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

13567…157

Comments

  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Only 50 degrees F? Poor baby ;-) ;-)

    Thanks for the followup. Glad to see that things have worked out. I noticed that mine does rev higher than normal for the 1st and 2nd gear change of the day (in "D") after backing out of the garage. However, it shifts smoothly into the next gear.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Looking forward to your first impressions of the 270CDI. You had a JGC V8? Ouch! The fuel costs must have been pretty hefty for that vehicle. Did you have the SMARTs at the time?

    Drew
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • tj98tj98 Member Posts: 8
    Hi guys,

    long time no see... Too much travel lately...
    My '98 ML is now at 30k miles (built May of '98) and had only minor problems. Still drives better than anything else in this class (especially the elevated Camrys they call RX300). It was in the middle of the latest Buffalo blizzard and handled it very gracefully. Even pulled some cars and other SUV's (yep!) out of ditches :-).

    Some whiner mentioned recently that '98 MLs have no 4ETS. Come on! They do. In fact they have all the safety features of the newer models. The updates in newer models have been overall really minor, even the ones that MB calls "structural". Of course, MB would like to have you believe that hey are redesigning the truck every year so that you trade your old one in for a new one. That's called "business development strategy". You are smart guys and you can read and compare features I suppose.

    COLD WEATHER TIPS:
    For those of you driving in very cold weather: Make sure you ventilate your truck, i.e. do not drive around with recirculated air. This builds up moisture that can get locks (and doors) stuck due to water depositing there and freezing. If you get a lot of snow on your mats leave some windows partially open when you park your truck in your garage so the interior can dry out. Otherwise all this water will end up on places you do not want it to be when the interior of your truck cools down. Read your owner's manual and use some common sense. What you are driving is the best SUV on the road bar none.

    Cheers!

    TJ
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    tj98:
    What did you use to pull them out?
    The only major safety features the '98s did not have is ESP and rear side air bags.
  • guy22guy22 Member Posts: 7
    It appears I may have one of the higher mileage 00ML320's I've seen on this site. Got it March 2000 and have over 25000 miles as of this week. Changed to Mobil 1 at 5000 miles and had the oil changed at 5000 mile intervals and when it went to the dealer for normal service. The brake pads were replaced at the last visit to the dealer, they were almost gone.

    The only problems I've had were a bad fuel pump at 18000 miles (replaced) and a radio/nav system that died today. I turned the car off yesterday and the radio would not turn off. When I started the car today the radio/nav system would not turn on. Going to the dealer on Friday, he thinks it may be a fuse.

    Has anyone had a problem like this in the past?
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Yes indeed, someone in the past has experienced this problem. It could be something simple like a loose/blown fuse, a loose power connection behind the MCS, or something more serious that may require a replacement MCS unit.

    Good to hear that you have had only these minor issues. Could you tell us the build date of your ML320? It is printed on the sticker on the driver's side door frame (lower right hand corner with the door open).

    Please let us know what the problem/solution turns out to be!
    Drew
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • noelb1noelb1 Member Posts: 19
    I once read a RX300 review which compared it to the Toyota Sienna van. I own a Sienna and the ML. I also test drove a RX300 2 years back and did feel that it drove like a van. I must say the Sienna is nice to drive but I'd rather drive the ML every time.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    Thanks for the feedback on the Motor Rev & Spare Tire question. For some reason, the carrier inside the ML55 seems huge for that winky spare tire.

    -mr whipple
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Glad to help...FYI, the ML's spare tire is not so winky. It is the same diameter as the stock tires, but has greatly reduced tread width. That's why the tire carrier still needs to be quite large. The ML55 also comes with a small tire air compressor (stored in that case).

    Drew
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    Drew,
    Even though the spare tire is the same height, could the narrow width cause a problem with the traction control off-road, since it would be lighter in weight? That could be a nasty situation.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    Has anyone tried the Michelin 4x4 XPC tires? They fit the stock size requirements but are stronger in construction.

    -thanks
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    The Mickey mouse spare tire is not meant to be used off-road. It's a temporary spare meant for you to be able to get to a place where you'll be able to properly repair the tire. I believe Harold P. did use it (very briefly) off-road though when his stock tire had a puncture, and said that it was just adequate if you were very very cautious.

    Drew
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    Thanks again Drew
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    replaced siena van with ML320. ITs wifes car, and shes very happy. Sienna very nice vehicle, and it did the job it was ment to. had it almost 50k miles and only had door rattles and dash squeek. dealer never able to fix it, tried 3 times. Mostly cold weather related. Sounds familiar.
  • jwomacjwomac Member Posts: 7
    I was one who had problems with the MCS unit. Mine would lock up at random, and none of the controls would respond. It could be remedied by pulling the fuse. The dealer replaced it with a new unit which has done the same thing a couple of times - but it is very infrequent. My only other problem has been rusting lug nuts (which were also replaced) and the bubbling armrest.

