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

hogster21 · July 2001

non-AMG MB's are notorious for thinking too much for their drivers. Driver-adaptive tranny does not help either in this regard.

MB's normal mode of operandi when you step on the gas pedal is to ask the driver - "...is this what you really want?" - and then if you do not let off, - "oh, okay, there you go..." I wish I could turn this darn "feature" off!

From what you are describing, this is exactly what is happening. Someone mentioned that first they experience hesitation, then they step on the gas and the truck takes off - more gas when MB finally decides to shove off would do that. Another guy/gal said that this only happens in the morning and then goes away. Well, tranny gets trained really fast. I bet you have different driving patterns morning to evening.

Oh, and more thing about idling at stop lights... Or, maybe not. I do not feel like getting into another protracted war'o'words with Drew. Haya doing, buddy? BTW, I'm just passing through... It must be a real pain setting the foot brake and then grasping for that damn release handle when the light turns - safety hazard if I ever heard one. Handbrake I can understand, but foot...

bertram60 · July 2001

Anyone else had any? Mine is going in for the third time. Black/Java may be part of the problem, but A/C won't cool unless you're going over 40mph and even then, it's kinda weak. Last trip dealer said it was a bad sun sensor. I simply picked the truck up, A/C worked well, and I left. In thinking about this, it came to me that without an automatic climate control system, what good does a sun sensor do, and how does it work? and.... is there even one on the truck!

Has anyone else had any problems? My wife can't stand driving the truck now, it's just too hot! I'm giving them one more shot. My fear is that this is why the original owner only had the car 9 months, not just because they had 55 on order, unfortunately, I'm sure I don't have a lot of recourse now, other than to fight with MBUSA.

Thanks for any and all help.

noelbong · July 2001

Is it me or the synthetic oil really makes a difference? Since I switched over to synthetic, albeit using 5W30, I felt the truck is running smoother/looser in the sense I felt the engine is not as tight as before.

kenyee · July 2001

Check fuse #44 to see if it is blown.

laterldf · July 2001

The a/c on my Black/Opal 2000 ML 430 has always
been inadequate. I've had it checked out several times to no avail ("normal functioning"). The air coming out of the vents is fairly cool, about 45-50 degrees, but only when both selectors are on recirculate. It just doesn't cool the interior enough. One tech attributed it to an inadequate vaparator coil, fan capacity, and the colors or the interior and exterior. And yes, I've checked fuse #44. Poorest a/c I've ever had on any vehicle by far. later, ldf

drew_ · July 2001

Nice to see you here again.

Nah, not a problem. There is usually more than enough time before people start moving off. Not only this, but I don't always apply the parking brake either. I just step on the brake as normal. It's only the long traffic lights (30 seconds and more) that I shift into neutral and apply the parking brake. If I do apply the parking brake, I usually release it ahead of time, just before the light turns green. It's pretty easy since you just watch the other light going amber. Obviously I only do this in places that I am familar with and know roughly how long the lights last. On a short traffic stop, there's not much point shifting back and forth so I just idle as normal

drew_ · July 2001

My brake pad light just started flickering today (about 22K kilometres on the odometer), so it looks like I'll drive for a bit longer before getting them changed. I have noticed a slight metallic noise for the last month or so from both the front and rear brakes when applied, so I knew that it would be about time.

Drew
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redgoatee7 · July 2001

Hey,

My 98 ML320 hesistated when I tried to start it today. It would just turn and turn but not start. I tried at least 5 times, then let it sit. Ten minutes later (holding for roadside), I tried it again. The engine turned for 4 or 5 seconds until it finally turned over. It drove perfectly fine, and now it's starting normally. What could this have been? This never happened before, nor have we had any problems with it aside from minor things (trip computer, etc.). Later.

Todd

drew_ · July 2001

Have you had your fuel pump/FSU (they are combined into one unit) changed before? If not, it sounds to me as if it's going to conk out soon, so would be wise for you to bring it in and have it taken care of ASAP.

redgoatee7 · July 2001

Hey,

That's what I was thinking...ugh. Never had it replaced before...and never had this happen before. Like I said before, it was driving and starting perfectly fine right after.

