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

dhowie · January 2001

I am looking to buy one third row seat for my 2000 ML320. The dealer willonly sell a set. Does anyone know where to find just one? I don"t care about the color since I will only use it occasionally.

tonychrys · January 2001

I have no idea how my name got attached.

TC

pat · January 2001

Did you post a WebX link somewhere during this session? If you used the actual WebX URL and someone followed it here while you were still logged in, they would arrive here as you.

WebX links are very, very tricky, and I'll be glad to go into more detail if that's what happened.

Pat
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tonychrys · January 2001

that's probably what I did.

Thanks for the tutorial, but no need. I've run three major commercial web sites and I'm all too familiar with the idiosyncrasies of discussion group/message board software.

To tell you the truth WebX stinks, by virtue of the search function. Without being able to do a limited search within a discussion, it's practically useless. Like trying to find a needle in haystack.

And don't get me started on the spell checker...

Regards,
TC

kenyee · January 2001

dhowie:
Too bad you weren't around last August. I wanted to get the 3rd row and sell one seat :-P

tarik:
The C32 is supposed to do 0-60 in 5sec. Droooool...

pat · January 2001

Okay, but the bottom line is that you cannot copy and paste a WebX link, unfortunately. You can take a look at the New Software discussion in News and Views for more detail, or I'll give them to you here, or in email.

I hear you about the Search function, I really do - but hang in there - I am told that it is being revised and will be much more functional in the near future.

Pat
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geresi · January 2001

has any one heard if 2002 ml 320 will have srs head bags as the bmw
also when will 2002 be available
thanks
gary

rika · January 2001

Hi, I just got back from a MB dealer.
Price they gave me for 2001 ML320 /M1 package /glass sunroof / heated front seat /6CD changer( this car didn't come with Bose sound system I'm just having then install CD changer, which is $878 but they are paying half of that and free instalation.)/VEC reg fee $43 / DOC fee $35 and grand total is $40277
Is this good? or ?

biker5 · January 2001

mtndog,
Yes it is pre wired, just install 2 H3 bulb to the housing.
I used the reg 55 watts for now, it is made by sylvania, but I am planning to change it to about 85 watts by PIAA (platinum) and its going to be a little yellow to have some color. The only problem is... it cost too much... it cost $26.00 ea. from off road store here in CALI.

The 2nd generation of ML are very cool. Ken,Drew any idea when its coming out.
Thanks

maristella · January 2001

the ML's 3rd seat has 2 regular size seats, with 3point seatbelts and headrest; they are can be easily removed (one or both) or just folded forward or tucked to the side. They are perfect for kids! The only drawback is limited leg room, which can be improved by sliding the 2nd row seats to the most forward position, which is 2-4 inches. The best thing that comes with the third seat is the pop-up windows!

howvood · January 2001

My wife has listed a Mercedes snowboard/surfboard rack on e-bay - item #1109486831. It will fit other MB's aside from the ML and requires the cross-bar kit, which is not included. Winning bidder will get free shipping in the US if they mention this site.

bertram60 · January 2001

What does the "Activation" of the switch entail? I think I saw a fuse location, but is there something tied to the computer? Gone are the good old days of plugging in a bulb and relay and boom, there you go.

I am keeping an eye on the Stereo/Nav system (or have asked my wife to) and will post if there are any more glitches (which it sounds like there will be).

I was contemplating buying the PIAA superwhites for the head lamps, but am concerned that I will blind everyone else. It's too bad that since this car is made here all the lenses are built to DOT approval with no after market glass available. I always found the Euro conversions to provide better lighting with less glare to oncoming traffic. The HID's in my Audi are self leveling and I know that they still occasionally bother people so I'm worried I really get hassled by oncoming drivers in the ML. Any advise?

Thanks

tony110 · January 2001

Thanks for the photo. Does anyone know when the new ML with the new look will be out?

daniellesa · January 2001

I anxiously awaited delivery of my 1999 ML320 - My first MB. Welllll,
I had it less than 3 months and the main controller went - had to be replaced. Fortunately, I wasn't killed when it would almost die out in the middle of an intersection.
Had it about 11 months and it started having severe engine problems. They replaced plugs, coils. etc. Got it back.. about 3 weeks passed - same thing (at least the dealership is really good at sending out flatbeds and arranging rental cars. ) This time they had a specialist come
up. They replaced coils, plugs... and the specialist tried to blame it on bad gas (all I put in it
is Mobil Super and I have the reciepts to prove it.)
About 3 weeks later - same thing. Actually this is when I found out that they were trying to
blame it on the gas. Anyway - they changed plugs, coils and the electrical harness. So far it is still working.
BTW the mileage on the car is low. I've had it about 1 1/2 yrs and only have 16K on it.