    Are others seeing brakes worn out at 25k miles? I assume those are not replaced under warranty, are they? TIA (2000 ML-320 12,500 miles built 11/99)

    Jeff
  • primitiveprimitive Member Posts: 20
    I noticed that the ML320 revs at about 2500 around 65-70MPH, quite high. I posted the same question some time ago and it was verified by another ML owner. I did check the gear ratios of the ML compared to other SUV's and the ML is definitely geared somewhat lower, across the board. The truck still runs quiet at these speeds, however.
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    Drew, this happened in winter and tree was covered in ice. This was a company car, so no biggie ;-)
  • primitiveprimitive Member Posts: 20
    I wonder what the guidelines are with the rear side airbags. With 2 children, too big/heavy for car seats/boosters, but still at about neck height with the rear airbag...I am concerned that there is a safety problem here. When these children fall asleep (or just peer out the windows) their heads are either laying on or very near these airbags. Does anyone know the safety guidelines for distance and height limitations for occupants in the rear seat? Can the bags be turned off? I'm sure anyone out there who has kids that have been out of their car seats for a few years can appreciate my concern.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    XPC tires:
    I don't know anyone that has tried them. I almost traded up my Generals for them but Direct Tire (in the Boston area) claimed they cost $200/each to them, even though I could get them for $160 mail order.

    primitive:
    We talked about this a while back. Have you tried bringing along a big pillow to put in the middle? Most kids would rather rest their head on something soft versus a hard door :-)
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    I have two small kids, and I have them sleep toward center.

    Simple question can lead to simple answer. IF a Ford excursion runs a red light and T-bones the ML with littles ones in back, would you rather not have airbags between their little heads and the front end of excursion? Imho, most of problems are low impact deployment of airbags in front seat that does not have the 2 stage bags. The side bags are small and only offer a small buffer.
    My kids are 9 and 6. They understand airbag thing as reason not to sit in front, and we explained airbags in doors as reason to sleep towards middle. They pillow up on armrest. Also very little chance getting t-boned on interstate. All statistical odds. Bottom line, in worst case scenario, I want them bags there.
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    Can you give the site or is it restricted?

    Robet
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    Just pulled these off the DOE site (this is part of my job)

    Average price for ULR87 at the pump as of 12/4/00
    USD$/Gal
    Germany 3.52
    UK 4.49
    US 1.69

    Now lets remove the taxes:

    USD$/Gal
    Germany 1.14
    UK 1.14
    US 1.28

    So, gas is actually cheaper in EU. I wonder what all those blokes are complaining about ;-)

    All joking aside, I am sure we, on this side of the Atlantic, always knew about the exhorbitant taxes on gas in EU, but I betcha we did not realize to what extent!
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    hogster21:
    They gotta pay for their universal healthcare, etc. programs *somehow*. Despite what our pols tell us, nothing is ever "free" :-)
  • primitiveprimitive Member Posts: 20
    First, I don't know why my post is there 3 times! Sorry about that if it was my fault.

    I certainly would rather have the airbag than nothing at all in a side collision, BUT I also would like to know the total risk associated with the airbag (deployment, injury, etc). It would certainly be a sad thing to be told that your child is seriously injured due to the bag when the side impact wasn't extreme. Same type of concern people had with toddlers with front airbags.

    Sleep toward the middle...that will work when they first fall asleep but not when they "reposition" while sleeping!
    It seems that the magic age is 9-12 years where airbags should not pose a hazard. It's that age between 6 and 9 that spawns my question.
    Thank you for your responses.
  • atomic80atomic80 Member Posts: 24
    agreed! 5< posts is open to scribbles!

    I didn't know that the ML55 had a air compressor in the spare tire unit. I'll have to take a look again to find that. I'm guessing that it's just a can unit and not a powered air compressor unit.

    And yes, if you ever have a chance to check it out, could you please find out what the prices are on those wintersport tires at your local tire dealership! :) Much appreciated!

    Jason
  • primitiveprimitive Member Posts: 20
    First, I don't know why my post is there 3 times! Sorry about that if it was my fault.

    I certainly would rather have the airbag than nothing at all in a side collision, BUT I also would like to know the total risk associated with the airbag (deployment, injury, etc). It would certainly be a sad thing to be told that your child is seriously injured due to the bag when the side impact wasn't extreme. Same type of concern people had with toddlers with front airbags.

    Sleep toward the middle...that will work when they first fall asleep but not when they "reposition" while sleeping!
    It seems that the magic age is 9-12 years where airbags should not pose a hazard. It's that age between 6 and 9 that spawns my question.
    Thank you for your responses.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Please stop hitting your browser's reload button.
  • vr1vr1 Member Posts: 8
    I've had my '00 Bordeaux ML 320 for 10 months now, and have been enjoying it, with no problems to speak of. Recently I've been finding that the rear driver side window is down an inch or so. I notice it by hearing noise from outside. I can't see that I'm accidentally touching the center console button to lower it. One day it went down 3 times in the same day; other days it's fine. Anyone have a problem like this before? Thanks.
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    It's a .gov site

    http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/international/prices.html
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    Scribbling is CHEATING! Be a man, if you're gonna compete, compete fair!
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    No offense to the gals in the century pursuit!
  • thor3thor3 Member Posts: 120
    tj98,

    Tj98 wrote:

    <<Some whiner mentioned recently that '98 MLs have no 4ETS. Come on! They do. In fact they have all the safety features of the newer models.>>

    My response:

    I'm probably the "whiner" you are referring to! I am surprised you are not aware of the significant safety features in the 1999+ models.

