Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

mark156 · April 2006

smwls8, your "one" experience with your 1997 Mercedes and you think they are all like that? I have had 3 Mercedes.. a 1991 560SEL that was nine years old when I traded it, a 2000 E430 sport (still own) and a 2002 ML500 (just traded for a Land Rover)... the first Mercedes was smooth sailing until it was over 7 years old and approaching 80,000 miles... I kept it until 83,000 and put money in to it. The 2000 E430 has been flawless for almost 7 years. The 2002 ML500 ran well, never left me stranded, served me well for 48,000 miles. You had bad luck with your '97, things like that happen and your dealer was not there to support you. My dealer has been really good.

I like BMW's but my friends who have had them are not telling the same story you are telling about your 1997 BMW.

Every manufacturer has the lemons and apples.

Mark

bon_bon · April 2006

I am trying to determine what is the latest NAV CD for an 02 ML500. I called the number on the Mercedes website and they told me that 03/04 was was the last CD made for ML as it uses the old Alpine system. And that they have stopped making any more versions of it. Is this true ? Can any fellow ML owner help me on this matter. I was planning to buy a 01/05 or 11/05 version of the CD from this forum or eBay. It would be great to know if someone has successfully been able to use a later CD. I would so much like to buy a more recent version if I am spending $$ on it. Shame on Mercedes on leaving their customers stuck like this with 3 year old CD.

I also read on some other forum that we coud use Audi CDs on ML NAV systems. Should I look that way ? Let me know if anyone has done that.

Thanks for all your help,

--Bon Bon

mercara · April 2006

The check engine light came on on my 99 ML320. I have an OBDC II scan tool. Does anyone know where the connector to plug in the code reader is?

jerry40 · April 2006

I have a 99 ML320. Today it wouldn't start. It would turn over but wouldn't start. Seemed like it wasn't getting any fuel. Does anyone know how to check the fuel pump to see if it is still pumping. It may be a clogged filter, but I would like to check the pump first.

pscarb · May 2006

Hi, my wife has a 2000 ml 320 that has 2 problems we can't figure out. We have a excellent mechanic who works at the MB dealership and he don't have the answers. Also we took the car to a very reputable MB service center and spent $400 bucks for nothing, he said everything in the car is functioning properly and can't explain why its happening.

The car for no apparent reason gives ABS, Brake, BAS/ESP ETS, lights and the chime beeper comes on while driving. There are no reasons that cause them to come on and no way to get them to go off other than pulling over, turning off the engine and waiting for 2 to 3 minutes before restarting. Its very annoying and I'm worried it may not be safe to drive.
The second problem is in the undercarriage, the is a creaking sound that all the same people can not figure out where it is coming from??? Its very noticeable and happens when you put the car in gear, start from a stop or come to a stop. it seems to be coming from everywhere on the underneath of the car.

sgt_k1 · May 2006

Hello, can sommeone tell me where is the Drainage tray for the mercedes benz ml500 located at. whenever it rain my suv get wet inside. Some one told me that ML500 2002 has a drainage tray. Can some one please help me on this.

luotuo866 · May 2006

my girl friend's 2000 ML320 shut down by itself twice when she stopped at parking garage gate. She had to wait a while to restart. My 1999 ML320 never had such problem. Have some one experienced such problem before? And, how did you fix it.

markjenn · June 2006

The common stalling causes on the early ML's are fuel pump problems and the crankshaft position sensor. My guess would be CPS - when the car is idling at the parking gate it loses cooling air in the engine compartment and causes the CPS to overheat and fault. After waiting awhile, it cools down and works again. Keep in mind what you paid for this diagnosis.

- Mark

sazodada · June 2006

Re: BAS/ESF problem -> change out your brake switch it's defective. This same switch also works the malfunction sensor of the ABS/ESF and it's causing your issue.

klappekiste · June 2006

Hi, I am told that I have a bad CPS on my ml320. Can anyone tell me exactly where it is located and is it a big job to replace? Thanks

sgt_k1 · June 2006

sIR. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHERE THIS "BRAKE SWITCH THAT IS CAUSING MY PROBLEM IS LOCATED?

torievans · July 2006

Hi,I was wondering if youo guys ever firgured out this problem with all the lights and chime beeper? It started this way now it will not start and the dealer can't find the problem after 1 1/2 weeks. Thanks for any information you might have.

