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

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Comments

  • bayhunter3bayhunter3 Member Posts: 5
    Steve,
    Please set up a new section on strictly for the 2006 or newer ML350 or ML500. I would like one for general information and one for problems and solutions. It would be very for current and future owners. Thanks.
  • mercaramercara Member Posts: 291
    I am glad Mercedes finally is firing their CEO Jurgen Schremp. The idiot went around buying brands like Chrysler and Mitsubishi and neglected their premium brand Mercedes. I have a lot of faith in the new guy Dieter Zetsche who did a remarkable job turing around Chrysler.

    I switched to a Toyota Landcruiser since I sold my ML320. I will definitely consider the new G-Class when I am ready to trade in my TLC.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Hey Guys, I looked at the 2006 ML500 a few weeks ago and I'm appalled at the black plastic on the front grille/fog lights and plastic scoops near the windshield. It looks so cheap. It appears that the sport package option changes the fog light black surrounds to one that is painted and restyled.

    I'm also disappointed that the 2006 ML doesn't have the third row option like I currently have on my 2002 ML500. The new R-class is only 2+2+2 whereas mine will seat 7 people and is a shorter vehicle. Also, my loaded out ML was $52,000 and the R-class will be in the $70,000 range. :mad:

    So, I'm looking at possibly considering the RR LR3, the Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX. I don't want to buy the first year model, especially, from Mercedes. If they don't turn things around, I won't be a customer anymore.

    I looked at the Mercedes E-wagon and there is no way that an adult can sit in the third row, it's only for little munchkins.

    Mark :surprise:
    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
  • mercaramercara Member Posts: 291
    Mark,

    I would recomend the Acura MDX. I considered the same models before I bought my TLC. If I din't want 6500 lb towing capacity I would have gone for the MDX. Definitely the best value out there and probably the most reliable between the three of them. I like the looks and features of the LR3, but I am not willing to take a leap of faith on Landrovers quality. If you are leasing it should or don't plan to keep the car beyond the warranty you should be fine. If you want to keep the car for 5+ years go for the MDX. If you read online Volvo's have some quality problems as well and once you add the options, they price goes up farily steep.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    ML63 AMG

    Mercedes-Benz's 510hp rival to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo has arrived!

    M
  • shenkarshenkar Member Posts: 159
    I was on the highway leading away from the factory where the ML's are made in Alabama. I passed 2 car haulers loaded with new ML's. Each one (12 total) had model badges on the left rear liftgate that said "ML320". On the right side of the liftgate was a second badge that said "CDI".

    I stopped by my local dealer and he knew nothing. Is M-B about to drop the common-rail injected diesel engine from the E320 sedan into the ML???
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Is M-B about to drop the common-rail injected diesel engine from the E320 sedan into the ML???

    Well yes and no. Mercedes is going to offer a ML320 CDI for the 2007 model year, but it will have the new 3.0L V6 Diesel, not the current I6 from the E320 CDI on sale now.

    All MB diesels will be of the "V" variety once the cleaner diesel fuel goes on sale in late 2006.

    Mercedes says they plan to offer at least one diesel variant of every sedan/suv during the coming years. The ones you saw were either testing for the U.S. or on a test drive/inspection before being shipped abroad.

    M
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    I suspect these diesels are headed overseas.

    - Mark
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    At this point I would say that is the case too. Low sulphur diesel is still about a year off. I think MB already tested the new V6 diesel engine and the new diesel fuel during the time they did those durability runs in Texas a few months back.

    I can't wait to see what the market's reaction will be when MB, BMW and Audi all start pouring on the diesels. I don't see how anyone couldn't at the very least be curious about BMW's 535d. Awesome machine.

    M
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Mercedes-Benz Expanding its SUV Lineup (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • kizersousekizersouse Member Posts: 1
    Just released photos of the ML 63 can be viewed at www.germancarfans.com.

    It looks to be a bad [non-permissible content removed] vehicle. Brand new 513 bhp engine. More rear leg room than a Range Rover. I am getting on a wait list. Should be available Q2 '06.

