Used Mercedes ML and GLE in Cameroon: Prices, Known Faults and Checks

On MotoNaMarket, the Mercedes ML and its successor, the GLE, add up to 31 active listings on 11 October 2026, 27 of them in Douala. All have an automatic gearbox and almost all a petrol engine (29 of 31). Their prices stand out immediately: a 2010 ML sells for around 6.5 million FCFA, less than a 2014 Toyota RAV4. The reason comes down to one word: maintenance. This guide explains what you get with each generation, what to check and how to stop a bargain turning into a money pit.

To see what is available now, browse the Mercedes-Benz cars for sale.

ML or GLE: the generations on sale in Cameroon

The GLE is not a different model: it is the ML renamed. In 2015 Mercedes rebadged the ML as the "GLE" when the W166 generation was facelifted, as the GLE history sets out.

Generation	Name	Years (approx.)	Gearbox
W163	ML	1997–2005	Rare on the local market
W164	ML	2005–2011	7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic) on most versions
W166	ML, then GLE from 2015	2011–2019	7-speed, then 9-speed automatic
W167	GLE	2019 onwards	9-speed automatic

How much does a used Mercedes ML or GLE cost?

Asking prices on MotoNaMarket's active listings on 11 October 2026:

Generation and years	Listings	Median price	Central half of the market
ML W164 (2005–2011)	7	6,500,000 FCFA	6 to 8 million
ML W166 (2012–2015)	14	14,500,000 FCFA	12 to 15 million
GLE W166 (2016–2019)	7	23,500,000 FCFA	20 to 35 million

GLEs from 2020 onwards (three listings) are too few for a reliable median. The median mileage of the W164s for sale reaches 140,000 km, against about 97,000 km for W166 MLs: at that price, a W164 is almost always a car that has done a lot of driving.

The Mercedes ML price guide gives the value by year, and every listing shows a rating bar for its price against comparable MLs. A price far below the market is flagged "Price to check": it is often a typo, sometimes a car with a problem.

W164: two expensive faults to know about

1. The early M272 petrol V6 (ML 350). On engines sold from 2004 to 2007 up to a certain serial number, the balance shaft gears often wear early, as the M272 engine history details. The signs: a check-engine light, misfires, even the engine cutting out. The repair is heavy — over 4,000 dollars in the United States. For a 2006 or 2007 ML 350, insist on an electronic diagnosis and have the engine number recorded.

2. The 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Its internal electronic board (the "conductor plate") can fail: the gearbox then drops into limp mode, stuck in one gear with limited speed. On the test drive, go through every gear and watch for jolts or revs rising without the car accelerating. Our article on automatic gearbox repair gives the orders of magnitude.

Versions with air suspension also need checking: a car that sags at rest has a leak. And on the rare diesel versions, the injectors are decisive (see diesel injectors).

W166 and GLE: more reliable, more electronic

The W166 generation fixes some of the W164's weaknesses but multiplies the electronics: driver aids, infotainment, sensors. A diagnosis with a tool able to read Mercedes control units is essential before buying — a basic generic reader does not see everything (see our guide to the OBD2 scanner). Ask for the service history too: on these cars a skipped service costs more than elsewhere.

The real cost of a Mercedes in Cameroon

An old ML's low purchase price is offset by maintenance. Genuine parts cost more than for a Toyota, and not every garage can diagnose a Mercedes. Our comparison of Toyota and Mercedes running costs puts a number on the gap, and our article on genuine Mercedes and BMW parts explains where to find them without buying fakes. Before buying, find a verified mechanic who knows the brand.

Importing an ML: engine size changes everything

Since the 2026 finance law, excise duty depends on age and engine size. An ML 350 (3.5 litres) is above 2,500 cc: it pays 12.5% up to 15 years, then 25%. A 2010 ML is 16 years old in 2026, so it pays the top rate. A version of 2,500 cc or less, such as the W166-generation ML 250 diesel, pays 0% up to 12 years. Work out your case with the import duty calculator: on a W164, the taxes can wipe out the gap with a car already cleared locally.

The checklist before buying

• A full electronic diagnosis, with a Mercedes-compatible tool.
• A test drive of at least twenty minutes, gearbox warm, every gear.
• A check of the chassis number and papers: here is how to verify the VIN.
• A search for outstanding manufacturer recalls.
• A pre-purchase inspection by a professional independent of the seller.

A well-maintained ML remains a comfortable, prestigious SUV. Take the time to compare with the other SUVs for sale and, if needed, post a buyer request to receive offers.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (W164) by OSX, via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.