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

planoml · February 2001

Thanks for the info on the MY2002. It's all great info & advise. I love the entire ML concept. The only problem I have is the shape. I know we don't like hearing it, but it is a bit like a mini-van. I wish MB would have taken a bit more from the rugged GW. Thanks again Frank.

hhm1644 · February 2001

I am picking up my ML320 this evening, but drove a loaner for a week last week. I noticed that on the phone menu there is an "SVC" softkey that when pushed, brings up Info Services screen. On the loaner it said to press update, but when pushed "UPD", it said not subscribed to info services.
The website, under InfoServices, says unavailable on the M-class, but yet there it was, on the MCS?

What's the real story...will I have INfo Services or what? Thanks. Can't wait to pick up my 2001 ML320, Black/Charcoal, M1,M2 Bose, Htd Seats,etc. Thanks!

sshowitt · February 2001

There has been quite a bit of talk about replacing the headlights with zenons and as the cheaper and less effective option of replacing the high/low beam bulbs in the headlight. I am a bit confused with all the bulb numbers, manufacturers and the recalls, etc. Could someone give us a deffinative breakdown of the stock bulb number, whether it is a high beam low beam or the driving light and correspond it to the best consensus replacement bulb, that is not back-ordered or recalled along with pricing and where to purchase them. I think a graph would work well and relieve some of my, and I am sure, others confusion.
I did replace the backup lights(1157) with a set of 1157 hyperwhite bulbs from Pep Boys for $5.00 each that seem to work very well. They did not have halogen replacement bulbs available. Thanks

mlx52 · February 2001

Yes, info services are available and optional on the M-Class. The reason that MB states that it is not available on the M-Class, because it requires the optional $2000 Motorola Timeport phone, which has to be the MB installed phone! If you got the dealer installed phone you should be able to use Info Services just like you would with the COMAND w/o a phone.
Have fun, it is a great car, even without Info Services.

Jamie

drew_ · February 2001

Don't forget, 5-6pm Pacific tonight! Hope to see some of you there!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/cartalk022001.html?id=hphall2.cartalk2

brdr · February 2001

I am having transmission problems with my '98 ML320, it has approx 30000 miles. It looks like they are going to replace the whole thing.
Other than taking it to the Sierra for snowboard trips I haven't done any serious offroading on this baby. So it is surprising, to put it mildly.
I am new to this message board, not sure
if there has been any discussion about this before.

beetlebug62 · February 2001

<<#1782 of 1809 bettlebug by dt77 Feb 19, 2001 (02:09 pm)

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/michaelab/carcare-newsection/print_carcare.php3?id=84 did a great review on H7s. Of which, stock H7 and piaa superwhites failed to meet thier standards.>>

...as it now seems that the best H7 lowbeam bulbs, including the Philips VisionPlus, put out 1600 lumens. Given the 1300+lumen output of the stock H3 foglights, that would give you a combined lumen output in excess of 2900 lumens. Interestingly, that's more than the HID output of 2800 lumens.

And, if one were to drive with both their H7 lowbeam and H1 highbeams on, one could conceivably have almost 3300 lumens, given the 1667 lumen output of the Philips H1 Premium bulb. Philips does not yet make a H1 VisionPlus bulb, nor a H3 VisionPlus bulb. That's alot of light.

Note that VisionPlus bulbs are only Europe certified.

Interestingly, while some of the blue-ish bulbs did well, all of the blue-ish bulbs were outperformed by the top non-blue bulbs, and, as you note the PIAA's failed the geometry test.

sshowitt · February 2001

Is it the transmission or transfer case? The transfer case is a common problem on the 98 and replacement normal. I think I have heard of only one other transmission problems on any of the ml discussions. I had a whining sound in my 98 and they replaced the whole rear end. When I turned my ml320 in for my new ml430, they told me that the transfer case needed replacement. I did not notice any problems with it, but the dealership apparently did, under warranty of course. Apparently the symtoms are scuffing when turning, much like a four wheel drive pickup truck, at least that was what I was told.

brdr · February 2001

I am told by the dealer that it is the transfer case, they are still working on it. The whole thing started after a trip back from the snow, when I shifted gears I had to use lots of force to move it to drive and the truck jerked quite a bit. As soon as I told my service advisor about it he fixed an appt right away, normally it takes several weeks. Even though the warranty period is over they are getting it fixed as though it were. That's the only good part about it.

drew_ · February 2001

Thanks to Ken (aka kenyee) for uploading and hosting the files.

Right click on the link, and choose "Save as" to save the file onto your hard drive.

