2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class review from North America

Head Liner complete replacement factory used wrong glue warranty issue.

Seat bezel drivers seat broken replaced twice in warranty (broken now 3rd time out of warranty)

Power steering pump hose blown off! left stranded and needed tow 3 times (fixed once under warranty) then again I paid for out of warranty, then Dealer fixed again after tow in failure when it was identified as a recall notice.

Window switch failure, left me in 40 degree raining weather with a 25 mile drive home. repaired once on warranty failed again out of warranty after getting dealer quote for over $300 to repair I took apart and repaired myself in about 2 hours zero parts cost to bend contact spring back in place.

Remote key-less entry system has failed out of warranty more than one shop has attempted to repair after spending over $2000 to troubleshoot it is still not fixed and I gave up using the manual entry key and console lock button, door will not lock while car is moving now.

Numerous headlamp and tail lamp failures bulbs for the most part have all been replaced now.

Brake pad and rotors have been replaced this is normal wear and tear and I have gotten as much as 40,000 on a set of pads. biggest complaint of have is overcharging parts for the rear brakes are about $120 including new rotors and pads. for dealer to replace with labor it is estimated at $600. I have been doing my own brakes ever since they did the first job and installed the sensor improperly and I check myself to find how very easy it is to repair pads and rotors with a few simple tools.

The MAP sensor and numerous other sensors have failed causing vehicle to Fail emissions testing this has totaled over $2000 in expense to me for repairs and parts replacement and labor so far in the life of the vehicle just to keep it compliant with emissions testing.

Two Battery failures so far (I may have expected one by now with 170K miles)

There are additional items such as shifter lock-out switch problems, trim pieces falling off, and center console cover which started coming apart just after warranty.

Spark plug wires all had to be replaced.

Ignition coil was replaced.

Highlight plastic coating has peeled and lenses fogged replacement cost quote from dealer several hundred dollars each (approx $350 each) repaired myself with combination of progressively finer wet sanding 1500 grit up to 2500 grit sand paper and using plastic polish to restore. total cost about $22.00.

These are all the items I can remember... something tells me I may even be missing a few.

The car is heavy and by most peoples standards a little underpowered, but it rides wonderfully when it is working I still really like it...as a 5 time Mercedes Benz owner I am not very impressed at all with the reliability factor on this specific vehicle.