ML 320 purchase Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

can-do · #1 03-28-2004, 08:09 PM

Greetings All,

I have been tinkering with the idea of selling my wife's '86 300E and another suv we rarely use in order to replace the two with a 2000 or a 2001 ML 320 . After reading all the problems other owners have had with this vehicle, is it such a smart move, or should I stick to an American labeled suv? I say labeled because most of the parts if not the entire auto is built in Mexico if you look closely. Any great as well as bad experiences from owners of these model years, please chime in. I really don't need to be paying $20,000 for a lemon with endless headaches when I can buy American for less and still get the same headaches.

Charles

Ron in SC · #2 03-29-2004, 07:14 AM

Quote:

I really don't need to be paying $20,000 for a lemon with endless headaches

If you buy a used vehicle and review the service records at the dealer and those provided by the seller I would think you would be able to see whether the vehicle is a lemon or not.

When you buy used you are allowing the prior owner to deal with all the warrantry stuff.

I bought a 99 ML 320 new. I almost never buy new vehicles not only because to me it's a waste of money but because I'm afraid I might be buying a lemon. I did want an ML but didn't want to buy a 98 since that was the first year of production.

I now have a little over 90K miles on my vehicle and I've had no problems other than what I consider minor issues that were resolved while the vehicle was under warrranty; which was prior to it having 50K miles on it since I put that many miles on it in the first 2 1/2 years I owned it. I've owned Mercedes vehicles for nearly 25 years and I'd have to say that at least my ML did have a lot of items that were fixed while the car was under warranty. Do not compare the quality of the ML to Mercedes sedans, it's an SUV and it doesn't cost what a G-wagon does.

PHAEDRUS242 · #3 03-29-2004, 09:00 AM

Let's see, wht goes wrong with the 163?

ML's are notorious for wondow switches breaking. you will replace at least one set in the life of the vehicle. luckily, these are not very expensive and very easy to replace. the power sttering cooling hose that runs from the pump to the radiator will probably (or has probably) popped off at one time. there was a recall on this where the hose clamp was replaced. now we are replacing the whole hose. this is not a huge problem provided there is not other damaged caused from the pump running while dry. so listen very closely for power steering noise. the pump and steering rack are suspect if noise exists. make sure (of course) that YOUR mechanic inspects the vehicle thoroughly for fluid leaks. both diffs are known to leak at times, as well as the oil level sensors, the transmission data port connector, lower oil pans and lower radiator cooling hoses. if there is a lamella roof on the vehicle, don't even look twice. these never worked, they are noisy, leaky and expensive. pay close attention to any vibrations felt when performing parking lot maneuvers. this signifies a worn transfer case. the positioner stepper motor for the case goes bad sometimes but is also pretty cheap to replace. listen closely for any noise from the rear suspension. the rear shock assemblies will squeak over bumps when they are worn and will get very loud if left unattended. these are expensive. avoid '98 and '99 model years as they were more suseptable to these problems. they really got this vehicle "right" in '02, but all the 2000's were alright. there can be a phantom squeak noise heard from the front of the vehicle at times, especially on startup. this is a noisy fuse box blower motor. relatively cheap and easy to install. also, make sure the cowl modification for the climate control system has been performed, as it's an unnecessary expense to a new vehicle owner. there are cases of the ac drainage hoses in the passenger compartment becoming clogged and leaking water on the floor. this is an easy fix most dealers will do for free. the auxillary cooling fans will sometimes become inoperative, blowing fuse 44. there is a wiring modification that can be done to rectify this. We can't forget the crank pulleys coming apart as all 112/113 series engines have had issue with that (just make sure it doesn't wobble or look beat up). finall there is the issue of oil consumption that Mb was forced to address through litigation. a lot of these trucks burn a lot of oil. MB says it is normal to burn 1 liter every 1000km (!). fortunately, if the oil consumption test proves there is more oil burnt than that, it is often attributed to oil sludging and MB will pay for the piston rings or even a new engine (if necessary) until 150000 miles. all in all, the vehicle will only be as good as its maintenance. if it was taken care of, it will run like it. just spend the time and look for the right one. also, an extended warranty is probably in order due to the price of parts for these vehicles. i recommend MBP as they take good care of my customers and are easy to work with from a service center standpoint. starmarked ML's are also a big plus. that's the long and short (but mostly long ) of it. keep in mind i only see the ones that are broken, so not all of them have all of these problems. they are decent trucks and have exceptional off-road prowess. good luck and happy hunting.