    AK
  • ml_loverml_lover Member Posts: 2
    I know that this post was 5 years ago, but I'm having the exact same problem Bob is having. Yesterday, we purchased a 2002 ML320 with around 56,531 miles on it. I live in Pennsylvania and it is at the end of the summer, and the coldest it gets at night in summer is around 60 degrees F. So I'm pretty sure it's not about cold weather.

    I appolagize in advance for how long this post is. :blush:

    When we got the car home, we quickly ran a half mile down the street to the gas station and the auto-locks locked at 9MPH like they normally should. We got gas and returned home (exciting trip). After that our neighbors came over and we hung around looking at the car's engine, cabin, the usual "checking out a car" routine.

    The next day, we ran to Lowes to find some supplies for a project we're working on, parked in the parking lot, got out, and locked the car with the remote. All the doors locked like they should have with the lights flashing 3 times, and we went inside. Also, the auto-locks worked when you hit 9MPH.

    After about 45 minutes, we left the store and went to the SUV. I hit the UNLOCK button on the remote and the lights flashed once like they should have, but none of the doors unlocked. We tried it a couple more times, but nothing happened. So finally I just used the key to get in and we were on our way home thinking the batteries in the remote were dead or something, nothing major. That's when it got weird.

    On the way home, after hitting 9MPH, the locks locked, unlocked, and then locked again (now we're thinking, "hmmm....odd"). After a few minutes of driving we had to stop at a stop light. When we started driving again and we hit 9MPH, the door locks unlocked, and then locked again. We got home and I read everything about locks and doors and EVERYTHING about synchronizing the remote with the SUV and the central locking system and EV-ER-Y-THING about it. I tried disengaging the central locking system and nothing that didn't solve anything.

    Now, when you lock it with the remote, all doors except the driver's lock, unlock, and then lock. The unlocking works fine when I unlock it. If I get out, shut the drivers door, open the other door and push the knob down to lock the driver's door, and then shut all doors and lock with the remote, the lights flash 3 time and it looks normal. But when I go to unlock with the remote, nothing unlocks and I have to use the key to get it.

    Please help!!!
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    You probably have the common lock/unlocking problem commonly referred to as "machine gun locks". ML's have been plagued with it, especially the early years. It was supposedly fixed in later years, so I wouldn't think a 2002 would have the issue. The only fix I've heard of is replacing the locks with a later model. I'd go see the dealer - even if out of warranty, I'd ask for consideration.

    - Mark
  • ml_loverml_lover Member Posts: 2
    Yeah, I was going to check today, but I realized something yesterday. Since all the doors remotely lock except the driver's door and someone does want to break in, the alarm will go off if you open the driver's door. So, he opens the door, alarm goes off, he runs, and my windows aren't broken from him trying to get it!

    I'm just glad I can disable the auto-lock feature when I'm driving because they'd be loudly locking and unlocking the whole ride! - It'd drive me crazy!!! :D
  • ttomttom Member Posts: 1
    I have a question about this. The German MB website shows the V6 diesel on sale now in Germany. So the ML's that were spotted in AL with CDI markings may have been real units headed to Germany and not just test vehicles. So US sales of ML CDI units may be sooner than you have indicated. Any hard info? Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    I'm sure this AMG 8 mpg beast will be wildly popular with gas headed for $4/gallon.

    - Mark
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    will be wildly popular with gas headed for $4/gallon.

    Half of the prognosticators will be right and half will be wrong. I think it's more tea leaves and voodoo than anything else. :)

    tidester, host
  • rockypaulrockypaul Member Posts: 104
    Most reputable dealers will help you out on this as the ML you have must have the outsourced, low bid early version door locks.

    Known problem and the dealer will make money on the repair if M-B reimburses.

    Win-win all around and keep the customer satisfied.
  • rockypaulrockypaul Member Posts: 104
    The computer in the ML stores fault codes and then the warning light will go out on emission problems and some others.

    I had 2 such: oil pressure light resulted from a faulty oil sensor in the oil pan which calculated the FSS service interval.

