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

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Comments

  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Congrats, but...didn't I tell you that post numbers would be irrelevant with this new software? Heh heh...observe. ;-)

    Mark is going to have my head for this :-)

    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Interesting. A post I made yesterday never showed up.
    The screen width for the table it too wide.
  • cindy29cindy29 Member Posts: 8
    Now I can't jump to message 275 if thats where I left off reading, I have to go all the way to the beginning and scroll up by 20? How dissapointing.

    Can we change it. I can't read the posts every day. Help. I really enjoy this forum.
  • mikestaleymikestaley Member Posts: 35
    I enjoyed the old format better, I must be getting old.
    Mike
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    kinda cuter now, but I still prefer the older
    format - better functionality.

    dt77
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    Drew, we are going to the supreme court on that one!

    Change is good. I think.
  • drjohn3drjohn3 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2001 ML320 that a purchased two weeks ago. I enjoy the postings on this site as they helped me in many ways. I have a question on the gas guage. After a full tank it seems to drop fairly rapidly to nearly one half yet when
    I put gas in it only about 4-6 gallons go intothe tank. When my wife used it the other day and I got it back the light on
    the gauge was lit so I filled it and it took 14.5 gallons. Is the gauge like this in others or do I have a problem?
    Thanks for your input.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    Probably a bad sending unit. I had the same problem in my E320.
    Dealer replaced it under warranty. Works fine now.
  • ddykes1ddykes1 Member Posts: 13
    I've been warned on another list that some of the replacement sending units are less accurate than the one you have now, so it seems to be a crapshoot. The main annoyance for me is having the yellow light come on far too soon. I don't want to get in the habit of tuning it out, or at some point I'll run out of gas for sure. Have any others had a happy ending by getting the dealer to replace the sending unit? John, Gary - do/did your gauges show Full or never get past around 7/8ths - like mine?

    Dave
  • tracy_lebtracy_leb Member Posts: 39
    Had the first opportunity to take my '00 ML into snow country (sad to say there's been very little snow in the mountains above Seattle this season) and it behaved flawlessly! Made fast tracks with a Lexus badged Land Cruiser on the way up to Crystal. Despite heavy snowfall the night before and packed snow and ice roads, there was 0 slippage noted. Later, I decided to do some figure 8 in the resort's lower parking lot and found the ml's traction control system pretty neat. In short, if you corner with the gas on, the ML will make sure you don't slip very much. It does this by a combination of braking and reducing the amount of power going to the tires. There were a couple of occasions where it reduced speed to a crawl to keep itself under control. Pretty cool. THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO is to take your foot off the gas while cornering. All the traction control systems shut down and you're left handling over 2.5 tons of unwieldy vehicle. The ABS brakes work about as poorly as do any other ABS brakes in snow and ice. Which is to say that while you can steer with the brakes on, if you really need to grab the brakes hard on snow or ice, you are headed for problems. All of which goes to show that if you're going to drive on snow and ice the 4 rules of the road are to a) SLOW DOWN, b) SLOW DOWN, c) GREATLY INCREASE YOUR FOLLOWING DISTANCE and d) SLOW DOWN. The good news is that if you are going up hill, you can easily pass just about anything you want!

    Regards & greetings of the Season

    …tracy
  • rwharcharwharcha Member Posts: 19
    I agree with post # 402. New format , not as user friendly. Russ.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    My gauge never went past 7/8 full, even when I let the gas pump click 2 to 3 times. Dash unit (in my 00E320) said I had 18 gal when I know I have a 21 gal tank.
    Since its been replaced, I've never had a problem.
    BTW..My wife's 00 ML430 has never had any of those problems. Guess its just the luck of the draw.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Okay, I've to go into my "Host mode" now...

    The old Townhall was a product of years of hard work and lots of tweaking. We HAD to move from it since the software that was being used (Well Engaged) was not being supported any longer by the company. They basically had no idea how a lot of it worked and hence the Edmunds.com techs had to try to coax it onwards by themselves much of the time. There were also various underlying software quirks - that most users didn't know about - that were causing problems. We've been on this new software/format (Web Crossing) for less than 24 hours, so please bear with us while we tweak the interface and squish the bugs to make this place as good as or better than before. The team has literally be working around the clock for the past few days trying to make this all come together before the holidays.

    As for the lost posts in Well Engaged, there was a warning up (for a few days) on the main Townhall page that posts made between Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon would be lost due to the data migration. However, although I'm not supposed to be able to do this, I've gone back and copied most of the posts made during that period. I'll post them (hopefully) later today as things become a little more organised.

