Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164
The refined diesel workhorse that defined the modern luxury SUV era.
- Power
- 224 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.1 s
- Top speed
- 134 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$12k
About the Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164
The W164 generation M-Class marked a significant shift for Mercedes-Benz, moving from the body-on-frame construction of its predecessor to a more refined unibody architecture. The ML 320 CDI was the volume-selling diesel variant, powered by the smooth and torque-rich OM642 V6 engine which offered a compelling balance of efficiency and towing capability. Built at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, it featured the 7G-TRONIC transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. While early units faced some reliability concerns, the model is now valued as a practical, comfortable cruiser with a high-quality interior that significantly improved upon the first generation.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 specs
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 produces 224 bhp (167 kW) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | M-Class |
| Generation | W164 |
| Trim | ML 320 CDI |
| Years | 2005–2011 |
| Type | SUV |
| Body style | SUV |
| Country | Germany |
| Original price | About $44,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,987 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 224 bhp (167 kW) at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,600 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.1 s |
| Top speed | 134 mph (215 km/h) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2,185 kg (4,817 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 103 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 is estimated to be worth $5,000 – $12,000 (about £3,700 – £8,900).
Its original price when new was about $44,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 1 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164 fun facts
- The ML 320 CDI's OM642 V6 engine produced more torque than the contemporary V8-powered ML 500, making it the preferred choice for towing.
- The W164 was the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to use a unibody construction, drastically improving on-road handling and safety over the original W163.
- The ML 320 CDI was marketed in the US as a 'BlueTEC' model in later years, though the 2007 version was one of the first clean-diesel SUVs available in the American market.
