ML Newbie questions
 

Hi all-
First of all - this forum rocks- I would never consider a used ML if this forum didn't exist. Everyone here has been extremely helpful with any problem I had with my S-class and my mom's C-class.

That being said- I have a few questions regarding my newly acquired ML430.

First- my passenger power seat is inoperable. I have the feeling that it has been unplugged as even the seat heater doesn't come on. I there is no fuse labeled for the seats in the fusebox- is there an aux. fuse panel? If so how do I get to it?

Second- My underseat drawer safe is locked and I have no keys (which is why I can't look under there to see what is up with the no power situation. Are replacements available from the dealer based on the VIN?

Third- How do I remove the interior liftgate panel. I have a Mercedes WIS DVD, but for the life of me I can't find it on there. I need to replace whatever is behind (nuts?) the top two license screws- they just spin in place- bottom screws are fine.

Finally- and this may sound wierd- but is there some kind of sound dampening insulation applied to the back side of the body panels? When I close the passenger door it sounds very "tinny"- like a cheap-o Neon or something. It makes the same sound when you tap on it with your finger while the other panels have a nice solid thunk. I can't find any evidence that the door has been painted or replaced- thought sound dampening may have been removed by a dent removal place or something. Also, some kind of goop gets on the sunroof and the rear pass. window when they open/go down- like rubber cement or glue. Could this be the culprit that has since been removed on the pass. door?

Any help with any of these questions is appreciated.

Oh yeah- 2000 ML430, 79k, blk/tan, dealer serviced every 5k, major updates (fuel filter, p/s hose) completed; 60k service- all fluids changed. Anything I should keep an eye out for? I know I am going to need brakes and front shocks soon.

So far love it- IMHO best 4x4 I could get for the money. Build quality doesn't compare to the 123, 124 or 126 body styles and I know they have had some growing pains, but it by far beats the GM moneypit I have been driving for the past few years or anything else out there.

Thanks- Jake

Yes, there is sound deadening material in the doors, but is has really bad glue on it and either often falls to the bottom, or gets stuck to the window and pulled out of place (that is what the rubber cement looking stuff on windows often is). Door panels on interior side are easy to remove, and replacing with something like dynamat or roadkill (availible at any car stero shop) is easy, and works WAY better. Did it on mine, worked great.

Thanks!
 

Thanks for the reply DCF- looks like I found next weekend's project.

Also- checked out the power seat a little bit ago- the plug had come loose from the computer underneath- I was able to access it from the backside and reconnect.

I did not have the safe keys for my ML500,just go to the dealership and they will give you a set.Easy to get.

Under seat drawer on the ML's
 

This may sound simple, but that seat drawer may not be locked!..... Did you push in the button to try opening it or just pull on the drawer? Mine appeared to be locked, but the button push opened it and the keys were in there! BC ... Dallas