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

kbonnel

That is what I wanted to hear. I can't wait to get my ML....

sharon

Yeah, FINALLY!! My ML is back. My service advisor is on vacation, and I didn't want to give the girl filling in a hard time--but there is absolutely no reason that the B service plus break pad replacement should take 2 days!! There, I've gotten that off my chest.

I've decided not to have them replace the tires, for now. I'm going to look around and see if I can get better tires. I'm a little leary about putting the same Dunlop Grabbers back on, since they didn't last very long. Any recommendations for replacements? (it's a lease, btw)

My brakes have been replaced (it cost $329 to replace both the front & back brakes, not as bad as I expected. My advice is: once your brake-wear light goes on, don't let them delay service. I had to wait a little over a month (the receptionist insisted that was the earliest appt.) and my braking by the end was compromised. This was my first experience and I didn't know how much time I had once the light came on before they REALLY needed replacing. It really ticked me off to be reprimanded to boot! I'm going to have to speak to my service advisor when he comes back.

But, it's back; I'm able to stop again :-).

They are insisting that my wind noise is due to the tires. The only relief I get is by closing the sunroof shade. I may have to pick up my service advisor and take him for a ride ;-)

Sharon

atomic80

For those of you who remember me from before when I had a '01 ML55 which I eventually sold to a gentleman down in San Jose last May.

I had a fun albeit brief ownership stint but I did frequent this board for the better part of nearly two years before finally getting the ML55 last October.

I wanted to say hi to you guys that remember me and let you guys know that I haven't forgotten about you guys. I did however end up buying a new '01 M5. For pictures, go here:

http://www.atomic80.com/misc/m5.html

Back to lurking I go!

Jason

rexconde1

Congrats man! Great car.... is that the RCA dog?

kevin90

I have had my ML320 for 2 weeks and have a couple of problems. The FM radio cuts in and out of stereo constantly. Sometimes it sounds fantastic and sometimes it sounds like an AM station. Is there an ariel adjustment? The date function on the computer is doing weird things also. After setting it time and time again it keeps going to different dates on it's own. Anyone experienced these things?

drew_

Nice to see a name from the past; don't be a stranger! Nice car (I love the interior colours), great pictures, and I must admit that I LOL when I saw the last picture. Fancy taking delivery of an M5 wearing sandals ;-)

drew_

Glad to hear that you have your ML back. FYI, the Grabbers are made by General, the Grandtreks are made by Dunlop. Which one does your ML have?

I'm also curious as to the dealership that you go to. Perhaps you could let us know which one it is? Maybe someone here can recommend a better dealership in your area.

Good luck,

Drew
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kenyee

Nice pics and car. Begs the question: do dogs look like their cars or their owner? (from the headlight pic :-)
What happened to your other tow-mobile?

atomic80

rex: I don't think that's the RCA dog. It sure looks like it though. I think the RCA dog is actually a bigger breed.
drew: I had JUST gotten back from a long trip overseas with a stop in Maui and had headed straight to the dealership from the airport that morning. That's probably why I'm wearing sandals. It's too bad you can't see my shirt more closely. It's a picture of that very same Lemans blue M5! I picked it up at a dealership in Honolulu.
Kenyee: That's a really bad picture of my dog. She was a little bit petrified by the BEAST! And I think I used too much light with the flash. I need to put a better picture on there. But you're right, I think she looks like the car in that picture! Scary and all. And finally, I still have the other Tundra pickup. I use that for towing and as a daily driver. How's your ML320 doing these days? I'm a little bit behind on this board.

Jason

kenyee

My ML is still great. Only 5K mi on it so far, so it probably has not had enough exercise to truly show problems. Just did an 1100mi road trip a month ago and it was awesome.

For your M5, you might want to keep an eye out on the fan and carry a fire extinguisher. I'm not sure when it was built, but BMW is trying to replace all the fan switches that are defective. Check out the bimmer.org X5 forum to see what I mean. Also www.eliteviews.com. It supposedly affected some 5 series, so it doesn't just affect the X5; it also affects some X5s outside the recall range. I suppose the X5 is based partially on the 5 series platform, so that makes sense.

cavman2x

I have been experiencing the same problems. i only drive the ML about once a week and these problems don't bother the wife so we'll wait to take it in for something serious to have it fixed. There have been others that have had these same problems, can someone else provide an answer for these problems? TIA G

lemongrass

I went out of town with my family for 3 days and the driving experience with my '01 ML430 was exhilarating. My ML didn't fail me one bit when I needed that extra kick to pass that annoying vehicle in front of me (which was on the left lane and going at 70mph). I kept that baby at around 80-85mph and off we went. Wish you all were there to see the faces of those critters introducing themselves to my windshield

ml430s40

Does anyone experience a little rough ride in the first 10 minutes of driving after garaging their ML overnight? I believe it to be caused by this particular tire flattening while cold. My Michelin ATV tires on my old Yukon never did this.

ddavis001

I garage our ML430 every night... and we haven't noticed any "rough" riding after it's been sitting over night. I know what you're referring to as my Cobra used to do this when it sat in the garage... it's akin to flat-spot on the tire.

