My 98 ML tailgate won't lock, the dealer quote $278 to replace it. They claimed it is plastic, is this true? I hardly use/open the tailgate, how could that happen?
If I manually lock the tailgate from inside, it can be unlocked. But it cannot be locked using remote or central lock button inside vehicle.

Anybody had yours replaced yet? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks
steve

Had mine replaced under warranty because I complained about noise in the rear as I drove. The tech said that there was a new latch available. Why not check and see if there is a safety recall. It should be easy to replace yourself, but lining it up will probably drive you nuts! Good Luck.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

What Paul is reporting isn't what your problem is. Paul is right about the lower part of the latch mechanism being redesigned to keep the hatch quiet.
Your problem is with the locking actuator assembly, which also is the outside release handle, to open the tailgate, it's all one piece.
Yes, there is a plastic piece which allows the actuator to lock and unlock the latch when you do it electrically. The inside manual sliding knob will still work if the actuator breaks, it's directly attached to the lock, so you would have to really be creative to consider this a safety defect.
The reason it would break, even though you never use the tailgate, is that when you push the unlock button the second time, it unlocks the other 3 doors (other than the drivers door) and the tailgate. Then of couse when you lock the doors, it also locks the tailgate, so the tailgate actually gets locked and unlocked alot, even if the gate is never opened.
We've replace quite a few of these actuators. Not lots and lots, like the window switches, but a fair amount.
With the actuator broke, you can also find the lock and actuator out of phase with each other, and can accidentally set off the anti-theft alarm. Hey, if you have a weak heart, or bad hearing, maybe this is a safety issue! That alarm is pretty loud!

Gilly

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So this is what I have to look forward to on my ML?

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

I got the old part back, the plastic part that pushs to unlock and pulls to lock was broken. how could MB make such a bad design. Should have used metal or something more durable. The whole mechanism only costs $80 but I was charged 2 hours of labour. If I knew it was that easy, I would have bought the part and did it myself. Ouch, it hurts. The dealer just replaced my rear brakes not so long ago, cost me a lot of $$$.
Anyhow, the faulty locking mechanism never set of the alarm though, it seems the tailgate is shut pretty good even though it didn't lock. It only triggers the alarm if somebody opens it.
Oh, while I am at the tailgate, the opening around the door handle started rusting. It was a problem and I had MB sandblasted the area and repainted and clearcoated. It starts rusting again. This is no good.