Comments: 1-15, 16-24
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.
The US-built ML Mercedes was deemed by Consumer Reports to be, during the first year of sales, the least reliable vehicle in the US, beating even Chrysler and GM products.
I have had the oil problem that you have had and it was fixed quite easily.
The dealer connected the car to the Mercedes Star system and reconfigured the sensor and no more problems.
I have had many more problems that have not been fixed though.
My ML320 has been a nightmare to own. I not only waited 6 months for the privilage of purchasing it at sticker, but have received awful service from my service department. I spent two years going back and forth to the dealer to have it checked because the check engine light was on. It is now burning a quart of oil every 500 miles even with the synthetic. Last week the wiper switch fell off in my hand and the rear windows will not roll up except with the front switch. I would have been a life long Mercedes owner, but this car has soured me so much I will be happy to run it into a brick wall.
My ML320 has been a nightmare to own. I not only waited 6 months for the privilage of purchasing it at sticker, but have received awful service from my service department. I spent two years going back and forth to the dealer to have it checked because the check engine light was on. It is now burning a quart of oil every 500 miles even with the synthetic. Last week the wiper switch fell off in my hand and the rear windows will not roll up except with the front switch. I would have been a life long Mercedes owner, but this car has soured me so much I will be happy to run it into a brick wall.
Nightmare is not quite the right word to describe the ML320. It's a pathetic joke. Read my letter to Mercedes Benz explaining my problems with the vehicle at: www.nagele.co.uk/comment.htm.
I have a 2000 ML320 from Haitis as of today 55k on the odometer I am now replacing the fuel filter and lines nearly 500.00. I have wen through two sets of breaks on the front and one set on the back. The motor for the sunroof was replaced at 25k. The driver window switch was replaced at 15 and 25k. Finally at 30k the motor for the drivers window was replaced. At 12k my power steering pump malfunctioned causing this to be replaced. Key malfunction has been an ongoing problem from the start until they finally replaced the keys all together. This is my second Mercedes and I have a Nissan that cost $20k less and it has yet to go to the shop for anything and right now has 55k on the odometer. With all this said my next purchase will not be a Mercedes. (You don't always get what you pay for.) (Paying a large note and repair to boot) UNHAPPY IN ATLANTA.
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I just got one ML320, my brother got a BMW 5 series, he has had his car for 2 years and he has never been to the mechanic, I have had mine for 9 months and I have changed the fuel pump, brake pads and I wonder what will be next. Benz has failed on its reputation for excellence. Frankly, I don't think I will ever get one again. That car is a piece of crap. I was at the Benz dealership and they advised me to get another car acknowledging that their car was a piece of crap.
Our 2000 ML 430 has not been the vehicle we hoped for.
I must say it is really a let down. We must replace the brake pads every 8 months or so at a cost of about $500. ($500 must be the magic number when it comes to repairs) The regional manager for Mercedes in NJ say this is about average, because of the soft pads that they use. Uh huh.
I recommend going to napa and purchasing their ceramic pads for the ML. You will get a little more squeaking when applying the brakes, however you will get more life out of them, Also after you have had the pads changed 3 times, you have to replace the rotors. They do not turn them, and don't recommend it.
As for all the other stuff I've had to replace...
Window control buttons in console. (you can't just replace one, you have to do all of them)
2 Catalytic converters,
mass air flow sensor,
Heated seat element,
3 of the Bose radio system with navigation,
reacurrance of replacing the fuse for the A/C almost once every year,
side view mirror motor replaced.
There are several other small items I could name, but not worth the effort, but you get the picture though.
My take on this? Personally I fault not only the equipment manufacture,
but the good ole union boys in Alabama, since this is the only vehicle made by Mercedes that is built here in the U.S.
You have to love that Hourly wage for screwing on a nut, then going hunting. My recomendation... Buy a BMW, we haven't had a lick of problem with it. For that matter, my 92 olds Custom cruiser wagon has 240,000 miles on it, and runs like a champ. too bad they are gone after the 2005 model year.
My ML320 1999 has had similar problems. I will probably never buy Mercedes again. I hope someone from mercedes reads this website. Hopefully that may help resolve these issues.
My Mercedes ML 320 is a 2001. It has had numerous trips to the repair shop, mainly engine light on, numerous times, mysteriously shutting off while driving, sun roof problems, mostly electrical. I want my Ford back.
My major problem with my 2002 ML320 is that it has developed a very serious and in my opinion, dangerous hesitation problem. This occurs even when the car is fully warmed up. It is most noticeable when switching from reverse into drive. When I press the accelerator the car just sits there for a few seconds seeming to try to make up its mind what to do. It also occurs at most any other time when trying to get the thing moving from a complete stop, like at a traffic light. I just took it in for service. The dealer informed me that there were no indications of a problem in the on-board computer so he is convinced that there can't be a problem. They are going to let me take one of them for a ride to demonstrate...can't wait. I wonder if anyone else has run into this.
99 ML320 bought new in September, 1998, now has 89,000 "around town miles" as I simply do not trust it on road trips. Often have had the dash warning light come on and the transmission lock into low "limp home" mode, sometime 60 miles from home, once 600! Everything resets if you turn off the ignition and restart the car. Several visits to the local dealer, they replaced a module once under warranty, now claim they cannot identify the problem.
My wife drives past a police station two and from work, they have a radio transmitter on the roof, when you get near it all the warning lights come on and the transmission locks in low!!!. MB claims it is not possible, suggested she take another route! When my wife told me about this I said "no way", she said "get in the car". Drove until we got right in front of the station and "zap". Dealer useless. Between my father and I we have owned 12 Mercedes since the 1960's, my friends kidded me about "brand loyalty" when I bought one. All I can say is that I am very disappointed with the vehicle and dealer.
I have a 2000 ML320 I have owned since new and would highly recommend this vehicle. Other than normal maintenance it has been virtually trouble free and getting awesome fuel economy for its weight and size.
I have a 2000 ML320 I have owned since new and would highly recommend this vehicle. Other than normal maintenance it has been virtually trouble free and getting awesome fuel economy for its weight and size.
This is not the car we purchased. Bought the car drove for 7 months, never any problems. Went to Europe for 1.5 months come home the car won't start? Dealer said its the battery. Replaced it and still nothing. Apparently something with the oil went wrong and when my son started it with no oil to warm it up well we were gone the engine seized. I have doubts about Mercedes now. My first Mercedes, a 1985 330D runs strong with 185,000. I wish they were still built like that. I've been in a loaner car for 2 months because Mercedes has all the stuff on backorder. Furious!