A friend has the opportunity to get a relative's dealer maintained 99 ML430 with 67K miles. Were the ML teething problems sorted out by 99? Anything to look out for in this car that a PPI might not reveal?

Thanks,
Sixto
93 300SD

Transfer case chatter- but that might have been corrected by MY99, or it may have been replaced before MB said the chatter was 'normal'

I've got a whole list of stuff, I'll just attach my checklist. Most of the times are out of date, I don't use it much anymore, but should be a good reference list for common things to check. only thing not listed are rear diff side seals, the right side usually leaks.

Attached Files

ML REPAIR SHEET.doc (23.0 KB, 235 views)

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

What's WR?

Thanks,
Sixto
93 300SD

I have a '99 and regret that I didn't wait a year. MANY changes made in 2000+ years. Browse this forum and you'll see what I mean, or at least just look at some in person. Unless you're getting a killer deal, I'd pass. On the positive side, '99 performs and handles very well, gets about 16 mpg around town no matter how you drive it seems, and 20 mpg on the highway (averaging 70+ mph !). The basic problem I have with the '99 vs later years is attn to detail on the interior trim and fit. It's very poor considering the MSRP of these vehicles.

cause between 80,000 and 120,000 miles
I replaced thousand and thousands of dollars worth of parts.
Buy a Honda Pilot. thats what i will do next time..even though when the Mercedes runs...its the most fun cage I have ever driven.

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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

I have a 99 ML430 with 55K. I'd agree with Johnhef about getting a later one if you have the chance, since 99 was the first year with the V8.

But everything's relative and depends on price. I wouldn't sell mine for $15K, which is the KBB private party book value.

So if I could buy mine for 15K it would make sense to me to put up with the relatively small headaches (after numerous small headaches earlier).

Al

MY 99 spent at least one day per month in the shop, I hope whoever got it has had it all sorted out by me. MY local MB service manager had one and was not immune to issues, I made a lot of friends at the dealership, they miss me when I go in for routine service on my E wagon

It may be too late (this thread is more than two months old) but if you had to get a MY99 ML at least get a 99 1/2 (many upgrades since March(?) of 99 mfg. date).