Driver's door seal came off. The dealer replaced it; however, it is coming off again. I am not very happy with the quality of the USA built Merc. I owned a 400E before and its quality was much better.
Noise in the A pillar of the passenger side. The A pillar was taken apart and a bracket was replaced.
The sun-roof has inordinate amount of noise when on the highway.
The left rear brake light assembly is of poor quality. It needs replacing. The alignment is off and the bare light bulb is showing through.
The brakes squeal a lot. It was replaced at 12000 KM and now the noise has returned. The dealer says this is normal for a Mercedes. I don't buy that.
Generally I am happy with the power of the V8 engine.
The interior is bare for a vehicle costing this much. It needs an automatic climate control for one.
I believe that these reviews are niggling at Mercedes. All the owners are just bitching about little things that are only quality control errors. Value for money these Mercedes' are second to none, they are faster than a WRX around a rally track here in Australia and can be driven everyday with ease. Sure, you have the occasional annoying problem, but is it really worth posting about them? I haven't seen a review like the Ford Explorers and Jeeps stating the gearbox's need rebuilding and heads are going. So think about it, i'd much rather spend a little money on stupid problems than have to replace a gearbox. Wouldn't you?
My 2000 ML 430 used a 1 Qt of oil every 900 miles or so. This vehicle had this problem since it was new. The dealer I purchased from informed me that it needed to be broke in. However, it continued. I put up with the problem until just recently. I took the vehicle to the different dealer and they are attempting to correct the problem by replacing the rings. I am not sure just what all they are suppose to replace. How can I find out what they are supposed to replace? I believe the ML was not built with top quality in mind. They just put together a car. I like to see the ML build their vehicles like the Toyota Landcruser or Lexus.
I recently purchased a 1999 ML 430. It was fine on the test drive, but after the purchase the check engine light came on. The code indicated the EGR valve. I purchase a new one and started the repair myself. After removing the the old one, I found the the small rubber hose going to the engine was broken, and caused the EGR code due to a vacuum leak. I replaced the hose, cleaned and put the old EGR valve back on, and had the check engine light reset. The problem was solved and about $500.00 saved in about 90 minutes worth of work.
The ESP light comes on periodically, but after a few starts goes off.
I do have squeaking in the rear. I was told the shocks need replaced about $1000.00 (never). I will purchase the shocks and have them put on. They are not leaking and the ride is great. I think it's bushings or the ball joints, which can't be lubricated.
I replaced the Bose with Kenwood DVD and EQ, used the Bose amp and speakers sounds great. I will replace the speakers and amp next summer; it's a lot more work.
I will have to do the brakes and rotors before winter.
I have not had any oil consumption problems so far, the truck is fun to drive.
The biggest problem is the rear locks not working; they continue to click after you hit the lock button on the remote or in the truck. The actuators will probably need replaced; common problem with ML's.
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