C-class TV commerical
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/C-class_Ad.avi

MB safety/heritage commercial (my 2nd most favourite MB commercial):
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/MB_Safety.avi

Revised MB M-class staying alive commercial (my favourite MB commercial, of course :-)):
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/Staying_Alive.avi

Drew
Host
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thor3 · February 2001

Are those pictures of the rear taillamp assy. resting on a pair of underwear? Thanks for sharing! Perhaps a subliminal message : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )

Frank

drew_ · February 2001

It's an old pair of 100% cotton long johns with a gray waistband (guess that would count as underwear ;-)). Yes, it does get that cold here occasionally! When I was looking over the pictures last night before uploading to Photopoint, I thought it looked like of boxer briefs because of the angle, and the way it was folded :-) Heh heh...I didn't think anyone would ask though!!!

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

ssliberty · February 2001

Some months back there was a post on this board which indicated that there was/is a 10% discount for a first-tme order from Clairparts. As I remember, there was some sort of part or coupon code needed to get the discount. Can someone help me out? Thanks!

zamorano · February 2001

I have experienced some troubles with the gear box of my ´99 320. After a 2 hour trip, the truck only runs in second gear and reverse, and you need to change from the D position to R position many times in order to get it running again. The dealer is not sure about the cause of this failure. Now they are working with the low range module but they are not sure. Does anyone experienced these kind of troubles?

dt77 · February 2001

haha..i actually noticed it too.
but was afraid to say. thanx thro3 hahahhaa..

dt77

mercara · February 2001

Rex,

I am not a CFA, but I took the level I exam last year. I might be able to help you with you with some questions.

mercara · February 2001

Today's business section of the New York Times repotred that Daimler Chrysler is going to sell the Mercedez Unimogs, wich sill be sold and serviced by it's Freightliner truck division. It will be the ultimate off-road vehicle and will start at about $84,000 (USD). Apparently it will fit in a standard parking space. So, if any of you were planning to plonk down 100,000 dollars on a HUMVEE, I suggest wait for the UNIMOG.

Another article in the Wall Street Journal reported that Daimler is finally getting around to considering putting mercedez engines and transmissions in the larger Chrysler cars and trucks. I think this is good news from a repair/service perspective cause we may have shared part numbers with chrysler dealers and could get our parts cheaper than at a Mercedez benz.

ON thd down-side, mercedez may not be able to charge top dollar for it's cars if customer's can get similar reliablity and performance from a chrysler car/Truck. If I got a Dodge durango with a mercdez V8 and 5 speed transmission for about $35K. I might consider it myself.

sshowitt · February 2001

Does anyone know of an outlet to purchase these bulbs?

bob259 · February 2001

While at the dealer this AM checking on a coolant leak (they ordered a new water pump) I asked about the oil controversy.

The mechanic had just got back from a meeting yesterday and according to him yes Mobil 1 will be used in oil changes now for several of the engines (ML's included). I asked about weights and he said the Mobil 1 5w-30 was fine for our area (upstate NY). I mentioned what has been published here and on the Letters forum and he said they did not hear that from MB. It appears that they want you to use a heavier weight oil if your in a warmer climate and he mentioned 0w-40 as one MB mentioned. Now if we could just fined that on the consumer shelves Vs. only at your MB dealers.

bertram60 · February 2001

I just bougth a set of Razo H7 and H1 bulbs for my wife's '00 430, seem to be whiter than stock bulbs, and claim output equal to 100w. I forget actual lumens and have to say they were not cheap! Still nothing like the Xenon's in my A8. If you want HID brightness, I'm convinced you need HIDs, not some blue tinted bulbs. The other problem I'm waiting to discover is how these lenses effect oncoming traffic. Euro spec lenses still seem to do better in controlling light placement.

biker5 · February 2001

ssliberty,
That was me... who got 10% for the first order. Actually they sent me an email saying I can get a 10% discount on my first order, also that code# was only good for ten days so I order my assy. right away. Not only that, at that time when I ordered my assy. (the brush guard) that was onsale also...so I got them ...on sale plus 10% off what a deal hah...call them and try to bargain.
good luck,
jim

rexconde1 · February 2001

could you email me

rexconde@exconde.com

Thanks,
Robert

planoml · February 2001

Does anyone know if it's possible to add a rear a/c vent/unit. It gets quite hot in Texas in the winter (77 yesterday); don't even ask about the summer.

thor8 · February 2001

New Unimogs? If true that is good news, I own a couple of 406 Unimogs and I have to make a correction, "they will be" no, they are and have been for 50 years the ultimate off roaders, although most people and dealers never heard of the Unimog, after the war that was the first and only vehicle build by Mercedes, it was designed by Mercedes airplane engines (DB's) engineers, as a farm tractor/truck combination. Some features of the unimog have been adopted by the Hummer like portal axles over coil springs.

