2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 review from North America
"A lower cost GM product would be better value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Many silly little electrical / trim problems, which I would have thought would have been resolved by now - considering how long the ML has been in production.
Battery failed at 15,000 miles.
Door locks keep on playing up - dealer can't seem to fix them.
Fuel gauge next to useless.
Clock gains about 10 minutes / month.
Window got stuck down.
Remote entry system keeps on playing up.
Car alarm goes off at random times - usually in the middle of night.
Tires are wearing unevenly and no, it's not been curbed or off road.
Drivers power seat gave out at 12,500 miles.
Random warning lights, which the dealer can never replicate.
Front pads shot at 11,000 miles - just been in for service, now it needs new pads and rotors all round, which are not covered by warranty $$$$. We drive it very gently.
General comments?
Potentially a great SUV with great safety features, but way too many problems & defects for a true MB.
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  | 2004 - M-Class ML 500 5.0 V8 24v The M-Class W163 is mud in the face of Mercedes-Benz |
| An expensive car to maintain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5 liter gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 71 miles |
| Most recent distance | 18000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 26th July, 2003 |