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

thor8 · July 2002

While I can't tell you to buy this or any other vehicle, I can relate my experience with my ML430, is a 99, two years older than the one you are looking at, I have no problems to report other than my front brakes were dragging on rare ocassions, maybe three or four incidents, I took it to the dealer and MB fixed the problem above and beyond of what was necesary, I am still very impressed.
I pull sometimes my boat, a 23 footer (pretty heavy boat) on a tandem axle with no problems and no strain, a particular landing I use is very steep, I like the option of having a deep reduction, it makes the whole affair effortless.

Catastrophic failures are almost unknown in the ML, most problems have been small stuff, a rattle here or there or a switch, etc, things of that nature. If you have a warranty it should take care of a bug here and there, they are not that many and once cured (if any) the vehicle is very trouble free. This horror stories you mention are just that, stories.

Maintenace requierements are no more than any other vehicle, althoug the dealer service is expensive, you can buy your own filters and do your routine maintenance.

After 85K the vehicle is tigth as new and the steering as precise.

jlangmd · July 2002

After running the a/c full blast for over an hour on a scorching day, there appeared a squeak in the dash from near the middle air vents. Sounded like two styrofoam blocks rubbing together. Sound disappeared next time I was in the car. This is a new ML500 with just over 1000km, otherwise seemingly perfect.

Also, owners manual says to baby the engine for the first 1500km. How seriously should I take that?

thor8 · July 2002

"Also, owners manual says to baby the engine for the first 1500km. How seriously should I take that?"

It is agood practice to allow new surfaces to mate to each other under the easiest possible conditions, low speeds reduces friction heat and easy acceleration reduces bearings loads.

psedrish · July 2002

>>After running the a/c full blast for over an >>hour on a scorching day....

Just curious, what passes for scorching up there in the Great North? My '02 ML320 A/C does fine here in the Louisiana bayou.

Phil in N'awlins

jlangmd · July 2002

You might be surprised at our weather. 34 C (about 93 F) today, very high humidity. Probably not extreme considering conditions across the continent, so I was curious why the squeaks?

thor8 · July 2002

Nothing major, some piece of plastic rubbing against something, things shift inside a vehicle, heat expansion, contraction by cooling, a jolt on the road. Couple that with the excellent craftmanship at the Alabama plant, do like I do, I enjoy the first class handling and engineering and tend to ignore the occasional rattle, chirp, etc.

rajesh_pappu · July 2002

With summer in peak here in Georgia and the A/C turned on full blast, I am noticing that when I am stopped at traffic lights, the engine temp on my ML approaching the 100 degree celsius mark. As the car starts to move the engine roars like a Diesel Truck till I reach about 15mph (or 3rd gear) after which it is smooth again and the temp falls back to about 85 degree celsius which usually is the temp that the engine never exceeds. It is almost as if the engine "overheats" only when idling. As long as the vehicle is in motion, the engine does not seem to overheat and sounds normal as well.

Anybody else experiencing this? I see no malfunction indicator lighted up. This usually means that if I take this to a dealership, they run "codes" and tell me that they see nothing wrong and that everything is checking out right. This is the annoying thing I found with cars that use this technology. Unless a code is recorded, the dealership thinks that nothing is wrong. Thanks in advance for any responses.

bobeberhardt · July 2002

On a hot day and stopped in traffic, or in stop and go traffic, it is normal for the temperature gauge to reach 100 C. In fact, Mercedes indicates that you should not be concerned until the temperature gauge exceeds 120 C. I have a 2000 ML 320 and a 1995 C 280 and both these cars behave this way when the temperature outside is above 90 F and the traffic is stop and go or stopped.

Also, if you notice on the temperature gauge, the "red zone" does not start until you go over 120 C.

rajesh_pappu · July 2002

Thanks for your reply Bob. I noticed the increase in temp of the engine only after the engine started to roar more like a diesel engine than a gasoline engine. Is this normal behavior? Thanks for your post.

bobeberhardt · July 2002

The "roar" that you are hearing is most likely the sound that is coming from the "engine" radiator fan. This fan is attached to the engine by a viscous clutch that allows the fan to spin freely when not needed but as the engine temperature rises that clutch progressively engages until it is fully locked. Under the conditions you describe (engine temperature of 100 C) it is most likely fully engaged and the "roar" us the sound of the fan spinning at full speed.

