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

greentea · June 2005

Ouch. I had the dealer replace the 55-Series Dunlop SP5000s at about 40K on our ML500 (i.e., 275\55\17) which have an asymmetric tread pattern. I thought that any tire with an asymentric tread pattern was uni-directional. Therefore, I was surprised to discover over the weekend, after putting about 1,000 miles on the tires, that the tires were not mounted "correctly."

I made an appointment with the dealer (Laguna Niguel, CA) and although he didn't laugh in my face and was perfectly willing to humor me if I wanted to reverse their direction on one side of the car, he made it very clear that all uni-directional tires "must have the big arrow on them," showing which way the tires were designed to rotate, and that my tires were not uni-directional, despite the lack of congruence of the tread pattern when you compared the two front tires..

Ok, I'm dumb, but I feel dumber buying what I now consider to be tires that are designed by idiots and not know any better.

So, here's the new world we live in:

(1) you can have symmetrically designed tires that will look the same, no matter which side of the car they are on or how they are put on;

(2) you can have tires that are meant to be installed so that they rotate in only one direction, in which case, the tread probably is asymentric -- in that they are specifically designed to maximize performance by some rational criteria -- but, your tires also will exhibit the same (asymmetrically the same) tread pattern, no matter how they are mounted; and,

(3) you can have tires with an asymmetric tread design, as if they are designed to accomplish something (like a rotational tire), but no "big directional arrow" because it really does not matter how they are mounted, just like symmetric tread design tires, but not.

Gee, I'll take choice 3 . . .

rockypaul · June 2005

I had a '99 ML320 for 5 years. Loved it.
Saved or lives many times.

The '99 was listed with a cargo volume of 82 cubic feet.
Looked at the new '06 and found it listed at 72 cubic feet.

Since the new model is larger all around why the apparent downsizing?
Ten cubic feet is significantfor my needs.

Thanks.

fenian · June 2005

I am currently in the market for the 2006 ml350. That's seems like a great price. In what state did you buy it and how much negotiating did you do?

sierrasonic · June 2005

Pleasanton, CA

gm1120 · June 2005

Sierrasonic, you are entitled to 1000-3000 miles tune up for free from MB, so maybe you can mention that to them when you get it done. Had mine done yesterday, I mentioned the brakes but not the gear shifting. Please let me know what they say. Guess this is what happens when we own the first year's models, they haven't perfected them yet.

Newmowner, I was driving normal, I haven't really used the manual shifting. I'm wondering if the gear shifting downhill is also caused by DSR? That's one for when you're going downhill.

Kirstie_H · June 2005

A reporter is hoping to talk with recent buyers of new BMW and Mercedes vehicles who enjoyed a generous discount off sticker price. Please send relevant details and your daytime contact information to Pam Krebs at pkrebs@edmunds.com by Thursday, June 23, 2005

navigator89 · June 2005

Does anyone know if and when Mercedes is planning to release an AMG version of the new M Class?

stever · June 2005

Mercedes Plans Mass Diesel Push in U.S. by 2008 (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

newmowner · June 2005

Merc1, how was it? I am sked in August. :shades:

newmowner · June 2005

that will smell great :shades:

merc1 · June 2005

Merc1, how was it? I am sked in August

Wouldn't you know it, I missed it!

M

wwb4 · June 2005

I had a '98 ML320 and now have a '02 ML55, I too am looking forward to the new body style AMG, it more than likely will not be available until '07 as a '08. That is what I have gathered in my research in speaking to several salespeople at dealerships and on the internet.

wwb4 · June 2005

Did you ever figure out how to reset that "BAS" light without having to take it to the dealership and paying a small fortune?

cho · June 2005

I'm currently looking at ML350. What options and accessories did you get for $44581?
Thanks

stever · June 2005

Check out the Mercedes Benz M-Class: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion too.

Steve, Host

sierrasonic · June 2005

I got the following Options:

197 : Obsidian Black
500 Power Folding Mirrors
530 Navigation
536 Satellite
550 Trailer Hitch
873 Heated fromnt seats
318 Trim Package
320 Entertainment
324 Sunroof

wwb4 · July 2005

I have an '02 ML55 with the same problem. It comes on sporadically. Unfortunately I bought it several weeks ago with 52k miles on it, and I've taken it to a local MB dealer and they said that it could be $4k-$5k to fix!!!!!! Not including I need new brakes and tires to pass a local state inspection, another $2,500!!!!!! (hey it has a clear title and carfax, and I got a great deal on it). Regardless, I know that MB are expensive enough to maintain and repair without a warranty (this is my second MB, I had a '98 ML320 before this), and a AMG is 2-3 times that!!!!!! Due to the fact that you limited in mechanics that can work or are qualified to work on your car. Anyways to make a long story short I am selling my '02 ML55 this weekend for $3k more than I bought it for 2 weeks ago.......and I'm picking up another '02 ML55 silver/black (exactly the same as the one I have), however this one has only 13k miles!!!!! All original, clean title, carfax, and most importantly still has a factory warranty for one more year, and can be extended to 100k miles!!!!!!! I guess that you can say that I learned my lesson. To be honest with you there supposedly is no way "just to reset the light", it's a common problem on the ML55 and so I've read on several forums. I've heard of repairs for this issue being from $4k-$8k!!!!!!!!!!! My advice to you, start looking for another ML55 if yours is out of warranty.