    The second was for a valve/vapor/sensor at the fuel tank; I had to pay since the emissions warranty only extended for 24 months.
    Could not believe it until I re-read warranty.
  • jmutiejmutie Member Posts: 2
    How can i perform oil change for ml 500
  • sharinjsharinj Member Posts: 1
    Help!! We bought our 1999 ML320 a few years ago and just failed NJ inspection because our 'check engine' light doesn't come on. I took it to the dealership, and they said it would be $1700 since it was a short in the console and the entire light panel would need to be replaced. Is there any suggestion anyone has on trying to fix this issue? I can't believe that the only solution is to replace the entire console. Thanks.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Most states have an exemption from the emissions regs if you make a good faith effort to fix the problem and costs exceed some specified limit.

    I'd get another diagnosis with another dealer or an independent mechanic. My strong guess is that the CEL doesn't work because someone disabled it - it's done all the time when someone wants to sell a car and don't want to fix the CEL problem. So my bet is that it is probably an easy fix when you find out where the sabotage occurred.

    - Mark
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Well I don't have any hard info, but it is a pretty safe bet that the ML320 CDI won't go on sale here until at the end of 2006, at the earliest. The new V6 CDI engine needs clean diesel to be certifiable for sale here. It won't run well on the current "dirty" diesel we have in the U.S. right now. Europe has used cleaner diesel for years hence the ML320 CDI being on sale there already. Its impossible to say if the ML320s you saw were testing or just being prepped for overseas delivery. I'd bet on the latter.

    Once MB can certify the new V6 CDI engine for sale here I'm sure there will be a ML320, R320 and of course the current E320 CDI will ditch its I6 as well.

    What I want to see is the new V8 diesel in the a inevitable S420, ML420 and R420 come to the U.S. market. The new E420 CDI is going on sale in Europe very soon, it would make a hell of an addition to the U.S. E lineup imo.

    Just wait until clean diesel comes on line. In my area diesel is like 20 cents cheaper than than the lowest grade of gasoline. If prices stay like this, and I hope they don't, you'll see huge interest in diesels as well as hybrids. This is why I think MB is sitting on a gold mine if they can get a diesel hybrid to market in the next 18 months or so.

    There is even a CLK320 CDI Coupe and Cabriolet in Europe, but now I'm getting carried away.........

    M
  • encinoomniaencinoomnia Member Posts: 48
    I have a 2001 ML320 38kmiles on it.(original owner) I really didn't have too much problems but factory warranty just run out this January. Since then, I put on new tires because my original tire was really bad by now. My ML only have few options,leather seat, seat warmer, 6-CD changer, moonroof. MSRP was about 40K
    MB dealer will give me 21K for it if I'm buying new MB but I think to my eyes it kind look like Pontiac Azutec.So, I'll be getting some other brand SUV but other brand dealer ,they only want to give me 18K......I'll keep trying to at least get 20K but we shall see...reading here kind scare me.....I think i was lucky that I didn't have much problem with my ML. Hoping to get rid of it before the major problem happens!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Mercedes Exec: Quality Is Back on Track (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • rickknight1rickknight1 Member Posts: 9
    I have an ML55 AMG 2002. I had/have a similar problem. The transmission was jerky and then I lost power and couldn't go over 3000 RPM without half of the engine shutting down. I had the Mass Airflow Sensor changed which appears to have solved the transmission problem but am still suffering with a "wobbly" engine which it is in repair for at the moment. I have been told that the repair will cost 2,800 Euros!! I have previously had power steering failure on the car which nearly caused a nasty accident for which it appeared that the card had not been recalled.

    I also have a problem with the command system not always recognising the Navigation CD. The Oil Sensor is faulty and currently being replaced - which involves raising the engine out of the car - that's sensible German fitting for you.

    The Engine Management light has stopped working (probably overuse!!).

    Also The Handbrake coupling broke and had to be replaced.

    Anyone with similar problems, I'd be grateful to hear from
  • mpt_711mpt_711 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a pre-owned ML350 2005 at an MB dealer, with about 15K miles. I requested it to be Certified Pre-Owned. When I went to pick up the car, the salesperson said the emissions test had resulted in "rejection" since "the emission data in the car's computer was reset during the car's revision."