I hope this calms some of your concerns.

mhenderson1 · July 2002

I am in the market to purchase an SUV. My wife likes the ML320, but my response to that is that looks aren't everything. Yes the ML series seems to fit me well (I'm 6'6" with long legs) and it also seems to ride nice, but I am having a problem with purchasing a vehicle that has long standing problems. I went to a reputable (got information through checkbook magazine) Mercedes repair shop in which the mechanic told me that if i wanted to purchase a new or used ML, make sure that you have money in the bank after the warranty runs out (for a new one) and make sure you have at least $5K in the bank when purchasing a used one (for repairs). He stated that Mercedes is bringing out new technology before it is thoroughly tested just to stay ahead of its competitors. Yes this is a Mercedes mechanic telling me this. My question is for the 2001-2002 ML series, do you think that this vehicle's quality has increased, or is Mercedes just hanging on until the next new model series comes out. I'm trying to hold until the next Toyota 4 runner and Lexus GX470 come out later this year. But I would like to have something before the fall/winter season. Also,for those of you who own ML 320's or 430's, do you use this truck as a primary vehecle or a secondary one (meaning you only use on weekends or certain occasions), and what prices have you been getting lately?

thor8 · July 2002

My experience has been,

I first purchased my 99 ML430 in 1999 or late 98, new, after my purchase I started to get involved in chats like this one for the only purpouse of entertaiment. I was not aware that I had a quality problem other than reading opinions and then reading a couple of surveys, by the general consensus I had bougth the worst vehicle made, if you believe the opinions of those that never had one or sat their behind in it. Going into 4 years now I only had a few squeaks and rattles (upholstery and trim related) and that is on rare occassions, never bothered with the dealer, the only problem I had was with my brakes dragging a little, after the third or fourth incident in 3 1/2 years I took it to the dealer, the repair was beyond and above of what I expected, first class.

I dont know what your mechanic is talking about unproven new technologies, if there is one thing I never heard about is engine and transmissions problems of the catastrophic type. Both of the engines have been award winners for several years now. There was an issue with the fuel pump cloging up but long ago resolved. The wast majority of the problems reported are the annoying type, a switch, a rattle, a brake squeal etc, MB is very good at resolving the issues and once properly cured they are not recurring.

I have several vehicles so I tend to use them at whim, but for the last two years or more I use my ML to tow my jet skies about 2500lbs or my boat over 5000lbs, for a long distance. On very steep ramps the low range is a plus, it pulls that heavy load with no strain. If you look underneath you will see the heavy build and the very large transmission.

The general agreement is that the problems encountered are of the execution type at the Alabama plant, the only thing that comes from Germany is the engine and drive and problems with it are again, almost unheard off.

pathdoc · July 2002

I have a ML430 purchased in Oct. 98 (99 Model). I have had numerous Mercedes over the years (mostly S coupes, sedans and SL's). I currently have a 99 S500to use when I need space but drive a 2001 XKR convertible daily. The numerous problems that I had with the ML was partially responsible for my purchase of the Jag which has been essentially trouble free. I never had so many problems with any auto that I had with the ML (electrical, security system/locks,squeaks/rattles,wind noise/seal leaks,fuel gauge, etc.). No vehicle had ever been in the shop for 2 weeks (locks/security system) before. I never had a problem with the power train however(made in Germany). With the exception of the squeaks and rattles the problems have been sorted out. I would assume that most of these problems have been fixed in used vehicles but would try to get as late a model as possible. I have to say that it is a great handling vehicle. I am even considering a ML500 later this year or next. I do want to take a look at the Lexus GX 470.
I still have several of my older Mercedes and belong to the Mercedes Club so it pains me to see the deterioration in quality and service (the most recent CSI has Mercedes below average) that has occurred over the last 25 years. I hope the can turn it around.

thor8 · July 2002

Well basically you are rigth, it has been a problem of execution at their plant in Alabama due to numerous reasons. Also consider that most of the problems you had are with components parts bougth from suppliers or subcontractors and not manufactured by MB, like switches, electronics, wires, pumps, electric motors, gages, dash, upholstery, suspension and conectors, even the body panels are sub out, the plant all it does is to receive all this stuff and puts it together, nothing is made by MB at their plant in Ala. The only thing genuine is the engine and transmission and drive and that comes from Germany.

The erosion in quality especially with the ML has reached scandalous proportions in the German press to the point that the new CEO admited the situation and in a press interview in Spain he said it was his personal agenda to reverse this situation and the first steps have been implemented to clamp down on suppliers and their quality to the risk of losing their contracts.

desmo888 · July 2002

I am in the market for a used SUV. To make a long story short we (wife and I) drove a new ML320 today and loved it. My budget only allows a used one.
From what I understand, the '00 model had the 3rd seat access modified as well as the 3rd seat removal. Is the "early" 3rd seat access (tilting forward of the 2nd seat) and removal that bad?
The '02 (same as '00) had extremely easy access and removal. Salesman said earlier ones were a PIA.
Please comment - anyone!