I would check the tire pressure and make sure it's at 30psi (isn't that the recommended for no load?)

noelbong

Guys, just noticed that we are at no.7 on the top ten list with 37 posts (excluding this one). Or it is Drew's job to point this out? (if it is, sorry, Drew)

sharon

LOL, I have the Dunlops--but was going by the name the service advisor gave me. She called them Dunlop Grabbers--so glad she is just filling in for my regular service advisor :-)

I went to Milennium in Bridgewater NJ. I'll give them a second chance. First service was fine, and the salesman gave me a loaner for a few weeks when I bought my car--to tide me over between the time my Suburban's lease was up and the ML was due in.

But one more chance is all they get!

Sharon

hogster21

I put on about 2,000mi on the truck after the Brake Warning Light came on steady. No problems. Also, it looked like my rears had plenty of life left and I fully expect to change them no sooner then when fronts require another set. BTW, this was around 34,000mi, 10,000mi ago.

Total cost for front pad replacement - $80 in parts and about 45 minutes of my time.

And tires - 45,000mi on the original set of Dunlops, no complaints. Looks like they will last the winter. And we drive hard - very hard ;-)

richjnj

I don't know if this info has been posted yet, but, a little bird in the service department at my dealer indicated that some of us will be receiving a recall notice soon with regard to the sensor unit in the gas tank. Although I haven't had a problem with my 01' ML320 this may be of some help to those who posted messages regarding inaccurate fuel gauges.

noelbong

Hi, hogster21, can you share with the board the steps taken in changing the brakepads? Your cost of $80 parts and 45 minutes labor sounds alot less than the $329 Sharon paid. My ML still has a long way to go before it needs new brake pads (I hope) but I'm sure it will come in handy for me one day and for those who need to change their brake pads in the near future.

ml430s40

Thanks for the info on the tires. I will definitely check the pressure ASAP. I should have been more specific in saying 'garaged for a while' instead of "garaged ... overnight". I tend to leave my ML in the garage all week and only drive it on the weekends. Thanks again.

hogster21

I do not want to sound flip and will comply if pushed, but I myself followed step-by-step instructions posted on the m-class mailing list. You can search the archives on www.escribe.com. All I'd be doing is copy and paste from that same source.

sharon

Yep, doing things yourself is certainly a lot cheaper. My husband installed the hitch for me. That saved a good bit.

To be fair, the 329 was for both the front and the back pads. Now, I can do many things--used to change the oil in my SAAB, I can build you a computer and set up your network, but a girl has got to draw the line somewhere--I'll pay the 329 to have the pads replaced for me, for now. Maybe next year I'll decide to tackle doing my own brake pads. Hey, at least I can drive a stick ;-)

Sharon

biker5

Not so many wives know how to drive a stick. Way to go Sharon, and I'll share my experience when I change my front brakes,soon. The dealer have no chance to get my hard earning dollar for that job.. Have a nice day.

djdj

I also think the ML's A/C system is not up to American standards which can turn a mini-van (even w/o rear a/c) into a meat cooler. I think it takes longer than it should to cool the car on a hot day, though it does eventually get there. My 2000 ML320 is black with ash, and I wonder if white is better.

I just spent 600 miles over the last 3 days driving across OH and IN in 85 - 96 degree weather. Generally the cooling ends up being fine, just slow. Today after driving through a rain storm the outside temperature went from 76 to 93. I thought the car got very stuffy inside even with the fan on high. When I turned on recycle it finally really began to cool off and eventually did become too cold. The recycle made a huge difference.

I think MB could learn a lot about A/C's from Chrysler.

drew_

I think the owner's manual does state that if you want the interior to cool down quickly, you should switch from outside air mode to re-circulate mode. This way, the system will keep cooling down the already cooled air. When the outside air is really hot and humid, obviously the system cannot adapt as quickly. That's probably why they placed a recirculate mode position for the centre climate control knob. I've used this occasionally, but 99% of the time I find the A/C just fine for my environment, and perhaps even too cold. I usually leave it at the 8 or 9 o'clock positions.

The '02 ML will have a slight larger A/C unit for the warmer climates.

I always use my reflective sunshield (which also blocks the front side windows) if it's sunny since this not only protects the dash and the seats, but drastically helps to keep the interior cooler. I then tilt open the moonroof, sliding the sunshade only about 2" back, in addition to popping open the quarter vent windows.

