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

thor3

I'd take your 98 ML320 to the dealer - it is still under warranty and it would be a good place to start documenting your "new owner" vehicle history.

Did you get the vehicles complete service/warranty history from the dealer yet. You may want to read up on all the problems the 98's had and start making a list - quick... you only have @8k miles left prior to factory warranty expiration.

For example - you've probably been reading the posts regarding the 98's final drive ratio changes ... you may want to turn sharply to full lock and see if you get binding and a growing noise while slowly driving forward or reverse. You should probably claim as such to get a new final drive while still in warranty... at least you'll get a new drive with fresh oil... one less thing to worry about. There are many other issues but depending on the former owner they may have been resolved... that is why I asked if you have the complete dealer service/warranty history.

The key may have a dead battery or the dealer never programed it... you should get to know your dealer and this would be a good begining...don't wait for the final hour to bring it in for warranty service... depending on the local MB dealers some will actually look vehicle over for the many items that have been refined/updated and replace them... it would help to make a list though... start with fuel pump high pitch whine (intermittent)... binding groaning noise on full turn, door seals don't seem to seal well (new seals), doors don't shut firmly like an MB (there have been several latch updates for all doors and rear hatch), rear seat rattles (new frame design)...control arm bushings (front and rear for noise)...steering pump (noise)...intermitent machine gun type door lock operation (somtimes lock acutator but on mine it was the door latch itself).

There are many more but I can't think of them all but don't wait to take it to dealer UNLESS it has as full history with said items addressed.. Otherwise you will be out of luck once the warranty expires...Aftermarket warranties will not cover many of the items mentioned and there would probably be a deductible anyway ...

Use the wealth of knowlege in all of the forums and posts to get everything possible done prior to factory warranty expiration. Take it in a couple of times so you have a good record with the dealer.

Even if they don't find a problem you will have a record of making such complaint and might get some items resolved after warranty if it is well documented prior (MUST BE WRITTEN IN A REPAIR ORDER - If it is not written you will have little to fall back on).

Good luck - Frank

scott902

Was wondering that the ESP works when accelerating and braking, but how about when coasting?? not sure on this anyone know?

jimbeco

I just got my ml430 (MY2000, 22,000 miles) back from the dealer from it's B service. No charge for the service, I furnished the Mobil 1 oil. This is a good thing. However, the Brake Pad Check Light' was flickering, so I had them look at the brakes. I needed new brake pads for both front and rear. The rears wore just as quickly as the fronts, due to ABS I'm told. Anyway, to make a long story short, the bill came to $481. Brake pads only, no rotors, didn't even turn the rotors. This is the most expensive set of brake pads ever. The most expensive of all MB vehicles, according to the service guy. Just thought you'd like to know.

Jim B

dt77

Does the ML55's xenons come with an auto leveling feature ? How about the S or CL ?

dt77

drew_

All MB vehicles with factory installed HID Xenon lights come with autoleveling and headlamp washing systems. Both (though not necessarily autoleveling), regardless of whether the vehicle has Xenons have been required in Europe for years now. A good idea, if you ask me...ex. in Sweden, headlamp washing systems have been mandatory since the 1970's!

rexconde1

If any one is looking for one, there is a dealer out here in Vegas that has one at MSRP. Its in their show room.

Fletcher Jones Imports

Robert

dt77

So the one Robert has doens't autolevel now right ? But, u have the capability to ? Robert, can it be done on yours ?

anywayz, i was checking stuff this www.xenonhid.com no autoleveling ...but apparently doesn't seem to be an issue ? I think it is...