    Those of you who liked the placemarks feature (myself included), Web Crossing has a similar feature that will probably be activated later on as the more serious bugs get squished. It is at the top of the priorities list. Note that you will not be able to get back your old placemarks list though. Sorry...

    Anyone experiencing login problems should do the following:
    1. Disable autologin
    2. Logout
    3. Login again manually

    We are aware of the above problem and are dealing with it. Any questions or concerns about the new software can be posted in the New software! Your questions answered... topic.

    Thanks for your understanding and I hope this helps!
    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Drew:
    FYI, the lost post I mentioned was from last night.
    Seems ok now, though the width of the new format seems much wider than before.
    No search engine still? :-)
  • js888js888 Member Posts: 11
    I think your dealer is giving you "HOT AIR". You do NOT need to turn on the A/I along with the Heater. Although doing so aids in getting rid of moisture/condensation inside the cab much faster than just turning on the Heater/Defrost alone.

    Go back to your dealer (or better yet, go to another dealer) for your heater problem.

    Joe
  • js888js888 Member Posts: 11
    Spellcheck did that to me, I had it right.......
  • thor3thor3 Member Posts: 120
    Jason,

    Don't think you understand the difference in caliper/rotors from 1999=>2000+ modelML430/ML55. The rotors and calipers are larger so there either has to have been a modified mounting bracket or the lower strut assembly has been modified.. This was my question - I'm not looking for an "off-the-cuff" answer... All Ml430's have 17" rims from the factory.

    Frank
  • mlx52mlx52 Member Posts: 72
    I remember I while ago, I believe that it was drew, said that they had a problem with rattling in the glovebox. I know Robert had said that it was the front air vent, but it seems to be coming from inside the glovebox. If anyone has had this problem with the glovebox rattling, please post on how easy it was to get fixed by the dealer or if there is a household fix. I have also noticed a slight noise coming from the trunk area. It is not a rattle, but more of a clicking noise. I checked the CD cartridge, which was not the problem. What could it be?

    Thanks
    Jamie
  • scott902scott902 Member Posts: 46
    Robert,

    I listened under the truck, I feel the sound has to be coming from the exhaust somehow, with all the metal tubes and stuff , it must be contracting and perhaps touching something. Becomes more bothersome, when you hear it. My brother heard it too and make a negative remark about MB.

    As far as the H3 bulbs, I will no longer venture in that neck of the woods, the current fog lamps work, not sure what make or type, but what the heck, price was right ( FREE!!!) and more than I had before. " if it isn't broken, don't fix it".
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Not sure if this was already posted (I can't find a way to search discussions, e.g. by displaying all the messages and letting the browse find a string!).

    I'm making this post not to stir up a war, or to say I suppose the author's opinions. However, I thought it was interesting that James Healey still has the same opinion several months later (presumably after some folks have argued with him over it).

    From a 11/3 chat transcript, documented at:

    http://www.usatoday.com/community/chat/1103healey.htm

    Rochester, MN: I have heard some negative comments regarding the 4Matic system on the Mercedes M Class and E Class. What are the major drawbacks of the Mercedes 4 wheel drive set up?

    James Healey: It uses traction control to achieve all-wheel drive. Thus, it keeps trying to use the brakes to slow one wheel in order to transfer power to another. In extremes -- ice, slush, etc. -- where all wheels are slipping, the system tries to simply stop the vehicle instead of trying to keep it going. All-weather 'go-ability' presumably is what people want when they spend extra for four-wheel drive. You can't count on traction-control-based systems to deliver it.
  • jeff1114jeff1114 Member Posts: 8
    anyone knows if we can put the front brush guard on the sport package ML?! and if so, can i also install the Hella fog lights on it?! then it will have 4 foglights in total. is it legal if i turned all of them on?
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    jeff1114:
    Those brush guards don't fit on the ML55 and since the Sport pkg is basically the ML55 bumpers, the brush guards probably won't fit either...

    William:
    I guess Healey hasn't found the ESP off switch yet, eh? It'd sure help him along in his Darwinistic evolution :-)
    The switch will turn off ASR (the speed reduction component so you don't break the tires loose and lose control). If you're good enough, you don't need ESP on...the pro drivers on the MB PowerTrip were power sliding the ML55 w/ ESP turned off. I'd personally like to be there when Healey turns it off while in a snowstorm...
  • thor3thor3 Member Posts: 120
    I don't know of specific Auto Barn loacations but you can order directly on the web (autobarn.com) as I did...took only 3 days from time of order and I have product today...about $18 total including shipping for 3 packages (6x27" pieces total) of the Silver Trim in my case


    Here is the link again if you need it:


    http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/dooredmol.html


    Take care - Frank

  • eversonseversons Member Posts: 38
    I am trying to get the M4 package to go along with the now chromed AMG wheels on my ML55.