Drew
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callahann

I wanted to pass along a recent experience with my '00 ML430. I came out of a store the other night and my ML wouldn't start, it would just crank over. Was pretty sure it was a fuel problem, but who knows where to start on these things. So I called the 800 number, they said they could come get the car in the morning (the nearest dealer to me is about 75 miles). But the guy that called me back said he thought the fuel pump was the problem, had seen it before. He said I could try rapping the fuel tank at the area of the pump (the small round area at the lowest point) and that the pump might work enough to get me home. Sure enough, I hit the tank with a rubber hammer and the truck started. The next day it wouldn't start again, and they had to tow to the shop to have the pump replaced. Anyway, if this happens to any of you, it might be worth a try to get you out of a jamb.

drew_

If you're curious about why it works after being wacked, it's partly because the gas station underground fuel tank liners at improperly maintained, or simply old gas stations mixes with the petrol and over time, this builds up and hardens onto the pump. Wacking the pump area breaks off some of this gunk and allows the vehicles to be (at least temporarily) started again. It also seems that the high sulphur content in N.American fuel is also one of the culprits for these pump woes. The newer pump and sending unit design addresses these issues.

Giving the tank a few stout wacks with a rubber mallet or a few kicks may work, as you found out. It's a good idea to fill up your vehicle at stations which look properly maintained, or even better, have just been recently constructed. The gas stations that I usually fill my ML at are less than a year old.

michml320

Any news on MSRP? When do I get to drive my 2002??

ddavis001

ml430s40:

Oh, well, that's a even more different. The Cobra I owned also sat for days on in before I drove it... and it was particularly evident (bounce) after sitting for that length of time. Still, check air pressure, but this may be something you'd have to live with since it's not driven daily or every-other day. Our Benz ML430 also sits for days at a time.. but typically, no more than 2-3 days, max., before we drive it again.

thor8

It is not a good idea to get a black vehicle no matter what brand, black will aborb all the energy in the spectra while pure white will reflect most of it, do the test, in the middle of the day touch a black car and keep your hands on it, the heat is almost unbereable, on the other hand pure white is just a little warm.

Early on my life I became very aware of this phenomena, I always found black cars stuffy in the middle of the summer, that is why I always buy white vehicles. With the heat of the sun, engine, transmission, road, tires is too much load on the A/C, is simple thermodynamics, too much heat is absorbed by convection and radiation.

Another good idea is to keep the went on recycle, if not the air is mixed with hot outside air and the air coming from the A/C will not be as cold.

hogster21

Pull the sunroof shade closed as well as the rear cargo cover - it will help tremendously.

I never used recirc; never replaced fuse#44; never even used fan on speeds above 2; and I have never had a cooling complaint (touch wood) - neither speed of nor maintaining, short trips or long.

js888

Left my 320 in the garage and went on a six week vacation. No flatspotting whatsoever upon my return and no battery drain, either.

I have Dunlop Grandtreks, inflated to 29 psi.

On my other car which I don't drive at all in the winter (and left in the garage for approx. 4~5 months a year), no flatspotting with the Bridgestone tires (Size P225-70-15), either.

If you get flatspotting tires after just a few days of parking it only means the tires are somewhat defective, in my opinion.

rit1

Just picked up my 01 with light tan interior and want to put first class mat in the cargo area. Prefer rubber backing with carpet surface so the dog won't slip around. Any suggestions on the best mail order house for a custom fit?

kenyee

Depends on whether you need the cargo hooks. The only one I know of w/ cutouts for the hooks is the MB cargo tray, but it's all rubber.
I like the CatchAll mat for the carpetted type.

dwang0725

To all,
I have been away from this site for a while since I have had absolutely no problems with my 2000 ML320 (knock on wood). I just recently received a letter from my dealer asking me to purchase extended warranty. I recall seeing a thread about this way back when, but what is the concensus here about an extended warranty? Get it or a waste of money? Can I buy it cheaper else where? I'm planning on keeping the truck for at least 6-8 years... I would love some input on this matter. Thanks.

Dave

hogster21

If you plan on keeping the truck past the initial warranty period, extended warranty is the cheapest piece of mind you can buy, IMHO. You have one year from the purchase to pull the trigger. Do shop around, warranty is marked up something fierce but select dealers will discount considerably. You do not have to buy it from the dealer where you purchased your vehicle, anyone will do. I have not experienced this first-hand, but have heard of hassles trying to get a dealer to work with 3rd party warranty - it will get done, but what is the hassle worth to you? You may want to ask your dealer how they handle third-party warranties.

mckaype

We're thinkig about towing a 20' travel trailer with our 01 ML320.
Which brake controller to use?
Which installs unobtrusivly (or can be removed when not towing)?
Is the wiring harness brake controller friendly?
Thanks
Pete

drew_

Some ML owners have gone with the Draw-Tite brake controller on the side of the drivers seat next to the door, just ahead of the seat controls, or on the right side of the driver's seat, against the side of the centre console. These locations are easier to reach when adjustments or manual brake engagement is needed. Other places in the driver's area are possible too.

