Any suggestions on how to approach dealer with oil consumption problem? I have a 98 with 120K - recently started guzzling oil! not a drop on garage floor, no smoke upon starting. Thanks for any suggestions.

I wish I knew exactly what happened to my oil consumption, but here is my story.
Bought a used 99 ML320 from a friend. 90,000 miles. He said it used a quart every 1500 miles. And it did for me. But then I cleaned my plugged EGR tube and ran 2 bottles of gummout emmission contral cleaner thru it, changed the oil and the consumption went to 1 quart every 4,500 miles.

1st owner used mobil one as I do.

1/29/04 UPDATE
4500 miles since my last oil change and the oil is right in the middle of the dip stick. So now it is using less oil as it gets older. One significant change I did from the origional owner is, he burned regular gas. I only burn Mobil or Shell premium gas. So perhaps when the computer retards the timing due to cheap gas, this throws the engine off enough to suck oil into the intake.

1/30/05 update- Thank you Nikki for the contribution a couple down from this.
It made me think, the letter talks about ring sticking due to sludge. That makes more since now than anything else why my ML320 used oil then didint. I had a ring that unstuck. I am going to continue with gas additives weather they work or not.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

I took our ML430 MY'00 in for an oil consumption test this week. It is my wife's vehicle so I drive it seldom, but it seems every time I do drive it I was searching for a Mobil station for another quart of oil. As it turns out my wife reminded me that it was every trip to the moutains (or small hill of NC) when the light would come on.

Nevertheless, the dealer charged me $144 for the test and told me to bring it back between 600 and 700 miles. That evening I searched an found the tech bulletin that states that MB will pay for one Oil Consumption Test, so I emailed it to their sales manager. When I arrive back at the dealer three days later, they seemed much more willing to help in resolving the issue. It was particularly funny when I started our the conversation about the class action suit, it was like I had a video of them in some kind of act and was holding them for black mail money.

I strongly urge anyone to do your homework, go to alldatadiy.com and get your tech bulletins yourself. The cost is minimal as to the information you will gain. Technical Bulletin 18.00/21

Great to hear these kind of stories. The internet has changed the ball game for Mercedes and some of their half assed dealerships.

just a thought.
this is all about contributing.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Engine - Oil Sludging/Consumption Diagnosis & Repair

Date: December 5, 2003

Order No.: T-B-18.00/21

Supersedes:

Group: 18

SUBJECT:
All Models with FSS or FSS+ Starting Model Year 1998

Inspection, Diagnosis and Repairs Of Engine Performance Complaints Due to

Excessive Oil Consumption and/or Oil Sludging

Note : In case of any complaints relating to oil sludging and sludging caused engine damage complaints relating to model year 1998 through model year 2001 (Sold through March 2001). Please also review and comply with O'Keefe Class Action Settlement and Service Guidelines Document available on May 9, 2003.

Note : These guidelines must be strictly followed or warranty claims will be debited back to the dealer.

In case of engine performance complaints relating to excessive oil consumption and/or oil sludging, the vehicle must be inspected to verify the complaints and diagnosis must be performed in the following order.

1. The FSS history should be accessed via SDS. The FSS history read out should be used to confirm the maintenance history of the vehicle. If the FSS history read out shows that the vehicle was improperly maintained, i.e., the maintenance intervals were materially overdrawn; and in addition, if the review of all the customer's service records indicate that at the time of the subject oil change, engine oils not approved at the time the change was made were used, the vehicle is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Additionally, the O'Keefe Class Action Settlement Service Commitment applies only where the oil used was one that was approved at the time of the oil change. Further, please note that under the O'Keefe settlement (1) there will be no coverage where there is evidence of vehicle abuse or neglect in failing to properly maintain the vehicle according to MBUSA's recommendations including the recommended service schedule; and (2) coverage shall not apply to vehicle's with other product alterations that would void warranty coverage on the vehicle. It should be further noted however that in addressing these issues with consumers that the O'Keefe settlement provides that if there is a legitimate dispute as to whether oil sludging or related engine damage was caused by the use of conventional motor oil during the times when it was recommended, MBUSA and thus, its authorized dealers, will err on the side of the customer class member in determining whether to provide coverage.

At this point, inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle are complete; do not proceed to Step 2. Advise the owner of the vehicle that the cost of repair will be at the owner's expense since the engine performance complaint is due to maintenance neglect.

Note : For vehicles subject to O'Keefe Class Action, see accompanying service guidelines document for additional steps, including contacting MBUSA Market Team.

Note : Prior to March 1, 2001, only engine oils with at least SH and/or SJ API classification were approved for use. Starting March 1, 2001, only engine oils with MB229.1 or MB229.3 certification were approved for use. Starting model year 2003, only engine oils with at least MB229.3 certification were approved for use.

For future model years, refer to the latest version of Factory Approved Service Products, Order No. S-0473.

If the FSS history read out indicates that the vehicle was properly maintained or if otherwise authorized by MBUSA pursuant to O'Keefe Class Action Settlement, proceed to Step 2.