theta1 · July 2005

As of July 2005 I have 179,000 miles on the 1998 ml320. I run synthetic and so far haven't had to add a drop of oil between changes.....knock on wood.

I'm now shooting for 250k.

Paul

aawawa · July 2005

Hey rocky!

Any chance you tell me more about ML 320 `98 .. im just about to get one, with 120.000 km .. what can u tell me more about what i can expect to be prepared to fix, slowly replace, watch for, etc... if u have time plz reply!

tnx!

Igor / Slovenia / Europe

mark156 · July 2005

I just had new brakes/rotors/brake fluid flush/tire rotation and balance done to my ML for the grand total of $1,284. I took it to a local repair shop that has maintained my antique car for the last 7 years. This shop repairs all brands-- Rolls Royce/Bentley/Jaguar/Mercedes/BMW and all of the domestics----antique or new.

About a month ago, I took my ML to my local California Mercedes Benz dealer to have a couple of warranty items taken care of. I even had to take it back again because the two items (sticky gas pedal and leaking washer fluid box) was not repaired the first time. About 1.5 years ago, this Mercedes shop tried to get me to replace my front brakes at 26,000 miles... they changed out the rear brakes at 18,000 miles. I'm sure it didn't need it but I was going on a 2,000 trip and didn't want to worry about running into brake problems.

At 41,000 miles, my brake pad light has not come on. I asked the dealer why did they tell me I needed new front brakes at 26K, and now at 41K, I'm still doing OK. He couldn't explain it. He asked me if I had the brakes replaced by another shop.. I said no. So, I could not trust the dealer to do the work nor did I want to reward them for trying to push unnessasary work early. I'll take my ML back for warranty work but not for other work. It seems that the dealer can never get things fixed the first time..... I don't know why.... what do they do back there in the shop?

Mark

oohaypu · July 2005

Mine is the same SUV, 2002 ML500. Dealer pushed me to change brake pads at 24K even though most of my milages were on the highway. The truck is with the Dealer again today as the BAS/ESP light is always on. I just had the ESP/steering problem less than 2 months ago. The problem happened suddenly without any hint.
The truck was undriveable. The dealer did the aligntment. They said that it was not warranty problem. Charged me $500. Now the problem happened again. They just called me few minutes back and said a gear box has been changed. Did anyone have the similar problem? I had numerals problems with the truck. It was pretty good the first year, but in the third year, so many problems.

mark156 · July 2005

oohaypu,

I really haven't had a lot of problems with my ML. A few warranty "adjustments" here and there (trying to remember what I've had done over 4 years). This is my second washer fluid box, I had a rear cup holder replaced, front plastic under bumper was loose, rear hatch lock replaced, speedometer light went out, windshield squeaked (had to weld something under the wiper area). Small things don't bother me, cars are made of so many different parts from different manufactures. It's when something is not repaired the first time or they lie about something. The Brake suggestion when I didn't need them really bothered me.

My next SUV will most likely not be a Mercedes. I want to try something different. I'm thinking of the Land Rover LR3, the Volvo SUV, the BIG Lexus SUV if they change the styling and lastly, maybe a Volvo wagon... whatever I get, I want seating for 6 or more like my ML.

How many miles do you have on your ML now?

Mark

matteo6 · July 2005

Hi guys, I just bought an ML 400 CDI my2002 with Comand navigation system and integrated phone (an old Nokia 6310 or similar). I wonder if any of you can give me information if and how to upgrade the phone to a more recent nokia model, still being able to see the phone numbers on the car screen.

oohaypu · July 2005

Only 34K miles. It has been in the dealer shop many times. One call back, one Brake curcuit change at few thousands miles, GPS change at 31K, power window adjustment many times (they never fixed it. the window cann't close. always drop down around 2 inches), gas meter adjustment, rear cup holder replacement. Now the CD changer is off, BAS/ESP light always on, etc.

My next will not be MB for sure. Will try Lexus 470 or Large Toyota.

