2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 500

Summary:

Biggest Mercedes lemon generation of 1998-2009 vehicles...

Faults:

Engine head rebuild before 10,000 miles (warranty).

Crankshaft position sensors (twice) ($512.00).

Various types of oil leaks ($700.00 each).

Fuel sender/pump.

EGR valve.

DAS - Drive Authorization System failure.

Transmission plate ($700.00).

Power steering pump.

Power steering rack.

MB Dealer installed used spare tire (unusable). Took 6 months to replace spare tire.

MB dealer installed used wheel/tire package (lost $5000.00).

Ignition coils.

Power steering hoses popping out (lost power steering).

Dealers rip off their customers with overpriced labor/parts and excessive labor hours.

Mercedes has doubled/tripled prices of all parts that fail often..

Price of the vehicle failed from $50,000.00+ to $9,000.00 in 3.5 years due to unreliable/troubled repair records

Etc.. Etc.. Etc..

General Comments:

After 10 years of owning Mercedes Benz models, after owning a ML 320 and a Ml 500 latest model, and after 10 years of belonging to various Mercedes ML forums, I beg you not to buy these vehicles.

It will be the nightmare of your life unless you are a high end automotive mechanic with lots of high end computer electronic training.. I have seen so many people that have invested $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 dollars in repairs and had to sell their vehicles, at a loss, because they are money pits..

Do your homework and research the forums and industry reviews for these lemon models.. All models from 1998-2005+ have problems because Mercedes never fixed all the problems. They profit from the problems and the Mercedes dealers see MB owners as cash cows... Don't get a nightmare!!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd August, 2009

27th Sep 2009, 10:34

ML500 is truly an insult - we have always had Mercedes, but this vehicle is not the quality of Mercedes values. I am truly disappointed.

15th Apr 2011, 18:31

As the owner of an 2007 ML500, we've experienced nonstop repairs and never would buy another Mercedes because of this. My car is in the shop today having another $4000 worth of repairs done.

It will be a good day when I get rid of it.

2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 500 Special Ed. 5.0 Liter V8

Summary:

Good car, got a lemon

Faults:

Transmission replaced 3 times within a 6 month period.

Navigational System broke 3 times.

Weird squeaking noises from brakes, from new to replacement (not normal squeaking)

Odd transmission shifting, may be due to the vehicle never having a good one.

Power steering went out (recall was never performed, which should have been corrected on this new of a vehicle)

General Comments:

This vehicle performed exceptionally. It was equipped very nicely and was extremely comfortable. However within the first week of ownership, it had to be sent to the dealer. It was there for 3 weeks. I loved the car, but I got a lemon. I had owned a 2002 Mercedes ML320, so I knew that these could be good cars, but this particular one was not. I was not treated well by my dealer, who promised me the world, but never came through on anything. The transmissions going out after 5000 miles is ridiculous, considering it was mostly highway (and sane) driving. It also got horrible gas mileage. My 2000 Range Rover 4.6 HSE gets better mileage!

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

Review Date: 25th September, 2007