2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML-500 review from North America
"The most hideously expensive piece of garbage ever produced"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Defective CD Changers (replaced)
Squealing Brakes (pads replaced)
Rattles in Dash (removed and fixed)
S/C Switch caused the seat heater to overload burning a hole through the leather seat material ; Ouch! (Replaced)
Nav system gives error messages "Please Visit Workshop" hourly (fixed on 4th dealer visit: a whole new wiring harness was needed.
Usual recalls after the power steering hose separated and squirted fluid everywhere.
Debris left over from the factory build "stored" in the heater fan.
Factory fitted tires managed 22,000 miles of light use only.
Gas gage always reading wrong (replaced)
Trip computer defect (replaced)
Alarm constantly engaging (replaced sensor)
Door trim peeled away (replaced)
Parts fell off roof rack. (replaced)
The Fenders weren't assembled correctly in the factory and were loose (dealer couldn't believe that one!)
Myriad of other defects including the Ash-tray that won't open, loose parts behind the door panel and electric seat adjuster that continually blew fuses etc etc.
General comments?
Service at dealership (Park Place in DFW) was good, they fix everything free & mostly first time.
6 weeks in service/repair : its too long in the shop for a $50k 2002 model vehicle.
M-B USA are hopeless; they sent me a form letter stating "While every effort is made by M-B to prevent malfunctions, there is always the potential for failures to occur. It is for this reason we provide our 4 year/50000 mile warranty etc". There is no escalation possible the claim we are 'just the distributors' and neither the dealership nor MB Customer service will talk about whether my vehicle is 'normal' or a 'lemon' : That info is (quote) "Proprietary"
When it goes its great : powerful (but thirsty) and truly comfy.
Recommended reviews
  | An expensive car to maintain |
| I like it still, I wish it were better |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 28000 miles |
| Previous car | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 22nd October, 2003 |