2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 3.2

Summary:

Expensive to maintain, and disappointed

Faults:

This car is an extremely expensive mistake.

At 35,000 miles, all transmission fluid leaked and the car would not move. Time for the tow truck.

At 45,000, the CD compartment on the door just fell inside of the door.

At 65,000 miles, the car went into limp mode (not over first gear). Tow truck number 2, it was only the battery being weak that made the computer decide to put the car in limp mode even though it would start OK.

At 67.000 miles, the window collapsed and the arm that raises and lowers the window cracked in half.

At 71,000 miles, the transmission died. Are you kidding me? By the way, that is a $5k repair.

Did I mention that the pads die after 15000 miles and the dealer insists on changing the rotors and the pads, even though the rotors are OK? That is a $750.00 repair every year and a half just for a pair of tires.

General Comments:

I thought I was getting a luxury car, I ended up getting an Alabama car pretending to be a German car.

The car is pretty, just not as good as I expected.

The dealership seems insulted that you question their prices on repairs; it's like "How dare you ask about money, this is a Mercedes".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd August, 2009

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 500

Summary:

The car is a lemon!

Faults:

Sunroof defective frame.

Power steering hose leak.

Power steering pump replaced.

Doors locking but car not arming.

Brake pads and rotor replaced.

Navigation system failure.

Wiper sensor malfunctions.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable, and runs very well when everything works right. However I have spent more in way too much in repairs. It runs into the thousands every time I have to take it in, and all these problems started 1000 miles after the extended warranty ran out.

I took the car in on time to get all of the services, and don't understand why these problems were not caught during the warranty period.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th December, 2008

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class V8

Summary:

It is a great SUV

Faults:

I am very surprised to hear the many problems with Mercedes M Class. I have had no problems other than general up keep brakes, oil changes etc. Plan to have it for many years to come.

General Comments:

I have had my 2002 ML500 for two years now and I love it. Me and my family love it so much we bought another M Class for another family member 2004 ML350.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2008

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 5.0

Summary:

An expensive car to maintain

Faults:

Here is some updates to my 02 ML500. Since 7th Aug 2006.

New problems:

1. V-belt noise, replaced and fixed.

2. Engine clunking noise (wash the internal of the engine).

3. Massive oil leak near the driver's side area of the engine.

4. Transmission clunk/bump (replaced transmission and car battery for some unknown reason).

5. Broken HID, replaced the starter.

6. HID changed to purple again (replace both bulbs).

7. Transmission oil leaks.

8. ESP light on (stop lamp switch replaced).

9. Very noisy brakes (squeaking when driving, replaced all 4 brake pads and rotors).

10. Rear differential oil leak.

11. Water pump noise and shakes (replaced).

12. Stuck ash tray again.

13. Stuck rear cup holder again.

14. Door panel weather strip peeling off again.

15. Window shaking noise is back again.

16. Broken ignition wires (4 of them have to be replaced).

17. Overhead trip computer replaced due to no more back light.

18. Broken rain sensor again after windshield replacement.

19. Broken rear view mirror again (replaced).

20. Side rear view mirrors will not dim at night.

21. Side rear view mirrors will not retract again.

22. Maybe some more, but I can't remember now.

As you can see together I have over 50 problems with this car.

Previous problems before Aug, 2006.

I also own a 02 ML500, and the not so quality built car disappoint me. I've also had many many problems, which bug enough to make me go back to the dealers. Here are some of the problems on my ML:

1. Squeaky brake.

2. Malfunction e-brake signal light (it will not come on when e-brake is engaged.

3. Exterior window trims replaced 3 times.

4. 1 sensor for the traction control replaced.

5. Refitting the bumper both at the front and rear since the cap is getting bigger.

6. Cup holder in the rear will not retract.

7. Ash tray will not stay in or will not come out.

8. Auto door lock screaming (when you take off).

10. Both front seat frames are replaced (the bottom part of the seats, because it is going to come off soon)

11. Wiper sensor replaced.

12. Back mirror coming off (on top of the console, and it was replaced).

13. Secondary coolant container (the one on top of the engine) replaced due to leaking coolant and replaced the cap.

15. Shaky window when driving, repaired.

16. Rear window defrost, repaired due to burnt fuse.

17. Xenon light turned purple twice on the same side.

19. Oil pan leaking, replaced the rubber seal.

20. The gas door will not lock properly, when the car is locked, repaired with crazy glue by the dealer.

21. Dead engine due to broken throttle actuator (while I am in Arizona, in the middle of no where, heading back to Vegas from Grand Canyon at mid-night).

22. Timing belt replaced due to the car miss-fires.

23. Moon roof will squeak when tilt up, repaired and replaced the rail, lubricate etc.

24. Some of the screws are missing in the engine bay for no reason, replaced when serviced.

25. I think there are more, but I am tired of listing them.

All I can say is this is a hack of a car, don't ever buy it if you see one with attractive price. And good luck if you are picking one up. Recently the car is having a noisy suspension at the rear, and I am going to have the dealers checked soon. Wish me good luck.

Thanks for viewing.

General Comments:

This car is truly amazing but I will not recommend buying it, simply because there are too many problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th June, 2008

21st Jun 2011, 05:34

2002 ML 500 owners should get a full refund. The car should be completely recalled. Way too many problems and not reliable at all. So many electrical malfunctions, ashtray stuck, radiator overheating, noisy braking system which wear out in 9 months. Wow Mercedes! What's up with your commitment to perfection?

I will never waste my money any more on a Benz.