    You were very mistaken regarding your misinformed post...ETS has indeed been standard on all ML's regardless of year..However, what was being discussed was ESP and BAS both technologies that were only available from 1999 on. These are very significant and you should do some research! Your 1998 ML does not have these features - read up before you call people names - ignorance is bliss I guess!

    Cheers!
  • thor3thor3 Member Posts: 120
    I had no intention of taking 150!
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    I think Randy mentioned that it was a 12v powered mini air compressor. Randy, could you please confirm or correct this?

    Regarding the Dunlop Winter Sports, I'll see if the persons that I've been in contact with at MB Canada HQ know the prices. If not, I'll check at the parts counter the next time I visit the dealership. In any case, I'll let you know as soon as I find out anything.

    Drew/aling
    Edmunds.com Townhall host
  • noelb1noelb1 Member Posts: 19
    The Chicagoland area had about 2-3 or 3-4 inches of snow this morning. This was the first time I drove my ML (purchased 10/23/00) on snow/slush covered pavement. Very happy with the handling. One review rated it one of the best (if not the best) snow mobile (SUV) there is in the market. I know what they mean now.

    Yesterday, the ML townhall fell off from the Top 10 list. I think we shouldn't let that happen again. Agreed? : ) That is why this the 3rd contribution I made since then. Ha.
  • ggoudeli1ggoudeli1 Member Posts: 14
    Way OT: What does LOL stand for???
  • sydney6sydney6 Member Posts: 64
    156!!! (just kidding)

    My wife accidentally activates the rear-window buttons on the BACK side of the center console (the switches for the rear passengers) with her elbow as she opens the center console box. Don't ask me how she can, but I have seen it many times. I suspect that you have similar "Gremlins"!
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    means "lots of laughs" :-)
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    This was one of the few problems that I've had with my '00 Ml320; the problem was with my passenger side rear window. I suspected that it was a switch that was "sticky". It only happened once, but I mentioned it to the service advisor anyway. The rear window switch was replaced under warranty and it hasn't re-occured ever again.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    May I suggest that you use the rear window switch lockout so that you or your wife don't experience any more (similar) gremlins? :-)

    Drew/aling
    Edmunds.com Townhall host
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    I thought it was "Laughing Out Loud"?
    Another related one is ROTFLMAO (Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off) for times when it's more than LOL :-)
  • bob259bob259 Member Posts: 280
    Or LMAO for Laughing my a** off" when it's in between both of those.
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    Drew, you said that the systems will activate even if you don't have the gas/brake pressed? I took the ML into a school parking lot, and I did a fast hard turn, started sliding, and I did not have anything pressed. The ESP light didn&#146;t go off. It was only when I applied lots of gas that it started correcting and modulating and pulled in its merry way. Like you said its meant so you drive normally, and this was not an obvious driving stunt.

    As far as trying to do the donuts in the parking lot, it was rather hard with all of the system engaged. I really had to push it into the donut. I guess if it wasn&#146;t 4WD it would be easier. Even with the ESP off it didn&#146;t slip much. Pretty good systems.

    I still think that it would be wise to keep on the gas. In driving school they told us to let off the gas and don't touch the brakes, I don't think that is necessarily correct. Even with regular RWD cars I still keep some pressure on the gas.

    Robert
  • sydney6sydney6 Member Posts: 64
    Drew: Good idea about the window lockout! I'll do it.

    Do you know the particulars of the accident, speed, etc?
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    No, I don't. However, it was obviously a pretty hard impact for the front wheel and the suspension components to break off (to dissipate some of the energy). It also appears that the vehicle was rear ended quite severely because the trailer hitch receiver seems to have broken off (sparing the rear bumper, I might add).

    Drew/aling
    Edmunds.com Townhall host
  • gpvsgpvs Member Posts: 214
    What happened to the shift knob?
  • hogster21hogster21 Member Posts: 38
    Left in the hand of the driver frantically trying to shift down?
  • sydney6sydney6 Member Posts: 64
    I meant to write "rear-ended"!
  • sydney6sydney6 Member Posts: 64
    Yes, I would say it was a pretty severe crash. It looks like there was only the driver, since it didn't look like the passenger airbag deployed. Could you see the drivers footwell area to see any intrusion? It doesn't look like there was.

    By the way, my 00ML320 was re-ended last winter, but pretty low speed at a traffic light, you may remember. We had to have the rear bumper cover replaced.
  • gpvsgpvs Member Posts: 214
    hogster21:

    lol!!!
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