Hello,
The ML320 in question is a 2000 with 44,000 miles on it supplied new by this dealer. When I moved to Raleigh in 1996, this dealer had a *reputation* and I did have a few issues with them regarding a 1989 260E supplied new by them as well. I politely pointed out to them that I am not a first time Mercedes owner, so it will take more than their *average* expertise to impress me.

Showing a picture of my dad's 1954 170DS and discussing the work they do on the cars at *their* level made the right impression. And I do know my way around the pre-1990s cars. I guess the bit that really caught their attention was when I repaired the inoperative odometer on the 260E and it actually worked !

Since then, they always:
1. Do not repair or replace anything without my permission
2. They discuss the issues at a , how should I say, *technical* level.

The ML has not been without it's problems, at 4,500 miles I had them
1. Replace noisy sunroof
2. Wheel alignment
3. Replace the front center console cover
4. Replace the fuel pump and harness
5. And of course the upgraded electric fans etc. etc.

I always make it a point not to behave in a boorish manner but I have seen it where customers scream, shout and generally behave like Attila the Hun, but it serves no purpose. If they do a reasonable job for a reasonable outlay, I have no problem, just do not try to bull**** me. Have been driving Mercedes and BMWs for almost 30 years now, so try it with someone else!

Not related to Mercedes, but the Mitsubishi dealer in Raleigh, NC refused to replace a cracked head on a 99 Eclipse(one year old at the time). The engine was losing coolant and oil at an alarming rate. They said that the oil consumption was within Mitsubishi's published limits and would not budge, even telling me that I was not a *Mitsubishi trained tech* so I had no business doing any diagnostics. I finally had an oil sample analysis done that showed 100% coolant contamination of the oil and only then they relented, but they replaced only the BARE head and cylinder head gasket, everything else was reused and even on the day the car was traded in, the timing belt cover was still rubbing on the cam sprockets. So, if you think Mercedes dealers are the pits, think again.

__________________
Nachi11744