Medic DIY
Cabin filter
— in verification queue
Being confirmed — replace with Service B
Spark plugs
✓ verified
OEM cross A 004 159 49 03
src: AutohausAZ PLKR7A listing + MercedesSource M272 kit
Electrical
Battery
— in verification queue
AGM where originally fitted — location reports conflict (seat vs cargo area), being confirmed
Key fob battery
◐ pending
src: MB of Fresno key fob guide
Wheels & Wipers
Lug bolt torque‼
130 Nm◐ pending
Older-gen SUV spec — confirm against your manual; newer MB SUVs use 111 lb-ft (150 Nm)
src: Ricks Free Advice MB torque table
Tire pressure
— in verification queue
Use the driver's door-jamb placard
Wiper blades
— in verification queue
Being confirmed
Service
Oil change interval
◐ pending
src: MB maintenance schedule (dealer guides)
Fuel
✓ verified
src: MBUSA fuel FAQ / owner's manual
Service reminder reset
— in verification queue
Being confirmed
🔧 Mechanic's Notes
- 2006–2008 MLs are prime balance-shaft-sprocket territory (M272, 2004–2008 production). Recurring P0016–P0019 = the worn sprocket, and it's a major job — confirm whether it was ever replaced before anything else.
- Engine oil cooler seals leak with age on this engine — the telltale is oil mist on a dirty belt tensioner. Seals are cheap; finding the leak late isn't.
- Intake manifold air flaps (P2004–P2006) break their operating levers; address at the first code before pieces migrate somewhere expensive.
- If yours has Airmatic: air springs crack with age and a leak anywhere works the compressor to death. Fix the leak with the compressor, or the new pump dies too.
Field patterns from a working mechanic — diagnose your own car before buying parts.
Open Recalls
Checking NHTSA…
Other ML-Class generations
Sources shown per value. Specs can vary by build date, market and trim — for anything critical (torque, fluids), confirm against YOUR owner's manual or door sticker before wrenching. Spotted an error? — corrections jump the queue.