dt77

sshowitt

Wondering whether to buy the Mercedes Premium 4yr 50K mile extended warranty for my OOML430. My 98ML320 was traded in with just under 40K. Although I hope to keep this new and improved model longer, I don't know if I would keep it into the extended warranty period. I did purchase the warranty for my clk430cab, a car that I plan hold on to and a car that has many expensive electronics. If my plans were to change and I were to sell this vehicle, I would sell the clk outright (probably at a much better price than trade-in value) and transfer the warranty to the new owner. In this case, I would most likely recoup most, if not all, the money paid out for the extended warranty and it would surely add to the comfort level of whomever I would sell the car to. Although it is a transferable warranty from private owner to private owner, my understanding is that upon trade-in,(maybe it is just to M/B dealers) the warranty is no longer valid, only outright sale. On the MBWorld.org ML listserve, there is a dealer offering this premium warranty for $1575.00. Any recommendations would be welcomed.
I have had the new 00 ML430 for one month and very pleased with the changes in the vehicle. The only downside is the fuel economy so far, not that the ML320 was a miser in that regard either. Well we are suppose to get a Noreaster today up here in MA, so we will see if the new vehicle handles anybetter with the esp. I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Years greeting.

kenyee

dt77:
There is an additional control module that has to go in and two sensors near the axles. You can get them put in as well if you do the retrofit. It's not part of the Xenon capsules.

ometofu

Just done a short trip to local Pathmark... everyone should have 4 wheel drive vechicles. I must be mentally ill... I was giggling and laughing when I saw other 4x4 getting stuck on the road...

sydney6

Noelb1: I have about 18K miles on my ML320. I live in southern California, and unless I go into the mountains rarely see temperatures less than 50 degrees.

When I write "in city", I mean in-city California-style, where even most regular surface streets have speed limits of 45-55 MPH. Only in residential neighborhoods are they less.

When cruising at nearly 80MPH, as we almost always do on the freeways here (except in traffic), I have observed the on-board computer giving me 23+MPG (average setting, not instantaneous) on a drive from Anaheim to Oceanside. While the whole tankfull was not 23MPG, I am confident that had I driven farther that I would have maintained well about 20MPG.

I am sure that if I spent lots of time in heavy stop-n-go traffic that my mileage would be much less, too. Remember, gas mileage is simply fuel used for a given distance. If you are going faster (within reason) you'll get better mileage.

sydney6

Second to last paragraph should have read, "well ABOVE 20MPG". Sorry!

dt77

comments on this ?
http://www.chip-tuning.com/usa/main/mainmenu.html

$695 from mbworld; apparently, no soldering needed. Plug and play and unplug if needed
Increases HP to 286 and torque to 310 ..hmmm...

dt77

dt77

oh, sorry, forget to mention
numbers stated are for the ML430.

for the ML320, HP is increased to 230 and torque 247

dt77

kenyee

dt77:
Is that even noticable? :-)
Check out next year's C32. It's a supercharged 320 engine. Not sure what the parts cost, but you might be able to retrofit it onto a 430 engine since you have the ML55's tranny.

parfive1

For those of you wanting snow, just come to Mpls/St Paul area.
Just got hit by another storm on Thurs (8 inches)making this the 2nd snowiest December in Mn history.
We've had over 38" so far this year, and have about 15" sitting on the ground.
My wife's 00 ML430 is great, just plows through everything. She's very very happy, and says it handles beautifully.
On the other hand, my 00 E320 RWD is a little scary. The ESP works very well, but I still don't have complete confidence in heavy snow storms, even with Michelin Alpins on all four wheels.
My next car will definitely be the E430 4matic.

mlx52

Why is the HP on an E320 different from the ML 320's engine? I thought they were the same engine. I would think that MB would want the heavier ML to have the extra HP.

Just curious,
Jamie

drew_

Since torque is what gets you off the line, it is more important than horsepower for larger, heavier vehicles (compared to cars) such as the ML, especially since it's supposed to be designed for towing. Look at tractor trailers, for example. Lots of torque, but not much horsepower. The fact that most of those are diesels is also another factor. MB has never plunked a car engine into an SUV (granted, their only SUV was the G-wagen) without tweaking it for more torque and slightly less hp.