Thanks,
--oohay

oohaypu · July 2005

My truck is back from dealer.
They replaced steering angle sensor and light is off now.
The truck is still outoff alignment little bit.
Dealer claimed that it could be a bent frame, subframe, etc. I don't believe that as I only drive the car on paved road, mostly highway.
Noticed the tires are getting bald (but worn out evenly) with only 34K on them.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
--oohay

thevj · July 2005

my 98 (34000miles) had the ticking sound coming from the hemp. control dial, move the dial and it sometimes would stop. One day it never stopped and extreme heat came full blast from all vents.. turned on the AC but still just hot,hot,hot.. Heard and felt the AC come on but no cold air.... dealer replaced the blower motor and linkage, giving me a Hertz Ford Taurus station wagon to drive for 2 days, all under warranty and they paid for the rental; now 1 month later I'm getting the ticking sound, moving the hemp. control dial will stop it;then after a few minutes it stops ticking. Heat and AC work just fine, but I'm going "ticking" crazy so back to the dealer... still wouldn't have any other brand of vehicle;and I would trade every 2 or 3 years for the past 30+ years..vj

mark156 · July 2005

oohaypu, I've never had my BAS/ESP light come on.

I replaced my tires at about 36,000 miles (currently 41.7K miles).... my previous tires were worn fairly evenly... actually, front and back had a little more wear on the inside of the tires. I didn't get an alignment very often because it was steering so straight but, obviously, I did need one.

I bought the same tires (Goodyears) as what came on the vehicle.

Mark

gabyvh · July 2005

The compartment under the passenger seat is stuck...does anybody know if there is anything I can do to open it?? there are some Cd's stuck in there...

Gaby

mark156 · July 2005

Talking about stuck, I locked my keys in my 2002 ML500's compartment. I'm not sure if the 1998 is the same.

I told the dealer that the box shouldn't lock except with the key. Somehow, I closed the box with the keys inside.

The mechanic pushed my passenger seat all of the way forward and up; he managed to get my keys out of the box to open it. I think the box is open on the top and you should be able to see inside of it. I haven't looked at it myself but that's what they told me.

Hope this works, Mark

rockypaul · July 2005

I'm replying to myself!

M-B USA responded to me that cargo volume has diminished in the '06 from 82 to 62 cu ft.
Their design priorities shifted to make a more comfortable environment for the occupants.

Upon my inspection I can say the cargo area may have been reduced by whatever formula is used to calculate such but no visible shrinkage is apparent.

stever · July 2005

I talk back to my computer all the time too Rocky. :-) Thanks for the update.

Anyone cross-shopping the R-Class? (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

rockypaul · July 2005

I cannot say since I traded the '99 ML 320 in at 56,000 miles for a S-430 4-Matic.
However, the '99 as I recall had several upgrades over the '98 you mention particularly in the safety features.
Airbags, etc.

The German built engine and drive train, if well maintained with Mobil One 0W-40 oil, will last for many years. Also, by this date all of the nagging early issues will have been resolved especially given the mileage you are considering.
Again it was the non M-B manufactured parts out-sourced in the US that failed to meet long established quality standards. These I'm sure have been replaced by now.

Hope this helps.

wmquan · July 2005

A number of previous M-class owners who have bought the new M-class have reported a small shrinkage in useable cargo area. But not as large as the numbers imply.

Ironically, the vehicle is larger on the outside, but the cargo area has shrunk and there is no third row option (which is more of a marketing call to avoid hurting R-class and the next-gen G-class sales).

markjenn · July 2005

Smaller cargo, no third-row seat, and MB wonders why they're having to sell at invoice to move these new-model SUVs?

- Mark

mark156 · July 2005

I stopped by the Mercedes dealership the other night, they had tons of ML's available. I just don't care for the new update. There is WAY too much plastic on the front. The two big plastic vents on the top of the hood is atrocious as is all of the black mesh that is around the fog lights. And, the grille looks like it came from a Tonka toy.

A totally loaded ML500 was $61,000 (with sport package). Honestly, I couldn't see what was so 'sporty' about it. I did like the smoother front bumper and fog light arrangement that comes with the sport package. The sport package was $5,300!

My '02 completely loaded with the third seat, parktronic, nav, bi-xenons, etc. was $52k. The only option I didn't get was the sport package.

Mark

pai7 · July 2005

I am aware that M-Class is offered outside USA as a CDI 270 Turbo Diesel.I would like to get a feed back from the present owners of this vehicle regarding the performance and reliability of diesels.It is rumored that Diesel M-Class would be offered in US in MY 2007.Thanks.

alfed · July 2005

Great, you are showing a healthy attitude towards the rip-off tactics of MB dealerships. I would greatly appreciate your advice, because I'm now also stuck with a check engine light and all kinds of stories from dealerships.

