2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 3.2L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great truck. My second ML 320, and I would buy another

Faults:

Catalytic converter needed to be changed. Did it myself.

Mass Airflow Sensor changed as well at the same time.

Fuel Filter needed to be retrofitted to the new model. Also done myself.

Oil changed and spark plug change.

General Comments:

It very simple with this model. If you are buying one used, have it checked out before you put the money down. I owned a ML320 before this one. In looking for a newer one, I was amazed at the lack of maintenance that sellers had performed on their ML320's. No records, skipped services etc. Claims of having oil changes done for $50 at the Mercedes dealership. But if you can get an A service done at MB dealership for less than $250 - more power to you. Doing it myself costs about $70.

Bottom line: This is a great vehicle. Take care of it and it will take care of you. I have no doubt that it will still be going strong at 200,000 miles. So while similar SUVs will either be on their way to the crusher or having little to no resale value, I am confident that I will be able to sell it for a reasonable amount. Like I said, have it checked out before you buy - by an indie Mercedes Shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2009

24th Sep 2011, 17:37

Original poster. Still have the vehicle, and still running great. Had to spend a whopping $30 on torsion bar shims! So outside of oil changes, and transfer case and differential services every 50K miles, I have had to put in an additional $30. Great vehicle. Takes as good care of me as I take care of it.

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2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 from North America

Summary:

If you own stock in brake company that sells pads, buy this car

Faults:

Starting at 12,000 miles, we have had to replace the brake pads each 7-10,000 miles. That is a lot of replacement brake pads. I am now at 43,000 miles and have had three complete replacements of front and back brakes. Sitting in the dealership and listening to the other customers, this is not an isolated problem. It is not my driving, it is not from our lack of proper care. The car simply has a problem with brakes and brake pads.

I have had no other problems with the car. When we are not replacing the brakes and the pads, it is a nice car to drive.

I think my next car will not be a MB. A Corvette is looking good these days, and the replacement parts for brakes is so much less.. I can put my pedal to the metal in a Corvette and at least have memory of fun when I am paying for replacement brakes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2009

12th Jul 2009, 02:53

Yeah you're not alone on this one. We had an ML500 which we used to drive from the Los Angeles area up to our house on Lake Arrowhead, and it went through brake pads like crazy. I first thought it was from using the brake so much when coming downhill, but after talking to several ML owners I learned this was a common issue. After numerous other little problems we decided to sell the ML500. We now have a Lexus LX470 for our mountain use. I have to say we're much happier.

7th Aug 2009, 19:32

Your case is isolated. I have changed brakes on several w163's. None of them presented the need in an unusual time. Brake replacement is more an indicator of driving style. If you live in a big city and have to brake often and hard on the expressway on a regular basis, you will need a brake change sooner.

Honestly, replacing brakes on this model is straight forward. Buy the parts-dealership or aftermarket and you can do it your self quite easily. Just remember to back the parking brake off when removing the rear rotors.