PaulH · #4 03-29-2004, 11:03 PM

My wife and I love our 2000 320ML. Some problems taken care of under warranty - which is now over.The 2000 year models (and later) seemed to have much less problems and better finish, esp. the interior. No leaking diffs., no bad window switches, BUT, check the harmonic balancer on the crank pulley(see this site under the tech section) and have the dealer check the power steering hose and clamp. Remember, this ShopForum is used to discuss problems, not much of the good stuff makes it here. A perfect vehicle? No. But, I can't think of a better SUV to be in. And I can't think of a safer vehicle to be in. Mileage around town is about 15. I get 24 mpg on the open road. Also, the engine uses no oil. I use Mobil One and change the oil every 7500 miles. Good luck.

can-do · #5 04-01-2004, 01:45 AM

Greetings,

Thanks, for all the responses and the info that has been provided thus far. I guess just by reading various post on this model kind of got me gun shy of this new adventure of Mercedes. I really like my 300SD, and I don't think it will find a new home anytime soon as it's been quite reliable with minimal expense except normal maintenance items which can be expected for any car that is 20 years old. Does anyone out there think there ML320 will make it to that life span or has Mercedes ensured the life span to be quite a bit less on this model? Seems like the old Mercedes would take quite a bit of road salt etc. with proper cleaning it didn't bother it from year to year. How does the ML fend with body deterioration for you folks out there on the East coast? Are you ML's still rust free and the under carriage still fresh looking? Just curious what the lower panels are now made of, just steel or are they painted galvinized?

Thanks for any info,

Charles

G-Benz · #6 04-01-2004, 11:32 AM

I guess with a Texas vehicle, rust isn't much of an issue...but I keep mine spotless, including the undercarriage. The lower panels may be treated, but they don't have the rough texture specific to undercoat material application.

I think MB tackled the rust issue marvelously, but my only cosmetic issue with the most recent offerings is their switching to the enviromentally-friendly water based paints...which succumbs to rock chips and debris easily. My 300E sees daily duty and doesn't have a tenth of the chipping I see on the ML (which does weekends and vacation duty mostly).

PHAEDRUS242 was pretty thorough about possible ML ails, but I would add that the transfer case issue had to do with the earlier units having a different gear ratio (60/40 vs 55/45, I believe).
Some dealers did the retrofit for free on the early units, but other than the shudder when making really hard parking-lot turns, there is no threat of transfer case failure as a result.

Most everything else PHAEDRUS242 mentioned has been isolated and corrected during my warranty period...usually performed all at once during my A or B service intervals.

No oil-related problems or leaks that I can tell, and I've had the ML on the synth plan since new.

I don't plan on getting rid of my ML for a later one, but I will have to admit that the newer versions have a better fit and finish (leather vs plastic door trim), rear seats are more comfortable, more safety items (door airbags and side curtains), and HID beams instead of halogen, and the NAV system and optional video playback system.

The exterior has been slightly modified to give the ML a more SUV-like appearance as opposed to a mini-van profile (as some have alluded).

Enjoy your possible purchase with relief knowing you've purchased an excellent vehicle in many respects.

allenjdmb · #7 04-13-2004, 09:52 PM

with the 163 has been, on the whole, quite good. I think they're an excellent value from about $13k (well kept and updated 98's with miles) to roughly high $20's (really nice 02's and v8 01's). No, they are not perfect, and these other guys have done a good juob of describing the routine foibles. That being said, since we now know about what to look for, it's a little easier to take the worry out of it. My choice would be at least a 99 V8, or anything from 2000 up, with 02's taking another substantial leap in quality and reliability. Just FYI, I own an independent company that sells about 80% used MB, and I have found customers to be consistently satified with the ML, as long as we make sure the problem areas have been dealt with, or they are new enough. I always keep 2 or 3 around for sale, so let me know if I can help. Hope this helps you...

slowdriver · #8 04-14-2004, 10:09 AM

I am a little more down the purchase road then Charles as I bought the truck (2000 ML320 with 36K) about two weeks ago. After reading through this forum (great source of info) I compiled a list of things for the local MB dealer to check on (still have 6 months left on the factory warranty). My service appointment is tomorrow so I will post what they found/repaired soon so you have a better idea of what to expect. I bought the truck from Carmax which has a 5 day return policy which gives you time to take it to get it checked out at MB or a independent mech if you like. I bought the ML to replace my 89 Dodge Cavavan 4cyl which still runs like a top after 100K. My BMW has 155K and is just now getting tired. I have hopes the ML's life and service cost will take me at least into the 100K+ range.

slowdriver · #9 04-16-2004, 04:21 PM

Update: The MB dealer replaced the harmonic balancer, did the steering pump upgrade (clamp & hose), fixed a split weatherstrip on the pass rear door, and replaced a sticky accelerator cable.

They declined to do the aux fan upgrade (unless evidence of blown fuses), informed me any cat converter problems were covered for 7/70, said oil consumption in excess of 1qt per 600mi would warrant a concern i.e. trigger the MB 10 year/150K mi warranty consideration, and stated the fuel filter upgrade is a 60K mi service visit item. I have 36K on my 2000 ML320.

I have till September 04 on the warranty yet so I expect I will return before then to ask again for the aux fan harness upgrade.