It seems that negative comments are all you ever see on this forum, so I thought I'd post something positive for the guests and members to see.

We're coming up on one year of ownership with the ML500 and my wife and I LOVE the truck. A couple minor issues, but nothing about which I would gripe. The truck has been extremely enjoyable, and I look forward to opportunities when I can drive it (wive's DD). My experience purchasing the vehicle was extremely positive, and my ongoing relationship with the service folks has been outstanding. I consider it VERY important to cultivate positive relationships with your service manager.

Looking forward to many more years of driving pleasure with this vehicle. (I'll be taking it for its maiden trip to snow in Lake Tahoe at the end of the month and I can't wait!!)

__________________
Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

Most of the owners who complain have older model ML 1998- 2000. I think the reliability on the ML improved from 2000 models up. and quality and finish improved on the 2002 and up models
I have owned a 98 ML320 which I hated.... but by the time I upgraded the dealer fixed all the mechanical defects... but still hated the finish and small stuff breaking..... I repaced the 98 ML320 with a 2000 ML430 which I love to drive reliability and finish improved... I had to change the fuel pump and filter that was the only major failure to date... "KNOCK ON WOOD". In 2002 we added a ML320 Sport edition.. and we have not had any major problems from it... There was the fuel gauge problem but the dealer fixed that.... Over all I am quite happy with the ML.. It is a very capable suv... It also out performs most others I think. I will be upgrading my ML430 with the W164 a year or so after it is released.

Cheers.

I guess I am one of the few who have an early model ML320 (an early one off the line) and I have had very few problems with mine - typical check engine light & window switches being the only problems in 4 years of ownership. I also might add that this was the local dealer's wife's car for the first 2 years of it's life so that might have something to do with my good fortune, you think?

Hi!
My ML320E 1999 - 150 000 ml
No problems - Use good oils - do not try to save on oil.
Use Amsoil 0W30 - the best oil on the world.
You can used for 50 000 ml.
Dont use K&N filters.
I love my ML - best joy I have with this babe.
My all cars last for long time.
1984 190D - 750 000 ml
1987 260E - 350 000 ml

Regards.

I agree 100% with your post. We are just comming up on two years with our ML500. I just love the truck. We tow it behind our motor home and use it off road frequently. Planning a two week Death Valley trip later this month. It is the best snow and ice vehicle (Mammoth Mountain Ski Area) I have ever owned and that includes several Jeeps.

Bob H

All cars are man made.
We never can live forever.
We only can joy how we know and understand.
My ML 1999 320E is my joy, part of my life.
Do we are perfect? The all wife’s are perfect? We love her.
Lots of the peoples love G wagon, soon ML become a G wagon, very strong.
164 soon become a Lexus - sure very nice.
I need a truck.
Many problems, too many visits to Garage, mechanics need bread too.
We have the best Oils on the world - Amsoil -Red Line - plus others - why not many guys are using.
Many names of oils maker’s sound sexy?
Mobile,Castrol,Pennzoil,etc - is formulated for short time use.
Synthetic don’t means all synthetic oils are good.
This is a base for happiness and long life for engine.

Regards.

You say amsoil is so much better than Mobil One.
You must know more than the Mercedes Owners Manual Writers.
Perhaps you should enlighten them.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Mercedes is telling what want,
Go to reviews of oils and you see how is.
Mobile can last in perfect condition for 6000mil
Amsoil can for 25000 or 35000 mil
I am with Amsoil for over 20 years and my engines are in original condition, never open.
My 190D very high mil and 260E.
ML320E 150 000 mil.
This is not my opinion, you can see all tests how Amsoil is.
Mobile is nothing special.
You can see all on the net. Just you need a time and read all.
I own brand new in 1982 300D Turbo - I believe to Mercedes Service All oil changes was done by MB.
in 45000 mil was replaced 3 x Turbo.
I sold that car and get new 1984 190D.
From the beginning I start use Amsoil - I have lots of problem with Autotransmision.
When I come to dealer for repair of transmission –MB wants change engine. Oil.
When I tell I use Amsoil - synthetic - want take my warranty a way.
I call head office, talk to German Eng.from that time was o.K. No body make problems for me more. Today my 190D 750 000 mil.
Today engines are more sophisticated. need good lubricant.
Why so many engines failures. Who used regular oils?
Look how many quarts of oil are in the engine. If use 4Q only can last for 2000 mil.
This all is proven - I don’t promote Amsoil - look on German oils if you can get.
Are best. North Am. is a big business and every body need make some money.
Mechanic too.

Best Regards.

I'm on my second ML now. First was a used ML430 I bought a couple years ago. Truck was good to me! One MAF sensor failure, fixed under starmark warranty! Did all required services and kept it looking good. Traded it recently for 05 ML500SE. What a truck that is! A lot tighter and outstanding power. I think we all get too critical because we expect perfection from Mercedes. It's still a man made machine. If you look close at the safety that is engineered into these units, on balance they're worth it! I'm going to drive this one a long time! I didn't want a W164 because I'm still old school and want a frame under me. Each to there own, but I enjoy mine!!

__________________
David L

Amsoil is on the list of Approved Engine Oils http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html. I have been using
Amsoil Synthetic 5W-40 European Engine Oil (USA) since the warranty ran out. My dealer was using Castrol Syntec 5W-50. I don't know what Mercedes was thinking when the first 1998 models came out with the FSS and were recommending regular dino oil. After a few lawsuits they changed their recommedation to synthetic oils.

Let the oil war begin.

My wife and I bought our '98 ML320 new in December of 1997. We have 74K miles on it and really love it. No other SUV drives as well as the ML. The fit and finish was and still is excellent. We have had usual maintence items and a few minor repairs, most of which I do myself - window switches, brake pads, water pump, front brake calipers (these probably resulted from the water pump failure) and just recently the MAF sensor. At the time I was mad that the water pump failed, but it wasn't hard to change and overall no big deal.

Pat

sdanville
Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 151


back to oil topic

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You say amsoil is so much better than Mobil One.
You must know more than the Mercedes Owners Manual Writers.
Perhaps you should enlighten them.
__________________
Steve Danville

**************************************************************************************************** ****************
Dear!
Internet is on your hands.
Look up: all documents are there.
Challenge me.
Do you know what means marketing?
Do you know what mean Service?
Do you Know 60% of problems :Owners of German Cars are getting.
Created by gritty of Dealers and small garage owners.
Many peoples want take care of there’s cars and are reap off.
Do you are thinking Japanese cars are much better?
No, the policies of service are different.
Do you know? -- 20 years back - when you go for service = MB.BMW or VW
Do you can think what you can get from them?
Today thanks to Japans competition, cars are cheaper. Look on models series
300 MB = 10 years back how much cost and today = same price by number, yes. In really value today are much more cheaper.
Let be smarter and help to each other - cars are nothing new.
Need good oils and basic experience how to handle.
Let bring new experience and we all can have very positive benefits.
That way we can help to each other.
We all are smart, let be smarter.

Best Regards

yes,
yes,
no,
yes,
no

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Thank You !!!

Interesting info on Mobile 1 vs. Amsoil. I don't claim to understand it but it makes for a good read.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html

__________________
Litton
'90 420 SEL (sold)
'72 280 SEL 4.5
'98 ML320 (for sale)
'86 560SL
'05 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd (offroad in style)
'87 Chevy Blazer (AZ Pin Strips)