kenyee · January 2001

FYI, Mobil1 will be used for all FSS service (meaning it's free for MY2K+ owners for the warrantee period in the U.S.). We got a confirmation by a service manager on the M-class mailing list.
What is a little unusual is that only 15W50 and 0W40 are recommended. (there are a bunch of other synthetics that are allowed as well).
All owners will be getting a letter in 30 days. MB found that synthetics worked better w/ the long change intervals. The MB memo apparently wasn't timed to arrive at all dealerships at the same time, so be sure to check if you have an FSS service coming up.

drew_ · January 2001

See, I told all of you it was fake, fake, fake!! :-)

Notice the license plate numbers in comparison to the real picture above. They simply re-arranged the numbers! I'm guessing that the fake front skidplate is from the Audi Allroad Quattro.

drew_ · January 2001

Yes, a few people have had problems with their MCS similar to what you described. However, replacing or resetting (by the dealer) the unit has always seemed to done the trick. Good luck and please keep us updated!

bon2000 · January 2001

Am I nuts or does this look like the same truck we all have with just different lights and chrome grill and the ml55 hood and side flare body? It looks actually like it is probably the ML55 with just different lights like on the cars now--or did the ML55 have those lights and I just didn't notice. I very rarely see one of those on the road. That is why I am so mad the sports package was never offered to me even when I asked...because this is what it would just about look like...right? Info please....bon

mlx52 · January 2001

If I brought my car in to get the oil changed to synthetic. About how much would they charge me if it wasn't at a FSS scheduled time and would they be willing to do it? I feel that I need to change synthetic oil, not only because it is better for the car, but also, I just hit the 1,500 mark on my car, and feel that during the break in period I should change it.

Thanks,
Jamie

kenyee · January 2001

Bonnie:
Did you ever figure out what you really wanted? I.e., did you go to another dealer and say "show me sports pkg...show me ML55...show me flares/sidesteps on an ML320"?
Just curious. If you've been following the discussion, that pic is a fake. It's just a doctored ML55.
BTW, you can't add sidesteps or mudflaps to an ML55 or Sport.

Jamie:
Yes, they'll do it. I think it runs around $40-50.

kiiwii · January 2001

I'm sure the fake picture sure gave MB designers a good idea for the next generation ML style =P

carlos38 · January 2001

Why does light come on indicating needed service. I'm one who changes oil every3-4k.
I have 98 320 with poor door seals.After reading of others simular problems, wind noise still exsists?I was thinking of 2001 and now I may change

drew_ · January 2001

No need for the picture :-) More than one of our M-class list members have already seen the next generation M-class prototype running around (can't remember where though).

rexconde1 · January 2001

Chicago, go a bunch of Ice last night. When I woke up this morning at 3 to go to the gym, the streets were COVERED!!!

Great experience. SO everyone wake up and go to your local parking lot and try the ESP outw!

FYI, ABS and ESP work in reverse, but it seems to be a less aggressive program than in forwards motion.

I actually turned off my ESP on some of the Ice ridden streets (I dont recommend to most) because I found that when I stepped on the accellerator it cut TOO much of the power to the wheels.

I for got who it was here who mentioned that they were sliding right into a turn and wondering about the ESP and why it did not prevent them from hitting the curn. I just esperienced it today it actually felt like I was sliding 45 degrees and there was NO power to the wheels. The program could not do anything to compensate for the sliding. The moment power was applied, it slipped and cut power/braked the wheels. I was pointed in the correct direction... about 50feet too soon!!!!!
That is what the ESP program is to do -- prevent sliding, but in extreme cases where you are riding on sheer ICE, nothing can really do much. except . . .

When I removed the ESP (again the ESP is intended for normal driving and precautionary measures, and you should use EXTREME CAUTION IN THE ICE regardless!) I took the same turn again, and I was able to control it more with the power and brakes, which is not considered normal driving. It was great fun though
. . .

People have fun, but stay SAFE!

Robert

newtomb · January 2001

We are looking to buy our first ML320 today. It is a '98 with 58,000 miles and appears to have all the "bells and whistles" available for that year. The agreed upon price is $20K. Overall it looks and runs great and has the STARMARK certification. My concern comes from talking to my brother-in-laws service mgr in CA. He did not recommend the '98 ML320 because it would "nickle and dime" us.

Is this the case? Should we be holding out for a '99 and paying $6K-$9K more for less mileage and the same "bells and whistles"? Is the '98 ML320 a great vehicle or should we run?

