ML 320 Relliability/Servicability? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tvpierce · #1 07-20-2005, 04:31 PM

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

skiier3_9 · #2 07-20-2005, 05:02 PM

Although I'm not a tech, I would recommend the 00+ ML's. The early years had some problems that were addressed in the later models. Our 00 ML320 has been (major) problem free for 70K+.

tvpierce · #3 07-20-2005, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiier3_9

Although I'm not a tech, I would recommend the 00+ ML's. The early years had some problems that were addressed in the later models. Our 00 ML320 has been (major) problem free for 70K+.

What major problems?

'00 and newer is out of the question. The '98 is frankly more expensive than I'm comfortable paying for a car... but my wife is less frugal minded than me. (And you know who's gonna win that argument! In fact, she already has.)

jp

mbdoc · #4 07-20-2005, 05:21 PM

The 1998-99 TRUCKS do have there share of electrical problems as well as trans & transfer case problems!

IF you really want a ML don't mess with a 1998 or pre MARCH 1999!!!

tvpierce · #5 07-20-2005, 10:01 PM

If you don't mind elaborating... what changed post 3/99?

Jeff Pierce

bbrewer · #6 07-21-2005, 02:47 PM

Not meaning to jump in, but I used to have a 98 with 112k miles....
Transfer case started slipping (chain jumped on the sprockets) under hard acceleration....
Phil helped me out with a new (redesigned - thank YOU, MB) transfer case, and that solved the problem.....

Problems with switches (not too hard to replace, BTW), belt tensioner, seat releases, etc..... It all starts to add up after a while....
Phil does a great job - M-B's design of the 98 ML did not.....

Sorry M-B, I wouldn't buy another one..... (if you're asking....)
If you MUST - as a poster already said, '00 or newer.....
JMHO.......

Ferdman · #7 07-22-2005, 06:38 AM

Jeff, from what I've read over the years I agree that you should avoid the early production years of the ML ... 1998 & 1999. We drove a used 1998 a few years back and it rode like a truck. Supposedly the 2006 ML's are a dramatic improvement although I realize that you don't plan to purchase a new one.

tvpierce · #8 07-22-2005, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbrewer

Transfer case started slipping (chain jumped on the sprockets) under hard acceleration....

Wow! That is a serious (and unforgivable) flaw for a 4WD or AWD system.

[/QUOTE]Phil helped me out with a new (redesigned - thank YOU, MB) transfer case, and that solved the problem.....[/QUOTE]
Dare I ask how much this "redesigned" TC cost?

Thanks everyone for your input. I always hate it when I or others respond to a thread, then get no response back from the original poster as to whether or not the suggestions worked... so here's an update on where I am based partly on your responses. When I read the responses in this thread I was disheartened. When my wife read them, she was mortified. She now understands why I was luke warm at best on the idea of the ML.

After further research, I'm now looking hard at the Infinity QX4 (1998 or 1999). It ain't no Benz, but it seems to be a well made vehicle which could be serviced by a DIYer.

Do any of you have experience with that vehicle (the Infinity QX4)?
Your input would be welcomed.

Thanks.

Jeff Pierce

bbrewer · #9 07-22-2005, 08:50 AM

I'm not saying you couldn't do most of the work yourself, I'm just saying you'll probably have plenty of opportunities to find out... :-(

I think the transfer case was about $1400 delivered, and took about 2+ hours to install..... Took considerably longer to get the old one out because I had no idea what to expect....
On a car, it always seems it takes less time to do something the second time than it does the first.... At least for me.... :-(

Good luck.

Barry

tvpierce · #10 07-25-2005, 06:51 PM

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

I think I've convinced my wife to hold off on the new vehicle. If she can wait a year or two, then the late '99 and '00 MLs will be within our (her) price range.

I'm certain she'll be happier with an ML than she would an Infinity, Acura, et al.

Again, thanks!

Jeff Pierce

Spacestuff4me · #11 11-08-2007, 12:43 PM

My sister in law couldn't be seen driving anything other than a Mercedes, so she picked out a 1999 ML 320 with low miles in 2001, that my wife & I had to pay for. Now my worthless, jobless, lazy fat a$$ sister in law can't afford to pay for this ML 320 that she had to have and she's now taken our Lexus GS300, so she can ruin that beautiful car.

This ML 320 is the BIGGEST POS I've ever seen. There have been constant problems with the window switches, leaking power steering units, 20-25k for brakes and rotors, check engine light (ie: dealer needs money light) comes on constantly and so many other issues that are common problems for this rolling pile of junk

. Mercedes should be ashamed of themselves for putting such a horrendous pile of crap on the roads.

Not only that but now the car has 146,000 and the transfer case is going out, plus there's not much that's good on this car. It's obscenely expensive to repair when compared to our 2007 BMW 750i, or 96 Lexus GS300 or Chevy Z71 1993. The 96 Lexus GS300 has 180,000 miles, it's the greatest car, it's easy to maintain, it's reasonable in cost and it's so much nicer driving than this ML 320. I also have a 93 Chevy Z71 extended cab that get's better mileage than this 320 and doesn't have 1/100th the problems.

For my money, I'd NEVER buy another MBZ

slk230red · #12 11-08-2007, 01:06 PM

Old thread but thanks for the tip....I'll definitely avoid lazy fat a$$ Sister-in-laws!

Oh yeah, and the ML320 too.

G-Benz · #13 11-08-2007, 02:28 PM

With my '99 ML320 approaching 100K miles and paid for, I seriously considered keeping it, as most of what was mentioned here hadn't occured with mine. I had minor issues, mostly covered during the "honeymoon" period.

The horror stories from the threads I read of late convinced me to dump it for an '07...

PaulH · #14 11-13-2007, 01:39 AM

I've had great luck with my ML. A few things taken care of under warranty. The only money spent on repairs is a new battery after 7 years and oil changes. Burns no oil. Reasonable gas mileage - 15 mpg in town; 24mpg on a trip. A Ford, Chevy, or Jeep wouldn't be that trouble free. Plus the stability control saved me one time. Probably one of the safest vehicles on the road. But, as stated above, forget the '98 and '99's.

vtxflyer · #15 11-14-2007, 07:54 PM

Wow! for two days I have been dreaming of getting rid of our old 97 Explorer and getting an ML320..........looks like I had better do some real good research and find the 'right' one for the right (low) price! Or maybe drop the whole idea

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