woodson · July 2006

Hi all,

I need your advice really bad--I'm in the market for a ML350. I got an offer from a MB dealer for a silver 2005 SE(was an loner car) for $32K with 13500 milages on it. It has sunroof package and NAV and it's certified. Also, I got another offer from another dealer for a black used 2006 with Nav, it has about 14k milages but it's not certified. May I ask which one is better deal? Is it worth to pay over 9K more on an 06? Any input I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Sorry I forgot to say the offer for 06 is 41K. Thanks!

srbugsalot · August 2006

99 percent chance that a crankshaft position sensor on the ml will fix your stalling problem or a no start problem. I work for mercedes benz and everytime a car comes in for that complaint its an automatic crankshaft sensor. they heat up and it creates an open. the sensor is at the drivers side rear of the engine near the bell housing of the transmission, takes about 5 minutes to replace. The creaking from the underneath of the ML is also very common. the job isnt as easy though. it comes from the torsion bar housings rubbing against the frame. must drop torsion housings install plastic between housing and frame and apply grease. sound will go away. Also bas/esp lights are 99 percent of the time caused by the stop lamp switch, under the dash, presses against the brake pedal. just pull the under dash panel and its right there.

chumsae · August 2006

This has been going on for a couple of months. When stopped, at idle, get groaning-clattering noise.

Corner garage says replace system at $1,800

MB dealer says it might be a valve or the compressor
at $2,000.

Local AC specialist says to try replacing the serpentine belt first, then see.

I happen to be due for regular service and mentioned
the serpentine belt to MB serviceman. They did not comment on the belt - rather, they are guessing at the aforementioned valve OR compressor and recommend replacing the system.

The system output is very good in terms of cold air.

As soon as I turn off the AC, the noise goes away. If I bring us the RPM a tiny bit, the noise goes away. (Is it possible to simply adjust up the idle on these cars?)

Thanks

markjenn · August 2006

In the vein of starting with the cheaper systems first, I'd replace the serpentine belt and belt tensioner and hope for the best. These are things you'd replace anyway, even if you were to replace the compressor, so you have little to lose by starting with this - you probably will get lucky.

You have to find a good independent mechanic to own one of these things out of warranty unless you don't care about outrageous service costs - MB dealers are set up to simply replace expensive systems without doing much diagnosis or repair.

- Mark

glfhlic · August 2006

we bought a 2006. it is a lot nicer than the 2005's that we drove. mercedes says the 2006 is entirely new and it sure drives like it is.

tomexcite · August 2006

Hi,

Just want to know how did you get the problem fixed. My warning light came in about a month ago and it keeps come back on after reset!

Thanks.

sgt_k1 · August 2006

Here what you should do about the BAS/ESP light. Order for a brakes light switch and reach under the brakes paddle and repleace it. After you have do so that should solve your proble. It will cause you anywhere from $8 to 10 bucks

kcml320 · August 2006

Hi Everyone,
My 98 ML320 has 80K miles and is in need of struts all around..Can someone reccomend a brand I should replace the originals with..? I will have a mechanic install them(Not at Mercedes)so where is a good place to buy them from too?
I have the same question as far as rubber goes...I live in Park City,Utah where the winters are pretty bad but fortunatly I dont have to use the ML every day....Can someone reccomend a good all season tire with good all around capabilities.Is the Tire Rack a good place to get this reccomended rubber at a fair price.? Thanks in advance for any help in these 2 matters...Kevin

markjenn · August 2006

Can't help you on the struts, but when I owned my ML320, I found Michelin LTX M/S to be great tire for this vehicle, with crisp handling, good snow performance, and outstanding mileage - when I sold the car with 40K miles on these tires they hardly looked worn. Many are reporting 100K+.

I now have them on my Honda Pilot and I'm finding them a little noisy as this SUV has less insulation from road noise. But on the ML they were fairly quiet.

Tire Rack is a good outfit, but by the time you factor in shipping and finding someone to mount them for you, the discount tire places (e.g., Discount Tire, Costco, etc.) are usually cheaper overall. Costco has a $60 discount on 4 Michelins right now.

- Mark

chumsae · August 2006

No comment on the struts.

