2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430

Summary:

An expensive Sports Utility Vehicle with way too many problems to be worth it

Faults:

The center console system (Navigation system, CD player, radio, tap) went haywire at 18,500 miles. The unit popped out and would not stop running even when the car was turned off. The entire console was replaced.

The fuel pump ceased working and needed to be replaced at 19,000 miles. At 20,000 miles, the engine is again taking longer to turnover.

The noise from the sun roof is unbearable when open and traveling approximately 30-40 MPH.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive when it starts and is not in the shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th October, 2001

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Elegance 3.2

Summary:

High performance, good price. It's a Benz!!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing is wrong with this vehicle.

General Comments:

This is a quick sport utility when in tiptronic.

Handles amazingly on and off the road.

The best all around sport ute that can off road in the true sense, and I've had everything from Jeeps to Pathfinders.

The price is good too, comparable to an Envoy or QX4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2001

3rd Oct 2002, 04:50

I am sure that you didn't take a Grand Cherokee off the road!

I "eat" Mercedes ML on and off the road every weekend with my Grand Cherokee 3.1 turbo diesel (Rapid Chip - 214hp / 680Nm Torque) here in Portugal!

ML class is good for supermarket shoping...

13th Feb 2003, 09:50

I humbly suggest the ML is not a true 'Benz' - because it has far too much domestic content, is assembled in the US and has connections with Chrysler. Having a 3 pointed star on the hood doesn't make it a Benz in my book. A 5 pointed Chrysler star might be more appropriate.

27th Apr 2003, 15:22

Cars haven't been purely from country of origin since the 70s. BMW and Honda are assemble cars in America. The famous flaming Ford Pinto had a French transmission. Buy what you want to buy.

8th Aug 2009, 20:44

As a former jeep WRANGLER owner, I have to laugh. Be realistic, a Cherokee is no more than a glorified grocery getter. Its off road capability, unless lifted and modified, is limited at best. Even then it is no YJ or TJ. Stock ML's are used as rescue vehicles in Switzerland. All you have to do is check out the off roading videos on youtube to get an idea of their off road capability.