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Comments
Robert
To me a reliable vehicle is one that with overwhelming odds will deliver me from one point to another, and a unreliable vehicle is one that has a greater that average chance of not being able to do so. I have been a participant in this forum for a long time, and there has been only a couple of instances of mechanical failure from the vehicle that I remember from thousands of postings, the most common problem was the infamous fuel pump, long corrected. Never heard of an ML having a mechanical breakdown of the engine. For consumer reports unreliable means also things like a piece of upholstery flaping or a rattle on the door, well, one can go around the earth with a thousand rattles, that will not make the vehicle stop.
That unreliable stigma has been so unfair that is to the point of missleading, the correct question should be, Do they still have trim and fit problems? I dont know, I have a 99 ML430 and never had problems.
Concerns were with fit/finish, some electronic glitches and squeaks/rattles.
They compared the early production model to other MB models and found the ML short on Quality.
When I asked for population data for their statistical sample for all vehicles tested they refused to publish saying it was too difficult to produce such.
You will find in the same report that the ML is by far the leading SUV. Similar contradictions and anomalies can be found throughout the historical charts and recommendations.
Another typical example: Fridgidaire was the number one rated front loader; same test: they had the worst reliabliity rating.
Same with vehicles.
My 99 ML 320 has been perfect. In fact I have traded in newer vehicles with fewer miles and my wife and I say let's keep the Merc forever.
Hope this may be of help.
The new ML 500, which replaces the current ML 430, offers an even better performance. Its V8 engine develops a torque of 440 Newton metres from 2700 rpm and accelerates the M-Class from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the new ML 500 is 221 km/h.
Externally the new V8-models in the M-Class are distinguishable by discreet chrome trim on the radiator grille vanes, on the door handles and on the handle of the tailgate, as well as by their special wheel design.
In future the status of the ML 55 AMG, with its 255-kW/347-hp high-performance V8 engine, as the top-of-the-line model in the M-Class range will be emphasised even more strongly by a silver-painted radiator grille.
In addition to the two new V8 models ML 400 CDI and ML 500, as well as the ML 55 AMG, the five-cylinder diesel engine of the ML 270 CDI and the V6 petrol engine of the ML 320 continue to be available for the M-Class.
Diesel=NO US
Mercedes-Benz is providing even more comprehensive occupant protection in the M-Class with standard windowbags, which instantly deploy across the insides of the side windows like a curtain in the event of a lateral collision. Around 200 centimetres long and 500 millimetres high, these air cushions supplement the protective action of the sidebags in the doors.
Additional driving safety is also provided by the innovative bi-xenon headlamps, which Mercedes-Benz has previously used in the top coupés of the CL-Class. Thanks to gas discharge technology, these headlamps generate twice the lighting power of conventional halogen headlamps and ensure even better illumination of the road surface both with dipped and high beam. In conjunction with these bi-xenon headlamps Mercedes-Benz provides a sensor-activated headlamp beam control system and a high-pressure cleaning system for the transparent headlamp lenses.
Like all the latest Mercedes passenger car models, the M-Class will also feature a special light sensor on the windscreen that automatically switches on the external vehicle lights when dusk falls. Known as Headlamp Assist, this system is standard equipment in the four-wheel-drive M-Class. At the same time, the parking aid PARKTRONIC will become available as optional equipment for the M-Class.
http://www.eliteviews.com
The worst I've heard is that a few folks w/ early models had the tranny go into limp home mode because of a bad tranny controller.
Dave
mchwe, I have a MY2000 ML320 with 18,000+ miles and I love it. The best SUV/Vehicle I ever had. So don't listen to the consumer report.
http://www.insure.com/auto/collision/mercedescrash501.html
Drew, I think this is for you to reply back on. I know that our ML have slanted hoods so in case a person goes in the path of a ML, they can roll off and not get hurt more etc.
Scott
The bottom line is you can not protect the world from everything. End of the discussion, at least for me.
Costco Wholesale stores are offering a $50 dollars off for Michelin Tires. The sale is on from June 18 through July 1st only. Besides, a coupon is needed and you could ask for it at customer services before making the transaction.
I received this info in the mail and I thought of sharing it with you..
Cheers
There is no test against Ford SUVs (Ford made a big deal about adding beams so they wouldn't override bumpers).
There is no mention that SUVs are not as useful if you lower them by 4" as they did.
We've been chatting about this on the M-Class list.
A little selfish, but true....
Robert
Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The safest spot I ever found was an end spot which once used to be a handicapped space so it was much bigger and surrounded by Jags and Mercs whose owners were more afraid of me dinging their doors than they mine.
