There has been much discussion of the problems of '98-'02 M-Class but I haven't heard much about the '03-'05's. Are the '03-'05 improved to the point they don't have problems? Especially in the areas of transmissions, struts, rattles, switches and other common early M-Class problems.

We drive an '00 ML320 that has had most of the annoyances debugged except for 3 - the power steering will groan or grind when backing to the right then steering left (backing our of a parking stall), the transmission will thunk when downshifting - especially from 2nd to 1st, and the left rear strut creaks.

I am not excited about the 2006 M-Class but would be interested in a new 2005 to replace our current 2000 if the 2005 MY is essentially trouble free.

Any information?

Jim W.