I'm taking a trip up to school (3 1/2 hours) on Wednesday...is that advisable??? Thanks...

-Todd

drew_ · July 2001

I think you may be risking it, but perhaps as long as you minimise the amount of times you have to restart the vehicle, you'll reduce the risk of it dying on you again during the trip? Since you still have the original fuel pump, I think that it's very likely the problem.

Wolfgang has a section of his website devoted to this issue:

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/badgas.html

Good luck and let us know how it turns out! Meanwhile, book an appointment ASAP and tell them what's wrong. perhaps they'll be able to squeeze you in ahead of time?

Drew
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ml430s40 · July 2001

Hello All,

Just purchased a 01 ml430 two months ago. Have been attempting to read all 4K plus post. In reading the last weeks post today, on a business trip last week, I wanted to share my experience so far.

'O1 ml430, M3 Convenience Package, Sunroof, Bose - 2K under MSRP (Bay Area pricing is high), Black/Charcoal - 1500 miles

Hesitation - I have only noticed a slight hesitation when rolling to a stop then accelerating again. I believe, and was told by my SA, this is due to the tranny having a slight delay switching from second gear back to first.

Gas mileage - 60% freeway/40% city traffic - 17.5 mpg

Sunroof cover - delivered off track. Fixed by MB

Shaking over 65 mph - Fixed by MB, wheels balance and alignment done.

Drew and Kenyee - Like reading your post, very informative.

Love my ML...later

drew_ · July 2001

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

redgoatee7 · July 2001

Hey,

We decided not to risk it, and we brought our 98 ML320 to the dealership today. Despite a two-week wait for a service appointment, they took our ML right away (Mercedes Benz of Nanuet NY) for the fuel pump update. I assume they're putting in a 2001 model pump. Thanks for your help Drew. I'll keep you posted. Later.

Todd

drew_ · July 2001

You're welcome Todd. Let us know which part numbers your work order sheet lists. I would think that they would be putting in the updated pump (most recent version is January 2000). You should not have problems after that. Before you drive off from the dealership, make sure that the carpet behind the driver's seat is clean and dry. They access the fuel pump by removing the rear left seat, and removing the epoxied port cover underneath, and you want to make sure that they didn't spill any fuel onto the carpet. My ML did smell of petrol for about a day or two after the work was done, even though nothing was spilled.

Drew
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noelbong · July 2001

Drew, you said the latest version of fuel pump was made Jan 2000 on, my ML was manufatured in 7/00, does that mean I shouldn't have fuel pump problems?

punjabi · July 2001

gentleman how do i get the 10% discount for edmunds members. is there secret code i'm supposed to give them?

also any opinios on brush guards, and side steps. any one use the cobra-sor ones.

thank u for response my fellow MLvenites.

drew_ · July 2001

Yes that's it. Here's the chronology and part numbers, courtesy of Wolfgang Henke.:

Fuel pump and sender assembly versions
163-470-01-94 fuel pump and sender assembly factory installed from 7/97 to 9/99
163-470-10-94 second version
163-470-11-94 second version, including tank seal, starting about 1/00

Drew
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drew_ · July 2001

I have the MB dealer-installed chrome side steps and brushguard. Both have been great so far. The side steps help entry/exit from the cabin, as well as access to the roof. They also help to prevent door dings, to a certain extent, from car doors. The brushguard is beneficial for me in the snow, where the skidplate helps to push the snow aside. Both the side steps and brushguard help to prevent paint chips from debris, again to a certain extent.

There is a trick to getting out without the side step soiling your pant leg, and that is simply to step on them before you step onto the ground. Don't try to step over them, but on them first.

redgoatee7 · July 2001

Hey,

Just another question...when I brought my ML to my dealer to get the fuel pump replaced, the technician said it needs new brakes. It's a 1998 ML320, but it only has 24500 miles on it. Is this necessary? My parents want the replace the brakes when the brake warning light illuminates on the dash. I'm not too thrilled with that, but it's their car and their money. What's your take on this? Thanks. Later.