    I spoke with someone at Clair on Thursday. He said that 10 minutes prior to my call he was on the phone with Mercedes and they told him that they have a target date of summer 2001 for the brush guard and side steps we are looking for.
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    OK people,
    yes ken =), FINALLY got new pics up ! new pics taken with sony cyber shot. quailty pretty ok =)
    enjoy ...

    http://fullspeed.to/ml

    dt77
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    are we not allowed to bookmark this discussion ?
    seems like everytime i try, it only bookmarkds the townhall page...hmm..

    dt77
  • scott902scott902 Member Posts: 46
    Yes I tried bookmark on different computers, still same ...just go to town hall main page, if ML/MB was not top ten it would be much harder to access this message board.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Hmm..a post here didn't make it and a post in the MDX forum didn't make it :-P
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Time to try this post again:
    Thanks for the pic of the Manik brush guard mount. It does look pretty sturdy. At this point, I'm going to see what MB's Type II brush guard will look like. They have a new 2001 accessories catalog w/ what looks like the M4 brushguard (probably the reason they cancelled the M4 pkg for 2001).
    The black star also looks great on your black ML.
  • chris168chris168 Member Posts: 14
    Your site never seems to load on my comp. Is there a certain trick? I have tried reloading numerous times...

    Chris
  • alhwalhw Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking to buy a 98 or 99 ml320. I was driving my husband's Suburban (too big!!), and am back in my Maxima. I have 2 small children and don't want a minivan!! I have heard about reliability problems with the m class. I was also wondering about maintenance costs. Anyone switch from a minivan to an ml320? Any advice or info would help.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Don't get a 1998 if possible. There are some folks who have had no problems w/ a 1998, but they're in the minority.
    If you can, get a 2000...
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    I've noticed it too. Sometimes I post, and it works fine -- the next page I see is a list of posts finishing with mine.

    Other times I bounce back to the front page (not this forum), and I know that it didn't take my message for whatever reason.

    I've been copying my messages before hitting "post my message," just in case.
  • mlx52mlx52 Member Posts: 72
    I found the clicking noise today, in my car! It has been coming from the cargo cover. When I removed the cover the problem disappeared. Do I just have a defective cover or is this a problem with all of the covers?

    Thanks
    Jamie
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Jamie:
    my 2001 doesn't do that. It probably just needs an adjustment. I do have a slight occasional clicking from the driver's window area. No clue what's causing it yet, but I use that window a lot (tolls). Seems to go away if I lower and raise the window, so maybe I got junk into the door.
  • dabeworkdabework Member Posts: 4
    My 2001 ML430 had a build week of 11/27.

    My dealer keep telling me that it is "on the truck". Is there any way I can find out exactly where the truck is ?

    Thanks

    Dave
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    No. They can't tell. He should give you an ETA though. They get daily or weekly printouts of when cars are supposed to get in, etc.
    MB doesn't give the dealers tracking info after it gets on the truck. They can only find out when your ML left the prep point on the way to your dealer.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Ken, oh, regarding your comment about Healey not yet finding the ESP-off button ...

    Does turning off ESP shut off ASR? I remember that turning off ESP actually just highly diminishes it (to 20%?).

    Not to belabor Healey, but I think that he's fine with most aspects of ESP. He did co-write that article talking up stability control. I think it's the power-cutoff (ASR) component of 4ETS that he just doesn't like. I think he'd rather fishtail back and forth (even dangerously so) instead of slowing down or stopping. Maybe the MB ASR software is a bit "conservative" for whatever his style is? It doesn't sound like he's cracked up non-ASR vehicles, so maybe the limits are aimed more at the less-experienced driver (though obviously a lot of folks wouldn't even give Healey that).
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Yes, the ESP off button turns off the torque reduction feature (ASR) altogether. The 20% remaining is the brakes-only component of ESP. Healy doesn't like all traction control based 4WD systems (including the BMW X5's), so it's not just MBzs. I do admit that some oversteer in the corners is fun, but it's very easy for some to become a lot (at which point it becomes dangerous), especially for non-experienced drivers.
  • scott902scott902 Member Posts: 46
    I just noticed tonite that subscribe button, so I clicked that, saved a new bookmark, exited and click the ML bookmark and got here not problem. Also think the Mark button is now activactived.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    In the past, I've shown a picture of a '99 Alabama Sheriff's ML320 with the ML55's brakes (red painted calipers and all) and ML430's 17" wheels, so I imagine that the brakes should be interchangable. I'm not sure whether suspension mods were made to accomodate this retrofit though.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    More message board features will be added as we go along. We're trying to deal with the remaining bugs first though since those are higher priority.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    No, unfortunately there will not be a hide feature for now. However, a placemarks-like tool (called Subscribe) may appear soon.