Also important is torque being available at low rpms. This way, you have plenty to get you moving, rather than you needing to rev the engine almost to redline before getting the maximum output.

drew_

Grrr...you're making me jealous. Not a single snowflake here! I behave the same way when we get snow here :-) In fact, I think all Subaru, Audi, and MB 4-matic owners do :-)

drew_

Aren't you glad now that you went for the M-class instead of the QX4? ;-) The limiting factor for the E-class 4-matic is ground clearance. Since it has much less than the ML, one still has to be careful to avoid snow which is too deep so as not to get high centered; this is less of a factor if you're moving though. the scratching noises from below may be enough to scare you away :-)

drew_

Thanks, I got them. Interesting stuff! It's actually basically exactly what we can do to the ML. The Litronics system is more advanced though, hence the high cost. I see what you mean about the projectors. When high beams are selected, they shift upwards to supplement the halogen high beam bulbs. The ML's does not do this, BTW, but it's still very bright.

drew_

Yes, the Fridays freeways chat was great. I'm usually there every week and I do hope that more will participate.

drew_

Well, if you do have to make an emergency maneuver while coasting, the ESP will kick in if necessary. It is active all of the time, regardless of speed.

drew_

Consider yourself lucky. Some have gotten less than 21-222K miles out of their pads. I expect to get much less than that due to all of the hill climbing that I have to do. All of MB's brake pads (in fact, this applies to many German cars, I think) wear quickly because they're soft. This allows for better heat dissipation (superior performance for braking from high speeds) since the pads sacrifice themselves instead of the rotors. The side effect, as you probably noticed, is that the wheels get coated with brake dust pretty quickly. Part of this is also because the German TUV requires a larger percentage of graphite in the pads.

Jim, WRT why both of your front and rear brake pads needed to be changed at the same time, it's because the ML has electronic brake distribution that shifts some of the braking effort to the rear brakes (when travelling in a straight line) so that the fronts don't have to do as much of the work. Seems like this system is doing its job well on your vehicle.

drew_

Part of it has to do with timing, and other with cost. MB doesn't make much on the ML compared to other cars, and redesigning the entire steering column/security system may be cost prohibitive. Definitely look for it in the next generation M-class though.

Orion Blue is one of the two new colours available for the MY2001 M-class. It's conspicuous, to say the least. I've seen a Magma Red ML55 and it really screams "Look at me!".

drew_

I think that all MLs (except for the ML55 AMG; all AMG vehicles get Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic) are filled with 5W30 Mobil 1 non-synthetic oil from the factory

drew_

What a bizzare problem! I have been in somewhat of a similar situation though. When I parked the ML outside at one point, a rat did leave me a few "presents" on the top of the engine block a couple of times. I must have disinfected (Lysoled and Simple Greened) that area to heck! I also found a gnawed up small plastic cap (definitely a MB part) on the top of the block. I got the techs to check the powertrain for any damage though, and they couldn't find any. In fact, they couldn't even find where the cap came from and simply stated that it was from another MB vehicle!

drew_

The ML will not let you downshift if it thinks you're going to bump the rev limiter. Even if your speed is low enough for that, you'll still get some pretty noticable engine noises from revving at 5000+ rpms :-)

I use the Touchshift very frequently for upshifting. Have you noticed that the transmission will upshift (if the computer determines that it's okay) even in "D" mode if you tap the lever to the right? It's great since I can stomp on gas pedal and not have it hold the gears to higher rpms.

drew_

Wouldn't the ML have an even more imposing presence since it's higher than the X5? :-) BTW, did you see many (any) MLs traveling above 200 kph on the autobahn?


Drew
Host of Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

bob259

Just started here in upstate NY about and hour or two ago. Calling for 8-10", sorry Drew.

