1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ml320 review from North America

Water pump @ 73k

R rear speed sensor @ 75k (caused limp mode in cold)

shocks, front and rear @approx 85k

leaky wash fluid reservor

rear door hatch (squeaky)

brake pads and rotors soon (@91K?)

Well, first of all this is my first Mercedes, and I bought it with a junk/reconstructed title (front damage). I am not going to make comments on work of sloppy dumb a… who put the car back together, anyways, after a few evenings in the shop I had fenders line up with the hood, missing screws back in place and so on.

I have heard that ML owners aren’t happy with dealership service – I second that opinion. They will make your visit a costly adventure, and at the end you won’t have much done. You’ll have to come back, wait, pay more and what not. (Actually this is what I have heard. Me? I walked away once I looked at the report and heard the $ verdict). I do have a ridiculous story to tell about MB dealership diagnostics and honesty, but I’ll live it up to you to make your own decision. And, please, do forgive me for using words “dealership” and “honesty” in one sentence, how clumsy of me. Well, I have bought a few books and do maintenance myself. No big deal. Oil changes, other lubes and fluids, occasional tightening up – not much of it though, it is quite a well build solid car. Well, enough about history, it looks and acts like a brand new car. Here is what I can tell about the car.

Surprisingly good handling. Feels like an extension of your arms. Able to make quick and small radius turns. Never a disappointment at high speeds (I am passionate – byte me) or tough road conditions. I drove in snow, ice, sand, and off road – what can I say: one of the best driving experiences.

Comfortable seating and good view on traffic. A little challenging rear and parallel parking – you get used to it. Mirrors show less space then there actually is (just my perception – I waked out of the car to check a few times). Wouldn’t hurt much to have a simple park assist as standard.

“Intuitive” controls (turn signals, lights, wipers and so on).

Has a very good “pick up and go”. Just floor it, and it does wonders. Very responsive, nearly instant, gear shifting, I don’t miss manual clutch at all.

Wish it would have more Mercedes-like features such as steering wheel buttons, less noise when you close doors (I am planning to adjust door hatches and replace door insulation) and when power lock is activated.

Sunlight reflection from dashboard is something I could live without. I am thinking of coating it with matte black primer or some sort of non-reflective paint. Any advice? gookas@gmail.com.

I see possibility in reducing road noise overall. It’s not bad at all. It just could be better.

Can’t understand why there is no option to have your sunroof and windows closed at one click of a button. Sunroof is like a woman, you found a button, but have no idea whats gonna happen when you push it. Hey, Mercedes, go crazy and make memory settings for open air.

Non-adjustable frequency of windshield wipers made me google some possible fixes. Stereo system has a tape player – what for? Well, I guess it was `98 when the car was build. Not a very good excuse though. The future is near – catch up, Benz!

Engine is a beauty to listen to, runs like a Swiss watch. Coolant temperature is always the same (+/- insignificant).

Mechanic friendly engine. Gee, it took me only an hour to change water pump.

I don’t have a climate control and kinda see a value in it.

Gas mileage averages at 19.4 mpg city + highway. With air conditioning on or if I meet a few heavy traffic situations it goes down to 16-18mpg. On freeways it’ll surprise you. One of my 2 hour highway trips brought average to 28 mpg (not kidding).

Well, a year and a half and 20,000 miles latter I think the ML is awesome. Matter of fact I am seriously thinking of having two ML’s in the family.