ML "bugs" been ironed out for '03s? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

krasuskyp · #1 09-07-2004, 09:42 AM

So the wife's '98 ML with 84k has yet to have any of the real 'failures' I'm reading about here. Knowing many are likely looming, we're thinking about replacing it with an '03 rather than spending $$$ on all of the maintenance items that have not yet been done and are overdue, then having a well maintained ticking time bomb waiting to blow.

Question: did MB finally get their act together by then? I know the '00 redesign addressed 'some' of the disasterous failure items (harmonic balancer, ring failure, etc.)... but did they finally get it right by '02 or '03? Also, what of that DaimlerChrysler 3.5L Jeep Liberty motor? I see '03s had both 3.2 and 3.5... which is better?

Basically, what would you all do? Pitch the '98 and get an '02 or '03 (and 3.2 vs. 3.5 if '03?), or pitch it and get out of MB altogether? Many fine alternatives out there.

Also, anyone here using a 3rd row seat in these? Curious to hear your feedback. Ease of ingress / egress for toddler? Amount of storage space in rear with say one seat folded and a kid seat in the other?

ANY insight here appreciated. This forum rules for info like this, looking forward to responses.

TIA.

PHAEDRUS242 · #2 09-08-2004, 09:33 AM

The new ML's (post facelift-'02 on) are exponentially better vehicles than their predesessors. That being said, they are still pretty far behind a lot of their rivals. At the risk of being dragged over the coals by some of the members here, I think you could definately find better options. The new Cayennes (despite exterior styling) are great vehicles. They drive like what I thought the ML would drive like when they first came out. I've driven the turbo quite extensively as of late (demo perks) and it does handle more like a performance sedan than a truck. Just one option to consider.

As for the third row seat, it is more of an afterthought and does not function well in the vehicle. They are getting very difficult to find and you will spend a large amount of money retrofitting one to a vehicle (multiple thousands).

krasuskyp · #3 09-08-2004, 10:01 AM

Thanks for the insight. Of course the P truck is a better vehicle per se, but in the '03 is in our $$$ range; the P truck is waaaaay beyond. We're not married to the MB star (anymore at least, they have to win back much respect), but the X5 rear seat is even more a joke, as is the XC90 (both with zero storage aft of 3rd row). I'd say Toureg in a second if it were for me, I sooo enjoyed driving that, but it's for her and again no 3rd row.

I'm seeing many reports of '02 issues, seems the '03s may have gotten it right (finally geeze)?

Agreed on the 3rd seats in the ML being an afterthought, and will find one that has them OE and have a look at how liveable it is. Twins coming necessitates the set up, or larger truck which she doesn't want (Yukon XL / Navigator 2nd choices ugh).

Tx again. Any further '03 reports appreciated! Reading what I've read out there blows my mind about MB, shame, hard to comprehend. Though Audi isn't much better it seems lately...

G-Benz · #4 09-08-2004, 10:09 AM

Each new ML (or any MB for that matter) is followed with a customer satisfaction survey after a few months of ownership.

I truly believe MB really reads the responses, as I have noted specific deficiencies on my 99 that I saw immediately corrected on the 00 and 01 models!

I test drove an 03 last summer and was surprised at all of the changes...and the rear seats are actually comfortable (according to wifey).

One of the biggest changes you will note is that the interior looks far less "plasticy" than your 98...

itb76 · #5 09-15-2004, 04:52 PM

Well, here's an opposing opinion I suppose. I can't imagine any repairs you have coming will exceed the cost of trading a '98 on an '03! The inconvenience of an interrupted trip is what you'll be spending the extra money on.

We have the third row seats in our '98 and use them occasionally. Best suited for kids old enough to get in and buckle themselves up, through young adults. Limited storage behind, and not too bad to sit in on shorter trips. My in-laws are over from Germany now, so they're staying in the car for six weeks. The third row seats, not the in-laws! The second row will accomodate one infant seat and two booster seats, unless you want to get back to the third row then the right most position has to be free.

The best alternatives to the ML would be the Touareg or the Acura MDX. The MDX has third row seats I believe. The big domestics are too large, boaty, and thirsty, and can't really be less trouble than the Benz you have now! If you are inclined to look at domestics, maybe an Explorer is worth a look?

metroboi · #6 09-16-2004, 06:51 AM

I don't have any knowledge about the Cayenne, but since it shares 90% of its parts with the VW Toureg and is constructed on the same line, that is not a good sign as the VW's have been plagued with numerous problems. We own a Passat W8, which has been far from a trouble free vehicle but everytime we are at the dealer, there are Toureg owners there complaining about some pretty serious problems.

You might also be aware the MDX is suffering from transmission failures. At the moment it seems to be affecting 01s and 02s, but the problem is bad enough there is a forum devoted exclusively to this problem.