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

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Comments

  • ml320blkml320blk Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone updated their Alpine based Navtech South Central CD(Map 4) and want to sell their v.1999.1 CD? Please e-mail if interested.
  • maabmaab Member Posts: 41
    I ordered a car phone kit (Motorola StarTAC) from ClairParts, and if you have installed this before, how hard is it do it by yourself? My sales rep did say that he will include the factory installation sheets. Realistically, is this task for the professionals? Thanks folks.
  • gpvsgpvs Member Posts: 214
    I just heard those squeaking noises the other night while driving without the stereo on. It seems like it's coming from the right front area, by the glove box. Wanted to know how you guys fixed it?
    Thanks.
  • dennettdennett Member Posts: 332
    Do you know when the all new MLs are due, is it 2003 as an 04 or 04 as an 05? Also what are the rumored changes between the new and the current models? Keep up the good work and thanks in advance!
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Facelift of current model next year (2001 our time, model year 2002).
    The new unibody model is supposed to arrive in MY2004 (2 years after that). Big changes usually happen every two years w/ MB.
  • acraftonacrafton Member Posts: 99
    This morning my 2000 ML320 started acting funny. I get in and start it up and drive off. When I reach the speed that activates the auto locks the locks fire and lock but the dome light comes on and stays on. If I unlock the doors the lights go out - lock the doors and the lights come back on. Any ideas?

    Thanks
    Adam
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Yes, leave it up to the pros to do it. It requires tapping into the data bus and you could really mess things up if you do something wrong. Even Mike B., the MB tech that participates in the mailing list, recommended against self-installation for this accessory.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    I did have a rattling from the glovebox area. I narrowed it down to the glovebox lid with the help of another Canadian ML owner. In both our cases, the left glovebox arm was incorrectly installed and missing a part. My service department replaced that arm, and added a couple of washer like pieces to bring the two rubber bumpers tighter against the glovebox door when closed. After this service, there have been zero rattles...throughout the entire vehicle.

    As for your other rattles, check the two carpetted cover plates that attach to the base of the 2nd row seats (the rear side of the seats, that is). Also, you may want to make sure that the jack and the first aid kit are secured properly, and that no wires in those two compartments are loose.

    Don't be afraid to "bother the dealer" for these problems. That's what they're there for...no matter how minor the problem.

    Good luck!
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Agreed...some people prefer wheel spin and their own manual corrections. I do admit that I am somewhat like that as well. There is a certain amount of fun letting the vehicle's tailend step out of line while making a turn. The only problem is when the tailend comes around too far and swaps ends with the front end. :-)
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Finally...I put it on today after some "friendly" persuation and being creative with a hacksaw. I'll probably have pictures later tonight after the paint has dried. It's very subtle so you have to know what you're looking for, but that was what I was going for anyway.

    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • mlx52mlx52 Member Posts: 72
    As I was cleaning the interior of my car today, I noticed the abysmal amount of dirt, salt and snow on the car. I was wondering what people use to clean the car? Drew, I have seen the picture of your cleaning supplies, but I don't know what to use to wash the car. Also, is it ok for the car's paint if I take it to a car wash or will that destroy the clearcoat? When I, personally, clean the car is there a specific type of rag that I should use as not to create scratches on the black paint?

    Thanks,
    Jamie
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    I think the problem with automatic car washes (even touchless ones) is that they use recycled water. Who knows how much dirt is in the water that the arm blasts onto your car. If there is a car wash bay (the kind where you use the high pressure washer wand to wash the vehicle yourself), that's probably much better. Don't use rags or sponges as the dirt can build up in the fibres and cause significant scratches over time (that's why you see the swirl marks on many vehicles; much more obvious on dark paint). Instead, use a soft washmitt - preferably made of sheepskin - and rinse it out often. I do admit that around this time of year, it's sometimes too cold to use the mitt and I substitute it with a soft long handled brush instead.

    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    in the last couple of days may be due to the fact that they're rebooting the server to make template or other software changes. Personally, I haven't lost any posts though. For the next couple of days, it may be worth highlighting and copying your text in the post box before hitting the post button.

    The login problem has been 90-95% fixed. However, it still times out after about 15 minutes of inactivity (ex. no buttons being click on). This problem is being looked at right now and is the top priority.
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    drew, looking forward to you tip pics, I"m still looking out for one =)

    Speaking of car washes, I take mine to a 'automated' one all the time. They run it through the brushes and stuff while some guys scrub the car with mitts soaked in soap. Not the best way to wash the ML but oh well, it's fast, and I don't think it causes much damage to the pain job. I just need to wax once in a while i guess.

