2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 review from North America

We had problems with the security system right from the start. It would lock, we'd come back to the car and the remote would no longer work. This resulted in replacing the keys themselves several times and ultimately the whole system.

The car went in for noise in the sunroof when opening and closing it. It took us several weeks to get that resolved and ended up with a new sun-roof.

Replaced the brakes at 20,000 miles.

Early on the braking system warning light kept coming on. This was a bad switch and was replaced.

The airbag and restraint system light came on due to a bad seat belt. The seat belt was replaced at least twice before the light stopped coming on.

Replaced two window motors at 32,000 miles.

Constant problems with the oil. The light would always go on. The oil would be low, but no leaks could be found. They tried switching to synthetic, but ended up replacing the entire engine.

Once the engine was replaced, we had it in the shop for three weeks straight because of rattling. When it came back, it leaked oil all over the driveway. It went back to the dealer today for that problem.

There have been so many problems, I am probably forgetting some.

I expected to see more people with problems with the ML320. Maybe we just got the lemon.

We bought the car because of its safety features.

Despite all of its mechanical problems, I like the car itself. It is comfortable and handles really well.

For the price, it would be nice if they added a few amenities like a compass and dual climate control.