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Comments
that may help. I thoroughly agree with
"August 22, 2003" regarding cheap racks.
We've had two Thule systems, one on a Saab and
one on an ML, and both worked very hard over years
of use. We use the ML rack less often than the Saab, but only because the ML can take more inside
cargo than the Saab.
In addition to what "8/22/03" said, we got lots of
use from a cargo carrier option - it was a tubular
rectangle with cross supports that bolted on to the Thule rails... good for carring lumber, plywood, furniture, etc.
Anyhow, check out the prices mentioned in my other
post and you'll probably see that these racks aren't so bad expense-wise.
Check out www.formymercedes.com - they have a good selection for all models.
Rahul
My other SUV is a 2001 MDX (60000+ miles). I must say, for the money and worry free ownership, MDX is the way to go. I've done very little as far as maintenance... oil change q7500mi with Mobile 1 5W-30, transmission oil partial flush at Jiffy lube for $35, new tires at 60000 mi, turned all 4 rotors at 50000 mi due to ABS pulsation. Runs like new and handles better than ML 350.
Well, my wife usually drives the ML 350 and she seems to be happy.... At 2000 mi, no sign of oil level dropping... This is somewhat surprising to me at least... I was expecting some oil burn due to new engine and 90+ mph test driving. I hope I'll have nothing bad to report in coming months and years....
I recently received my recall notice on the power steering hose clamp but have had no problems. I wish the ML had easier power steering in tight parking situations but that's about all I would complain about. I'm considering a larger SUV next time but that's just my personal taste. I think you will enjoy your ML but let us know if any problems arise.
Happy Motoring. Mark156
MB roadside came and gave me a jump. I brought the car in to MB service where they claimed there was no drain on the battery. They insisted that I had left a light or something on while I was away from home (I know this was not the case).
Ten days later I again did not drive for four days. Once again the battery was dead!
My return to the service department was greeted with great skepticism. They insisted that I had left some electrical thing turned on. I insisted that they keep the car for four days without using it. At the end of the four days they called me and asked me to come and retrieve the car since it started right up.
When I got to the dealer I asked for my car. I waited and waited, but no car appeared! Finally the service manager showed up and explained that the car did not start and the battery was drained! I asked if perhaps they had left a light on!
It has now been 10 days and they have not been able to figure out what is causing the problem. The dealer claims that they are consulting with MB engineers and that there are a number of other ML320s experiencing the same problem.
At least I have a "loaner" car from the dealer (which I have already put 1500 miles on).
Anyone elese have this experience and what finally happened?
problems, but I'd certainly get a new battery
(mine failed - totally dead - at 45,000 miles and was replaced gratis by MB roadside assitance).
I wanted to mention a similar problem with our
Lexus LS400: dead battery after a few days of
non-use... turned out to be the driver's side
power seat switch. The switch tended to stick
when pushed toward the rear and would stick in the on position until the switch was manually
nudged forward. There were no sounds or any other hint that the switch was stuck on.
Final analysis: At 18,500 miles
~Full "B" service (oil change,filter change,wiper replacement,tire rotation)
~Replace fuel pump in gas tank (buzzing)
~{recall} replace clamp for power steering hose
~molding loose under front bumper (black piece)
~rear brake pad replacement ($235.00)
The front brakes have 50% left on them. My advisor said the rear pads are less than a millimeter and my warning light was getting ready to come on.
I'm getting ready to go no a 1,000 mile driving trip and didn't want to risk a break down.
Mark
2003 model year BMW's were the first to also include the first set of brake pads in their maintenance program. For BMW this was a big addition since on a BMW you also are required to replace the rotors each time you replace the pads. A typical 4 wheel brake job in a BMW will set you back $800!
Being stranded on the side of the interstate in 90-degree temps is no fun. I was able to limp along until evening temps arrived by letting the pump cool and then driving at low speeds, but this is probably the last straw on this vehicle. I see a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander in my future.
BTW, I left the truck parked for nearly two weeks with the alarm on and it started right up. This is with the original battery in a 4-yr old vehicle. So a 4-day discharge is not normal. This dealership is treating the customer with contempt, evidence assuming the truck would start after four days and telling the customer to come in and pick it up without even trying to start it. The discharge should be very easy to diagnose. If you have other service options in your city, I'd try them.
- Mark
You had tested yours at 20/25 mph and I did mine, originally, at 8/10 mph rolling backwards down the driveway. I'll do a similar test driving in a parking lot to see how different it is.
Markjenn, did you have to change your brakes pads yet? How many miles is on your ML?
