126,000 on a 1998 ml, going super strong. No issues whatever, paint looks
as good as my 2002 clk, interior still clean.

Actually there is a mbz service truck truck here in Houston at a local dealer
which has over 300K on it. The shop foreman told me they changed the tranny at about 260K, and that was about it for a major repair.

Agree 100%.

I am satisfied with my 92 ML 320 with 114K miles on it. No plans to get rid of it.

I love my 99ML320.
Yes, it's had the niggling problems, but frankly it's not any more than I have had with other MB or BMW models I own(ed).

The car still looks very "fresh" and interior is still in great shape - about the same as when I picked it up 7 years ago today!

lenny, are the seals a diy job, and if so do you know where i would find instructions? thanks.

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

The seals were DIY for me. I have attached some instructions that may help. It's been awhile, but I do remember it's a bear to keep from gouging up the inside of the diff carrier casting pulling on the seals; it's quite soft.

Attached Files

pinion shaft seal.pdf (28.5 KB, 402 views)

__________________
Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

I only had to do the pinion seal for the rear diff. I used a sears craftsman seal puller 9-47645 and had no problem.

Thanks to you all for the responses. We opted for no extended warranty (up to 100,000 miles or five years) for our 2000 ML320 that we bought in the summer of 2000. Now with about 92,500 and just returning from a 4400 mile trip, half of it pulling a U-Haul trailer, we are again impressed with the comfort and driveability it has. We hardly knew the trailer was behind us; it only showed effect when stopping, and of course in gas mileage.

We felt confident enough with the last FSS check at about 50,000 miles that we would take the chance of no extended warranty. We felt the problems we had were taken care of and all the updates were done. We now have a few more miles until the next service is due and we will need to do some work.

Last summer we attended an M-Class introduction driving event for the 2006's and had a complimentary inspection of ours that has given us a basis for what to expect beyond the normal FSS service. I hope MBUSA will use more promotions like that one for their customers. What a way to encourage brand loyalty.

Jim W.

Jim W.

I too, am extremely happy with my ML. There is no doubt that the ML's have had their share of problems. Fortunately there are a number of owners that are more than satisfied with their ML's. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Hope to keep it for many more years.

One thing about major maintainence on Mercedes...its expensive!

Take the money you would have spent on the extended warranty and put it away for when that moment arrives. My engine is as strong as it was when new and burns no oil with close to 250,000 miles. Although I have had the transmission flushed and refilled twice since new, it will probably be my big ticket item in the next year or two.

Here's to those of us who are obsessed with preserving and enjoying our ML's..

P.S........just for fun, find a nice USFS road and use your low-range to get to the top of a mountain and back down. Just as you stated about pulling a trailer, the ML really is a strong, versatile performer !!

I'd have to fix my low range to do that!

__________________
Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

Haha, but I did use low range on a local offroad course to see if I could climb a hill that was muddy as hell. I just clicked it into LOW, and tapped the gas, and made it up to the top without a problem. Hoever, I did feel like hauling ass through mud and kicking it up everywhere, so it did get all muddy, but it is more than off road capable. The 4 wheel drive isn't too bad, and all in all, it is just like having my 300TE with more oomph and more capabilities.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

95,000 miles on my 1999 ML430 and so far...

Replaced window switch (DIY $70)
MAF replaced a couple of weeks ago at dealer
Leaking "12 pin" connector seal in transmission
Squeaking torsion bar
Replaced driver side rear wing window after I had to bash it in to get inside locked ML in middle of Death Valley

I am on my third battery from running aux lights/ fridge/ computer etc during races.

Other than that, nothing.

Disclaimer: My ML is lifted and has 33 inch BFGs. It is used as a truck. Offroad. Tows my boat. A few offroad rally races.

I got it back from the dealer the other day (MAF issue) and they had washed the thing. It looked new. Unbelievable.

__________________
" I feel much better ever since I gave up
hope."

The only major repair was replacement of intake manifold ($1,600) due to a small broken internal spider gear. The gear was not replaceable and required replacement of the entire intake manifold assembly. (Not very Mercedes- like).

I have about 66K on my 99 ML320 and it is running very well. Had to replace the window switches, front and rear brakes, MAF sensor and that is about it. Mercedes did the hub/balancer recall and one of the cats without charge.
Overall, I am very happy with it and love to drive it as my "daily driver".

__________________
Ben Harrison Carter
1999 Mercedes ML320 87K
1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K
1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09
1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08)
1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06))
1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06)
1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago)

1999 ML430, 132,413 miles and no trannie problems. Engine and trans run excellent.

I think my auto box needs changing, it is losing power after an overun (deacceleration) to stop. I have two fault codes from the box P2600 and P2605, and the ML has done 100100 miles. How good are the torque converters. can I get away without changing that.. Steve