    He also said to go back to the dealer after driving for a few days, then enough data would have accumulated to pass the emissions test.

    Does this make any sense to you guys?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated before I go back to the dealer this week, as I am afraid of being duped.

    Thx.
  • cornellpinoycornellpinoy Member Posts: 196
    If the battery was disconnected or replaced, the on-board diagnostic computer (OBD II) was reset. As a result, the sensors for the emission system are not all "on" and sets off "non-readiness" codes and this is what causes the car to not pass inspection.

    The sensors turn on one by one after certain drive cycles are completed. A few days of routine driving should be enough for the cycles to be met and all sensors to be turned on. At that point, the OBD II can be read to complete the inspection.
  • smwls8smwls8 Member Posts: 103
    A recent issue of MotorTrend had a small piece about the CDI engine changing to a V- configuration and being implemented into several different models. Americans still have a bad taste for diesel cars, but this execellent powertrain is very tempting. The article speculated that the CDI ML320 would appear here sometime late 2006..... can't wait.

    Anyone see or convert european ML 320 CDI fuel mileage to US equivilants? If the E320 CDI is rated around 37 highway US, I would assume the ML 320 CDI should bring at least 30 highway US?
  • gmercgmerc Member Posts: 2
    I just got a 2001 ML320 and when I am at a stop light and I am in "drive" while holding the breaks I feel a "wobbling" of the engine at times. It does not happen all the time. Is this the same "wobbling" you are talking about or is it something different? Mine is very subtle but its noticeable to the driver. I am not sure if my passengers have noticed it but I notice it easily. Do you have any comments for me on this? I would much appreciate any comments. Thanks.
  • gmercgmerc Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have any comments or have had this happen to them? I have a 2001 ML320 which has a slight wobble when stopped at stop lights. Does not happen in "Park" only is noticeable in "Drive" when stopped and only is noticeable sometimes. I am confused and wanted to get some input on what is going on before I take it into the shop to have it looked at. Any comments or input would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone in advance.
  • encinoomniaencinoomnia Member Posts: 48
    How many miles on your ML320?
  • drwagdrwag Member Posts: 8
    Hi ricknight1,
    how did they repair your power steering failure?
    Thanks for answer.
    drwag
  • chumsaechumsae Member Posts: 61
    My guess on things mechanical is not worth a hill of frijoles, but I remember
    that my 2000 ML320 was checked - in a recall - for a bad harmonic balancer.

    I think that a bad harmonic balancer could produce the symptoms you
    have described, including the "Park" and "Intermitent" symptoms.

    You shouldn't have to do this, but remind them that there was a recall on this.
  • mercaramercara Member Posts: 291
    If you have an older ML, check with your dealership. I got a mail from MB to contact my dealer to get the Harmonic Balancer replaced as part of a recall.
  • rickknight1rickknight1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi drwag,
    They did repair the Power Steering. It was the pipe had come off due to the clip failing
    Rickknight1
  • rickknight1rickknight1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi gmerc, This is exactly the same problem. To give you an update. The car has been into my local MB dealer and had over 3,000 Euros of work done to rectify the problem. The latest was to replace the fuel injection system and guess what! that wasn't the proble. Now they are telling me that is the timing belt needs reoplacing except that AMG's do not have timing belts, they have "something metal". If anyone knows what they are talking about then please fill me in! Personally, I can't wait until the car is back to full working order so that I can sell the old heap.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    There are basically two ways to drive the cams on an ovehread cam engine: a rubber belt external to the engine and a metal chain internal to the engine. They are generally referrred to as a timing belt and a timing chain. I believe all ML's have timing chains which are generally considered a less maintenance and more durable design - they shouldn't require replacement for the life of the engine.

    A timing chain generally works or is broken and doesn't - it is very unusual for them to skip a tooth and become mis-timed. I'm unsure what your problem is but it sure sounds like the dealer doing the work has poor diagnostic capabilities. I trust you're not paying for all this work.

    - Mark
  • otiptonotipton Member Posts: 1
    I just ran across this forum... I am having HORRIBLE trouble out of my 2000 ML320 and NO ONE has mentioned a recall on the harmonic balancer. I just replaced the crankshaft - does anyone know if that will make your car stall? I am clueless!