Mark156
My 2000 ML320 has 52K miles and has had the front brakes done at about 25K and the rears at about 35K. The dealer said I needed new front brakes on the last service at 49K, but I let it slide and 3K miles later, I still don't have a warning light. My guess is that they attempt to sell you a brake job if they pads are 75% worn or more. At $600 an axle with new rotors (about $250 if I DIY), I'm just going to wait until the light comes on - if I scrape up the rotors by pushing it a bit, no big deal as I was going to replace them anyway.
- Mark
I know it might sound crazy, but since they changed my power steering clamp, my power steering seems easier. Might be psychological.
Mark
- Mark
My wife's 2000 ML-320 has been a fabulous vehicle, but on Saturday left her stranded for the first time. It wouldn't start, just sort of vibrated. After cutting short my golf game, I tried my key and it started right up. No sign of any difficulties, low battery, etc.
She had called MBUSA and they sent a technician, but by then it had started for me several times, so he suggested we take it in on Monday.
Tonight it happened again, exactly the same scenario as before.
Anybody have a similar situation? Any thoughts?
How do I know what packages (if any) I have? I have a 2002 ML 320 with leather, sun/moonroof - no CD, no Nav, no heated seats. I do not know if the stereo is Bose or not (did they offer another one in '02?). I see references on the board to different packages and was wondering which ones I have/lack...e.g., M5, M7 etc...I'm trying to figure out what the sticker was on this truck in '02 and do not know where to look..... Thanks.
Two ways to check for BOSE. 1.the speaker grills should have BOSE logos. 2.when you turn on the MCS, BOSE logo shows up briefly for few seconds.
You can get a copy of the installed equipments of your ML in ANY MB dealership. They can pull the info with your VIN.
but, I highly doubt that many (or any) ML's were
shipped without a CD. Yours may be like our
2000 ML320, where the six disk CD changer is
located in the cargo area, right side behind
a swing out panel. I think it would be particuarly
odd to not find a CD in a car with leather and
sunroof, but again, I don't know the content
of each option designation (M1, M5, etc).
As a prior commentor said, get the option list
based on your VIN from the dealer.
If the receiver does not recognize the signal (from the key) it will shut down the ignition.
This is definitely not what I would expect from Mercedes. Those of you who are planning on getting a new Merc, they are good cars, but sometimes you have to deal with lousy dealers.
tidester, host
In their meager defense, I have friends who work in the business and customers are very difficult to reach. When the chips are down, they're going to service cars, not spend a lot of time on the phone tracking customers down. They figure you'll call.
This is another application where the wrong grossly inefficient tool (phone) is used rather than the right tool (email).
I would NEVER leave for the dealership to pick up a car without confirming it is ready.
- Mark
The chap told me that he would call me and inform me either way.
How difficult is it to leave a message on my phone if I wasn't at my office. How do you think the rest of the world conducts their business over the phone. Why should car dealerships be any different? That's a lame excuse.
However, I do agree with you that I should have got a confirmation that my car was ready before I left. The problem was that the number on his business card he gave me kept going to his voice mail. Maybe next time I should call the receptionist and try to get her to figure out if my car is ready or not. I guess that what I should expect from an MB dealer.
If any one needs any information on shipping their car temporarily to UK and back, gimme a holler and I can tell you how I did it.
I'm surprised it is as low as $1600. Typically retrofitted options are much more expensive than the original cost of the option.
- Mark
Which is good, because I just love the new E-Class. I was never a big fan of sedans. Always have owned SUVs right from a 1988 Isuzu Trooper. If I ever get a sedan, it will be the E-Class. And when I do finally get around to trading in my ML, Mercedes would have hopefully got their quality problems under control.
The culmination of this was two meetings with the heads of the the dealership and state managers from MB. After some intense negotiation a settlement was reached which effectively gave me all my money back on the vehicle if I stayed with an MB product. I have done so but have not purchased an ML class. That would be the last vehicle in the world I would buy.
I have had many new vehicles over the years, none of which has come anywhere near the appalling record the ML has had.
http://www.funtigo.com/mltransmission
During the first week the Nav/Radio stopped working.
Then the Memory Seats with the controls broke. Then the blower of the air conditioner...
Then the seats would not fold down to get access to third row...
The Trip computer has been replaced 3 TIMES !!!!
The Recall took 2 weeks to be performed because the "parts" would not arrive (ok, I had a C Class loaner, but its not the same).
One thing after another after another... ENOUGHT!
I will NOT buy another Mercedes in my life.
I give you that the car looked sharp. Black with Sport Package... Everybody liked the looks... But that is ALL this car had going for itself... (well, perhaps the engine power, but now many SUVs have 300 HP anyway)...
Sorry but I had to get this out of my system.
If you are thinking about buying an ML then my recommendation is DO NOT DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
If anyone is having a battle with MB in the future re an M Class feel free to contact me.