Thanks,
Dave
'00 T&C soon to be ML320

stever · July 2002

Road Test Follow-Up

Steve
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tidester · July 2002

MB is about to introduce headlamps that swivel to illuminate the road ahead as you turn. It's about time! You can find the article here.

tidester
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machaneni · July 2002

Hello,

I just wanted to know if there are any deals going for 2002 ML320. I wanted to trade my 2000ML.Thanks for the information

Vic

bobeberhardt · July 2002

In North Carolina, Mercedes dealers are offering remaining 2002 ML320's for $500 over dealer invoice in an effort to clear out remaining stock before the 2003's arrive.

mcaleer · July 2002

I failed to extend the Mercedes warranty in the first year of ownership of my '99 ML 320. I now have 2.5 years and 49,00 miles, with no problems. Lisa Lehrman has offered the 7 year, 75,000 mile Chrysler warranty with $100 deductible for $2,085. Anybody have experience with this warranty at Mercedes service departments?

airbur · July 2002

I'm not a big Mercedes fan and I know this is the SUV forum, but I spotted a Mercedes Minivan that was covered with heavy body cladding on I70 between Denver and Vail in CO. I was even able to snap 4 digital photos. This may not be a big surprise to anyone but again, I'm not real up on this manufacturer. Anyone interested in the pics, let me know here.

saturnvue1 · July 2002

The ML's $500 over invoice, what is the invoice amount for a 02 ML320? A MB salesman told me last week the 02's were around $42,000. Thanks....

bobeberhardt · July 2002

To determine the invoice the price with the options on the vehicle that you are considering, go to Edmund's "New" vehicle pricing information. This will give you the accurate information that you desire.

angelboing · July 2002

thanks!

angel

rs64 · July 2002

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/a-class/photo1.htm

airbur · July 2002

That is not the MiniVan I saw. I will post the pictures shortly.

airbur · July 2002

Here is the link. Click on the yellow folder when you get there:

http://photos.yahoo.com/airbur

budinct · July 2002

I purchased my new ML in March and now with 5000 miles on the truck, I can definitely say that I love it.

So far zero quality issues.

I enjoy the ride and the roominess of the vechicle.

Sure, there are little things that I would suggest for future models, which, have been discussed previously.

As far as deals on end of the year, I have heard of $1500 incentives ala 2001. When I purchased mine, I got it for $300 over invoice. I think any dealer now would sell it for $500 over, I think you can do better than that.

mkwame · August 2002

I had my wife's MY2000 ML320 at the dealer for "A" service. I got a call from the dealer the front brake pads are bad and they need replacement asap at a cost of $562.00. The mileage on car is almost 28k. I declined the service. I can purchase the pads from same dealer for about $140.00 and install them in under 1 hr. Can someone tell me at what mileage to replace the air filter in the ML.

thor8 · August 2002

That kind of chickanery is what makes owning a vehicle a sour experience, according to the figures that leaves 420$ for labor to change the pads, also consider that the dealer gets his parts considerably cheaper than what you are paying for. I understand they have overhead costs but that is absurd, we do not make 420$ that easy, do we?

About the air filter have you ckecked the owners manual? if it does not say, as a rule 20 to 30k is the norm, a lot depends on the enviroment the vehicle operates, the first thing to do is to make a visual inspection.

jasonj734 · August 2002

Anyone have a copy of their Navigation 6 CD they would be willing to part with (I'll pay or trade for it). I have Section 5 but am going on a trip to Cleveland for a weekend and while it would be nice to have it is not worth the $135 that Navtech wants for it. Please e-mail me if you can help jasonj734@yahoo.com

birger · August 2002

Hi, Airbur

I wanted to check out the photos of the future MB minivan you spotted - but the album your link pointed to was empty (last modification made yesterday 8/31). How come? Someone big from MB breathed down your neck??

Please post them back if you can - TIA.

Cheers,
Birger

noelbong · August 2002

The pictures reminded me of the old Ford Aerostar. Boxy to say the least. I think the styling can be improved. It is plain ugly, IMO.

metropico · August 2002

Hi: I'm in Miami, new to the board, interested in buying a 2001 ML-55. I love the idea of driving an SUV HotRod but wonder if these vehicles are great to own, and if so, why they are discounted almost $20G from new. Comments, anyone? TIA

thor8 · August 2002

For what I understand not too many people are into a hot road SUV and sales are slow, in fact this is the last year of production so now or never. They are the same to own as any other ML, no particular problem, designed by AMG the Mercedes in house tuner, you are not buying an aftermarket put togeheter but a factory hot road like any other AMG version.