Drew: Glad the scans came through for you. I'm seriously considering the HID's and will look at Robert's site on his installation and see about ordering the connectors from where he did, Puma I think it was. If I get the connectors I'll probably order the HL assemblies some time in the spring. It's too cold to mess with now and if I wait I can have them adjusted the same time I bring it in for it's first service.

drew_

I'll transfer your scans to Photopoint so others can have a look at them.

FYI, Chris told me just recently that PUMA informed him that the connectors are back ordered indefinitely. Since you seem like a guy who is pretty handy with tools, you may want to consider doing the modifications to the wiring harness plugs instead.


Drew
Host of Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

kenyee

Talk about a boring storm; it can't make up its mind and switch to snow/sleet, so it's mostly rain. Still went out and drove in it though :-)
What do you guys do when you get the interior wet from rain? Towel it down and throw Lexol on it?

drew_

You mean the leather? Nothing except wipe the water off. Contrary to popular belief, water doesn't ruin leather. Leather is made in water! Suade is another matter though (yes, I know some consider it leather).

kenyee

Yep, I mean the leather and vinyl. I thought water made leather harden when it dried?

tarik

Drew,

The only reason why I emtioned the X5 as being noticeable in traffic is the fact that I haven't seen an ML in (tight) downtown Ingolstadt before. I am sure it would be just as intimidating.

On the Autobahn, I had to "shoo" away an ML55 ( :-) ) in order to get by, but I am certain that between listening to his wife, talking on the cell phone and calming down the kids, he simply forgot to sink the accelerator in the carpet! While I was approaching an on-ramp on the Autobahn, an X5 accelerated, and I was astonished as to its capabilities in gaining speed. Only at 180 kph (113 mph) and over could I lose him, but it was the 4.4l V-8. Other than that, nothing interesting except a few Hummers (!) of the US forces - imagine that impression!!!

Tarik

rexconde1

Here is the link for the instructions to wire the HIDs manually

http://www.escribe.com/automotive/european/mbmc/m10266.html

Robert

cheapdanny

Hi all,

I got my 01 ML320 back yesterday from the dealership after installation of the style II grille guard (basically similar or if not the same as the sports package 2" stainless steel tubing grille guard)and chrome side steps.

Well, today after removing snow off of the truck I realized that there was a slight ding on the topside of the chrome side step (trust me I'm pissed off at myself for not checking thoroughly prior to leaving the dealership). I guess an abrupt visit to the dealer is set for the new year.

Well, enuff with the moaning and groaning about my problem... here are my questions: Do Grille Guards come with the skid plate? or is this another one of those options that dealers try to hide? I know I've read about this in the past, but is there a cure for the slanted side steps?

Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, the ML is great in the snow, what STABILITY with the ESP.

Danny d:)

dt77

Nowadays, many car makers are putting in head protection system like side curtains. Do the new ML's have this ? anyway, mine only comes with side airbags ? Does anyone have links to pics of the side airbags deployed ? I just wanna get an idea of of protection it offers and how much head protection it offers - if any !?

doesn't the new C have side air curtains ?

dt77

drew_

Not MANY...mostly only the luxury manufacturers have head protection airbags (ex. MB, Audi, BMW, etc.).

There is a chance that side curtains will be an addition for MY2002 MLs. A good chance, IMHO, since the BMW X5 will receive (optional?) head protection tubes for the rear passengers for MY2002. The side curtains are better than the tubes since they have a much greater surface area (they span from the A to C pillars) and also have the added advantage of blocking the glass from entering the cabin.

When deployed, the side airbags will extend about 4" (maybe slightly more) above the window sill. They're basically supposed to protect your thorax from the (hard) intruding door structure.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a new car without side curtains since there could be a chance of head injuries if one is T-boned at a fair amout of speed by an SUV (other than the car crash compatible M-class). The SUV's or pickup truck's (especially if there's a lift kit) high up bumper could miss the door beams and impact at chest or shoulder level. The curtains could be the difference between having a headache and death. I'll take the former, thanks! As you can see, SUVs don't have this problem since they're already high up. Of course the head curtains are still advantageous, but less crucial, IMHO, than in a car.

