2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 350 review from North America

Things that have gone wrong:

1. At 33 miles - Front passenger door did not open - dealer replaced motor unit

2. At 40 miles - Engine shakes and seems to almost stall when in a stop condition

- have taken to the dealer 6 times to no avail. Dealer has replaced the fuel filter system twice stating that the filter was leaking explaining that this part is extremely unreliable. The computer system was also replaced. The dealer explained that an incorrect computer system was installed at the factory. Adding to the problems, the code for the system took a week to obtain and when received was the wrong code (dealer explained that this code comes from Germany). Result- the engine still shakes in a stop condition.

3. At 50 miles - the window trim paint peeled off - dealer replaced all trim. They explained that this was a frequent problem with the ML's.

4. At 1800 miles - the home link system failed. The dealer replaced the unit however the problem now seems to occur periodically.

5. At 33 miles - noticed chips in the paint on the side doors. Assume that chips occurred when parked at the dealership lot. Dealer refused to correct stating that it is impossible to fix the small paint chips.

General Comments:

1. The ML 350 seems to have too many problems for such an expensive vehicle.

2. The dealer seems to try to fix the problems, however do not seem to solve the problems. The problems could be inherent in the manufacturing of the vehicle and therefore could be described as a lemon.

3. The dealer has given me a loaner ML 350, however this vehicle also has a problem of a shaking engine in a stop condition. In fact, my hold hand and foot shakes in a stop condition due to the shaking engine. Has anyone else with an ML350 had this problem? Anyone able to diagnose.

4. I do enjoy the vehicle when it is not in with the dealer; however at this point could not recommend this vehicle to anyone.