Todd

gpvs · August 2001

While cleaning my ML yesterday afternoon, I noticed there was a crack on the right rear section, in between the right cargo window and the tailgate, of what looks like plastic body panel. Have any of you experienced this? The crack basically split that panel into to. I have not taken my ML off road, just normal city/highway driving. That should still be covered by warranty, correct?

rockypaul · August 2001

Drew,
Are you saying that all ML should have the new fuel pump installed?

I have a '99 320 with 31k and have not experienced any of the problems noted in other posts.

I have a service appointment for an oil change next week to install the synthetic stuff.
I had the oil routinely changed at 4-5k previously and the service mgr. said if there are no wrenches depicted at the FSS no other service is needed at this time.

I will mention the fuel pump update if you think it is warranted.

thanks.

noelbong · August 2001

Same thing happened to mine and I also discovered it while washing the truck. Brought it in to the dealer and it was replaced at no cost. I think someone else had the same problem and got it fixed. The service rep seemed to have seen the same problem brought to him before. On his ticket he wrote, " panel starting to crack" even though my was cracked into 2 by then. Maybe that was how he worded it to get MB to replace it for free without putting blame on the owner. He told me the crack was probably due to to temperature changes.

noelbong · August 2001

Drew, thanks & I must say you're a vast bank of knowledge on ML (can't comment on other matters though,

) just kidding, I'm sure you're too)

gpvs · August 2001

Thanks. Although it's not nice, I'm glad i'm not the only one experiencing this. How long did it take them to fix it?

yiwoulin · August 2001

Tod,

3 weeks ago, I had problem to start the car (ML320 MY2000), similar to your situation. And dealer replaced fuel pump and fuel filter. One week later, the same problem reoccured. Dealer ran the diagnostic and found no error code in computer. SA told me this could be caused by heavy key chain and stuffs, the weight put on the key could cut the signal from the chip (in the key) to computer, and computer would shut off the fuel. I've detached the key from key chain, and there is no further problem so far.

Ed

noelbong · August 2001

I left the truck to them in the morning and picked it up in the afternoon. I was surprised they even had the part on hand. Must be a common problem for them to stock such odd item.

jferris1 · August 2001

My 99ML320 is exactly three years old with 56000 miles. The vinyl on the left of the driver's seat is cracking in two directions, and it looks like it is going to get much worse. The local service manager says it is wear and therefore not covered by warranty and I'm out of warranty anyway. The regional guy, Steve Sabo, echoes the local guy, and says further that wear wouldn't have to be covered even if the car only had 10K miles.

I have had a lot of problems with this vehicle, and this is like the straw that breaks the camel's back. I can't believe that MB wouldn't stand up for what is obviously a defective seat when there is still a year left in the four year warranty period, even though it is past 50K miles. I'm sure the seat was cracking before the 50K was up, I just didn't look at it.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to how to deal with this? I've been through three gas tank sensors, a major gas leak, ignition lock failure, rattles, bangs, and squeaks, etc. And through it all I still love (and hate) this car.

Thanks,

Jeff

sharon · August 2001

My 2000 ML320 is in the shop for brake pad replacement, B service and wind noise check (the service was yesterday and they still have it and I have no loaner--grr).

Anyway, they called to tell me that the tires need replacing. The car only has 21,000 miles on it--is this normal? The tires are the Dunlops. I was bummed to find out that brake pads are not covered under the "free maintenance".

The service rep said the tech told her the wind noise was due to the tires. I told her I doubt it, since the noise was there from day one. Guess they are going to tell me I just have to live with it.

I had to laugh, the service rep. passed on that the tech said my brake pads were dangerously low (a verbal rap on the knuckles). I told her I wasn't surprised considering I had called to make the appointment for the brakes JUNE 20th and they weren't being worked on until today. She changed the topic real fast.