We would appreciate comments as this is our first time purchasing a MB and want it to be a good experience.

ddykes1 · January 2001

Dan: It was a first year car and came with more than its share of quality control problems. There are owners of 98's who have had very few problems, but these are in the minority. You could check the complete service history to get a better idea of this car's performance since new. Others have purchased extended warranties (if available) but this will eat up some of the cost difference to a 99 or 2000 model.
Likely bottom line is you should probably spend the additional dollars for a better chance at trouble free motoring - also some nice safety features came starting in 99. Good luck. Dave

mark156 · January 2001

Bonnie, you asked in an earlier post what did "Desert Silver" look like. I don't think your question was answered. I referred to the color as "Smoked Silver" in a previous post because that's what they called the "beige" color for several years. Desert Silver looks like a deeper beige than the previous years to me.

THIRD Seat... someone was asking about adding the third seat to their ML. My understanding from my dealer is... is that you can't add it. It has to come from the manufacturer and can't be added at the dealer level. The reason given to me was that the ML's that are ordered with the 3rd seat get a larger footwell and pop-out windows. If I'm mistaken on this, please let me know. I, too, want the 3rd seat option when I purchase (maybe) a 2002 late this year. Also, I don't want the first 'New Generation" ML when they come out. I would rather wait for the second or third because the new style will probably last 7 or 8 yrs.
Mark

gpvs · January 2001

Good instructions on installing the aux light. I will hopefully be doing that this coming weekend.

BTW, I saw your home page and was wondering if you're a Filipino?

reynolds · January 2001

Drew could you tell me how many pieces of trimbrite door edge guard you used on your ML, did you use complete sections or did you need to cut it? I can't find it localy and have to order it so I want to get the correct amount the first time.

Todd

birger · January 2001

Bonnie,

send me your email, I've got a couple of shots of my '01 Desert Siver ML270 CDI which I could mail you immediately.

Kind regards,

Birger in Luxyland

birger.krouel@cec.eu.int

drew_ · January 2001

3am!? Yikes, and I thought that leaving at 6:30am to do the same was too early for me already :-)

What you need on sheer ice is winter tires that will stick to the ice. You know, I wonder how much better the slightly narrower ML320 tires will be in the same condition? There is the same, or perhaps more psi on smaller tire footprints since the tires are not quite as wide, so perhaps the wheels won't be as likely to break loose as easily; Even if it is true though, I think it would only be marginally better.

No ice, no snow, heck no rain (!) in Vancouver :-( Not unless I drive up to the ski slopes.

drew_ · January 2001

The 3rd row seats could be retrofitted to the '98 and '99 ML320s. In fact, in the US, this was the only way that one could get the seats for MY1998 and MY1999. Back then, they were factory options for only the Canadian and European MLs. For MY2K onwards, the 3rd row seats (M7 package) became a factory option for everyone.

There is absolutely no different in the 3rd row footwell size whether you buy a '98, '99, '00 or '01 model. For MY2K and onwards, because of the different 2nd row seat design, the 3rd row package had to be ordered from the factory since it came with a 2nd row seat which could tilt and tumble forward (and be supported by a large piston); ALL '98 and '99 MLs had 2nd row seats that could tumble. Non-3rd row package '00-'01 MLs do not come with this special 2nd row seat, nor the power pop-out quarter windows option.

It is possible to get the 3rd row seats for the MY2K vehicles from the dealer, but it will be very expensive.

Hope this clarifies things!

drew_ · January 2001

I bought 4 packages of the Trimbrite moulding (there are 2 strips in each package) and only ended up using 3 packages; I returned the 4th one.

The front doors will require one strip each, and each rear door will require about one and a half strips (hence where the 3rd package comes in). I still have 1 strip left over and sitting in the package in my garage.

This may help you. Note that the package is actually much longer than in this picture. I just zoomed in to the upper half.

drew_ · January 2001

Although Mobil 1 15W50 and 0W40 are the only ones that are recommended (Wolfgang explained the reasons on the list), I seem to recall that Mobil 1 did say that 0W30, 5W30, 10W30 and 15W30 are fine for just about all of North America. I have to check whether my dealership has 0W40 or 15W50. If not, I'll have to stop by Walmart on my way home to get some 5W30 again. I'd rather stick with Mobil since I have been happy with its performance so far (thanks David :-)).

rexconde1 · January 2001

They dont have it in the states do they?

