ML a great car 99ML320
 

My ML, which is my daily driver, has been a great car -- performance wise and otherwise. Only maintenance --- MAF and window switches; MB paid for the balancer and cat replacements.

It runs well and everything works! The safety factor is an additional advantage; hope I never get hit though.

Ben Carter

not too Blue
 

That's as good as it gets Blue Eagle. Unless they stay parked.
You didn't say how many miles.
Better buy a CPS and keep a tool in your glove compartment.
Its embarrassing having a stalled Mercedes pushed out of an intersection.

No one mentioned the 4-wheel drive capability (I guess because few ML owners ever get them off the pavement). I need/want a good 4-wheel drive. My Disco is having some issues (won't run) and I just bought a 2002 ML because my research shows Land Rover, Toyota LandCruiser, and MLs as being the most off-road and deep snow capable SUVs. I almost bought another Rover because I don't think you can beat them as a 4WD, but you want to talk reliability or quality issues! Toyota is good (my brother works in Georgetown), but they aren't inspiring. That left me with another MB. Did good in about 8-9" of snow. I'll see how it performs when I take it off road in Eastern Kentucky in a few weeks.

ML maintenance
 

That's as good as it gets Blue Eagle. Unless they stay parked.
You didn't say how many miles.
Better buy a CPS and keep a tool in your glove compartment.
Its embarrassing having a stalled Mercedes pushed out of an intersection.
__________________
Steve Danville

Steve: I assume a CPS is a code reader?? I have one and have used it a couple of times to diagnose the MAF and one other area. My ML has 72K on it and I have never had the kind of problems you have ... perhaps living up North and driving in all the salt affected your horns, fuel pump etc. I always use premium gas and Amsoil, platinum plugs and other good basic maintenance items, but really it has been a tremendous car in terms of overall performance and durability .... I can't imagine it being stalled in the middle of an intersection ?? Ben Carter

nope not a code reader.
 

NO
i too bought a code reader because of my Mercedes,
There is a bunch written here about the Crank shaft Poistion sensor. CPS.
At about 70,000 miles most of us 1st experience the ML stalling at an intersection and it will start back up. soon it will take minutes to restart.

Its a breeze to replace an about $75. I had to buy a torx socket to replace it.

sometimes, I just don't get these survey.
 

Sure the ML is not perfect. I have 40,000 miles on and here are the thinks I need to have done under warrentee. Rear wipers, Headed Mirrors both lose connections, alignment (which I had to pay for $100). But after it was fix no problem. But then again when I purchase my 92 honda new back then. I had a power window problem which I had to take back to the dealer 4 times before they fixed it (guess what no loaner).

That being said how is the ML is the worst when I know the honda MDX, Pilot had major transmision problem. Where is that reflected in these reports???

Lot of bashing because of CPS. My BMW 740i (which I drove to 210K and still sort of miss) left me stranded waiting on tow at around 150K due to a crank sensor. It too gave me some early warning, which I ignored. Stuff happens.

Quality not quantity (of features)
 

I agree but what problems that MLs are known for is due to pushing the technology envelope?
1. The weak transmission?
2. The constantly failing window switches?
3. Rubbermaid interior that is always squeeking? ('98-'99)
4. Noisy sunroofs

Don't get me wrong I love driving my ML but the problems they have are on the attention to detail and build quality. The new features and inovations in the ML they actually spent some time on and got right. The revolutionary traction control has never given problems. The independent suspension is solid. The multitude of airbags work as far as I know. Most of the problems MLs have are not cutting edge just ways MB can save money at the cost of their reputation. I don't think the owners of $20K Jeeps would put up with these issues either, I know I am one of them too. I know they feel the need to keep up with all the novelties in cars today but they have forgoten what has given them their reputation for quality with the ML. People will forget about not getting the car with the heated ventilated massaging seats but they surely will not forget the car they couldn't get their damn window back up after a toll booth in the January sleet.
Why pay a premium for this when you can spend less and get more of the basic features that are dependable. That is what made MB great years ago. Quality not quantity! The cars were basic but buletproof. Sounds like the description of a Toyota today. Not enough status for ya? Have all the gismos and forget about the dependability of the basics necessities. Yep, that's MB of today! Sounds like Cadilac and Lincon in the '80s. Suspension leaks oil and sags, eats alternators for lunch, but hey I got this nifty automatic headlight dimmer and heated mirrors I never realized I needed. Get it together MB! You have lost what is iconic and lasting. Reputation will only sell cars to posers and wanabes and not for long before it catches up and they feel the shaft (or is that transmission).

Just my ranting opinion!
LS

fast BACK UP -
 

Hey LS , looks like when your Mercedes breaks you have a Honda Blackbird to get you there in a hurry. I have the ST1100 Honda at work today. The ML is used when I have to drive a cage. Wanna race ?

forget it...
 

the difference between my friends 2006 LS430 and my ML are huge....i'ts my 3rd mercedes in a row, and probably my last.....my old e class was the best. and the 24d before that. it's all about technology-- no wonder the japanese are beating the germans. when was the last time you bought a german tv set????