As the title indicates, I'm looking for feedback on the M Class. Particularly from techs who see a number of them on a regular basis.

I’m considering the purchase of a ’98 ML320 for my wife. She loves the vehicle, but my research through MercedesShop uncovered lots of opinions indicating that the ML may have a tendency to be problematic.

Based on your experience with the M Class:

1) Would you consider it to be a reliable vehicle?

2) Would you consider it to be DIY friendly for a competent home tech?

I’m very comfortable trouble-shooting and servicing my 201, as well as my Volvo 940 Turbo and my Jeep CJ-7 – so variety doesn’t scare me... in fact I relish it. I just don’t want to get into a situation where I have an unreliable vehicle that needs to be service by someone else.

3) The transmission seems to keep coming up in threads as a trouble spot. Is that the case?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Jeff Pierce

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Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F