R

drew_ · January 2001

As Maristella said, the ML's 3rd row seats can be removed individually, folded up against the side of the vehicle, or just the seatbacks folded down. As she also said, when you order the 3rd row package, you get power pop-out quarter windows, as well as a 2nd row 40% section seat which slides forward, plus tilts and tumbles for easy access to the 3rd row. Absolutely no need to twist one's foot to weird angles or step over anything (you have to do this in the Acura MDX since the seat does not tumble, but just slide forward a little).These pictures (first couple are courtesy of Maristella) may help you:

Notice the power pop-out windows:

2nd row 40% tilted and tumbled forward for easy access to the 3rd row:

This is where one would ordinarily step to get to the 3rd row, but this vehicle has had an entertainment system (VCR and DVD, I believe) fitted at that spot; hence the LCD screens you see fitted to the back of the front seat head restraints:

One seat folded to the side and the other with the seatback folded down:

drew_ · January 2001

This M-class list member's '01 ML430 is Desert Silver with the Java interior. FYI, it also has chromed ML430 wheels (not too big a fan of those myself for various reasons):

drew_ · January 2001

Dave, that's the first time I've heard of anything like that happening. Yes, hopefully it is an isolated incident.

Good luck!

drew_ · January 2001

Congrats on your new ML! Hope you're having fun with it. Please continue to post about your experiences here!

Drew
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gpvs · January 2001

Drew,

On those pix you have with the lcd on the head restraints, do you know who makes those? The screens kinda look like the mcs screen.

mikestaley · January 2001

Drew,

I've been looking in the Daytona Beach area and no one has the Silver color, so we may be limited in the US, I went to stores that carry the brand you use and they say NO GO.

Whomever may find them in the US, Please advise the store you found them.

Mike 00 ML 320 18K miles

rich96 · January 2001

So am I correct in assuming that the ML320 engines come from the factory with Mobil 1 regular oil, but during the FSS service, they will change it to Mobil 1 synthetic? If so, can we still request regular oil? The reason is that I'm going to bring in my 01 ML320 for an oil change at 3000 miles, and if it came from the factory with regular oil, I want to keep it that way and not put synthetic until the first FSS service. I've heard that changing to synthetic too soon doesn't allow the engine to break-in properly. However, if the engines come from the factory with synthetic, that's another story.

dwang0725 · January 2001

Rich96,
I believe you are correct in that the factory oil is dino oil and not synthetic. At least that was the case on my 2000 ML320. I'm bringing the truck in next week for a changeover to mobil 1 (5k miles, unscheduled visit, I'm supplying my own mobil 1 oil) Many on this forum have changed to mobil 1 at aroung 5k some even sooner.

Dave

biker5 · January 2001

I think the best way you can do is to call your dealer first if they can do your request,because there is some dealer that they don't want to do it not until your actual FSS schedule.

I know what you mean that you want to change your oil when it reach 3000 miles, that exactly what I did, I did it my self. It was not that hard you don't even have to raise your ML you can crawl under and drain your oil. Also you have to buy your own filter element and it cost around $14.00 including tax. But if the dealer can do it for you for free that is great...And here is another thing if you change your oil at 3000 mile your FSS will not flash you or will not give you a warning to change your oil before 10,000 the computer will extend it up close to 12,000. The reason being is the computer will detect that your oil is still good. Good Luck...

creshando · January 2001

I apologize if this has been posted here already, but I wanted to make sure people are aware of my favorite Benz site. Mercedes Benz Enthusiast's Pages (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9323/index2.html). I find the site to be informative and worth the point-and-click!

noelb1 · January 2001

I did get a pair of transparent ones for my wife's Sienna van from Trak Auto. I believe I also saw gold ones. Good luck in your search

NoelB

guy22 · January 2001

I posted an earlier message mentioning the problems I was having with the Nov/Radio system. I got tired and called BB's 800#. Looks like the dealer was misleading me, BB was unaware of preconditioned units being installed and they had no record of the problem being as large as the dealer claimed. They were also unaware of a "fix" being worked on. Once they contact the dealer I guess I'll be looking for another one to go to! I mentioned to BB that I had spent time on a number of sites and no one else appeared to be having problems like mine. I'll let you know the final result.

scott902 · January 2001

Met MB regional rep and MB engineer. We took test drive, so he could hear the thump sound. He thought it was the water after flow and related? I indicated it was under the floor and some kind of contracting of metal..

Well it appears the heat shield was missing several screws. The ordered the part, having shipped overnight. So I left my ML with them and they had a brand new ML 320 waiting for me as a loaner. That's service.

I reminded, the advisor not to wash my truck( you know the brushless kind), I said nope do not want to take any chances, he offered to have it HAND WASHED...WOW I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER.
I also asked that it was kinda tacky to ask me to fill up the loaner with gas, since I had to make 3 trips for this problem. He checked with MGR and they said OK.

DEALER IS SILVERSTAR IN Long Island City NY

scott902 · January 2001

BTW, engineer indicated that the third row seat is available for install. He also indicated that the year 2002 will have many improvements including Zenon lights.

thor3 · January 2001

So.... there was no other discussion regarding 2002 ML... just many improvements and Xenon lights...

Any other details please expand...

TIA - Frank

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

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