Have a 98 ML320 with ~75,000 miles. Harmonic balancer went up in summer of 2003. Went through crankshaft, oil pan and many other engine parts. Bill was over $5,000. Called MBUSA, who said there was no history of this for this model. They offered no assistance since it was out of warranty and kept repeating the mantra of "the owner is responsible for all repairs after the warranty period". The rep would not let me speak to anyone higher up and referred me to my dealership. Dealership said he had never seen this on a MB. Dealer had the car for a week and finally agreed to "only" charge me $2500 because he wanted to keep me as a customer. Let me know if a class action suit is started or pending.

Also, on the same car, we get a whistling noise from under dash when starting up at random times. Goes off after a minute or two. Will stay on even if you turn key off. Dealer couldnt find cause. Didnt do it for a year and now that it is turning cold it is doing it again.