1998 ML320 with 175K+ on the odo. We're the second owners since 2000 and 60K. No really major problems, and no 1-4, though both differentials leaked at the driveshafts until I replaced the seals. I've run Mobil 1 15W50 in Texas, and 0W40 in Michigan, at 10K intervals until this fall, when my VW lost a timing chain. 5K intervals from now on.

An ATF change at 122K restored smooth shifting.

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

updating my previuos post - 1998 ml320 with 203,800 miles, none of 1-4 have been done

Also have a '98 ML320. Mine has 190,166 miles since new. I am the original owner. None of the work 1-4 has been done or needed.
From original post:
Lets define MAJOR repair as: 1 > transmission rebuild, 2 > rear end rebuild,
3 > differential rebuild, & 4 > engine < head job or rebuilds only >.
Ken

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2014 E250 Bluetec 4-Matic
2014 GL350 Bluetec 4-Matic
1996 Chevy Tahoe 4 x 4
2009 ML350 (sold)
2005 SLK350 (sold)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel (sold)
1998 ML320 (sold)
1991 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel (sold)

Boy, its been a while !!!

Just checking in. I gave my son the ML approx two years ago when he turned 16 and she is still running fine. I occasionally have to add a little of the G4 mix to the radiator (slow drip on the lower radiator hose) and I have noticed a few more drips of oil under the oilpan. Couple of bulbs have required replacing. He complains of a slight hesitation sometimes from a dead stop. My guess is either the coil packs or plug wires, both are still original. ML now has approx 290,000 miles and still running strong. He loves it !!

I'll try to do better to keep ya'll updated.

151k new bought in 2000.

Runs good so far, no problems yet. Just finished maintenence on the beast . . . seafoam, tranny fluid, 2x diffs, plugs, egr valve, and transfer case fluid. Did zero prevent. maint. till now . . . runs like new!!!

'99 ML320 purchased in '98. Castrol mineral oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Gutted the cats immediately and turned off idiot light with O2 simulator. Run the cheapest gas I can find as combustion chamber temps are down w/o the EPA exhaust potatoes and the computer doesn't sense knock and detune the engine for reduced gas mileage.
Replaced crankshaft position sensor, mass air sensor, and unclogged EGR pipe; nothing important. 227,000 miles. Am installing transmission fluid temp gauge as I need to do some towing.

'13 Ml350 BT, took delivery 2 weeks ago today. Filled the tank for the first time today. Trip computer was telling me 26.2 MPG since reset (deliver day), my calculation of miles driven by gallons purchased came to 24.3 mpg. That's a number that makes me happy!

'02 ML55 AMG, 113K miles, no 1-4 issues. Replaced brake pads at 80k, plugs and wires at 105K. Brakes feel like they're due again. Nagging fuel sender problem. Averages 16 mpg and will outrun any SUV (and most cars) on the road. I'm very pleased. I'd do it again.

98 ML320 purchased new in May 1998. Now at 249k miles. Original owner. Early problems with fuel gauge were sorted out. New transmission at 216k miles. Steering rack seal went out two years ago and complete steering rack was replaced. Front ball joints replaced. Rear spring over shocks replaced + usual wear items. Power steering pump, water pump and alternator replaced along the way. Driveshaft center support bearing was replaced. Chafed wire caused issues with ABS light. Fixed the wire and avoided $2800 bill from the dealer. Also cleaned plugged EGR tube and avoided an $800 invoice from dealer.

A/C condenser and receiver/drier will be replaced before summer.

I have had the vehicle listed for sale for a year but interested parties do not call back after they hear the number of miles on the vehicle....so I just keep driving it and changing the oil with Mobil 1 every 5k miles like always. Some people say this is a waste of money but I consider it cheap peace of mind.

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2014 E250 Bluetec 4-Matic
2014 GL350 Bluetec 4-Matic
1996 Chevy Tahoe 4 x 4
2009 ML350 (sold)
2005 SLK350 (sold)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel (sold)
1998 ML320 (sold)
1991 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel (sold)

260,000 miles now...

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

2003 ml350 80k miles. Valve covergasket. Crankshaft position sensor. Just bought it a month ago with these two problems.
And the noise i cant figure out where it comes from: it is when i accelerate and there is a small squeek, rattling, like it is from the belt or somewhere in the front end. Then go away when in speed. There it is Again when step on the gas..

Somebody has an experience with 4 Cyl, German built 1999 ML230?

How rare is this animal here?

2003 ML500 130k miles
MPG 14-16 (winter), up to 21 (summer, hwy)

Currently in the shop for a crankcase position sensor and water pump. Also needs Power steering pump and reservoir to be replaced soon. Windows have been acting up lately.

I've had it for 70k miles now and have had zero trouble until the last couple of months - just brakes, fluids, filters, and the like.

We bought a 99 ML430 last fall from the original owner with 86,000 miles. Beautiful truck, and well cared for. I thought we got a great deal on it when we paid $7500, I later found out, maybe not. Zero Problems when we bought it, upon the weather turning colder, the rear springs started to squeak like crazy, then we realized it also needed front brakes and the tranny had never been serviced.
I got a different job this spring that forced me to commute over an hour each way, we tried to sell the ML for a month with nary a phone call on it. Finally ended up trading it for a little rice burner at a dealership. When I went there for the 30 day routine checkup on my new car, it was still sitting on their lot. It's been 4 months now and it just recently vanished from their lot.
Not sure if they finally sold it or it went to auction. Too bad it was in excellent condition, we would have kept it if it wasn't for my job change.

There are a couple ML320's in my area now for less than $4000, with 120k or thereabouts. I'm thinking they should be able to be bought in the $3200-3500 range. A Jeep Grand Cherokee holds it's value better, people just afraid of high repair bills on a Mercedes I guess.


2013 VW Jetta TDi
1998 Dodge Ram/Cummins
1987 300SDL (broke down)
1987 300D-T (wife's daily driver)
1993 Mustang 5.0 Convertible (our only gas powered vehicle, just for fun & now sold)

1999 ML430. Second owner, purchased in '03 with 87K miles on it. At present-279,808 on the odometer. No 1-4.

The only recurrent problems I've had is the window switches breaking and the driveshaft support. I've replaced the switches 3x's since '03 with the last two happening this past February and before that in October 2010.

I've replaced the driveshaft support twice. First time I paid an Indie shop $500 to do it because I didn't know any better. Back in '09 I did it myself.

I've serviced all parts with fluids myself. Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic in the engine. MB fluids in the trans, differentials and transfer case.

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1999 ML430
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71
1993 Honda Prelude V-Tech