1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML from North America - Comments

Rear Bearings

Brakes

Rear Axle

Power Window motor

Air sensor

Alarm

Fuel Pump

Paint Chipping.

Like all Euro "performance" cars, this one corners like it's on rails. No question it handles better than any US car I've had... but aside from the Corvette, that's what you get with US cars. It's the NASCAR vs. Formula 1 mentality.

ML320 is a tank, but it's almost as loud, is about as reliable as the Bradley, and probably costs as much to maintain. I have to say that I'm really puzzled by the Mercedes reputation of being the finest engineered car in the world. If you talk to a dealer, they'll tell you they engineer for performance. In my mind, "performance" includes not only road handling, safety etc... but also durability. Heck, I could engineer part that only lasts for 10,000 miles!! They really need to get in touch with the US consumer.

My wife has a C230 4Matic Wagon and it's not much better. Probably move to another brand next.

Don't listen to the dealers when they talk about "performance engineering". After all, the basic racing principle is that "to finish first, first you have to finish". It all has to do with Mercedes having abandoned their principle of "cost-not-a-matter" engineering. After some monstrous warranty claims in 2004-2006 which severely hurt the company profits they are slowly going back to quality engineering now.

I don't know if Mercedes will be able to pull it off. Virtually all its car lines with the possible exception of the C Class are plagued with problems. They have simply added too much technology and little quality control.

There was even an article about a lemon law lawyer who said one of his clients had an SL600 whose airmatic suspension failed and lowered the car onto the tires, making it undrivable.

The real test will be the new S Class which is probably the most advanced production car on earth. If that vehicle can achieve the reliablity of Mercedes of yore, then the company will be on the right track.