I have a 97 C-230, the light has been on for at least three years, no other symptoms, no shaking, stalling or vibrations. Last year, it passed emissions test with flying colors. This year in NY you can't pass inspection if the light is on. So the dealership told me it is the mass air flow sensor and they want $900 to change it. But they also say, in the absence of symptoms typical for that sensor, that the problem could be elsewhere, and that they would look more after the first $900.

What would you do? How can I get the OBD 2 computer you mentioned?

Thanks in advance,

AlFed

ty39 · July 2005

Is this vehicle in "hot" demand or a 'waiting' list. I have been advised to also drive the Acura MDX, Volvo X90 V-8, before making a choice. I know the ride and cargo space of the ML is superior to my '03 BMW X5. Prices w/options about same except $10M less for MDX.
Is there a web-site for actual vehicle production and actual sales for the above...if so, I may be able to tell if demand exceeds orders...or is there another site which would indicate...days from production to sale? Thanks for any comments on the ML350 and web-site directions.

rockypaul · July 2005

I am shopping both the M and the R.
Cargo volume is an issue for me but M-B had sent me specs on the R class. It has 85 cu ft of cargo room BUT it is 203 inches long the same as my S-430 4-Matic.
This may not bode well for my wife who needs the space but wants the maneuverability of our BMW.
See this M-B site for details:

http://www.mbusa.com/main/features/rclass/index.jsp

R pricing starts at $48,775 and is better equipped than the base ML.

The curious thing to me is that the E 4-Matic wagon has 69 cu ft of cargo room.

rockypaul · July 2005

Has anyone ordered the base ML with cloth seats and what is your opinion of the quality and looks?
Thanks.

mercara · August 2005

My cousin bought my 99ML320 and his check engine light came on at 84K miles. I hope he doesn't end up spending a lot of money to fix it and hate me for it. This is a car with a full dealer service history.

Moral of the story. Don't sell your M-class to family ;-)..

mezeca · August 2005

I've never heard or seen it cost that much to repair. Most common problem is the stop
lamp switch, or one of the relays that controls the ETS pump. This is across the board for ML's, including AMG's. Depending on the shop rate, this is probably under three bills total. I don't know what dealers you've been visisting, but your figures are completely unreal.

mark156 · August 2005

Mercara, if the purchase was within the past few weeks, I would split the difference of the cost to repair. If the tables were turned and you had bought the vehicle from Him/Her, you would appreciate it if they offered.

Just my .02, Mark

mercara · August 2005

Mark,

That's what I offered him. Anyway he after he filled up gas again and the check engine light dissappeard. So we suspect the gas station attendant didn't close the gas tank cover completely or the gas may have been bad.

lewis2005 · August 2005

Can anyone tell me if the Four Nitto NT 555 Extreme ZR 245/35ZR20 Wheels & Tires will fit a 1998 Mercedes ML320 or how I can find out?

acuratsx2 · August 2005

My 2001 ML320 needs 4 new tires. I like to get the Yokohama Geolandar HTS 255/65R16, which is the same size as the stock Dunlop. But its speed/load rating of 106S is different than that of the stock dunlop which is 109H. Is it ok to use the Yoko on ML320. Anybody has tried?

Thanks

markjenn · August 2005

If you can live with the lower speed rating (meaing you won't be pushing sustained speeds near the rating), you should be fine. But keep in mind that a lowre speed rating may mean the tire is a little cheaper and may not handle as well.

Are you hung up on this particular tire? I can't say enough good things about the Michelin LTX M/S on my 2000 ML320. Put on a 35K, they look about half-worn at 75K.

- Mark

ty39 · August 2005

Any thought about setting up a discussion site...strictly for the new ML350 and/or ML500?
So far, it has been 'hit or miss' finding anything about the '06 ML350/500.
Thanks

stever · August 2005

Over in Future Vehicles we're also lumping them together as the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. When that discussion gets moved to SUVs (and it sounds like the '06's are in, so it's about time to move it out of Future Vehicles), we could rename it and split it up some.

So we need a ML350 2006+ and a ML 500 2006+ discussion? Anyone want to just keep lumping them together?

Steve, Host

carmenp · August 2005

I just went for an emissions test in CT and they told me that I failed the emissions test because when they started the car the Engine Check light did not come on with all the other indicator lamp symbols. There are no codes and all they could tell me is that maybe the bulb needs to be replaced and they wouldn't do it because you have to take the whole dash apart. Now I am going to have to take it to a dealer to have a bulb replace at $100 an hour. Any suggestions out there would be appreciated. My vehicle is a '99 ML320 with 117,000 miles owned it for 2 years.
carmenp

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

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