ML 350 wiper motor out at 42k Normal?

[Gil]

Just replaced the wiper motor on the ML 350 at 42k miles. To me this seems very premature. In fact, the old motor itself was fine, but the nylon ring gear inside was completely stripped out and finally gave way one day.

Is this normal wear and tear for a wiper motor? I expected a little better than this from Bosch.

[Skid Row Joe]

I didn't think it normal for the wiper motor to go on my Ford truck at 40K miles, shortly out of warranty, but Ford didn't think it unusual. I empathize with your luck on the wiper motor assembly components.

[Gil]

Wasn't too bad except for the plastic trim pieces near the firewall - those are a pain in the fingers to get in and out. The new motor works but parks the wipers in a funny way - can't figure out why, but everything seems positioned correctly.