Hi,
I have found a 1998 ML320 with 63,000 miles on it for sale. From the posts what seems to be the common problems with these trucks. Do these trucks get better with age or worse? I've seen re-accuring problems with electrical and other things. Do the quality issuses seem to be across the board or just a limited number of vehicles? What should I look for if i buy this Mercedes.

I had a 98 & now a 2000. The 98 /99 had the most problems. Most problems are poor part design & quality. You can find volumes in this post and others about the problems. My approach woudl be to get the truck's service records from the dealer and make sure all of the common problems have been addressed. If you don't do this, you may find that your first fuel filter change will cost you $700! If you buy it for the right price and know what you're getting, you will enjoy the truck.

We are also experienced in the '98 and '00 M-Class and I concur with ML320guy, be sure to get a complete service record on the vehicle, do a search on this forum for information and be sure updates to the vehicle have been done.
Is the vehicle Starmarked or has an extended warranty?
Some problem areas in the '98's are loose or rattling interior panels, window operating switches, transmission problems, engine oil sludge, engine damage from non-synthetic oils, rear struts, poor radio reception, and quite a few more. Because of the potential for transmission problems, and our '98 showing symptoms, we traded it for the 2000 model year - a major upgrade.
Other than the problems, the ML's are wonderful vehicles to drive.

Jim W.

As previously posted, make sure the major items are addressed. Most were factory flaws that manifested itself before the 63K mileage. Still, you could get bitten by a bad MAS, crankshaft sensor or fuel pump (and filter upgrade) if they haven't been addressed yet.

Despite experiencing many of these anomalies on my 99, it has proven itself to be a wonderfully reliable vehicle. Most issues weren't crippling anyway, and I would usually wait for an A or B service and then have the dealership address several of them at one time.

So it's not like you deal with a new breakdown every month or something.

The ML was my first MB, so I hadn't had a standard of measurement to guage quality and fit and fit issues...I was happy!

__________________
2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

I'm the original owner of a '99 ML 320. I would not recommend for someone to buy a '98 or '99 model unless it's at a give away price.

My beef is not necessarily the original problems with this vehicle. I did some research before I bought it and I was aware of the repair history. My complaint is that I have had to replace several of the weak parts multiple times!

* fuel level sensor: 12K and 78K miles (still doesn't work right if you park on a slope)
* machine gun locks: 24K and 76K miles
* transfer case switch over motor: 24K and now it won't switch to low range (haven't replaced again yet)
* window switch: 46K, 76K, AND 132K miles (This one is unbelievable.)

I realize I'm putting a lot of miles on this vehicle, but that's the reason I bought a MB. I expected it to last for a lot of miles.