2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 from North America - Comments

Power windows switches and motor replaced after 3 days.

Sunroof stuck open

interior lights not working

low coolant light after 5000 miles

rattles, bumps, noises all over the interior of truck

brakes went at 17,000 miles

tires are bald at 20,000 miles

power steering lines exploded in radiator.

Trim around windows and doors are discolored almost grayish.

Radio faceplate around LCD screen discolored light gray.

Glove box door fell off on floor.

Cup holders both broken within 2 weeks.

We have had problems since day one with this car. The dealership is no help nor is MBZ corporate. It is a continuous problem always something wrong. The truck looks nice and is quite fast for its weight, but a mechanical nightmare. I own a 5 series BMW and it has never had one problem and the dealership is great. The ML320 has a decent transmission although lately hasn't shifted too well. I dislike the noisy, rattling interior. The armrests on the door don't extend far enough back and I keep dropping my arm into between the seat and door, I noticed this the first time I drove the car. The cup holders are a joke, the glovebox door is a joke. No rear heat vents, my 4 yr old freezes unless we blast the heat in vent. The paint is chipped all over the truck and is no doubt defective. The power steering lines recently blew up and sprayed the engine with oil, they blew off the radiator I think? The roadside assistance is expensive to renew and they don't make it clear it is extra. The truck is in my opinion substandard as a vehicle in general, as far as considering it a german engineered vehicle... no way. I was treated like a jackass at the dealership and I don't like it. I liked my loaner car (toyota avalon) better than the ML320!! considering I have been in a loaner car more than the ML anyway. Don't buy this truck.. get a BMW.

I have had the same experience.

My wife has a 5 series BMW (it is our 4th BMW) she has 140,000+ miles on it and has never had a problem.

My Mercedes ML320 has been nothing, but a problem. The dealer's service department has been less than honest. I have had to bring the car back on several occiations because the original problem was not corrected. I was once had to have the car repaired twice in one day.

Mercedes Benz USA is of no help.

Prior to buying the ML320 I drove BMW and VOLVOs so I have a great deal of experience with European cars. However, as most of you know, the ML series cars are 'Made in America' Alabama, I think so it is not a European car. Of course the dealer will not tell you this unless you ask them directly.

I am fortunate in as much as I can afford any car I want, but I will never buy another MB.

Would you buy a Mercedes if you knew it was built in Germany rather than the States?

Mercedes M series rides MUCH smoother than the boring BMW X series.

I concur, the X5 is one of the worst riding vehicles I have ever been in. The ML's ride is much more civil.

I agree the X5 is the absolute worst rinding car I have ever been in. ML has a nice smoothe ride and a nice welcoming interior with the navi. My friend has a 2000 320 I have been in it and really like the car. Thinking about buying one despite the ugly body stlye. Also don't be turned off by the ml reviews because there were very few lemons.

'I concur, the X5 is one of the worst riding vehicles I have ever been in.'

Don't forget about the X3, which is even worse!!

'Also don't be turned off by the ml reviews because there were very few lemons.'

So how do you explain the fact that it came bottom in the Top Gear owners satisfaction survey not too long ago?

Mercedes spent over $2 billion in warranty claims because of the A series and the ML series in 2002, and you state there are "just a few lemons"?

Besides the insanely cheap interior, I suggest anyone considering this vehicle do some research before buying.

A very good friend of mine has an ML 320 from the year 2000 and it has a very strong mileage, something near 160,000 miles and it has never given a single problem. We have travel with this car through several European countries and I know it well, I have driven it for thousands of miles, and it is a joy to drive it.

Also, I, myself, have an A-160, and at 163,000kms I have only changed 2 wipers rubbers, and 2 light bulbs. Not even the battery, and the car is already 9 years old.

I think that with time passing it will become more evident how extremely durable these cars are, as they will still be running in the streets.