I have an update on my ML320. We pulled the tranmission last week and found that the transfer case is cracked as well. Total loss on the transfer case. Come to find out that 98 to 2000 had a bad chaiin in the transfer case but mercedes won't tell anyone about this beucase they don't want to warranty it. They updated the chain in 2001 models. The wrecking yard told me they had 180 of these lying around for a year or so and then they started flying off the shelves. This is how I found out about it. I did find a transfer case from a 2003 for $700. I assume it has the new chain in it. Mercedes, for what they charge should really step up to the plate on these issues instead of being so cheap. I also bought a rack and pinion because mine was leaking like a busted pipe. I will never buy another mercedes after this. I just went out and paid 33K yesterday for new ford F150 supercrew 4x4 for myself. When the ml320 is finished I will decide how bad my wife likes it before I unload this 35K mile piece of ****. I do want to thank Gilly and the people of this forum for the support. I will do the swap this weekend and post a final thread on the details of this adventure.