How are newer mp8s?

[Dmurph2016]

How are the newer mp8s? 207/18 models?

Looking at a 2018 truck that has a mp8, with about 350k miles on it. Anything I should look out for? I know people that have Cummins in that year range that have rebuilt around 400k miles or have had engine issues at that range. Anyone getting 700k out of these engines without rebuilding? I know at some point there will be some emissions things done but anytime soon? 

[The Heinz]

The fleet I worked for previously had Anthems around those years that weren't too bad when it comes to the engines. Aftertreatment and mDrives gave us problems, but they were getting close to (if not over) 800k miles before the company sold them off. We had the usual upper timing cover oil leaks and many of those ePRV deletes, but not too many engine problems in all honesty. We had a couple of cam issues, but with how big the fleet was, they were outliers. We had more issues out of the X15's in T680's in all honesty. I would trust some of these other guys' opinions though, that was in the past, and I'm a parts guy at a Mack dealership, where a lot of our work is the worst possible failures. 

[Bullheaded]

A freind of mine drives for a big Mack Pinnacle fleet up here pulling 5 axle pneumatic bulk tankers. They have MP8 505's and M-Drives.

He told me very little problems. He said earlier ones would need the injectors replaced periodically. He said they'd start to vibrate while pulling and you knew it was injector time. But other than that, they leave them running during sleeper berths and he said no real ongoing issues. Maybe the pulling heavy helps.

he said the newest ones are better then the 2009 to 2019's he started on.

[Dmurph2016]

So a local dealer just had one come up for sale, it’s a 2015, it has 480k on it (I know, on the high side) what they are asking for it is pretty reasonable, and being an auto is a plus, any thoughts? Part of me is saying pass just based on the miles but it checks all the boxes. 

[The Heinz]

If it's an mDrive, and it hasn't had transmission work done previously, it likely will soon. I wish I could be more positive about them, but we see a lot of failures even on brand new trucks with little miles, and I don't want to see anyone, especially a BMT member, get the short end of the stick. If this is the kind of truck you looking into, just be ready for that downtime and cost. If you notice an air leak in the bellhousing area, get that thing into an equipped shop ASAP, or you will have an even bigger bill than before. 

 PRO TIP for any DIYers or anyone with one of these trucks, there's a little metal clip that holds the air line going from the solenoid to the clutch cylinder. We have found that replacing that clip and putting a couple of zip ties on the hose keeps the truck from being as much of a repeat customer. Number 7 down below, part number 1521975. 

[Dmurph2016]

11 hours ago, The Heinz said:

If it's an mDrive, and it hasn't had transmission work done previously, it likely will soon. I wish I could be more positive about them, but we see a lot of failures even on brand new trucks with little miles, and I don't want to see anyone, especially a BMT member, get the short end of the stick. If this is the kind of truck you looking into, just be ready for that downtime and cost. If you notice an air leak in the bellhousing area, get that thing into an equipped shop ASAP, or you will have an even bigger bill than before. 

 PRO TIP for any DIYers or anyone with one of these trucks, there's a little metal clip that holds the air line going from the solenoid to the clutch cylinder. We have found that replacing that clip and putting a couple of zip ties on the hose keeps the truck from being as much of a repeat customer. Number 7 down below, part number 1521975. 

Yeah it has an m drive (one of the reasons I’m interested in it) pretty much what I was guessing was it’s at that mileage where it’s going to start needing stuff ( why company’s dump them at around 450-500k miles) 

the truck has all the specs I’m looking for and decent price, but again the mileage scares me. I know it could go 100k without issues or 1k, and either way it’s a risk. I just don’t have experience with newer stuff and it’s all new to me so I want to get all the info I can before making a decision. 
I have a feeling I’m going to end up passing on it just based on the miles but it checks all the boxes so I am torn. I wish I could afford something almost new but not in the cards right now. 

[upsman]

That’s hardly any miles for a 10 year old truck. Ours get 100k a year on them last one I got out of ay 800k and hadn’t had any issues. 

[Dmurph2016]

On 7/9/2025 at 8:39 PM, upsman said:

That’s hardly any miles for a 10 year old truck. Ours get 100k a year on them last one I got out of ay 800k and hadn’t had any issues. 

I don't have experience with these newer trucks, but seems lots of company’s dump them at around 500k. It’s a good deal with the specs I want, but just concern with how much life is left in the emissions,engine, and transmission. I am going back and forth on it. 

[67RModel]

I have zero clue about anything made after 2007. What is the worst that could happen? It needs a major emissions system repair? What the worst case scenario of that costing? I would figure out what that dollar amount is. and if you can stomach that bill a week after you buy it then I would go for it. Like someone else said the engine itself should be good for double that amount of miles. Based on what I have heard with these new trucks if you want an automatic Allison is the way to go. Then again the same truck with an Allison would probably be $30,000 more than the one your looking at. Same goes for the MDrive. I would see what the worst case repair for that unit typically is and go from there. Anything is possible but its statistically unlikely that you would have a catastrophic emissions system and transmission failure at the same time. Is it possible to get the VIN number and take it to a Mack Dealer and see what major repairs have been done on it. I don't know if dealers are connected like that nationwide but its worth a shot even if its just to see if there are any outstanding updates and/or recall items.

[Dmurph2016]

55 minutes ago, 67RModel said:

I have zero clue about anything made after 2007. What is the worst that could happen? It needs a major emissions system repair? What the worst case scenario of that costing? I would figure out what that dollar amount is. and if you can stomach that bill a week after you buy it then I would go for it. Like someone else said the engine itself should be good for double that amount of miles. Based on what I have heard with these new trucks if you want an automatic Allison is the way to go. Then again the same truck with an Allison would probably be $30,000 more than the one your looking at. Same goes for the MDrive. I would see what the worst case repair for that unit typically is and go from there. Anything is possible but its statistically unlikely that you would have a catastrophic emissions system and transmission failure at the same time. Is it possible to get the VIN number and take it to a Mack Dealer and see what major repairs have been done on it. I don't know if dealers are connected like that nationwide but its worth a shot even if its just to see if there are any outstanding updates and/or recall items.

I know the Allison is a true automatic and m drive is an automated manual. I just don’t know much about these newer trucks, I just assume they get dumped at a certain mileage due to issues, otherwise they will keep them to 1mil miles. I know it’s used and a risk. Just trying to get some real world experiences before buying it. I just know at some point the emmisions system will need to be serviced, but it should have plenty of life left.