    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    ok, my last message didn't post
    lemme try again.

    chris 168, i'm not sure what to tell you. loads fine for me and no one has told me it can't load on theirs. I did have loading problems when my site was hosted on xoom (now owned by nbci.com) but I have since moved the site elsewhere. What version number do you see when you load my site ? it should say V 1.0 on the bottom. if now, maybe yer loading something outdated..not sure...
    also, pics may load pretty slowly depending on your connection. they are on average 200,000 bytes each ..
    here's the direct url, maybe worth a try:

    http://www.stas.net/dt77

    let me know. late.

    dt77
    http://fullspeed.to/ml
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    Drew, your door edge guards are made my Trimbrite ?
    something like that ? Searching for it is a pain in the A55 ! =)

    dt77
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Yes, made by Trimbrite. I'm loving them so far. If someone is parked too close to my vehicle, I can open my door and rest it gently against their door w/o worrying about damaging my paint or their paint job.
  • mlx52mlx52 Member Posts: 72
    I know that I have posted topics on rattling before, and I'm sure they have gotten annoying, so lets hope this will be one of the last. Since it was Sunday today I was able to spend a good chunk of time trying to figure out what was causing some of the rattles in my car. I solved the one with the cargo cover and a few other minor rattles that involved plastic items that I had placed in the car. However I'm mystified by a few of the rattles I have narrowed them down to 3 spots. There is the one coming from the glovebox. The one coming from the right rear seat. I know this because when I put the seat down (flat to the cargo floor) the rattle went away. However, I don't believe that the seats are rubbing up against each other, since it is more of a rattle than a squeak. The last rattle is coming from the tailgate panel. It is coming from either of the two panels below the tailgate window. Any help on these problems would be greatly appreciated as I don' want to bother the dealer with such minor problems.

    Thanks
    Jamie
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    You'll always get the folks who'll dislike vehicle intervention, even if it's for the greater good, including their own. Especially those with the skill to hit higher vehicle limits. But until MB's, BMW's, etc. can read the driver's mind, you have to program a limit into the system.

    I guess some experienced snow drivers don't mind or are justd used to slipping and sliding and trying to power their way through slick conditions, and I suppose Healey fancies himself that and wants everyone to be that way (not me, no thanks!). I laughed when I was watching the local news, showing some permanent residents of the heavy-winter, snow-bound areas near Snoqualmie Pass here. I'm pretty sure I saw one of them getting around in a Carmen Ghia (with chains)! Meanwhile, urban folks trying to get out for skiing and snowboarding seem to have their hands full, even with 4WD.
  • thor3thor3 Member Posts: 120
    Amy,

    The 1999 ML's had substantial safety features added... such as ESP, BAS (brake assist), had a child safety seat sensor to deactivate passenger side air bag with proper MB child safety seat installed... So don't go 1998 but 1999+ on would be fine... Just look for low miles and MB warranty still in effect... look at the past vehicle history from dealer who serviced it...

    Once you find a particular vehicle in your area let us know exactly what it is and we'll tell you if it is a good deal - in our opinion!

    Good Luck - Frank
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    All,

    As I mentioned earlier, the TH team is working around the clock at fixing the glitches and adding features. Something equlvalent to the placemarks feature in Well Engaged has now been added, ahead of schedule. Note the "Mark" buttons at the top of each discussion topic/each message, as well as the "Message Centre" and "Subscribe" buttons near the bottom of the page, above the post box. You can access the topics you "mark" via the "Message centre" button.

    Note also that the message width has been reduced so that it doesn't stretch out as far across the screen; the font has been changed from Arial to Times New Roman. The small font in the post box for those of us who use Netscape is also being taken care of as we "speak".

    Hope you all will find this new message centre feature helpful!
    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
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