I'm using Michelin CrossCountry on our 2000 ML320 and they
are pretty perfect to me; quiet, good handling, warranty 65K miles. The tread pattern is road-like, but the little I've driven in the snow (we're in El Paso TX) they seemed unstoppable. We are 40K into ownership on these tires and they will easily go another 30K. Bought ours at Sam's Club at about $150 each.

chumsae · August 2006

It is Michelin Cross Terrain.

kat26 · September 2006

this happened to my ml500 too ! Roadside assistance came to my place & the guy was puzzled & he pretty much FORCED reverse and unlocked the brake. He told me maybe I had been washing the car & the cold water got the brake to lock up. Went to the dealer they don't know why, but I am sure they have a list of problems w/the ML models. happened when it was about 35,000 ml

I am have more trouble now with the car at 65,000 ml & I will not buy another MB !!!!!!!

kat26 · September 2006

the problem i am having with my ml500 is with so many test drives and changing the brakes for the entire 4 tires, the groaning noise continue to occure only when I am driving it in slow speed during traffic and the groaning sound is like when you shift gear and the car has that noise when the gear didn't go smoothly. Any ideas ? car shop can't find anything wrong with it, but the minute I drove home and in slow speed,less than 15mph, the all noise occured again & again, like the car is "chocking". help ?
ESP light came on, but went away quickly, drove on smooth street.

forthill · October 2006

I had a flat tire on the front passenger side tire on my ML320. My wife didn't know about it and started driving, not realizing the tire was flat, and a few minutes later came back and told me about it. I'm not sure how far she drove on a flat tire (never a good thing to do). Anyway, I
temporarily put the spare donut tire on the car and took the wheel/tire to Sears.

I told them to just fix the flat. They said they couldn't because the tire was damaged from driving while the tire was flat. Ok, then I said replace the tire with a new one. He said that's fine but they could/will not mount
it for me because the car is 4WD and the tread depth on the one new tire would be som much more/taller than the remaining 3 that it could damage the gear box. They are not authorized to put just one new tire on a 4WD
vehicle. I then said, ok give me two new tires then and put them both on the same axle. Again they said no as they could not - for the same reason about the gear box stuff.

So I eventually caved in (perhaps I should not have) and purchased 4 new tires for the car. I did not want to do that as about 18 months earlier I had already purchased 2 new tures for the rear. So $600 later, instead of $125 later I have 4 new tires....

Does this sound right? Did I waste my money buy having to put 4 new tires on the car to have the same tire tread depth to not damage the gear box?
I'm thinking of calling Sears and discussing and maybe complaining to them.
What is the deal on a 4WD car and tires with different tread depths?

Thanks,
forthill

04350 · October 2006

I had one flat due to a large nail bolt and tire blew on
ML350. I went to Discount Tire. Nothing said about difference in mileages on respective tires. They installed
one new tire and I also bought their certificate ($72
for their coverage). About 6 months later another tire blew while driving (ironically while only a half mile away from Discount Tire). Took certificate in and Discount Tire again replaced only blown tire for the $ 18 replacement fee. There was no pressure or even mention from Discount Tire to buy 3 more.

stever · October 2006

My AWD Subaru's owners manual talks about replacing tires and the need to stay within a certain tread depth of the existing tires if you just replace one - some shops will shave a new tire to make it close in size to the existing ones. So check your manual and see if it says anything.

markjenn · October 2006

I think Sears is being overly conservative, and possibly using this as a tool to sell more tires. While there might be some outlyer cars out there where this difference in tread depth could cause an issue, the vast majority of cars shouldn't have the slightest problem with it. The ML has open differentials both side-to-side and fore-aft, so the differentials will not care and I'd be very surprised if the wheel speed difference would be enought to cause the traction controls sytems to engage. And if they did, you'd get a dash light.

- Mark

Kirstie_H · October 2006

A reporter from a large daily newspaper is looking to speak to Mercedes-Benz owners in the Washington DC area about the expectations you have with the car when you purchase it and any problems youve had to deal with. Please provide your daytime contact info to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Monday, October 16, 2006.

sbss4 · October 2006

I'm on my second ML320 a 2002, the first was a 1998. steve squires

stever · October 2006

Please give a shout to Ctalati at the email address in the previous post and maybe you'll get your name in lights. :shades:

tidester · October 2006

Hi, everyone. As you've probably noticed, we have been trying to refine the discussions into more narrowly focussed topics. Our objective is twofold. We want to make it easier for people seeking specific information about their vehicles to find it easily and without having to wade through hundreds or thousands of postings.

To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.

You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.

To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!

Your help and continued participation in the Forums is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

tidester · October 2006

Please go to the group top level and create a discussion that fits your comments/questions or post in an existing discussion.

