Complete set of brakes 3 times.
Power steering pump hose.
Two Battery replacements.
Catalytic converter replacement.
Starter failure.
Fuel pump failure.
Blown exhaust gasket.
Plastic wrap-around at both rear posts cracked.
Leather top on center console loose and ill fitting.
Off the line performance is exceptional for an SUV, I have never had to worry about being able to pass or accelerate.
General handling and ride stability are considerably better than many other vehicles that I have owned, including sport cars.
Fit and finish of the interior components has been ALMOST exceptional, with the exception of the aforementioned deficiency.
Service on the vehicle has generally been very good, our local dealership genuinely seems to care about customer service (imagine that!), I have gotten to know them quite well as much as this vehicle has been in for service.
And that in a nutshell is my biggest problem; after spending almost 50K for a vehicle, I do not expect to have as many service problems as we have had with this vehicle, and the main reason why I doubt very much if I will consider another M.B. I just put a deposit on a Lexus RX430 Hybrid (ten month wait as of now!) next year I'll let you know what I think.
One other thing I forgot to mention in my last posting. The car consumes a quart of oil ever 1000 to 1800 miles. Mercedes dealer said this is normal. Huh? had to add 4 quarts between services. Interesting concept, never heard of that before. Do your homework on the ML. My first Benz and I can say without hesitation that it will be my last. Ran great when it wasn't in the shop. Except for the times that it was waiting to get into the shop. Sometimes 3 weeks before you could get an appointment. Again.. do your homework.
You mean to tell me you purchased your 2000 ML and your previous vehicle was a Ford Excursion. That's funny because the Excursion came out in 2000, that was the first year produced. So either you only had the Excursion a very short time or this whole review is just a phony.
I have 9 years experience with a 2000 ML430 leased new and then bought off the lease at a $6000 discount from Mercedes.
In my opinion there are few SUVs that combine power, handing, and safety like this one.
Here's the rub: KEEP IT UNDER Warranty!!!. Find a reliable independent company and a good local shop. The dealers are to be avoided except as a last resort.
Many of the recurrent problems on this vehicle are due to dealer incompetence (the power steering hose comes to mind).
And don't ever let the dealer touch the brakes. Many superior aftermarket items are readily available and your local guy will happily do it for half price.
Best to think of these vehicles as a small plane. Trust me they are a lot cheaper to maintain. So stop your whining and enjoy what is an exceptional high performance vehicle.
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