Are the W163 vehicles really that bad?
 

I have a chance to buy a W 163, and I have heard the horror stories, especially about the "Alabama Trash can."

Is the W163 really that bad?

Also how good is the ML230 diesel?

personal experience only please.

Thanks

The 1998-99 ML's were pretty bad, much better by 2000 & darn good by 2004!

There is an ML230 gas, and an ML270CDI, but I've never seen/heard of a ML230CDI. All 2 or 3 cars are export only though.

Had a 99.

FWIW, above average incidence of quirky corrections needing attention...99% during warranty...disturbing, but since I wasn't paying, didn't care.

Interior plastic parts looked and felt cheap, not befitting of a Mercedes IMHO.

Always had synthetic flowing since day one, so I never experienced the premature engine failure issues I've read about.

Kept it for 9 years and 100K before trading for an '07 W164.

I'm the original owner of a 99 ML 320. Currently have 265,000 miles. Had lots of nagging issues in the beginning (machine gun locks, window switch failure, fuel filter redesign) but they were covered by warranty. It came from the factory with dino oil but I switched to synthetic as soon as notified (at 34,000 miles). The biggest single expense was a transmission rebuild at 185,000 miles which cost about $2500. Overall, I feel like it's been a reasonably reliable, well engineered vehicle.

I have no regrets on my purchase and I hope to get another 100,000 miles out of her.

98 ML320
 

Have the first year US version ML320 Love the truck, did not give us much headaches, mileage 193K miles

Original owner of 99 ML430 with 88K.

A large number of items were fixed under warranty. Now (knock wood) what I consider normal aging and holding up well.

We had a rash of seal replacements this past winter when we had a few leaks that my indy had trouble tracing. Seems to have stopped.

I'm now getting some rusting in the lower corners which disturbs me.

Given the resale prices, they seem to be a good deal.

Al

I had a 2002 ML320 for 8 years.
Put about 130,000 miles on it.
I used only Mobil 1 0W-40 in it and had no real engine issues. I had the transmission fluid changed at 50K and 100K - again no issues. It used to use a quart of oil every 2500 miles later in life.
I had to change out an alternator; the dealer wanted $1300 and only offered 12 month warranty. I got a Bosch rebuilt one with a 2 year warranty for less than a 1/4 of the price.
I had both cats replaced at 78,000 miles (just inside the warranty !) I suspect that was due to ethanol in the fuel.
Had quite a few interior issues (cheap plastic)
Like most Mercedes it was fairly easy to work on: brakes etc.
In summary it wasn't a bad car but not the best Mercedes I've ever had.

Hi,

do not buy any MB, especially ML. I have one ML270CDi, 2001. I am using from last year, I put 15,000 miles into it. Absolotely not relaible, I am always afraid, when will stop again. Main problems: start error, new key had to order, complete breake system and landing gear, antivibration system change. Turbo has a strange noise when outdide temperature is more than 24°C and the motor warm. Transmission problem (trailer shipment...), fuel gaguge not trustable at all (show several time emty, when full loaded etc.), 2 ignition candle change, bulbs. Rear window wiper and rear window opener motor not strong enough to work correctly. I am always waiting for the next problem.... my wife loves it, but our other car more better!!! Peugeot 307 Break, 2003. We did not have any problem with it!!!!

Buy japanise or french car. If You already bought something let me know!

My ex has a 2000 ML320 and it has been very reliable. It has a few fuse problems making contact and the leaky power steering line and a few brake light switch problems but other than that it has 100k and still going strong. My grandfather bought a 98 when they first came out and it was a major piece. They had a folder full of records of repairs on that car.

Alabama Trash Can
 

The most expensive and the worst vehicle I've ever owned.

The Best Or Nothing..................... The Mercedes Experience, Unlike Any Other :thumbsup2:

my 2007 ML320 CDI is a good car. Problem is I paid for a great car. It has had nagging problems. if it were a chevy I would say "oh well" but I paid dearly for this car. Service is awfull. Not going to do it again. going back to GM.

Well now I'm worried. I just bought a 2000 ML-320 that is sitting at 139.xxx yesterday and I absolutely loved it... I haven't driven a mercedes of my own (My dad got me hooked on them, blame him) since I traded in my 1993 300D 2.5 for my 2003 Camry about 3 years ago. I am liking the ML thus far, I am just not sure if its because its been so long since I have been behind the wheel of a benz or if I actually like the car period. But I need new tires, a dipstick, an instrument panel light, and a few trim pieces. But I love it...

My wife has had two ML's, a 2005 163 ML500 & her current 2008 164 ML550.
Both vehicles have been very trouble free, reliable, & comfortable.
We will probably seriously consider the 2012 ML550 when they become available next year.

All the horror stories posted on various forums have not yet applied to our vehicles.

David in MD

We bought a 2000 ML320 new, and it's been a great vehicle except for the demons in the alarm system and broken rear springs.

After the dealer couldn't fix the alarm under warranty, I pulled the relay for the alarm horn and lived with it. The broken rear springs probably are my fault for using it as a tow vehicle for most of the 50k miles it has on it now. I fixed that problem by buying a real tow vehicle: a dually F350 Ford powered by a International/Navistar 7.3 diesel.

I do have some gripes however, the steering could use more caster to help it self center, visibilty when backing up is poor, and it's a real pain to get to the doughnut spare tire.

All in all, we got our money's worth, but the local dealer turned me off so much that I won't buy another new MB product again.