    I do however have some swirl scratches on the hood of the ML. I'm pretty sure they are caused by the guy who wipes the ML dry after it goes through the auotmated brushes. Many a time, he has his cloth on the ground which pick up dirt. And we all know what happens if that clothe is used. Scratches ! ... wats the best way to 'remove' such scratches ? wax ? buff ? brand ? thanx...

    I have since switched to another same type car wash, but the guys wiping the ML at the end are more careful and don't leave clothes on floor ..hehe..

    dt77
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    Did you change names?

    Do you have part numbers or specifics for the glovebox rattle, seems I have it too. I dont have much time to go to the dealer for them to test drive the ML, and I dont have the patience for the downtown dealer.

    It seems that there is significantly less traffic here since the change over. I used to come home and there would be 30 messages waiting for me

    robert
  • victuswvictusw Member Posts: 8
    When I took my '00 430 in for the heater problem. I told the service manager that my brake squeals everytime I back up. They discovered that the front pads were all glazed so they replaced them under warranty. When I picked up the truck, the first thing I noticed was that the brake seems less sensitive and requires more pedal pressure. I wonder if MB has switched to harder pads. I have also noticed the new pads seem to generate less brake dust. The pads' part number is 163-420-06-20. So far the brake squeal has not resurfaced but the heat problem still persist even though they replaced the HVAC control part number 163-830-01-85.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Yup, name change. I was getting tired of people referring to me as "ailing". Great, now everyone is going to do it :-) I have the kewl "host" word next to my name now too.

    I have noticed the slowdown in posts all across Townhall. I think it's probably a combination of the Christmas holidays and the software changeover. Thankfully, most of the bugs have been squished. And I'm liking the new software more and more everyday. For example, I've found the subscription/message centre features to be extremely useful. Much more so than the placemarks.

    BTW, aren't you glad you didn't get rid of the ML this year with the amount of snowfall Chicago has been receiving. Of course, if you're in Vegas now, that doesn't really make a difference!

    Sorry, I don't have the part numbers since they weren't indicated on the work order. All it said was that the problem had been diagnosed and fixed...as mentioned, I immediately noticed the new glovebox arm and the extra washers under the rubber bumpers. Perhaps Bill (if he's reading this) could help since he had the same problem a while ago?
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    It's a tough to tell because I took these pictures just 3 hours ago, and because the tip is subtle (which was what I wanted), but here they are:

    image
    image
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    Man ! I thought I was imagining things too. I had brought the brake squeal issue to my dealer (2mins away from home) and they also replaced the front pads and rotor if i'm not wrong, have to go check. I did however notice simliar findings that I had apply more pressure to the brakes than i normall would do. hmm..i'm not sure if i like that feeling . Cuz i like to drive fast and of course, i'd like to feel like I can stop fast too =)...

    dt77
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    What exactly did you do with that tip ?
    It looks pretty subtle alright, in fact, it looks exactly like the stock tip but chrome out =)

    dt77
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    chromeED out i meant.

    i'm having losta trouble with this bookmarking and login in thingy
    Sometimes i post message and it says i havnen't logged in yet. but i already have logged in ..blah blah ..

    dt77
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Here's the snowy/icy slope to my neighbourhood...The van's driver is discussing how to get down the slope (without skidding out) with the driver in the Integra (with Arctic Alpins winter tires)...the Integra has been trying unsuccessfully to climb up the slope. The van eventually made it down by rubbing its right tire sidewalls against the curb. The Integra was left overnight by the side of the street. The vehicle in the middle of the street with its headlamps on is a Subaru Outback Sport. It made it up the street slowly, but there was a fair amount of tail wagging.

    image
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    That was the point...I simply added a chromed tip over the stock pipe, much like the chrome tip that you bought. Here's the side view. I didn't want to reduce ground clearance or decrease the angle of departure, so I kept it roughly the same as the stock exhaust tip.:

    image

    WRT your login problem, for now, go to the main Townhall welcome page (that autologs you in again) and then get back to this topic. It times you out if you're idle for 10-15 minutes and thinks you're not logged in. BTW, don't bookmarks. Use the "mark" and message centre features, or the "Subscribe" feature.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Thanks for the update...you should ask Wolfgang if the part #s for the pads have been changed. WRT your climate control problem, didn't Birger say that they eventually replaced the AAM in the end? Have you tried writing to MBUSI via the owner's feedback link at www.mbusi.com?