With my Unimog and ML430 I feel I have the best of both worlds, the Unimog is an amazing machine, I will trow in just a few facts for those that are not familiar with it, so we can feel better about Mercedes technical abilities, at one inch shorter wheel base than my porsche it weighs almost 10000 lbs and can carry that much weight, it can plow a field like a tractor all day long, that is heavy work!, if one of us would hook a set of plowing disks to an SUV it just would seat there, it is rated as a railroad switching unit with a pull capacity of 300 tons of rail cars. It is equiped with 23 forward and 8 reverse, while the ML total reduction in low with the transfer gear is around 15 to 1, the Unimog can go as low as 4000 to 1, at that speed the wheels are turning twice as slow as the seconds counter in a clock, with the diesel at full speed it will make a 1/4 mile in 5 hours. In case you wonder those low gears are used to run trenchers or to blow snow several metres thick or operate cranes, etc. The army and marines engineers corps have been using them for decades, configured with a front end loader and a backhoe, their designation is CEE trucks. Also Nato uses them as a troop carrier and other war equipment as many armies around the world (Australia, Indonesia, etc), it is the truck of choice in the artic oil fields and exploration in the remote places of the earth. The reason many never have seen one is because they rarely venture on the road, what a true off roader! By the way, Mercedes makes another true off roader, is called the Gelandewagen, the jeep of Nato, it has many of the features of the Unimog like three locking diferentials, but is more practical on the highways.

Next time someone starts argueing that this or that brand is a better offroader than an ML, we can say, yeah, Mercedes knows all about that.

No matter what, is hard to beat the star, from the fastest, formula one, to the slowest, the Unimog.

My two cents,
Andrew.

sydney6 · February 2001

I was looking through the manual the other day and saw that the tranny has a "Limp Home Mode", wherein it will only use 2nd gear and reverse. That is what you must be seeing, and it obviously indicates something more serious is wrong, but MB gave you a way to still drive it to safety!

Good luck

babalulu · February 2001

Some months ago I posted a message regarding where I could find a retrofit kit for the European city lights bulbs, socket and wiring harness for the M-class. I know that there is an empty space for them in the headlight unit, and they are usually wired into the parking lights. I got a response from a gentleman who was going to check for the same item, but I have not seen any subsequent response. Any info on this item would be greatly appreciated. These city-lights are not required here in the US but they look so cool.

kenyee · February 2001

thor8:
Out of curiosity, what do you use it for? Seems like a good tractor replacement, but it doesn't look like it holds many passengers and it wouldn't be useful around town for the average person ;-)

mercara · February 2001

Here is the link to the article on New York Times on the web

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/21/business/21BIG.html

Kenyee,

You are absolutely right, Unimogs are not for the average person. It is bought primarily by Armed Forces around the world. ..and ofcourse thor8 :-)

thor8 · February 2001

I had to register first to read the New York Times. I see what you all mean, but you all need to keep in mind that the Unimog is made in several models and sizes, from small to big and even a six wheel model. The U 90 is a very petit model and is the smallest one, obviuosly they are thinking of a larger model, the one I have is the 406, like I said before, it's wheel base is one inch shorter than my porsche, the total length of the vehicle is about like my porsche too, and the width is like my pickup, so physically is a very petit vehicle, like a small car. I go around town, is easy to maneuvre, with a tigth turning circle, it will turn around inside a normal street, the hummer by comparison is a much bigger vehicle that mine, specially wider. It will reach speeds of about 50 mph, which is OK in city streets. And surpringly the ride is smooth, it has a good suspension and above all it has no rattles or chirps. Many people who are hard core offroaders are buying Unimogs for that purpose, specially the troop carriers from Nato, they are faster and ligther and gasoline powered and can be bougth from Nato surplus very cheaply. There are many "Moggers" clubs in the country and around the world. As an excursion vehicle into the bundocks or the outback they are unbeatable, we are planing a trip this summer to the baja peninsula all the way to Cabo San Lucas with several other Moggs, and plan not use the roads, we are planning to spend about three weeks, the tons of cargo that they can carry with no problem allows one to have a long range without depending from stores or fuel constantly.

The best I can say about the Unimog is like all moggers say, they are ADDICTIVE!

wedgebunny · February 2001

I had a similar issue. It actually happened when my 2001 320 was just 3 days and 300 miles old. At around 50mph the tranny decided to downshift to 1st (actually the dash LCD said 1st but its saftey feature stopped it at 2nd). I quickly slapped it back to D only to have it return to 1. After a 5 minute struggle it eventually locked itself into D.