If you all take a look at your ML brochure it specifically states that "it is designed with crash compatibility with passenger cars in mind." It has a lower lip to it's bumper which matches the height of car bumpers more closely. It even has a picture of the ML bumper kissing a C-class bumper.
Of course, if the IIHS crashes the ML head on with a car with a low hood like a 88 Pontiac Fiero or an Acura NSX or the Ford Taurus, it's going to ride up.
Well, that's the price you pay for driving a car with a low hood. Stay the heck away from front end collisions with SUVs and if the IIHS says they want you to volunteer for some testing ask if you can drive the SUV instead.
You can also take a look at this MB master technician http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?threadid=13386
Now we're not talking about the vehicle breaking down on the side of the road, initial quality is anything that goes wrong within the first 90 days, whether it's a piece of unsecure trim or as complex as an ECU going out.
As usual, YMMV.
Off topic, I have to hat off to the Lexus quality control. Lexus LS430 only has 58 problems per 100 cars, that's amazing. A modern car has thousands of parts, it means that LS430 is 99.9% perfect.
1. ABS hydraulic unit
2. ETS (electronic traction system) control module
3. 1 window regulator
4. Transfer case
5. Fuel Tank (because a 4-inch plastic ring that locks filler neck to fuel tank neck broke.) Part not available separately
6. Heater duct to floor area
7. Sunroof (had to remove headliner in order to replace roof frame/tray
Also rear seats fold but do not always latch in down position, even after 3 repair attempts.
Sure glad we have the extended warranty for the long haul.
P.S. Also have 2001 C240. At 1010 miles key broke down and would not start car--key replaced. Formerly had a 190 2.6 for 14 years.
The only remedy is to take your ML back to MB where they will need to remove the headliner (beware of finger prints when you pick up your car), remove the pads (they don't normally replace them), and replace the liner.
This info is straight from my dealer ... my son-in-law is the tech.
Good luck. Harry
Oh well; I still love my ML even though it is only a 1998.
Harry
Could simply closing the trunk have caused such a crack? Any ideas on what it could be? The door is metal after all so I don't understand. And will the warranty cover this?
It's a known problem. Just bring it to the dealer.
The dealer/Mercedes refuses to sell me an extended warranty.
I used to be a Mercedes fan, but can tell you that I have yet to meet my Nissan dealership service department, much less be on a first name basis with the crew.
Sounds like you have an alignment problem. I'd ask the dealer to look at it. If you get replacement tires, they'll just wear badly and you'd be in the same mess in a few months.
98mowner:
I remember a lawyer was trying to get names of owners about 2 yrs ago. The problem with them is that the legal firm gets 90% of the settlement for their "work", and the owners get very little (at least that's the way it is w/ suits against companies for a drop in stock value)-:
You should write a detailed complaint letter to your regional rep. Some have done that and been "helped" into a 2000 model which has a normal number of problems...
Thanks!
us
I obtained a copy of my service records from the dealer (there is a master printout they can run that covers everywhere you may have taken it to) and attached it to a letter (without mentioning the lemon law, but referring to the qualities of what the lemon law covers; check out lemon law on yahoo. com) to the regional area manager at MB. Use the New Jersey address.
After a week I got a call, and they essentially bought out my 1998 and got me into a 2001. No problems to speak of so far with 7900 miles on it. Going through lawyers always seems like a last resort to me. You want to try and raise the issue up the flag pole because the dealers don't want to let all of these problems make it look like they can't do their jobs. In fact, there was some problems with the 98's that the dealers just can't seem to get right. Why not give the regional manager a try and solving your issue. While it is easy to right a heated letter when you are upset at the problems, spend some time and write the right kind of letter that hits the points. It worked for me, and they were very professional and accomodative to me. MB is still a great company for customer service!
What's a reasonable price for the 2001 ml430 with the following options: dose, 3rd row, m3, sunroof.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Steve
It'll be 1-2K more, but seems to be worth it.
There is a new lawsuit where the crooks, sorry, the attorneys are asking for 1 billion dollars for 2 deaths and 3 injuries in a Firestone case. The survivors have depression. But I don't know if anyone would trade away loved ones for any cash amount, so what good is $667 million to them? Besides, a $1 billion loss is not going to punish the company. It's just going to punish future Firestone buyers.
Those law suits last for decades, since so much money is involved and in return they harden the company being sued to the point that thay will not accept any claims, big or small, rigth or wrong, legitimate or not. Washington DC has more lawyers that all of Japan.
My two cents.