I had the whole transfer case replaced under warranty quite early in the life of the vehicle not because it was leaking but because it shuddered on moderately sharp turns at low speed - sort of the way my old Jeep Grand Cherokee used to. MB replaced it rather than fixed it. There was a known issue with these units on the 98s - they didn't seem surprised at all. Hasn't leaked since - another 120K miles or so, nor have I had any issues with the front/rear diffs.

Anybody know of a source for used parts? I need the security cover - the windowshade-like affair that covers the cargo bay. Mine was out of the car and sitting in our garage; it fell over and then my wife drove over it....never could quite get it to work right after that somehow.... Color is gray. MB wanted about $200 for it new last time I checked.

This place http://www.mbpartsonline.com/parts.html?Chassis=163 has them for $79.00

Yes, this seems to be a common problem. As posted above I replaced both front and rear seals at 107,000 miles. The seals were not that much money, but I got two different quotes for the labor for the front seal, both from local dealerships. Two hours and five hours if I remember correctly. I did it myself, and would say the two hour labor rate is more realistic. Expect your rear one to leak soon, but don't have them fix it until it does (no time savings doing both at once).

__________________
Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

Heres another one on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=63690&item=2473134541&sspagename=STRK%3AMESSE%3AIT currently at
$41.00

Thanks- I'm looking for a gray cover; the one on Ebay's black. There's an outfit selling them online - in "sand" and "ash". Is "ash" medium-gray ? Sounds as if it might be.

The following problems have occurred 90,000 miles:
1. signal switch replaced
2.fan motor
3.driver side seat heater
4.belt tensioner and idler pulley
5. seal in transfer case
6. rear pinion seal -all other seals in rear
7.window switch panel
8. fuels pump
9.sending unit
10. fuel filter and lines
11. switch on crankshaft
12. mass air flow valve
13.key when bad ( only 2 years old )
14. Harmonic Balancer
The best part of all this was the extended warranty I purchased covered the repairs. Mercedes dealer has been great in terms of repair. I think my restoration is now complete and I am looking forward to getting another 100,000 miles on my ml.

I got the transfer case leak repaired yesterday at the dealer. Cost was $330.

They changed both seals of the drive shafts that connect the transfer case with the front wheels.

Only one was leaking but the additional cost for doing both was only $49. The two seals come in as kit.

I had a transfer case replacement at about 45k miles under warranty. I complained about jerky shifting/vibrations and the dealer replaced the transfer case. The problem was fixed and did not appear again. I did not notice a leak at the time- might have been too small to spot.

__________________
TJ

1998 ML 320
2002 Jag X-type

Does anybody know if the automatic locking feature above 8mph can be programmed on a 98 ML 320?

Also can a global close feature be programmed on the keypad (to close all windows, sunroof and locks the car)?

Thanks

TJ

__________________
TJ

1998 ML 320
2002 Jag X-type

FROM MEMORY....

On the 2000, you program the auto lock feature by turning the ignition switch to the first position and holding the lock button down for several seconds. Alternately, hold down the unlock button to disable.