Mercedes Benz M-Class

tidester · November 2006

Enjoy!

tidester, host

gasman43 · November 2006

I have a small oil leak coming from the head gasket behind the power steering pump. I would like to replace this before it gets too bad.
Does any one have any info on removing the head.
I am looking for bolt torque settings, order of removal/replacement of bolts and any other information specific to this model.
Many thanks in advance.

c_j_gordon · December 2006

What sounds like my power steering pump has been getting louder and louder over the past several months. It's much louder when it's cold; and, the volume of noise appears to corrlelate somewhat to the number of RPM's. It makes noise even when I'm not steering...and gets louder when I steer or increase RPMs. Any idea what's going on? Fluid level is fine in pump. Thanks for any advice/info. :confuse:

vickiem67 · January 2007

I noticed that you work for MB. I couldn't get my ML320 out of park this morning and the dealer said that it is common. They said that I need to replace the brake light switch at $279.00. I checked the price of the switch and it is 25.00. I'm sure it takes all of 5 minutes to replace the switch.(I may be wrong) Can I do this myself? I am really tired of the it's only 279 it's only 1,000. No offense to you at all. I think it starts at the front with the service reps. Then they have the nerve to say well your driving a Mercedes. I don't care what I drive I don't like to spend money on stupid repairs. I have a sebring convertible that has cost me almost nothing to keep up and it always starts

thanks for any info you have for me!

sgt_k1 · January 2007

If you were in woodbridge, VA, I would installed it for you. It's very sample and I hate when people try to spend too much for things that are call for. There is a website that you can buy the brake light switch for $12.45. I could installed it for 20 bucks. Because of my Army vaules, I am going to share my skills with you. Installation:
1. Reach under the brake padel and remove the mat and protective cover.
2. Unplug the white brake light switch from the male, this can be found right where the brake padel and the floor touches.
3. Replace the switch and put the protective cover back and mat in place. You can call me, 703-862-1571

vickiem67 · February 2007

you are the greatest. I am actually in arlington, I would love to get the website where I can get the part. The one I found was 25.00 and it said it was a mercedes original part. Don't know if that matters.

bless you

lawal · February 2007

I am experiencing problems with my 2000 ML 320. The truck looses power and shuts down when applying brakes such as trying to stop suddenly or slowing down to make a turn or trying to turn into a parking spot. I took the car in to our independent mechanic who said it was in need of a tune up with new spark plugs, etc. I picked it up and it ran better but I am still loosing power as described above. Other than this, the only problem I've had with this vehicle is the CD player. There is also a noise coming from somewhere under the car; like a rattling sound which is annoying... any ideas...

bena · March 2007

Hi guys! do you know where I can find and order a rear bumper? I backed up in my husband's car and my rear bumper is gone, almost half of it. I have an ML 350, year 2003.
THANKS!

sgt_k1 · March 2007

I have a 2002 ML 500(third row seating, NAv. and other) that I am selling, does anyone interested.

mercara · March 2007

Where are you located. I live in NJ and had my rear bumper damaged. I found this used part dealer who specilizes on mercedes and picked up a used bumper from him. I can send you his number if you are around NY/NJ.

tluke · April 2007

I understand that the ML500 will be replaced by the ML550 for the 2008 model year. I heard that the 5.5 from the current E class will be utilized. I am interested and am willing to wait for the ML550 if this is in fact true. Does anyone have any information on whether this is true or just rumor?

sgt_k1 · April 2007

I change my battery lastnight, but as soon as I was done, my Esp light came on, and now it wouldn't go off. Do anyone know how to reset it or something of that nature?

cneff · April 2007

It seems to be true. 2008 ML550 382hp. Apparently no other upgrades except engine. According to C&D about $10k less then current ML55

pai7 · April 2007

glad to hear that the V-8 ML is getting an engine upgrade.I hope this new vehicle comes with an updated navigation with a rear camera.Has the Mercedes ironed out the bug in their Transmission?

cneff · April 2007

Not the right forum but let me answer...the NAV is indeed a bit behind, I have not heard of improvements coming. I have a 2006 CLK and 2007 ML320CDI. The CLK shows me elevation (why I need that who knows) but does not show miles and time left while the 2007 does show this. My ML320CDI has a rear camera and works well. The 7spd tranny has a re programming fix - my CLK even had some rough shifts and they tweaked it.

royalrdh · June 2007

Hi=Do you still own your 2005 ML350? I am thinking of buying a certified Pre-owned 2005ML350 and am wondering how it has held up for you and if you had any complaints on it....I'v read some disturbing things on MB on how once you own it, you're nickeled and dimed with continued service and repairs. Thanks for your input.

Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

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