2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 430 review from North America
"The ML430 was a terrific car during the warranty period; however with 90k miles it's unsafe"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Bad mercedes service advisor (grey hair, small claims court...)
Mass air flow sensor ($500)
ERG valve ($500)
Crankshaft position sensor ($400)
Brakes, pads, rotors, brakes, pads, rotors... goes on for ever (about $250 per axle if you do it yourself)
Power steering pump, new one from factory was actually a rebuilt unit ($600)
Harmonic balancer replace ($600)
Sound insulation in doors falls off and damages windows ($250)
Fuel filter and fuels lines - $900 (what the heck...)
Valve cover gasket leak (not fixed yet)
Transmission pan gasket leak (not fixed yet)
Tie rod end bushing ($450)
BAS, ESP, ABS malfunction ($150 to replace a relay in the fusebox)
General comments?
The car was great when in warranty. It is solid and my family felt safe. However service costs have been outrageous by Mercedes. Truth is, I feel completely ripped off by the dealership and Mercedes. This will be my one and only Mercedes. Shame on you Mercedes Benz...!
Recommended reviews
| High price mechanical boondoggle! |
|
| A terrible, terrible vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 90000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz M-Class |
| Date of Entry | 10th September, 2007 |