Sharon

pchiu · August 2001

I'm pretty sure some owners replaced the seats under warrant, especially to those Canadian only Classic trim which has cloth seats but has MB texture on the side. Those MB texture on the side is known to crack within 4 years due to daily use and dealer replace under warranty free. But I'm not sure in your case that you just miss the mileage limit. Maybe some other has something to say, or you can mention the Classic trim cloth seats cases to the regional rep.
Hope it helps.
Peter

spfotey · August 2001

They go out after 15-20k miles. i have 45,000 miles and i've replaced them twice so far and mechanic says that is standard. i go to authorized mb service place instead of the mb dealer and save a couple hundred dollars...fwiw

kenyee · August 2001

jferris1:
I'd suggest writing a certified letter detailing all your problems to mbusa.
With luck, they'll suggest exchanging your 1999 for a MY2000 that may still be on the lot.

sharon:
It's a little abnormal to switch tires that fast. Have you verified they are down to the tread wear indicators yourself? They should wear that fast only if you do lots of off-roading or push it hard through curves or your alignment is off and you didn't rotate the tires.
Folks on the m-class list have gotten 40-50K+ on the tires.

ometofu · August 2001

The life expectancy of the pad is really 15 to 20K? Anyone got further than that?

biker5 · August 2001

I think mine is going to go beyond 21K because up to date I have 19,780 miles on my ODO, and I still have about 45% left on my tire. I rotated it every 10K. If I can get the same size and brand next time I'll take it as replacement b/c of price :-)
MY2000 ML320

sharon · August 2001

kenyee,

The car is still in the shop, so I haven't been able to verify it. I did call back and they told me that it is not unusual for SUVs to go through tires that quickly. I'll wait until I get it home and get a second opinion. I have taken a few trips to NH (from NJ) since I've had the car--but it's been all highway driving.

I certainly hope I don't have to replace both the tires and the brakes every 21k miles!!

Sharon--stir crazy with 3 young boys and no car for 2 days!!

kozzy01 · August 2001

I have a 2000 ML430 with 15,500 miles and Dunlop tires. Last weekend, I noticed that the inside of both front tires are worn down to the wear-bar indicators or worse. Since only the insides of the tires are worn badly, it's hard to notice and it's probably a result of poor alignment. Over-the phone, the dealer tells me alignment is only covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Nevertheless, my view is that for tires to wear so badly, they had to be out of alignment from day 1 (I don't do any off-roading).

I haven't rotated the tires since I thought the MB service plan would cover that when needed. Whether the tires were rotated or not, they still should be in decent shape at 15K miles.

I'm taking the ML in this weekend for dealer evaluation/service. My concern is that I'll have to pay for an alignment and two new tires! Has anyone else encountered a similar situation? Curt Rich stated in his newsletter that ML tires should wear like stainless steel. Does anyone else think that 15K miles is too early to be needing new tires on an ML? Does anyone have any suggestions for getting MB to cover this under the cars warranty?
Thanks

jferris1 · August 2001

On my 99ML320, I got 45K miles out of my original General tires. I had the alignment checked at 10K and again at 30K, but it has been perfect every time -- almost no adjustment required.

I am driving Michelin Cross Terrains now. They are very quiet and I really like them. (But they are expensive.)

Jeff

rob944 · August 2001

I remember someone posted there was a TSB on setting MCS screen brightness to on by default (this is helpful for anyone that has DRL, which sets screen brightness to low). My service advisor can't find, and I was wondering if anyone recalls TSB #.

To the person who was asking about snow tires, I put Michelin 4x4 alpins on last winter, excellent performance and very quiet.

