OK all said and done I rode around with this annoying sound for two weeks. No loss in performance, tranny has always shifted smoothly since i bought the truck. The noise was a kind of "winding" noise, noticeable while driving 5mph to 70mph. The sound would wind up until about 70 and then disapate. My first attempts to diagnose the issue was to replace/inspect transfer case fluid, front and rear differentials and engine oil. All were decent and fluids were replaced anyway. Found no other leaks and the underbody looks great for 110k. Car ran great but the noise was still there. So I took it to the shop this morning and 20minutes later the mechanic calls and confirms what others on the board had suggested(thank god for the message boards!!best thing for car owners to get informed!).....the driveshaft center bearing needs replacing. He quoted me a cost of around $400, which i though was reasonable . Im in NJ and the shop i'm using seems very reputable and knowledgeable about MB cars......

The German Car Shop
2229 Rt. 27 Edison, NJ


Thanks for all the input, ....despite the numerous problems, i still love the ML and don't think i could go back to driving anything other than german, i like to drive to much!