I bought a ML last year to go on my ski trips. However, during the summer time I have very little need or desire to drive my ML to work just to get stuck in traffic. And I drive it very infrequently during the summer.

And what I have been during is starting the engin and let it run a few minutes every couple of days. Is that bad for the car?

What would be a good warm up schedule?

I would think I could use the same methods that is recomended for people who store their summer cars in the garage for the winter?

thanks
ben

I too, have an ML, and I bought it for vacation traveling and light weekend hauling. I think your idea of running the engine for a few minutes is fine for very old vehicles, but I don't believe newer ones like to sit and idle for very long periods of time.

Try driving it a bit too, if not just for weekends. Keeps the brake discs clear of the surface oxidation that can develop over time, and makes sure that the calipers don't seize up over time.

Tires can develop flat spots if sitting for a long time.

Also, run your A/C, to make sure the seals haven't deteriorated.

I think MBs like to be driven, and I have seen cars that sit for long periods actually fare worse than daily drivers when it comes to wear and tear.

My VW sat in storage for 5 years when I had to move once, and even though it was a show car, I had to practically tear it down completely and rebuild and refurbish everything in order for it to become driveable again.

I agree with G Benz, you need to drive the car. Starting the engine and letting it only idle, won't recharge your battery. Also, your oil will warm up, create condensation, you'll shut off the engine and that moisture just sits there. You should get the oil up to operating temp, to allow for the is moisture to cook off. Once a week or so, take your ML out for a good 30 min. drive, also keep the gas tank full. This also will help prevent moisture build up.

all right you have convince me.
 

I will take it to work on a regular bases. I just have to suffer for the good of the car :))

It does seem to ride smoother when I was driving it twice a week to work before.

Thanks.

talk to you soon.

Just drive it a couple of times per month and be sure to use the climate control. If you don't, you risk losing seals which will not allow you defrost during ski season!

As I had said before, I drive mine on weekends only, and that is sufficient to keep everything in proper order and get the harmful moisture out of the internals.

By the way, if you haven't received a letter from MB about going to synthetic oil on your A/B service intervals, beware! The "flexible service interval" computer (when the little crecent wrench ligght comes on) has not been coming on frequently enough, causing the unsuspecting MB owner to wait too long for oil changes (i.e. premature engine wear problems in the future)!

Mercedes-Benz is trying to solve this by going to synthetic oil, which can go longer between changes, in line with when your ML computer thinks it's time.

If you are currently using regular motor oil, disregard the computer, and change more frequently (I usually do it every 5K since it's not driven hard, and the trips are relatively long).

There is a long post about this issue...

thanks G.

My is a 2000 ML they tell me that it already has syn oil inside already. From the dealer and the 1800 number people. so, i should be o.k.

blau

Good to know that you're off to a good start.

Hmmm...since the 2000 models had synthetic oil to begin with, why did the letter come out in 2001? Hmmmmm?

I am concern too.
 

I suppose the letter came out to make sure that in the future that I don't change to regular oil. And I also got an ammended lub requirement booklet.

I also heard that people got recent oil change and it was regular oil on their ml because it said so on their worksheet.

But, I sure like to be able to tell.

I guess I just have to trust them.

Like I said before thank god they are working on my car and not my health.

ben