    Since May I have spent upwards of $3000 on repairs and servicing starting with Brakes, then replacing the fuel pump, then the battery and getting the AC recharged, then it was regualr service, then in September the fuel line (which in my opinion should be a parp of the fuel pump system) breaks and now I just spent $350 on getting the crankshaft replaced after my car stalled 3 times in traffic.

    Mercedes is not what it used to be! I bought in to Mercedes originally for quality, relaibility and wrokmanship but that seems to be a sign of the past.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    I doubt you had the crankshaft replaced for $350. More than likely, you had the "crankshaft position sensor" replaced which is a small sensor which tells the engine's computer the position of the crankshaft. When they go, yes, they cause the car to stall.

    MB is sending out the recall notices on the harmonic balancer in batches, but most everybody has gotten one by now. If you call your dealer, they will know about the recall and check yours for replacement. There is no charge for this.

    Yes, the 2000 ML320 has a checkered reliability record. Your experience sounds mostly typical. Of course, any six-year-old car may be needing some fairly expensive servicing.

    You sound like you're just doing whatever the dealer says it needs - while this will probably keep the car in good shape, it is an extremely expensive way to own this car. For example, my dealer continues to recommend that I do a complete brake job on all four wheels about every 25K miles at a cost of $1300. This is excessively conservative and expensive - by postponing the job until it actually needs to be done and using an independent mechanic, the cost is reduced by about 75%.

    I'd try and find a good independent mechanic.

    - Mark
  • otter4otter4 Member Posts: 2
    Well my wife's back problems have us buying a luxury SUV ! The higher seating improves her comfort over our Passat 4motion so we are moving on. The local Mercedes dealer has suggested a M-320 with 52000 Km (34000.00) and purchasing the extended warrantee for $2800 giving us 110000 km of warrantee from MB. The 2005 Toureg is being discounted to move and is selling for 52000.00 $Can Now we have a couple of concerns. Firstly the reliability of both vehicles. It seems from the forums that MB reliability is questionable. There are many posts describing problems far fewer than the Toureg. Still the Toureg is a V8 which transdlates to $$$ at the pumps. Is $15000.00 worth the 3 years depreciation? In fact the MB has been depreciated much more than that. Therefore if my wife is satisfied with the MB should I not worry about the reliability?
  • otter4otter4 Member Posts: 2
    One more note. The MB dealer indicates that the pre 2002 M-class vehicles were prone to problems but that many were corrected for the 2002 model year, which apparently has far fewer service issues.. Is that correct? Was 2002 a new model? What were the differences?
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Markjenn, I have never seen an independent mechanic post prices 75% cheaper than the Mercedes dealer. I just had my brakes done (rotors and pads) on my 2002 ML500 and the independent mechanic was only about $200 cheaper ($1,300 vs. $1,100).

    I went with the independent shop because the Mercedes dealer kept telling me that my brakes were needing replacement when I took it in for oil changes. I had them change the back brakes at 18,000 miles of which now I'm sure it was too early. At 26,000 miles, they said the front needed replacement. I said NO, because the brake sensor light had not come on. I decided that I would wait until the light came on but it never did.

    I knew that the light probably would have come on soon at 41,000 miles but I was going on a 1,000 mile trip and didn't want to worry about the brakes. I think the independent shop did a good job as I have used them for other purposes with my antique car.

    I did not want to reward the dealer for telling me I needed new front brakes at 26,000 and I went to 41,000 with no problems. What a racket!

    Mark :surprise:
    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
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    My "75% cheaper" comment is based on three savings factors on brake maintenance:

    1. The dealer generally recommends replacing brake pads when they're about 50%-70% worn, which nearly doubles the service intervals. Just by inspecting the brakes yourself (which takes five minutes with a flashlight) and postponing replacement until they are below spec, you can reduce brake maintenance costs by one third to one half.

    2. The dealer recommends replacing rotors along with pads even though the rotors meet spec.

    3. The dealer charges above list price for the parts when OEM parts are readily available on the internet at less than half their price.

