2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 review from North America
"Mediocre at best; you don't look good pushing it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission died at 71000. After a 5k repair, the car broke down again; this time the transfer case. It was probably the transfer case to begin with.
Thank God for my extended warranty.
Side panels for CDs collapsed after putting about 5 CDs in it. Sensors failed all the time. Some were changed by my son thankfully.
Car left me stranded 4 times in four years.
Car went into limp mode (computer decides not to go past first gear) because the battery was theoretically weak, even though the car would start without a problem. That cost me $150 to diagnose plus about $200 for the battery.
Also, the dealer was pathetic, they had the biggest attitude, like how dare I challenge their bills since it's a Mercedes after all. Give me a break. They would throw amounts over $1000 every time for general maintenance that was not needed. Most of those items were checking the fluids, the fuses, the air in the tires, etc.
General comments?
Although pretty and overall comfortable, this was the worst mistake of my life. When my son broke his leg (he was 2), I had to trade my convertible for an SUV to make it easier for him to get in and out. I went for the ML thinking that long term it was going to be more reliable than a new cheap SUV. I was wrong. Should have leased an American SUV.
Recommended reviews
| The most hideously expensive piece of garbage ever produced |
|
| Expensive to maintain, and disappointed |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 71000 miles |
| Previous car | Chrysler Sebring Convertible |
| Date of Entry | 14th October, 2009 |