Yes, all of MBz's sedans and coupes in North America have front and rear side impact airbags, as well as side curtains.

drew_

My MB dealer installed brushguard has a skidplate, and I like it as it offers protection (and acts as a deflector) when driving through deep snow. You can see pictures of my ML at http://go.to/m-class . BTW, I assume your "style 2" brushguard is different than what I have? Does yours have a skidplate?

The slant on the sidesteps is to allow water to flow off instead of accumulating and turning into ice.

dt77

I heard the volvos have them too ? and ford is doing something too

dt77

drew_

Yes, Volvo has them and Ford is planning to add them for the '02 Explorer.

On another unrelated note, the president of MB Canada, Ernest Lieb, said in a TV interview today that MB Canada already has 40 orders for the upcoming MB SLR and the 28 orders for the MB Maybach. Both of these cars will be priced in the $500K to $700K range. Wow!


Drew
Host of Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

kiiwii

Drew,

so you were saying that the black rubber step part on the stepbar isn't perfectly level, right? It's designed to have a slight slope, right? I thought it was a bad installation on mine =P Took it back to the dealer for fixes. They claimed the screws were not tighten and chanrged me $40. I couldn't tell any different after the fixes. The rubber plates are still tilted a bit.

kiiwii

are those two the same ML? how come they have different license plate? =P

gc2000

Got my new 2001 ML320 and just love it. It really exceeds my expectations. This is my first SUV (I have an Accord and a Maxima). I find the ride of the ML wonderful, not harsh at all as I kind of expected after reading impressions of other people and comparisons with the MDX. What a wonderful vehicle! Thanks to all for making this discussion topic great.
I was just wondering if folks could share their opinions and experience using the Touchshift feature. Do you guys find it useful. Any advice on what to do and what not to do regarding the feature. Thanks.

bob259

Thanks Robert. Looks like I may have to go that route. If' it's round pins I have a depinning tool that should make it an easy task.

Did the dealership give you any grief because of the modification and/or wanting to aim the head lights?

kenyee

Very cool. You're the first person I know of who got the Type II.
You know what I'll ask for next :-) Pics!!! I'd like to see how it's mounted. I can't believe it has no skid plate. The M4 pkg's guard does have a skid plate.

The side steps are tilted a little to get rid of water. I'm ok w/ mine. Just wear hiking boots :-)

kenyee

dt77:
The new C has them. They cover a *lot* more area than the BMW and Volvo ones do. They go from A pillar to C pillar and come down almost a foot. I really wish my 2001 ML had them so I could feel good about having *all* the safety features I could possibly want ;-)

cheapdanny

Drew and Kenyee,

Can you believe it no skid plate, considering the dealer charged 620. installed. I will definitely investigate Tuesday of the New Year and will advise.

Any advice as to adding fog lights? seems the holes or mounting area is located on the back of the lower horizontal bar, I guess I need to fabricate some kind of bracket unless MB has something "made for" to offer. I tried to inquire but was rushed out because of the three day weekend before the New Year.

I am working on the pics.

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to ALL!!!

Danny d:)

dennett

Haven't seen you over in the new C class area lately, so I thought I'd come here and see if you were around. Reading all these posts by happy ML owners makes me want one all the more!! Regarding the initial oil change on any MB product, when do you, or anyone else here, feel is the best time to do it, 2k, 3k? Also I plan to go with mineral oil this time and then switch to Mobil 1 at the first recommended change, see any problems with that?

Anybody know what changes are in store for the 2002 MLs? Be as specific as you possibly can. Is it true that the 430 is being replaced by an ML500? The 430 seems like such a great value when compared to an X5, so I'm worried that a 500 model will take it up to the X5's price level. Oh well, it could mean some grade year end deals this fall on 01 430s, that'd be fine with me :-) !! Everytime I see an ML on road I about get whiplash trying to check it out, I want my ML!