    4. The dealer charges about 40% more for labor than a good ndependent mechanic.

    Add it all together, and the cost savings are EASILY 75% or greater.

    As an example, I just priced out a complete brake job with all new OEM parts over the internet. The total cost for BRAND NEW OEM PADS AND ROTORS is about $320+shipping. A good independent shop should charge about $200 labor to install the rotors and pads. Even with tax and shipping, the total cost should be well under $600. My dealer, who just did the harmonic balancer replacement and as a "courtesy" inspected my brakes, estimates $1350+tax for them to do the job, WELL OVER DOUBLE THE COST. Absolutely ridiculous.

    My particular dealer is generally incompetent as well but that's another story.

    Cheers,

    - Mark
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Markjenn, when you said 75% cheaper in your previous post, I didn't realize you were considering the frequency of the changes and all of the other factors. I've got to read between the lines better!!!! My new glasses are on order! :P

    The Mercedes dealer that I use ( I use two different dealers as I have two homes in different states) and they both are average on diagnosing problems. I really like my service advisors but they are only as good as the mechanics doing the work.

    When I had my '91 560SEL, they could not figure out why it would not start. After throwing a few parts at it, they finally said it needed new fuel injectors. I made them take off the parts that were not related. When they installed the new injection system, it failed and they had to do it all over again (at no charge of course). The first time was $2,000.

    From 53,000-82,000 miles, I spent $8,000 in repairs and decided I better let it go. They air condition and transmission had never been worked on. I was afraid that they might be next.

    Mark :D
    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
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    No problem Mark.

    I really like my ML320, and I think, on average, you can own and drive one without undue hardship, but you've got to be a lot more creative with respect to diagnosing and fixing problems than you would need to be if you owned, say, a Pilot.

    In my experience, MB dealers are extremely high overhead operations, with a "let's try and bolt on new parts" mentality towards problems. The dealers also tend to have a very convoluted communication system where you deal with a service advisor who is seldom very strong technically while your car is worked on by someone working remotely. The connection between the two is by computer and work orders, but things get very garbled in translation - it's like they're talking to each other in different languages over two tin cans tied together by string. With an independent mechanic, you can generally talk to the guy who is getting his fingernails dirty.

    If you have to rely on the MB dealers, I think extended warrantys and leasing are probably the best way to go to reduce the risk.

    My dealer's biggest screw up was in diagnosing a subtle but presistent problem where the vehicle would lose power and stall when climbing over mountain passes. In three lengthly and expensive service visits under warranty they replaced several things, mostly in the ignition system, none of which had any effect whatsoever on the problem. This was despite my strong suggestions that it was fuel-delivery related. On the final visit, with the vehicle now out of warranty, I got a different service advisor and he immediately asked me if the vehicle had had the mandatory update to the fuel filter system designed to reduce high altitude stalling problems. The whole time they were hunting around randomly fixing things, there was a published service bulletin to fix the exact problem I was having! At this ponit, they refused to make the repair on their dime since the vehicle was out of warranty. I finally arm wrestled them into paying for the update while I paid them for a new fuel filter since this was a normal maintenance item.

    - Mark
  • rickknight1rickknight1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi Markjenn,
    You're gonna love this. The dealer has now told me that it appears that the engine has 3 damaged pistons and rings causing a loss of compression. They now have the engine out (it's taken them 3 weeks to get this far) and have said that they're going to tell me next Tuesday (25th October) if that is the only work that needs doing. I'm away in England next week but will keep you posted on my return with the great ML saga!
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    rick, you're probably aware of this and I don't know what year your ML is, but there is an extended warranty on the engines due to MB's faulty synthetic vs. non-synthetic oil change recommendations made during 1999-2001.

    - Mark
  • rickknight1rickknight1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi Mark,
    I wasn't aware of this at all. My ML55 is April 2002. A little bit of history on it: I bought it used. It was originally a German car and the garage that I bought it from imported it from Germany and put it on Spanish plates. How long is the MB warranty for and do you think that I would still be covered due to the re-registration (although I can't see that this should affect the warranty). You seem to know you ML's, do you (or did you) work for MB?
    Rick.
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