At the dealer they did a diagnostics and told me in an hour it's the computer that controls the transmission(can't remember actual part name). This electronic box is located right under the transmission shifter cover. It can go if liquid spills inside, mine just shorted out for no reason. They found the only part in the US in Utah - I'm on the east coast. The rest are in Germany because MB never expects this to happen. This was not mecahnical at all, it was just this little computer part. Once replaced it is perfect.

I would ask your dealer to check that part.

bob259 · February 2001

For those asking about where to get the Phillips Vision Plus H7 bulbs you can order them directly from the following URL http://www.fosmo.com/

sshowitt · February 2001

Thanks bob259. Went to fosmo site. A pair of Philips H-7 low beam bulbs (sold as a kit of two) sell for 22 British Pound Sterling. I am guessing around $35.00 USD. Although they do not list the ML, I am assuming that they would fit the ml as well as other MB models? Without upgrading to Zenons, these seem to be the best bet to improve the lighting while also not breaking the bank. Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

jmcdowell · February 2001

I also went to Fosmo's site and ordered both the Phillips H1 and H7 bulbs-both were winners of the Auto Express tests. All 4 bulbs cost less than $50. The Fosmo website didn't indicate mail costs, so that will be extra. I had upgraded to the Piaa bulbs-which failed the Auto Express test. They Piaa's were still much better than the OEM bulbs in my '00 ML320-one of which was a GE, and the other was Osram, not even matched from the factory. Thanks again, Drew for the All-weather mat info. They saw the printout at my Mercedes dealer from this site and got my mats. They fit perfectly and I like them much better than the stiff Husky mats I had before. I have 3 feet of snow in my yard still-quite the winter. The roads are clear now, but when they were bad, the ML is the best snow car I have ever driven. You have to work at it to break traction. I was just driving along in the storms-no stress-while others were spinning out or just unable to move. I would have to define the ML as amazing. Now if they could just fix my heater problem......;-).....Jeff

kingscreek · February 2001

I am looking at the ML as a possibility for my next purchase, mainly because of the third seat option and because Drew (your host) as an owner seems so sold on them. I'm hoping that a year or so will really strengthen any deficiencies.

Could any of you please tell me a little about your service experiences? When and if you have a problem, do you feel it is addressed immediately? Do you feel Mercedes has great concern for you as a customer? When you go into the dealership for your regular service appointments, are you treated in a courteous and friendly manner? How are the waiting rooms - are they comfortable? Are parts and service available to you on short term notice?

Thank you for helping me out with this. I have been reading your posts for quite a while and haven't seen much mention of these experiences, although I must say, it is nice to read about how much you all seem to enjoy driving the ML.

kenyee · February 2001

kingscreek:
You should ask about the dealers near you. Service varies greatly, unlike Lexus dealers'. Some dealerships are awesome. Some suck. Most are in-between. The loaner policy varies as well.

zamorano · February 2001

thanks a lot wedgebunny!!!
my ml is at the dealer right now, and they told me that everything seems to be normal and that I should wait for the problem to hit again. Seems like a weird recommendation when coming from the dealer but...I will tell them about your experience with the transmission computer and I do hope this hint will give èm light about the failure. I live in Veracruz, Mexico, so I hope the dealer will be able to get the parts somewhere in the US or Germany.
Cheers.

stever · February 2001

Go in to tell them wedgebunny's suggestion, and take a cup and start tapping it with a spoon. Maybe then they'll get the message, lol.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

dt77 · February 2001

the peeps at the philips forum speaks wonders about this site. superb service and great prices...hmm...should i get the silver visions ? hmmmmm..

dt77

http://fullspeed.to/ml

hhm1644 · February 2001

An update...when I picked up my M on Monday, I asked re:info services even tho' I will not be purchasing the relabeled MB timeport for $2000 (I have the Sprint version that I paid $175 for). My salesman called and MB said yes, services are available. After acivating TeleAid, I hit the update button and it says I haven't yet updated my profile. MB's Customer Service says I'll need to wait on my temp. username and password before finishing InfoServices registration, and those have been mailed. SO, it looks as tho' info services really are available with the MCS and no phone. (Should be.) I'll keep everyone posted when I've registered and whether or not it all comes together as they've promised. Thanks for the info-MB did say that yes, you used to need the phone, but no longer.

kingscreek · February 2001

Thanks Kenyee, your post explains a lot to me. Over time, I have been gathering such different impressions of Mercedes service that I could not discern the true nature of it. You have helped me understand that these wide ranging reflections are accurate and obviously representative of a variety of dealerships and their approach to the after sale concerns of Mercedes owners.

