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#1
07-20-2005, 04:31 PM
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ML 320 Reliability/Servicability?
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 Last edited by tvpierce; 07-20-2005 at 05:11 PM. 
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#3
07-20-2005, 05:15 PM
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Quote:
'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
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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
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#4
07-20-2005, 05:21 PM
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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!!!
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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES) ASE Master Technician Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times) 44 years foreign automotive repair 27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer) MB technical information Specialist (15 years) 190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold) 1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold) Retired Moderator
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#5
07-20-2005, 10:01 PM
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If you don't mind elaborating... what changed post 3/99?
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
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#6
07-21-2005, 02:47 PM
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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.......
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Barry
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#7
11-14-2007, 07:54 PM
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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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