Mercedes-Benz M-Class Station Wagon (1998-2004) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 19 - 30 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Long service intervals and slow depreciation are a plus point, but it also suffers heavy fuel consumption, and servicing costs and insurance are high.

M-Class performs badly on the eco front. With an average of 293 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are high for a large 4x4. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

The range is quite thirsty, averaging 25 mpg.

There are some very un-Mercedes-like squeaks and rattles thanks no doubt to its American rather than German construction. However, mechanical reliability is generally sound and durability is only tested if it’s regularly used off-road (and most aren’t). Owners have high expectations however and the ML doesn’t always live up to these.