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!

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