In fact in the mbnz.org ML board there is a discussion going on rigth now about the ML 55.

http://12.103.217.166/forums/w163/list.asp

airbur · August 2002

They should be up now. Sorry about that.

http://photos.yahoo.com/airbur

gloriad · August 2002

I have a 2002 ML320 with 17K miles with no issues until now. When I fill the tank with gas the gauge only reads 3/4 full. After a day or so it can read 7/8 full. It won't let me add any more gas. I tried another station and the gas fill lever never clicked off and gas spilled out all over the place. Also, I've noticed green fluid leaking on the garage floor under the radiator. Has anyone experienced any of the above?
On a side issue I need to rotate the tires again. The first time they rotated front to back. This time I want them to cross rotate. I have always rotated tires on all my vehicles this way & have gotten thousand's more miles on the tires, but I've never done it on a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Is it OK to do this? Thanks for your input.

poc911 · August 2002

I'm currently in the market for an SUV. So far, I'm looking at the 320, X5 and perhaps the MDX. I really like the 320, but after reading a lot of the quality issues that have occured with this model, I have some reservation about getting it. I know the same holds true w/ the X5, as well.

If anyone can provide a link for a review of the '03 model I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

ronayang · August 2002

Hi, does anyone know why Edmunds removed the long term test on the ML320? The first article was posted in June this year. I'm intrigued to find out what have happened to the car.

tidester · August 2002

It's right here and hasn't gone away.

tidester
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mhenderson1 · August 2002

I am considering purchasing an SUV soon and I am looking at a few now and waiting for some to be released in the next month or so. So far, I am looking at the ML320 and GMC's Yukon Denali. My question with these two vehicles is that the gas mileage in the ML 320 is rated around 14-16mpg using mid-grade fuel. The Denali is rated 12-15mpg using regular fuel. Am I spending the same amount for fuel if I purchased the Denali over the ML class since regular fuel is cheaper than mid-grade? Another way to look at this question: Is fuel consumption more important than the gas price for a particular vehicle, or are they the same?

djdj · August 2002

First, the ML requires 91 fuel which is premium around here not mid-grade.
Second, mileage is dependent on the driver. I've gotten 20 mpg regularly on my ML320 if I stay on the highway a fair amount and don't over accelerate.
Third, SUV owners don't care about gas mileage.
Fourth, these are very different vehicles. I debated about Tahoe when I was looking at the ML because the Tahoe rides really nice on the highway. But on street roads they are bears compared to the ML; in parking lots there is no comparison; and on country roads the ML's ride and handling make it just plain fun to drive.

If I had two kids instead of three, I might have gone for the Sequoia for the extra room. Fortunately I don't need that extra space because I love driving the ML and I've never regretted buying it (except when the dealer gave me an SLK320 loaner).

saturnvue1 · August 2002

I have wanted a ML320 since they were first on the mkt. I have just bought a new Saturn which is a good car so far, except for one thing, it's not my dream car. I looked at a ML '98 w/60k and a starmark warranty for 2yrs, but chickened out after reading about maintainence costs, mileage, etc. The truth is I still want one bad and realize that I made a mistake not getting what I want.

Am I in a dream world or what? Would anybody in their right mind trade a 2002 for a 98 vehicle with a bad reputatiion? What do you think? Is it worth it?

PS The '98 is the only year that I can afford and it's taken this long for it to get in my price range, so buying a newer ML is not an option for me.

jjsmitty69 · August 2002

I have a 2000 ML320 and was wondering if anyone has changed their own oil? Is it hard to do? Any info would be appreciated.

thor8 · August 2002

No, is not worth it, how can you justify to trade a new car for a 4 or 5 year old vehicle (and first year production) with 60K, you feel like you made a bad decision by not buying your dream car, OK those were wishes, but this is economics, reality. Two wrongs do not make one rigth.

I would not do it.

mhenderson1 · August 2002

The reason why the 98s where priced low is because the 98s were considered a bad year. There were a lot of problems with the ML series, since (I think I am correct) it was the first year of the ML 320.

ronayang · August 2002

tidester, I'm wondering how you got to this page (did you bookmark it from before?). I no longer see ml320 under the "current long term test" section. And there hasn't been any updates since Jun 3rd?

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/longterm/articles/

tidester · August 2002

ronayang,

What I had originally done was to click on "Helpful Links" which features the '02 ML320. It's possible the screen I see may be a little different from the one you see.

However, you can find the articles by going to the Longterm Road-Tests page that you referenced. Once there, type ML320 into the input box at the top right then click the search button.

Several articles will be listed including the one of interest to you and which is current.

Let me know if you still have trouble finding it.

tidester
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stever · August 2002

I see what you mean - it is curious that the ML 320 isn't on the Long Term page. It should be under the Past Vehicles section if we no longer are driving it at the main office. But it's late so maybe I'm overlooking something :-)

We'll check it out!

Steve
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rs64 · August 2002

It was very easy to change the oil in my 2000 ML and I used a topsider device to suck the oil out. Sure beats getting dirty under the car. If you have ever changed the oil in any car, you can do this.

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

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