How much does a 2008 MERCEDES ML cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,385 (£199/month), including £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 MERCEDES ML?

The 2008 MERCEDES ML has a 82% MOT pass rate based on 5,355 tests in 2026. This ranks 160 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year MERCEDES ML is most reliable?

The 2015 MERCEDES ML has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 MERCEDES ML?

The average mileage for a 2008 MERCEDES ML is 127,187 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES ML (2008)

Q: Is the 2008 MERCEDES ML reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MERCEDES MLs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 5,355 tests. That's 0 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,355 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,385

£199/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3996cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2385/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel3996cc18 years old5,355 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3996cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 3996cc

£735

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,385

Per month£199/mo

Per week£46/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 18 years old, 82% of MERCEDES MLs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,355 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,187 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars160th of 589(top 27%)

Rank among MERCEDES models997th of 1,408(top 71%)

vs national average+0%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average+9%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,187

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 MERCEDES ML has 127,187 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2008 sits between the two at 82%.

MERCEDES ML by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	89%	6,912	79,271 mi
2014	88%	8,494	86,775 mi
2013	88%	9,487	96,900 mi
2012	86%	5,231	100,705 mi
2011	82%	6,382	109,233 mi
2010	82%	6,104	116,332 mi
2009	81%	4,923	121,081 mi
2008	82%	5,355	127,187 mi
2007	81%	5,024	130,037 mi
2006	80%	3,946	131,218 mi
2005	75%	2,047	126,634 mi
2004	73%	2,584	130,231 mi
2003	74%	1,905	129,634 mi
2002	77%	1,756	132,786 mi
2001	77%	1,002	134,405 mi
2000	73%	850	136,667 mi
1999	74%	615	133,164 mi
1998	72%	58	119,333 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES E

2009 · 3498cc Diesel

£1,900/year

80%

-2%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2010 · 3628cc Diesel

£1,900/year

85%

+3%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER

2007 · 3600cc Diesel

£1,900/year

82%

same

AUDI Q7

2007 · 4134cc Diesel

£1,900/year

84%

+2%

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About the 2008 MERCEDES ML

The 2008 MERCEDES ML is a performance with a 3996cc diesel engine. 5,355 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 127,187 miles at 18 years old, MERCEDES ML owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 MERCEDES ML Fuel Costs

The 3996cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2008 MERCEDES ML?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,385 (£199/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES ML Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES MLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 MERCEDES ML

At 18 years old, the MERCEDES ML is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 5,355 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 MERCEDES ML's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 127k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2008 MERCEDES ML stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES ML(2008)	82%	£1245	£735	Grp 35-50	£2385
MERCEDES E(2009)	80%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£485
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2010)	85%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£485
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2007)	82%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£485
AUDI Q7(2007)	84%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£485

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.