I have a noise that sounds like a clunk sometimes and other times sounds like the noise a rope makes when there is a lot of tension placed on it and it twists - like under pressure. This occurs when braking or when there is stress placed on the frame ie: climbing a hill, making a turn where the truck twists, etc. Have had it at the dealer under warranty - they can't seem to figure it out. Have had it at an independent - they can't find it. Any ideas?
Truck is a '98 ML320. Have had it for approx. 4 yrs. and it has always done this.

This comment falls into the category of the blind leading the blind so......

My first guess would have been wheel bearing, but you said that it has been happening for the last 4 years.

My second guess would have been brakes, but you indicated that it happens regardless of braking and again for the last 4 years.

My third guess is the rear springs and shocks. If it is still under warranty push for them to replace the springs and shocks with the new updated version.

Already been done. I agree. I have no idea what it is. I have looked and looked. It has to be something simple that I am overlooking.

If it's in the driveline or suspension, I've never heard of a noise described like this, unless the truck is early enough (first 500 or so, vin would read 000500 or less) in which case maybe the transfer case, but again the complaint sounds wrong, usually it just makes this vibration while turning, not climbing.
If it seems like it could be in the body, then it could be the rear hatch latch, they updated those to stop squeaking and clunking noises. Barring either of these options, if the tank has ever been removed, the body is lifted off the frame slightly (to remove the tank) and maybe something is misaligned or loose on a body cushion. The dealer should be able to do a vmi and tell if the tank was ever replaced under warranty (BTW how do you still have warranty on a 98 ML? Starmark warranty?), but of course the truck could have been in a wreck (unlikely if it has Starmark warranty) or the fuel tank may simply have been wrecked (not a warrantable situation, so MB wouldn't know about it).

Gilly

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No warranty now - it was Starmarked when I bought it. I am pretty sure it is one of the very early ones. I will check the man. date.
It was previously owned by the owner of the local MB dealership - so you know maintenance was not skimped on this one. Repair records show the fuel tank not being removed. Latch mod. has been done.

This sounds like the noise I have with my ML55. It is a binding type noise that happens as I slow down to a stop below 15mph. Then when I roll away it quickly pop-pop-pop unbinds itself. It sounds like a stuck caliper, but is coming from under the car near the center...

sorry for the bump, but I have the same exact issue with my 93 190E. it just started happening this week.

the car has an automatic transmission, and when I am braking to a stop light under 15mph, i hear a snapping or clicking noise as i come to the stop when the car is in drive. and it snaps/pops/clicks or whatever as I gain speed again.

however, when I throw the car into neutral before I slow down for the light, the sound is not replicated.

i would like to know the solution or cause of this sound. stuff like this worries me.

Had the same problem with 260e It was an overtight wheel stud !! just touching the handbrake shoe, Solved with the grinder,