    Drew
    Edmunds.com Townhall co-host
    Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories conferences
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    The look is...interesting.

    image
  • victuswvictusw Member Posts: 8
    Drew - I couldn't convince the service manager or the tech that the lingering heat is a problem. They are the ones that suggested I turn on the AC when using the heater. They did replace the HVAC control (not sure what that actually does) though. I wrote to MBUSI Tech Support about 3 weeks ago. I have not received a single byte from them yet. When I'm code complete with my project at the end of the month, I'll schedule another appointment with the service department and bring up the subject of the AAM.
    dt77 - No, you're not imagining things. Except the squeal, I too like the old pads better. I think they were more responsive and stopped faster. The new pads have this vague feel and not as sure footed as before. So what happened to your chrome trunk handle? Does it fit?

    Have a Merry Christmas and here's a video greeting for you
    Greetings
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Have you tried the other MB dealership in your area? Are they even willing to keep the vehicle and test it for a day or two? How about MBUSA? If only your vehicle was bought in Canada. The staff at MB Canada may have been able to help you out...they were quite responsive to my questions.

    I thought the trunk handle would only fit on Euro MLs because of the different handle widths for the much wider license plates over there?
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Oh BTW, did anyone notice the picture of the little SUV in the SUV topic list area header? I didn't have anything to do with it. Really! ;-) Perhaps having the M-class topic constantly in the top 10 hot topics list made an impact? :-)

    image
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    Ya, I do like the old feel better. I think something can be done at the dealer though. Maybe they can 'tighten' the brakes or something liket that. Cuz when my dad got his GS300 here in HK a while back, the brakes were far too 'sensitive'. I'm guess the distance the brake pedal have to travel before it acutally cause braking was too small. I guess the word senstive can be used. So he had the dealer tweak the brakes to be 'less sensitive'.

    So maybe there's a procedure to have the brakes more sensitive - watever that means =)

    hhmm? regarding the trunk handle ? were u talking to me ? I never bought the handle but i guess i was engaged in a discussion about it though. I saw the trunk handle in singapore and I think we determined it wouldn't fit ours in the US cuz the ML's in sinagpore were from germany.

    btw, the wood trim kit above is straight up N A S T Y.

    dt77
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    I did see that pic too ! =)
    I think on the old edmunds, it was an explorer...

    dt77
  • bazzanabazzana Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone experienced a problem with their rear spray nozzle and one-sided cover breaking off at car washes? This is the second time this has occurred at different car washes and makes me think that it is a common problem
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    I would not take the kit to Verizon to let them do the install. It has to tie into the ML's optical network and I wouldn't trust they would know what they're doing :-)
  • maabmaab Member Posts: 41
    So you would highly recommend that I take the entire kit to the local friendly MB dealer and have them do it? Verizon told me that it will take three hours to do the install. If that number is right, three hours at dealer will equate to ~$300 (install plus tax).
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    dt77, I have been using Malm's wax since 1984 when I bought my first black car ('84 Peugeot 505 STI). I found that I was getting the typical spider web scratches. The product is a two step process. You first use the "fine polishing cleaner" rubbing in the direction of the air flow over the car. Then, you use the "Pure Carnauba" wax. I've used this product on all of my cars with outstanding results. I now don't worry about going to a car wash because my finish will always be like new by using these products. The web site is... (www.malms.com) I don't know how to make a blue link. Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    I'd suggest you call a few local dealers to find out how much it will cost. I'd be surprised if it took that long. You also might want to do some of it for them (do all the easy stuff).