2. Perform an oil consumption test. Reference WIS Doc. AR18.00-P-0025AV (using service calibrated dipstick) or 0025CB (using SDS)

Note : One (1) oil consumption test is sufficient to verify if an engine has excessive oil consumption condition; and pursuant to the O'Keefe Class Action Settlement, MB will pay for one oil consumption test. Oil losses due to external leaks such as porous crankcase, porous cylinder heads, oil leakage through gaskets, seals, or 0-rings are not considered oil consumption. As indicated in WIS Doc. AR 18.00-P-0025AV or 0025 CB, you must perform repairs on these external leaks as outlined as the first step in any engine oil consumption test process as a normal repair; and for vehicles out of warranty this cost of repair is at the owner's expense.

If oil consumption is not excessive ( Note : Severe oil sludging, sticking piston rings, and scored cylinder walls will result in excessive oil consumption.


If oil consumption is excessive (= or > than one quart/660 miles), check for oil sludging and/or oil sludging related engine damage. Reference S-B-18.00/16a and any subsequent updates.

If oil sludging is found, perform tests and/or inspections as outlined in Steps 3 and 4 below to check for sticking piston rings or cylinder bore damage, respectively. If any or all of the above damages related to oil sludging are found, perform their respective remedies in Steps 3 and 4. Remedy the oil sludging by taking corrective measures as identified in S-B-18.00/16a and any subsequent updates. If these correct all these conditions, repairs are complete.

If an engine has excessive oil consumption and only oil sludging is found, take corrective measures as identified in S-B-18.00/16a and any subsequent updates.

Note : If an engine is replaced, solely due to excessive oil consumption and/or oil sludging, instead of the performance of the corrective measures as identified in S-B-18.00/16a and any subsequent updates, the engine will be debited back to the dealer.

3a. If an engine has excessive oil consumption and/or oil sludging as confirmed by the above two steps and, in addition, sticking piston rings are found to have been caused by oil sludging, as verified by performing a cylinder compression test per WIS Doc. # BE01.00-Z-9999AZ; remove, install and replace piston rings, refer to WIS Doc. # AR03.10-P-7311BV.

3b. Check for evidence of increased levels of dirt/dust entering through the vehicle's air intake system. Reference DTB P-B-07.65/31. If the engine shows no such dirt/dust intake and cylinder walls are not scored as confirmed by performing test and inspection in step 4; remove, replace and install piston rings as per WIS Doc. No. AR03.10-P-7311BV. If this corrects the condition, repair is complete.

Note : Engine damage arising from dirt/dust entering through the vehicle's intake system is not covered by the O'Keefe Class Action Service Commitment. It is also not covered by the warranty unless the entry of dust/dirt resulted from some warrantable defect in the product.

4. If cylinder walls are found scored as verified by performing a cylinder compression test per WIS Doc. BE01.00-Z-9999AZ and further confirmed by borescope inspection, refer to various WIS document in group number 01.10; replace crankcase with long block. If long block is not available, replace with complete engine.

Note : Engine damage arising from dirt/dust entering through the vehicle's intake system is not covered by the O'Keefe Class Action Service Commitment. It is also not covered by the warranty unless the entry of dust/dirt resulted from some warrantable defect in the product.

Note : Any return long block or complete engine whose cylinder walls and it's components are found to be within specification will be debited back to the dealer

Since I started this subject 1 1/2 years ago I though an update was in order. The new engine is perfect, having changed oil at 5,000 and 10,000 miles since replacement. The 1998 E320 wagon was traded at 107,000 for 2002 4- Matic wagon. The 1998 never did use any oil. This was done by the Dealer in Wichita,Ks. I never did buy a car from them, just service. Having dealt with Dealers in Iowa(2), Ks and now 2 in Alabama I don't understand how some people have so many problems. The just posted copy of the service bulletin is dated in Dec 2003, but my work was done in March 2003. I had some knowledge and a good attitude and ended up with great service. That's why I am remaining loyal to the brand.

Oil consumption saga!
Went to the deal and spoke to a service rep who said he had never heard of oil consumption problems!!! Not a good start. I know the parts guy so I ask him... he called the head mechanic up who said -- we've replaced about 30 of them!!!! He couldn't have been nicer. I went back to the service rep and ask him if he might have just been absent during everyone of the 30 ML engine oil consumption problems or if he was just shining me on. (guess he figured being a 50 year old woman I .... you know!) I left and called the service manager. He made the appointment - got me a loaner - and they have had my ML for @ a month. They will be redoing the engine. no charge and the use of the loaner until the job is complete. All in all a fine interaction.

What year and how many miles on your ML320 ?

Did your oil consumption start all at once ?

Do you know what they will replace ? (rings? - pistons ? the whole engine ?)
Thanks

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Hey Sedan
The ML is a 98 with 125k miles. It has used a little oil since 100k (1 qt per 2k) but all of a sudden it recently started using @1 qt per 600 miles!
Not sure what I'm getting. It is apart and I am going by the dealer tomorrow. Will report back.

Hello everyone
can someone please let me know if there is a chance of me getting my ML320 repaired by the Dealership!
this is my story
I bought this suv used this last year, it's an ML320/98 with 87000 miles
always serviced on time and using Mobil 1 0/40 synthetic oil,
the suv is running pretty good but I have to add about 1qt every 300 miles,
I haven't tried to talk to MB about it, but my independent mechanic already told me I have problems with one of my pistons,
is a real expensive repair and my family can't afford it in times like this!,
if anyone know a way for me to get the repair done with Mercedes Benz I will appreciate the information,
and thank you all in advance!

You said you would report Back Happy Tiny.... that was Seven years ago.
I am waiting.

Steve

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles