1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 review from North America
"A real piece of (well you know)"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have has this car for a short period of time, yet I have been unable to put any miles on it due to the fact that it is ALWAYS in the shop. Recent repairs -transmission $9,000; Power locks $300; Battery $300; Navigation Malfunction $500. The list goes on and on. Needless to say, Mercedes knew about the majority of problems with this model SUV yet will not address them with their customers. In fact, the offered dealer incentives to unload all the 1999 model year ML's. This is not how a car company should treat the top tier consumers.
General comments?
I have a Lorinser ML 430 with all the bells and whistles. I am writing this because I want to warn the typical person in the market for a good SUV to stay away from the Mercedes line (unless you are going for the G-Wagon, which has its own problems). Repair costs (which I am now accustomed to) are astronomical!!! When all was said and done I paid nearly $10,000 to replace the transmission on the car, Mercedes corporate response - well the cost of upkeep should be expected with any car. FU MBUSA. After many MB's I am sorry to say that I will only buy one of their top competitor's from now on (I don't care what it is as long as I am not giving MB anymore $$$)
Hope this helped someone in the market.
Recommended reviews
  | An expensive piece of junk |
| I really wanted to try a Mercedes, but was not impressed, hey at least it never broke down! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 65000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 5 Series |
| Date of Entry | 29th May, 2003 |