To the person that was wondering about 3rd row seats, great for kids (though awkward for some car seats) and short trips for adults, and they go in/out easily. Email for more details if you want.

regards
Rob Dingwall
00 ml320 blk opal

kbonnel · August 2001

I test drove a 2001 ML320 this past weekend, and just fell in love with it. I almost bought it, but decided to get a 2002. One of the coolest things was the 5inch screen that folds down to put in a tape or CD. Is this being changed on the 2002? I see pics, and it looks like there is a CD slot up top. Are they getting rid of the tape deck? I really hope it is like the 2001. I know it is no big deal, but little things like that are important to me. Before anybody tells me to get the 2001, the one I was going to get was bought, by my Mom

...

Kimo

drew_ · August 2001

No, that's the COMAND system that is not available for N.America. We still get the current MCS unit. An in-dash CD player is available (at the dealer) for the MCS. The CD drive goes just above the tape deck opening.

drew_ · August 2001

When the brake pad sensor illuminates, it means that it's about time to change the pads. Considering that you've never changed the pads before and based on your mileage, you probably have a bit longer to go only before the light will come on. But hey, if they're willing to pay for it, why not? ;-)

drew_ · August 2001

It's a defect (and a fairly common one to boot) and so it will be covered.

drew_ · August 2001

No, I'm not saying that. But if your fuel gauge is erratic, more so than normal, then it probably means that the old hardware is being fouled up. If you can get it changed within the warranty period, then it may be a good idea.

I'm confused as to what your service advisor said. In the FSS, it either shows one or two wrenches. One wrench = service A, and two = service B. AFAIK, it's always one or the other. These services involve more than just an oil/filter change, BTW.

drew_ · August 2001

Thanks for the compliment, LOL. I'm just an enthusiastic owner, and my knowledge on these matters comes primarily from reading these M-class discussion topics!

Regarding the plastic panel, my ML hasn't had that problem yet, but a drastic temperature change would make any plastic crack. See my message to Glenn above.

drew_ · August 2001

That's right on the money! Heavy keychains are a no-no with all MB keys. With the Smartkey (even though it's a lot less sensitive), the weight could make it intermittently lose contact with the infrared port.

drew_ · August 2001

For some reason, we've noticed that the tire life seems to vary greatly with both the Dunlops and the Generals. Some people seem to be able to drive for great distances before needing to change them, and others less so.

Brake pads are wear and tear, just like tires, so it's not considered normal maintenance. Canadian MB vehicles from MY2000 onwards don't have a 4 year free maintenance plan, but we do get a two year wear and tear warranty where brake pads/rotors, wiper blades, etc. are covered. FWIW, I have only about 22K kilometres (about 14K miles) on the odometer, and my pads will require changing soon. Living on a mountain no doubt contributes to this, but since the ML's brakes are excellent, I have no complaints.

My Dunlop Grandtreks still have plenty of tread on them and I have rotated them 3 times already, at about 6000-6500 kilometre intervals.

drew_ · August 2001

Since the pre-'00 MLs have leather seating surfaces, and also the same MB-Tex trim on the sides of the seats, it should be the same problem as the ML320 Classic seating. I too have heard of several instances where it has been changed under warranty.

drew_ · August 2001

Yup, the pads are relatively soft apparently for better heat dissipation, and also so that your rotors do not wear as quickly. Rotors are obviously a lot more expensive than pads. MB does play around with many brake rotor compositions and brake pad compounds before deciding on the best one. To test the effectiveness of the brakes, they actually drive the car downhill (one favourite location is a steep mountain in Italy) at high speeds and brake till the rotors glow bright red! It's quite a sight!

drew_ · August 2001

Hi Mr. DJ,

Welcome back! It has been a while since we last heard from you. It is very odd that the insides of the tires would be worn excessively and it does indicate an alignment problem. Perhaps if you explain to them what you just did to us, they would be willing to do it as a goodwill repair?

Please keep us updated.

Drew
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drew_ · August 2001

Unfortunately, the Michelin 4X4 Alpins are not available in the US.

There is no official TSB for the MCS bright/dim DRL fix for our Canadian MLs. However, I did get mine done after some excellent advice from a couple of fellow Canadian Town Hall ML owners. The result is that even with parking lights on, the screen does not dim; it only dims when the headlamps are turned on.

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

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