    Also, ask Verizon if they know that this is the MB phone kit and how they would handle it (see if they know about the fiber optic connections).
  • maabmaab Member Posts: 41
    I got a call from a local MB dealer, and he saids that 2000 model does not use fiber opitc cable/bus (?). It will take about three hours (the same as before), and cost for the installation is 280. He was pitching me for the entire phone kit for $1800. Ouch! I told him that all I need is the installation and the communication between us went a bit chilly from that point.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Don't talk to salesmen!!! :-)
    Talk to the service departments directly. According to posts I've read, the PSE module hooks up to the fiber to talk to the MCS. Didn't Clair send you detailed instructions?
    Like I said, just make sure Verizon has done an official MB OEM startac kit before if you go that route. I know they'll do their own "car kits".
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    Thanx for instructions ... will try when i get back =)
    btw, to post a link, all you have to do is type "http://" before the www ..or watever...like so :

    dt77
    http://fullspeed.to/ml
  • dt77dt77 Member Posts: 232
    There's a little link I want all of you to click on on my ml site.
    =)it says merry xmas ...

    dt77
    http://fullspeed.to/ml
  • maabmaab Member Posts: 41
    Actually I ordered the kit last Monday, and it should be here by this Friday (12/22), hence no factory instructions yet. This is one of my wife's Xmas presents.

    This kit is suppose to have MB handset ($490) and MB installation kit ($630). I will let MB dealer take care of the installation.
  • juresjures Member Posts: 42
    I am thinking about having the mb phone put in my y2k e320, I have also been told by some very savvy phone installers to have mb do the installation. keep us posted on how you make out on having your local mb dealer do the installation and what the final installation cost turns out to be. my local dealer wants list price + over $300 for the labor. roger
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    I had the BB phone installed in my 00 E320 a few weeks ago.
    Here's what I did
    1. Purchased from dealer for $1292.65 including tax
    2. Had Verizon activate the phone
    3. Had the dealer install it for $331.18 including tax

    Works good
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    That should have said MB phone
  • ddykes1ddykes1 Member Posts: 13
    We're off to the Wet Coast tomorrow morning. Lots of snow and mountains between here and there. Have a healthy happy and safe Holiday Season, I'll talk to you next year. BTW it is possible to get an ML stuck, if you get it high centred on a packed snow drift - don't ask me how I know...

    Dave
  • redgoatee7redgoatee7 Member Posts: 30
    Hey,

    The Bose stereo on my mom's 98 ML320 makes a high pitched buzzing noise when the volume is turned down very low (to a point where you can't hear the music anymore). It's not too loud...I assume the music just drowns out the noise at higher volumes. Something wrong with the stereo?
    A couple weeks ago, the ML was making a ticking noise at idle, which our dealer corrected by replacing the valve lifters. Is this routine? Was this something serious?
    Anyway, to not exclude...Happy Chanukah. Or better yet, happy holidays.

    -Todd
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    I would like to let you know that there has been a new addition to my family. My baby has just arrived. I will be putting pictures of her up on my website for all of you to see. I didnt mention this to anyone because we werent sure what was going to happen to delivery.

    The name? We have decided to name her CLK55 AMG Exconde. A fitting name for the new addition. When she runs she goes 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, but she is still in her teething period so I dont want to damage her internal organs or fear of SIDS.

    She looks absolutly gorgeous! Her eyes are a bright white and her body is grey. When she speaks, its sounds nothing like the other kids, instead of the typical she growls and scares all the other kids away. NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY! I feel bad for her, she has no friends yet to play with. So if anyone wants to go play, please email me. I have taught her to call home already, not only that but she knows how to call for help. She lights up in different colors.

    Dispite all this she is very obedient, she does what she is told. She goes when commanded, and stops when prompted. But like my ML her fingernails comes off in the form or black dust, so when she comes home we have to clean her hands. Not only that but she hugs the curves like the ... on a ...

    Some of you I told that we were expecting bouncing baby CL55 but we decided to take the faster of the two children. He would have been nice but we have decided to put him up for adoption, if anyone is interested in giving my son a home please email me @ rexconde@exconde.com and I would be most willing to talk. (steve D.?)It would be helpful if you were on the west coast, but we can deliver by stork to anywhere in the country. He isnt assembled but we have our spot and we have had an offer aldready. We dont know if he will have arms or legs yet, but I believe that his feet are supposed to be ceramic.
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    No, the CLK isn't mine, it my Father's car.... but I'm still related, I hope!
  • rexconde1rexconde1 Member Posts: 278
    I forgot, Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Dont have too much fun with the ML in the Snow...
    robert
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    redgoatee7:
    Don't worry about it. Known problem w/ some 1998s. The dealer replaced it since MB told them to.
    As for Bose in general: no comment :-)
    I'd suggest you try to find another 1998 w/ Bose to see if you can duplicate the problem. If not, complain to your dealer.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    Robert:
    So...are you going to use borrow it for autocrossing? Bet it'd do a lot better than the 330ix :-)
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