1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 review from North America

Window switch replaced 3 times - warranty covered all

rear drive-shaft wore out at 30K miles, replaced under warranty.

Transmission seal leaked at 50K, covered under extended warranty

a/c seals blew twice - both covered under warranty

turn signal stalk wouldn't lock - covered under warranty again.

Sunroof seals leaked and needed re-gluing. - fixed myself

Rear seat fold down mechanism broke - fixed myself

Battery failed at 60K - replaced myself.

I got one of the first ones out when I bought this late in 1997. Loved driving it up to the day I traded it in on a 2003 Toyota Tundra. It definitetly gets an below average for reliability, though. Things were breaking all the time, but a lot were easily fixed, or coverd under warranty, so It didn't bother me too much. Besides, it was never anything major, unless you count the battery as a major item. It started to burn oil at one point, but I switched to synthetic per the advice of a mercedes tech, and that cured the problem.

Gas mileage was decent. I got about 22-23 straight highway, and 18/19 mixed.

Drivingwise, car rode nice, and handled well. Drove great in the snow. I actually took it off road a few times (yes, I got a mercedes muddy, there's a low range for a reason) I was impressed with how well it performed. Had it flexed on an incline with only 2 wheels firmly planted on the ground and it still chugged right on up when I hit the gas.

All in all, for buying a first model year car, I'd say it wasn't that bad. If your looking to buy one used, just make sure it has a good warranty, cause chances are somethings going to break, but I doubt it will be anything big.