Took our 1998 ML320 in for new rings and what ever else they find today. Oil usage went to a qt in 300 miles very quickly. SA said that is what they have seen-all of a sudden quick useage. Truck has 91,000 and we are 2nd owners. Will be done free although the FSS suit is not settled yet. I asume they will want to replace the water pump and some other things that make sense. Will let you all know if anything other than the rings are bad.

Dealer called today. Burnt valve on #4 and scored wall/ Needs new block and fitted pistons being air overnighted. I told them to put in new valve seals and rod bearings(parts only labor is included) Very happy with how this is being handled by both dealer and MB. I had the oil consumption written down and they said the computer had record of even one we did not write down. Said not all computers have kept track as well. Free loaner car as well so I don't think anyone could be upset how this is going down. Will advise the outcome and cost next wed.

Picked up Ml today. Total cost was $514. for complete valve job, valve seals, rod bearings and brake fluid flush. New block, pistons and rings at n/c from MB. Quite happy at final outcome. Will be changing oil at 5,000 with 0-40 Mobil 1. Good luck to others as these problems come up. I also have a 1998 E320 4matic wagon that has 87,000 and doesn't use a drop!

That was a fairly good deal. However, I think MB settled the class action suit and warrantied the engine against oil leaks up to 150K. Maybe you shoudn't have paid anything?

__________________
85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

I just looked ast the class action settlement from a letter I received from MB in Sept 2002. They will cover "oil sludge or related piston ring repairs" for 10 years or up to 150,000 miles. They include also a $35 certificate in the mail. MB has since advised using only synthetic engine oil. Maybe you can get your $$$ back. Hope this helps. BTW, they did a ring job on my 1999 ML320 at 31,000. I was complaining of excess oil loss at 19,000.

__________________
85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

Just to let everyone know, I would not have had to pay anything. They were willing to grind 1 valve, install new block and pistons and of course rings and put it back together. It was my choice to do a complete valve job, valve seals and rod bearings and brake fluid. I have no complaints about anything.

sounds like you got about 8-10K worth of work for $514...sounds like winner to me


Warren
1992 300SD 162K
Columbus Ohio

I have a registered 1999 ML320.
Any idea how to get a copy of this letter ? I never saw one.

__________________
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

Your dealer should have it. I gave mine to the guy who took over my lease.

__________________
85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

i had the same problem with my E320. Same engine but anyway I use a ton of oil and I bought the car used from the dealer. I ekpt on takin it back and they said it was normal to use 1-2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. I was like WTF??? SO i called MB-USA and all they did was give me a hard ass time before the gave me a new engine for free because this is a common problem with the 320 engines

I bought a used 2000 ML320 last week with 36K on it. The service record states it was in twice for high oil consumption around 15K. The MB warranty manager said they have not seen any oil problems on the 2000 year model when I called today. Is the 10yr/150K warranty I see folks posting in this thread cover the 320 engine all years or just the 98/99 year models?

Thanks,

__________________
Slowdriver

2000 ML320 (37K Mi)
1985 BMW 735i (155K Mi)
1989 Caravan (102K Mi) cargo hauler
2000 Montana (40K Mi) family hauler

1999 thru 2000 as far as I know. I recieved a letter covering my 2000 ML430.

I have a 2000 320 ML and got a letter.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

Thanks guys. I called MB corporate and they are sending me a letter. Never would have know had I not read about it in this forum.

__________________
Slowdriver

2000 ML320 (37K Mi)
1985 BMW 735i (155K Mi)
1989 Caravan (102K Mi) cargo hauler
2000 Montana (40K Mi) family hauler

I have the letter.

__________________
TJ

1998 ML 320
2002 Jag X-type