How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems?

Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz M-Class issues range from $150 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AIRMATIC Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure, typically costs $1,000-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class AIRMATIC Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure?

The AIRMATIC air suspension on the M-Class is prone to air spring leaks and compressor failures, identical to issues on other Mercedes SUVs. The rubber air spring bladders crack from age and road debris, causing the vehicle to sag and the compressor to overwork. The M-Class weigh… Repairs typically run $1,000-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class OM642 Diesel Oil Cooler Seal Leak?

The OM642 diesel oil cooler in ML320/ML350 BlueTEC models develops the same seal leak found across all OM642-equipped Mercedes vehicles. The oil cooler gaskets harden and allow engine oil to contaminate the coolant or leak externally. Left unrepaired, oil-contaminated coolant deg… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear?

The M272 V6 engine in ML350 models is affected by the same balance shaft sprocket wear issue found across all Mercedes M272-equipped vehicles. The idler gear wears prematurely, producing a progressively worsening rattle on startup and eventually causing timing chain faults. This… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Rear Tail Lamp Seal Water Intrusion Destroying Rear SAM and Lift-Gate Modules?

On the W164 M-Class (and related X164 GL), the rear tail lamp gasket seals fail and the power lift-gate hydraulic arm boot develops stress cracks. Water then runs down inside the rear quarter and tailgate area directly onto the rear Signal Acquisition Module (SAM), the rear fuse… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 722.9 7G-Tronic Conductor Plate (TCM) Failure and Limp Mode?

The 722.9 7G-Tronic automatic transmission fitted to ML350, ML500/550 and other gasoline M-Class models uses an internal conductor plate that doubles as the transmission control module and houses the input/turbine speed sensors. Heat, ATF breakdown and vibration cause the molded-… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Transfer Case Chain Wear and Whining Noise?

The 4MATIC transfer case chain in the M-Class stretches over time, producing a noticeable whining noise that increases with speed. The chain drives the torque split between front and rear axles, and excessive stretch causes imprecise torque distribution and eventually transfer ca… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class OM642 Diesel Intake Swirl Flap and Linkage (Swirl Rod) Failure?

The OM642 3.0L V6 diesel in the ML320/350 CDI and BlueTEC uses intake manifold swirl flaps actuated by plastic linkage rods ('swirl rods') and an electric swirl motor. Constant under-hood heat cycling makes the plastic linkage brittle, while carbon and oil from the crankcase brea… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Front Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Wear (Steering Wander and Clunk)?

The W164 and W166 M-Class front suspension uses multiple control arms with press-fit rubber bushings and integrated ball joints (the W166 lower arm has three bushings; the upper arm has two bushings plus a ball joint). The rubber bushings dry out, crack and wear, and the ball joi… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Brake-Booster-Integrated Brake Light Switch Causing ESP and Cruise Control Faults?

Unlike the earlier W163, the W164 M-Class no longer uses a separate, serviceable brake-light switch; the function is integrated into the brake booster assembly. When this booster-mounted switch/sensor signal degrades, owners experience a cluster of warning messages - ESP/BAS inop… Repairs typically run $250-$1,200. Severity: medium.

Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2011 model year · 5,880+ owner reports · Updated June 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,880+ owner reports, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has 9 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are AIRMATIC Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure ($1,000-$3,500 repair), OM642 Diesel Oil Cooler Seal Leak ($1,000-$2,500 repair), M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear ($2,000-$4,500 repair), Rear Tail Lamp Seal Water Intrusion Destroying Rear SAM and Lift-Gate Modules ($400-$1,800 repair) and 722.9 7G-Tronic Conductor Plate (TCM) Failure and Limp Mode ($300-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AIRMATIC Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure with 2,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 9 Known Issues

2006-2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: OM642 Diesel Oil Cooler Seal Leak#

2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear#

2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: AIRMATIC Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure#

2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Front Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Wear (Steering Wander and Clunk)#

2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Rear Tail Lamp Seal Water Intrusion Destroying Rear SAM and Lift-Gate Modules#

2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: 722.9 7G-Tronic Conductor Plate (TCM) Failure and Limp Mode#

2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Transfer Case Chain Wear and Whining Noise#

2006-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: OM642 Diesel Intake Swirl Flap and Linkage (Swirl Rod) Failure#

2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Brake-Booster-Integrated Brake Light Switch Causing ESP and Cruise Control Faults#

Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems?

Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliable?