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

mac320 · December 2003

Can't dis the MDX because I know someone who bought one and his family likes it a lot but to be fair, I do not think that it is in the same class as the ML500. I think you'll agree after owning yours that the ML500 beats out the competition in many areas including value (we got the deal you were looking for on our '03, which included Xenons).

The MDX did seem to have a nice NAV unit and it's comfortable to ride in (the ML's DVD-based NAV is improved too over the CD-based unit in our old '00 ML430). The MDX's wheelbase is about half a foot shorter whereas the body is about half a foot longer and yet the cargo capacity is only about the same. However, the ML has a much higher payload capacity--probably by about 500 lbs or more--and that means it will carry more weight and probably will drive and handle much better when loaded down with the same weight, such as when full of adults.

The ML500 has an awesome set of brakes too: huge rotors front and back and the big 275s on all four corners provide excellent wet braking performance. If you haven't already, you'll probably enjoy reading the Wards Auto review about the ML500's engine (one of the ten best in the world) at: http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_wards_ten_best/

racso1 · December 2003

Any news on the new 05 ML. Any pics

kiiwii · December 2003

don't forget that MDX is based on Honda Odyssey! if you need a mini van and don't want to look like a soccer mom/dad, get the MDX.

ams17 · December 2003

I have a 2000 ML320 that is approaching the end of the warranty period. I like all of the others on this board have had my share of problems. My question is what do you guys think - trade it in or keep it. Up to this point it hadn't cost me anything to fix. However, I wonder what it will start to cost? What have you been paying for the "A" and "B" service once you are out of warranty? This may help me to decide if I want to keep this any longer.

mac320 · December 2003

Warning: read no further unless you really may want to buy a new car . . .

We traded our '00 ML430 with about 74K miles for an '03 ML500. The 430 was our first MB and the best SUV ever.

Now, the 500, is so much better, although it's hard to describe why when reason tells me that objectively it must be just incrementally so. There have been many improvements in the last 3 years that a previous ML owner will notice and appreciate.

My neighbor just bought a new Escalade--Cad's luxury/smaller SUV that is more the size of the ML (i.e., it's built on the smaller Yukon frame rather than the Suburban frame, but it's still bigger than a ML)--and its MSRP is much more than a ML500. If not fully recognized before, I think MLs would now have to recognized as value leaders.

markjenn · December 2003

I also have 2000 ML320 and it has not been trouble-free. But most of the problems have been minor, so after giving it a lot of thought, I'm soldiering on, now 6K miles out of warranty and so far, without problem.

When it came down to trading a few months ago, I ran the math. The ML would have fetched maybe $18K in trade vs. $30K for a new SUV. (I decided I'd go with a Pilot - good value and good reliability.) But when it came time to do the deal, it just didn't seem like a good value to shell out $13K (w/taxes and fees) additional for an SUV I really didn't like as much as the one I was driving.

I figure I can spend $1500/year for the next five years on repairs and be well, well ahead. (If I get a $5K transmission or engine bill however, it will not be so good.) I want to take a break from the $15K I've spent every 3-4 years on a new vehicle. I just feel like there is a lot more value than $18K in my current ML.

My dealer is getting about $250 for an A and $500 for a B. For that reason, I'll do most of the work myself and find a good independent garage to do the stuff I can't. That's the silver lining in the dark cloud of having a car out of warranty - you can actually develop a relationship with a good independent mechanic you know/trust rather than being another smuck in the waiting area of your local dealer's bloated service department.

Warranties are expensive and relatively inefficient safety nets that you pay big bucks for every time you buy a new car.

Just my $0.02.

- Mark

ams17 · December 2003

Thanks for the response. I believe we have also decided to keep it and take our chances. I need new tires and was wondering if you had to replace yours yet? What did you replace them with? I have been looking at Michelin Cross Terains or Goodyear Fortera HL. Any thoughts?

kullenberg · December 2003

My 99 ML430 is less than a year out of warranty, and last week a check eng lite was sourced in a failing mass air flow sensor, which was a $500+ item to replace. That's the sort of thing that can kill you, if it happens often. I had decided not to go with an extended warranty, and put aside money to self insure. That bill ate up a large portion of what I had put aside. The ML goes this spring!

ams17 · December 2003

My gas gauge read a half of tank of gas but I only put 80 miles on. When I filled up it only took 4 gallons of gas. What gives? Any ideas? Anyone??

markjenn · December 2003

I had a go-around with my dealer six months ago about fuel pumps and they say that fuel gauge problems are related to the pumps.

I had a stalling problem under high ambient temps and heavey loads and given the checkered history of fuel pump problems in the ML, I thought for sure I was looking at a fuel pump that was dying under load at high temps.

MB agreed it might be the fuel pump, but ran a bunch of diagnostics with the factory service rep and finally decided it was more likely a crank position sensor. Since this was cheaper to replace than a fuel pump, they said they wanted to replace it first and then do the fuel pump if the symptoms persist. In 5K miles, the truck has been symptom free, but then, the weather has been cool. I am crossing my fingers as I would think a marginal fuel pump would have failed all-together by now.

In this process, my advisor said that his dealership has replaced a lot of ML fuel pumps, but mostly due to faulty fuel level indications, rather than fuel pumping problems. The outright failures of the pump tend to be confined to the 98s and 99s. Apparantly, the fuel level indicator is integral with the fuel pump. Take this all wilth a grain of salt - I'm just relaying what he said.

I wouldn't panic about this. I'd see long-term how it behaves and whether the problems are consistent. The fuel pump is a fairly pricey repair out of warranty - I think $600 or so. I could certainly live with a faulty fuel indication in the first 4th of a tank to safe a $600 repair. I've noticed on occasion that my fuel level drops very quickly through the 1st quarter of a tank, but that usually it levels out and is pretty much accurate by 1/2 tank.

I've completely pleased with the tires I put on at 35K miles - Michelin LTX M/S in the stock sizes. These are the earlier generation from the current generation Michelin Cross Terrains, but I have a friend who puts 30K miles a year on an Explorer and he gets well over 75K miles out of these tires. In 20K, they have no detectable wear that I can tell and they work great in the snow.

Hope this helps,

- Mark

diesel11 · December 2003

I have a 2003 ML 350 Inspiration edition. I am very happy with it. Excellent off-roader that can be washed and then used as a nice luxury ride into town.

Recently while driving at night I noticed that the BAS/ESP light came on. This did not affect handling at all. When I arrived home I turned off the vehicle and re-started it and the light was no longer on. It has remained off for the last 200 miles. Anything to worry about?

Also, do people really think that it's OK to wait the 12,000 miles between oil changes. I know that's what the manual says, but really?

markjenn · December 2003

I have had intermittent BAS/ESP lights come on (simultaneously) perhaps six or eight times in 56K of driving. I've mentioned it on several service visits and they did something on one of them, but if they go out within a restart or two, I mostly ignore them. My experience is that MB products are very finicky about their diagnostics lights and if they reset, they're not worth worrying about.

Oil change intervals are a religious debate and you can make a case for longer or shorter as its a cost/hassle vs. engine life tradeoff question and we don't have good data on exactly what the tradeoff is. If you're just planning on owning the vehicle through the warranty period, I'd just go with what MRS says. If you are planning on owning the vehicle long-term and want to do the very best for the engine, I'd do extra oil changes at the halfway point. Unfortunately, they're expensive with the MB: 8 or 9 qts of synthetic. If you're going with the MRS, I'd try and bring it in at the very beginning of when it calls for maintenance (about 1K before). I've even had the dealer do mine for free about 1.5K before it is actually due by telling them I was going on a trip and didn't want to have to find a MB dealer mid-trip.

- Mark

mac320 · December 2003

We have an '03. It has the ESP button right in the middle on the bottom row above the ashtray. Maybe that button was hit: I did that once.

About oil, our first ML was a 430 which we traded at around 74K and the oil always looked like new at the 12K plus intervals (same color as if right out of the container). And, I never had to add oil between intervals.

The cars that I know about since about 1990 came with dino oil and specified intervals at 7.5K. Our neighbor recently purchased a new FX45 and I was surprised that it didn't come with synthetic and had the usual 7.5K interval.

I think it is the new synthetics and having an engine with such close tolerances that make longer intervals a reality, in conjuction with a FSS system. I also think that using premium fuel should help but you can get arguments on that.

Not all synthetics are approved for use for MB's FSS. Also, if you were to tow a lot, in high heat, and do a lot of stop and go driving, mountain driving, and use at high altitudes, the oil takes more of a beating that mainly freeway driving and the FSS system shortens the interval.

pablo_l · December 2003

The headlights seem oddly inaccessible - is there some trick to change the bulbs?

Thanks!

mercara · December 2003

I would agree with MarkJenn.

I have an 1999 ML320 with 57.5 K miles on it. I was considering getting a new car only because of MB's spotty reliablity record. But, I did the math and figured I could keep my truck for a couple of more years. It will still be a lot cheaper than making payments on a new one.

Besides, I like my truck. I extremely satisfied with it so far.

mkwame · December 2003

I have a 2000 ML320 that clocked the 50k mile over the weekend so I am officially out of warranty.
The list below is my share of problems with the ML but the dealer, New Country of Hartford, CT and my SA, have been extremely helpful during the warranty period and I am very pleased with their service.

Issues during the warranty period

Arm rest bubbling at 15k (dealer replaced arm rest)
Glue substance on the found on front windows (dealer removed window panels to fix problem)
I Replaced all 4 tires at 28K
Lost power steering lower hose clamp (dealer fixed the hose clamp and also replaced the rack and opinion assembly. The vehicle was towed from my home on 2 separate occasion before problemwas fixed properly).
Front brake pads gone by 32k (I did pretty well considering what I have read on this board about the brakes on ML. I replaced the pads myself with OEM pads)
Air Condition system not blowing cold air. (Dealer recharge A/C system)
With each visit to dealer to I complained about drivers side mirror vibration at highway speed. (It was never fixed to my satisfaction I learned to live with it)
Right headlight bulb dead at 40k (dealer replaced bulb)
One of the license plate lights died (dealer replaced bulb)
Security Alarm triggers by itself (fixed at least 3 times including replacing all keys to the ML)
Dealer replaced frozen speed sensor during a FSS B service
Dash light for transmission gear selector dead (dealer replaced bulb)
Power steering recall (Dealer tighened the clamp)
Drivers side power window failed at 42K
Arm rest is bubbling again at 49k (Dealer replaced arm rest It was not that bad but I took advantage of warranty and had it replaced again)

*** At 50k, I still have about 10% left on the rear brake pads I am on the original battery.
ML was kept overnight at dealer's garage on 5 different occasion. (I was alwys given new model Toyota Camry as a loaner except for my last service on 12/10/03, they gave me a stinky Thrifty Car Rental Dodge Neon

tiger2doll · December 2003

Hi All,

I got the Check Engine Light on my 02 ML500 last weekend. Took it to the shop - it seems the Charcoal Canister in the Fuel System got screwed up !! What the hell is a Charcoal Canister ? Does anyone else have the same problem ? Is it due to bad fuel ? I live in the SF Bayarea and have always filled Shell Premium fuel. Any thoughts ?

Regards,
Tiger2doll

markjenn · December 2003

The charcoal canister is a system to absorb fuel vapors from the fuel tank when the car is sitting. When you start it up, the canister is purged and the vapors are drawn into the engine and burned. Most cars these days have them.

There is a rumor that if you persist in topping off the fuel tank on the ML, that you can overflow the tank and fill the canister with raw gas which causes all sorts of problems. I have had issues where the fuel nozzle would repeatedly trip prematurely so I was forced to top off, but then had another instance where doing this caused fuel to overflow some vent. The ML filler seems sensitive to different nozzle cutoffs and geometries - some folks have had a lot of trouble just getting the nozzle to go in.

If you regularly top off, you might try not doing this.

- Mark

tiger2doll · December 2003

Hi,

It seems the Purge Valve in the canister concked off. They had to replace it and it is now holding pressure. The SA mentioned that Shell Gasoline has a high %age of Sulphur - which is corrosive. He recommends to fill Chevron with Techron - supposedly better for the Fuel System & also cleans the Fuel Injectors.

I am appalled at the problems this Mercedes is having. I have owned a Mazda, Toyota and Lexus in the past and have never had such ridiculous issues happen. My brother has owned GM, Ford and a couple Japanese brands - and never had such issues. The ML is a patethic excuse of a vehicle built by MBZ. Either some morons designed the parts or the installers at the factory are dumb idiots - how can a 50k Mercedes have such issues. Total lack of Quality Control at the Alabama Plant. I guess they hired any Tom, Dick & Harry and made them assemble this POS.

I am going to give it a couple more months and definitely get rid of it before the warranty expires.

Anyways, since I have vented my anger at this car - Happy Holidays to all of you.

Regards,
Rahul

nofeer · December 2003

originally posted in m class problems but no advice yet, need help

i hope this is not a big $$$$ problem need your advice

98 ml320 70k miles
when hard accelerating upshifting hesitates from 2-3rd
and it hangs at 3800rpm and struggles to go above 55-58mph
moderate acceleration, not apreciable delays or weird upshifts but worries me if i have to hard pass someone, regular driving nothing noticable
if i manually shift and hard accelerate similar problem
help but not with manual shifting and moderate hard acceleration, Hmmmmm

sidenote--i'll never buy another MB product again--period i would have done better with a ford or chevy, jd powers and consumer reports agrees. MB says they are really working at this--BIG DEAL they are losing their base, i suggest audi, toyota, honda etc, not MB

will drive this "very average" vehicle for another 3-4 months then a minivan i was hoping to drive this till next fall may not be able to, if this thing needs a new trans ill donate it to goodwill, i'm not putting another dime--if its simple adjustment ok but if big $$$forget it
Ref---#204(m class problems board) this 98 had more problems than other years, my friends ml55 were the first 2 years they were out, they won't buy another MB product either, so out of 3 vehicles the re-purchase rate is 0, thats' 100% won't buy again Hey what i said was my and my associates opinion just beware

It's amazing how many posts about "getting rid of this thing" jd powers says MB has had the fastest fall in quality then any recent brand, i believe it. expensive, weird electrical gremlins, i don't know many repeat MB buyers...do you? MB is losing it's base while lexus, infinity etc are building, hey with products like the m class which could be class leaders in all area, it's a shame

as a side note to the post of 7293, MB has become Chrysler in quality the merger hurt MB way more than improved chrysler. Wow probably be one of the worst mergers in history, When people get burned, it doen'st take them long to give up the star and get some reliability. It's across the line, the old style s class last of the quality cars, i know s class owners with same problem, and still no dvd based nav system, pathetic is right. never again, and i tell as many people who will listen

markjenn · December 2003

Impossible to diagnose given your description - I'm a little unsure whether you're talking about a tranny that won't upshift at all or that has a bit of a hesitation.

In any event, given your anti-MB rant, it sounds like you're planning on selling, so unless the problem is really serious, let it slide. If it were my vehicle with 70K, I'd probably get a fluid change and have the shop check diagnostic codes. It might be something simple or it might not. Without further info, can't say.

- Mark

nofeer · December 2003

went to MB for check engine lite
Mass air flow sensor needs replaced as does the airfilter
298+30 filter+120 labor
i can get this on line for 211 is it hard to replace, is it something to attempt replacing??

wkwong66 · December 2003

it happen to me too, the check engine light came on. 00 ml320. i called the service department and it must be a common problem, the first thing they asked me was if I had just recently purchase gas, and to check to see if the gas cap is on correctly and tie with at least three clicks. i checked, and found it was not closed closed properly by the person filling up my gas. They told me to close the cap again and the light should go off within 100 miles. and they were right, the service engine light was off within 100 driving miles. That's technolgy for you. These cars checks for everything.

zfrank · December 2003

My wife has a 2001 ML320 w/out a cd player. She has seen portable cd players by sony/jvc etc. that have a cassette player adapter and 12v adapter for cars. Has anyone tried one of these in a MB? Do they work, and if so any brand recommendations?

nofeer · December 2003

yes but messy with cords adapters etc. you can add a cd changer or get an ipod. if you have a cd changer added, have the installer also install a line out to connect to an mmp3 player or ipod(see the honda element it has one), then you can just connect your ipod and have it laying on the console or a dash mount holder. this is what i'm planning to do. my wife has an ipod, her entire 3500 song library is available to her all the time....she is mesmorized by this and iTunes store, totally cool and hi tech. she says it's the BEST SHE COULD EVER HOPE FOR I got majoy gold stars for this. with the ipod there are no cd holders or clutter, iTunes is "INVENTION OF THE YEAR" for good reason. such an elegant solution, then she can take the ipod with her, and you can connect direct to your home stereo. I did this, it was so simple and elegant, my wife is so impressed she bought an iBook and went total apple. IT'S THE BOMB, and she can take it with her, my wife uses it everywhere helps her as she says" buffer's my life from the noise and clutter around me"

tiger2doll · December 2003

Hi all,

Returned from a trip to Lake Tahoe in my 02 ML500 with 17k miles. The trip was fine and the car handles very well in snow. While driving through snow on Hwy 50 when I applied the brakes - they kicked back a couple times - like a pulsating motion. It was as if the car did not want to get the brakes applied. Is this normal ? It was a strange experience - you apply the brakes and they kick back - they don't wanna get applied. When we were out of snow the braking resumed to normal - no kick back or pulsating action. Do I need to worry ?

Thanks,
Rahul

nofeer · December 2003

isn't this the antilock brakes working, with traction control??look in your owners manual

markjenn · December 2003

This is the ABS system telling you it is working. Completely normal.

If you are in a situation where you're braking and this occurs, it is vitally important that you continue to brake and steer the car - don't back out of the brakes just because this is happening. The ABS system is warning you that you're overbraking for the traction available, but you want to continue braking as necessary, let the ABS continue to do its job, and steer the vehicle around any obstacles

If this is news to you, I'd strongly suggest you look at the owner's manual and read up a little on how these safety systems function. Skid control is another such system that you need to be aware of what is going on. If you're aware, they can save your life, but you need to know what your car is telling you.

- Mark

rickl6 · December 2003

I am looking at a used 03 ML500 with 13k miles. Never owned a MBZ before. Can anyone tell me what the scheduled mntce cost run. I understand the warranty is good for 4yr/50k mi. Do you have to pay for anything other than normal wear and tear items such as tires/brakes etc. during these scheduled visits?

Thanks

Rick

markjenn · December 2003

The free maintenance covers everything except normal wear/tear items (tires, brakes, etc.), and some have managed to get brakes covered if the wear rate is excessive enough to make a warranty claim.

Beyond this, most dealers get about $300 for an A service and $600 for a B, occasionally higher if they do things like brake or AF fluid changing. These alternative about anually at 12k miles/year annual driving rate. Good independent garages run a little less. In addition, you're almost certain to get stung a time or two a year for a major repair.

- Mark

sydney6 · December 2003

Hello all,

It's been a very long time since I posted here (since back in the "Drew" days!).

My 2000 ML320 has the drivers-side brake light out. I want to change it myself, but don't have a service manual. I can easily get the two large screws out from the jam area of the rear hatch, but there seems to be a third attachment toward the front that I can't get to, and don't want to force it.

Anybody have some ideas?

Thanks

markjenn · December 2003

I could be wrong, but I recall lamp replacement procedures for all the exterior lights being covered in the owner's manual. And my guess is that after you remove those screws, you just need to use a little more force to get it to come loose at the front.

- Mark

nofeer · December 2003

it's easy however the unit connects with these push in plastic pins, just pull and slightly rotate they pop on and pop back in as a total unit. good luck

sydney6 · December 2003

Thanks Mark. I'll check the owners manual (guess I should have thought of that first!)

I suspect more force will be required, but I don't want to break somthing, either.

Thanks

sydney6 · December 2003

on me. So there is just a snap fit thingy at the leading edge corner?

she1122 · December 2003

I had a problem with my above system when the phones became intermittent and finally would not connect at all. The local MB dealer first asked us to buy the $78 coil cord and this did nothing for the problem. We took it back yesterday and they warranted the "head unit" for free. The service advisor inform us before this replacement that all address book (GPS location) information would be lost with the replacement of this head unit and there was no way to download the stored information of stored locations into the new unit. Upon returning the vehicle to us, we found the problem solved but to our surprise the memory of all the GPS locations were intact? We are confused. Do you think they just reset and reinstalled the origional unit or is there a way to transfer the data from one unit to the next? The vehicle will go out of warranty in March 04 and we do not wish to persue a negative course of action in the future with MB.

markjenn · December 2003

I don't know these GPS systems, but I believe the location data is stored in a HD separate from the head unit and this HD was obviously retained during the repair. My guess is that your service advisor is spring-loaded to tell people they may lose their data just to be on the safe side, or perhaps he didn't understand what was being replaced either.

- Mark

cdic · December 2003

I have had a couple of the command display units replaced under warranty yet I always retained my location data. I think the location data is stored in the nav module that is installed with this option.

Anyone report in on the DVD based Nav unit yet? I find the MB Nav system great here in the northeast. But places like Delaware and some southern states don't seem to have hardly any road coverage dispite there being a CD for a given area. I was wondering if the DVD improved the road coverage. MB website makes it sound like we could have it installed in our older ML's.

sydney6 · January 2004

Yes, the owners manual shows exactly how to change all the exterior bulbs. (Thanks Mark)

NoFear: yes, the lighting unit has a snap-in feature, and just a bit more muscle will pop it out.

Got all my bulbs replaced successfully. By the way, at the same time I lost the drivers side low beam headlight, drivers and center brake lights! What are the chances of that?

Thanks for the help and advice.

nofeer · January 2004

does someone make a brighter lamp bulb replacement, my 98 lights high and low are weak i should call them "dims" not lights, i don't think silverstar makes a replacement what has others used??

has anyone replaced a air flow meter thing mine needs replaced. is it something i could do?? MB wants $320 to do it (ouch) that includes a $30 airfilter which i just bought at advance auto for $16

drewniany · January 2004

have a '99 ML 320 and I would like to install the original in dash phone unit. From reading my Mercedes Owners manual as well as the original car brochure I understand, that every M-Class is factory prepared for portable cell phone and In-dash control unit system. Here are my questions:

How difficult is to install the unit? Has anyone done it?
Does the installation has to be performed by Mercedes dealer in order to have the phone integrated with the radio and the sound system or anything else I am not aware of?
How do I activate the phone since I already have a local service provider? Is this done by a dealer and do I have to pay an additional fee for the service?
I also understand that I need an additional hand held unit needed to program the In-dash unit in my car. What else I need to purchase in order to have this unit fully operational?

I appreciate your assistance,

Sincerely,
Richard S. Mleczko

mercara · January 2004

Hi Sydney6,

Ah!! Good old Drew. What ever happened to him. If I remember he had a spat with Edmunds. Used to be host on this board.

ML's are so predictable. The problems are standard in all their cars. Those of you who have replaced the driver side power window switch raise their hands.