There is some rewiring involved, so you can phone the 1-800-for-merc ask about wiring a brake controller, or ask your dealership. They should point you to at least one document on this subject. The one that I'm aware of is Document # SI-31.19/03 (dated August 1999). There may have been newer documents since then.

This covers the "recommended wiring procedure during brake controller installation" and indicates where in the wiring harness you should cut the "orange" brake signal wire. (After the 3-wire to 2-wire converter that is built into the wiring harness and before the point the harness exits the vehicle. There is no 'additional' harness needed besides the one that comes with the towing package. There is an orange wire that is tapped on this towing package harness and run to the brake controller.

Consult you local dealer for a copy if you are interested in installing a brake controller for trailers with electric brakes.

Also remember that the maximum tongue weight for the Class III MB hitch is 500lbs.

I hope this helps!

rexconde1

This site certainly does a lot of indexing...

drew_

The '02s probably won't be released till late Sept/October, just like the '00 and '01 models. No pricing has been released yet.

drew_

I think the MB cargo tray is made of plastic, with a thick rubberised coating. That's what it looked like to me when they had a cutout of the material on a promo display at the dealership.

drew_

No you can point out the Top 10 list too ;-)

drew_

Hmm, I've heard good things about Millenium. You may want to check out the following topic, and perhaps even contribute to it:
sshowitt "MB M-Class Owners: Dealers & Service Experiences" Jan 30, 2001 12:32pm


Drew
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callahann

No, I'm not curious about why when you hit the tank it works because I know what it was. None of your theories are correct in this case because this pump was clean, no build up. It was a faulty design, Mercedes is aware of it and that is why they have replaced so many pumps and also why the technician knew to tell me to do this because he has ran into this several times. I am simply passing along to others in case they end up like me and are stranded, it might get them out of a tight spot.

kenyee

mckayepe:
One odd thing about the MB wiring is that the brake signal to the wiring harness is on/off. It is not variable voltage. No idea why they did that.

drew_

Actually it's not a theory. This is what happened when the older pumps were sent back to MB for analysis. There was a long discussion on this a while ago. Your pump worked after the being tapped probably for exactly the reasons that I mentioned. Check this out:

http://www.escribe.com/automotive/european/mbmc/m9000.html

noelbong

On my recent 2-day trip to Canada, Niagara Falls & Toronto area, I saw only one ml320 & one ml430 . I was wondering if ML are NOT as popular in Canada as they are in the U.S.? (I see at least a few ML a day in Chicago or its suburb).

drew_

Quite a few of them in my neighbourhood, along with RX300s, Acura MDXs, and now Toyota Highlanders too. However, they're by far much less popular than any of the domestic SUVs. In the entire mall parking lot, you may find 3 or 4 at most, unlike the 20 Ford Explorers, for example. Frankly, I hope it stays that way.

The MLs are popular among asians though, and so one can easily find 5 of them outside an Asian food store or a popular Chinese restaurant.

bertram60

Still waiting to get a call from my dealer to get the truck looked at again. With regard to color, I have had everything from black on black to a white convertible with Navy interior and top and have NEVER had such poor cooling. The A/C in this truck does not work at any setting when traveling below 40mph. My other car (Ming blue (read Navy) A8) gets soo cold, that people in the back complain when I have it set at 72, my Ming blue A6 was the same way, my black on black Maximas (two of them) were fine and my black on charcoal Jetta still froze you out with 165k miles on the odometer. While I understand the heat build up is greater on a dark car (duhh) and requires more time to cool down, my truck won't do anything until either the sun goes down, or you reach 50mph (fun in 15mph school zones!). At that point, it becomes frigid!

The last time this was looked at, a week went by before the truck was ready, and then, none of the remotes worked which required another three hours to fix. The dealer took great care of me (free trailer hitch and alignment) but still, it's a pain in the @$$ and my wife hates driving the truck. I'm hoping that either they can resolve it this time, or that I find that this has been a problem all along (I'm second owner, first owner had truck for 9 months!) in which case MB and I will have a discussion as to what "Starmarked" really means. I just hope they have an equivalent 430 in silver as I will never get another dark colored one. In the meanwhile, I'll check the fuses and keep my fingers crossed.

bob259

I have General's on my ML and I get the thumping on cool mornings after the car sets for a period of time.

As soon as the tires warm up everything is back to normal.