In this light, I will certainly take a strong look at the service department before making a purchase with a particular dealer.

Thanks again for your input.

drew_ · February 2001

You may want to ask for dealership recommendations in your area. Maristella is also in the GA area, if she's reading this, perhaps she could recommend her dealership to you.

wedgebunny · February 2001

Ok everyone. If you are curious about what this beast will look like, just direct your browser to www.binz.com Binz makes specialty vehicles for MB. You'll find more then Unimogs on this site. Got to love that M Class Pickup!!!!

Wedge

wedgebunny · February 2001

Zamorano

I've got a part number for you for the transmission computer that failed on my ML. It seems it was the whole shift unit that was replaced on mine, as the electrical piece inside is somehow married to it. Here is the part number - 1632600709

That 2nd gear Reverse only issue is indeed 'limp home mode' as sydney6 had found in the manual. So it may be related to the transmission or it may be something else. An MB dealer should be able to determine the problem with a diagnostic check.

Best of luck!

Wedge

sshowitt · February 2001

www.binz.com

howvood · February 2001

I saw a Mercedes Sports Luggage carrier on E-bay.
It is item # 563293394 for those of you who may be looking for one.

joe94121 · February 2001

I am in the mist of negotiating for a new ML320. The one I want has the M1 package, sunroof, desert silver metallic paint, Bose 6 CD sound system, and the M6 sports package. I live in Northern California (SF Bay Area). How much should I pay? Also, is it better to have the Java or charcoal leather seats? Thanks!

maristella · February 2001

Hi everyone...had to post after seeing my name in bold after scroling through so many messages...

To Kingscreek:
I've had my share of visits to the service department (for minor things TG) and I am pretty satisfied. I did have to go through two not-so-friendly service advisors until I met Tony Naldone at Carriage House Mercedes in Atlanta (southside). He has been very courteous, addresses problems quickly and follows through with the service. He schedules the appointments within a week and tries to accommodate you at your convenience. Although I've gotten loaners every time I've needed one, (once I got a ride home) the don't loan you a Mercedes but a Honda Civic, which kinda sucks after you've paid so much $$$ for a decent car. They did not like it very much when I brought my ML for installation of accessories bought at Clairs' but they charged me a fair price and did a good job.
About the parts..most of the time they've had to order them and all but once were installed the next day. I needed a part concerning the folding mechanism in the 2nd row right seat and it took close to 3 months! They said they were in high demand and in back order. The waiting room is confortable...TV, phones, newspaper, coffee, vending machines and always someone to talk to. It is between the showroom and the service/parts dept. so you can check out the new cars while you wait. Also every single time I've been there my salesman (Bruce Wile) asks me about my car and sometimes has checked himself with the mechanic to find out and give me feedback.I have not tried other dealers'service dept. but I have a friend who takes her ML to RBM of Atlanta and is very pleased. Hope this helps.

Maristella

ardith · February 2001

I have a 15 month old ML 320 with 19,000 miles. Over the last few weeks several of the warning sensor lamps have been lighting up. First it was the coolant level -- the dealer replaced the radiator, but the lamp still goes on and off. Next it was the "check engine" lamp, which the dealer has diagnosed as a malfunction with the emissions system (part will be replaced next week). This week it's the two lights on the far left -- BAS and ESP, or something like that. They go off when the engine is stopped, and stay off for a few days.

Today I had all four lit -- very colorful, but somewhat worrisome.

Has anyone else had these symptoms? Has anyone had success with repairs?

There is only one dealer in my area, and I have been very happy with the service for the minor repairs needed until now, but I would appreciate any advice on solving these problems.

Thanks,

Ardith

bob259 · February 2001

It appears my coolant leak maybe related to a bad water pump, or gasket. The dealer ordered a new water pump and gasket and I'm scheduled to have them replaced today. Seeing I only have 7,800 miles on my 2000 ML320 I was surprised to have this type of failure already. Last time I saw this was with a brand new GM I owned many years ago.

Anyone else experience any water pump failures?

biker5 · February 2001

My opinion is as long as they are replacing it under warranty and free, keep taking it back to them and have it fix. I had the same problem on my 2k 320 the BAS/ESP comes on and they replaced some kind a sensor on the brake, and that was during my 7,000 mile mark. Since then I have not seen any disco light on mine. Let the dealer fix it. I know its a hussle to take it in for service.

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

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