My brake light and driver side low beam lamp has died too. What a coincidence??? I just got a rear brake lamp from pep boys and am looking for a more powerfull low beam bulb. I think the original one is too bad and drive with my fogs on most of the time. Since the fogs are kind of focussed on to the road it never troubles drivers in the opposite lant.

Tony

kullenberg · January 2004

Since the warranty ran out in May, I've spent nearly $1500 maintaining this POS. My lease runs out at the end of Apr. Fortunately, I have a Subaru to drive. I think I'm gonna park this thing, until I turn it it, and get another Subaru!!
Cheers
Pat ( a disillusioned MB owner)

allnation · January 2004

The unit will cost you $1500 + plus installation. If I were you, I wouldn't waste $ on the phone. Buy yourself a hand-free unit that support bluetooth(wireless).

You have a 99 ML. I wouldn't put $ into 99 ML. Use that $ to buy a newer model.

nofeer · January 2004

99 ML430 Problems by kullenberg Jan 10, 2004 (7:39 pm)

Since the warranty ran out in May, I've spent nearly $1500 maintaining this POS. My lease runs out at the end of Apr. Fortunately, I have a Subaru to drive. I think I'm gonna park this thing, until I turn it it, and get another Subaru!!
Cheers
Pat ( a disillusioned MB owner)

so where is the "engineering" in this, i've had enough problems with mine that what i plan to do is drive till it drops and donate it then get a toyota, I WILL NEVER BUY/LEASE ANOTHER MB PRODUCT there are just too many better more reliable choice. jd powers says that mb has had the fastest drop in quality recorded geeeeeeeee

allnation · January 2004

What MB? We all bought Chrysler cars/trucks.

From ower of 04 Chrysler ML350

tiger2doll · January 2004

Hi all,

Got the vehicle back last week from the shop - the car has 17k miles on it in 20 mths. Issues fixed :

1) Engine Coolant Leaking - 3rd Attempt to fix. Seems the Coolant Cap was not holding pressure. They had put a new cap in on the last try as well. Hopefully, its fixed and will not reoccur.

2) The Left Headlight Low Beam Bulb wnet out - replaced the bulb. My 99 RX300 hasn't had a bulb replaced in the last 5 years !!

3) Rear Cupholder fell off - replaced with a new one. Hopefully will not break soon.

4) Severe Rubber rubbing noise coming from Rt side of Dashboard - took off the whole dash and re-insulated the area with felt. Noise is gone for now - keeping fingers crossed.

5) Front Rt door lock making loud squeaking noise on unlocking - the lock assembly and actuator had to be replaced.

This is the 6th time I had to take the car for some repair in 20 mths. Will definitely sell it before the warranty runs out. This car is the most expensive mistake I have made so far - what a piece of crap for $55k. The CEO of MBZ - some Jurgen S guy, was named the WORST CEO in 2003 by Business Week. No wonder the quality sucks !!!

Regards,
Rahul

mac320 · January 2004

That would be a major design defect and Shremps head should roll.

tiger2doll · January 2004

Hi mac320,

Please don't make sarcastic comments. And yes, Jurgen S should get fired - not because of a burned out bulb but because of the total lack of Quality Control while building this vehicle. He should get fired for : Failed Fuel Pump, Failed Aspirator Motor, Leaking Coolant, Failed Purge Valve, Bad Door locks, squeaky dashboard, etc etc. The list of problems just goes on and on. I fail to understand why is MBZ hell bent on screwing up the reputation built over 100 years. By cutting corners and using low quality parts - they are going to ruin their brand - which is their cash cow ! If the Japanese Auto makers can keep improving on quality - why the hell can't Mercedes ?? Anyway, hope you are happy with your vehicle. Have a nice day !!

Regards,
Rahul

nofeer · January 2004

are we dicussing a MB product or a hyundai??? or yugo, MB is killing it's base
what is left for us, overpriced low quality electrical nightmares. they dropped the ball and we are moving on

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

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