We are considering a used ML320 2000-2002, but have been surprised at all the negative comments found on the web about this model. Are there any happy owners of these vehicles out there that drive them on a daily basis? Would the ML be seen as more or less reliable than a 98-01 Range Rover? That was another vehicle we once considered. thanks for any input you might have.
SORRY THE SPELLING'S ALL GONE TO POT ON THIS POSTING!
I had one from new but replaced it (@30K miles) with a ML350 when one came up at a good price. In my opinion, the 350 does have noticably better acceleration from a standing start; I'm not talking about racing, just pulling away at a roundabout, you know the kind of thing. See further comment below.
Things that went wrong with the ML320;
- BAS failed resulting in brakes applying themselves without warning (not good!).
- Rear seat adjustment levers broke (the one in the horizontal part of the seat).
- Brake disk sequel, see more notes below!
- Headlamp seals failed resulting in condensation in the headlamps.
- Rear courtisy lamp failed.
And with the ML350
- Brake squeal; apparently it's a problem with ML's. MB replaced the disks FOC at the last service.
General problems/comments regarding the ML;
- Paint very soft. Don't tail gate on the motorway; it's dangerious and your bonnet chips easily. Tar seems to soak into the paint; it's very hard to remove. I recommend Auto Gym coating; my new car has it and it's loads better.
- Shoe polish on the bottom of the door frames caused by people entering/leaving the car is very hard to remove.
- The boot space is totally cr*p for actually carrying real things. Nothing fits because nothing's square. Those dopey flaps behind the rear seats are a menice to remove.
- The headlamp cleaning squerter thing is totally rubbish and the button to operate it can not be seen while driving (who thought of that layout?).
- Folding the seats is a nightmare; you need lots of strength but too much yanking and you've broken something (if you understand me).
- Fitting a tow bar is VERY expensive if it's not part of the delivery.
- The MB Sat Nav is totally rubish by modern standards.
- Beware the phone cradle. Although it works well, there are many compatibility problems. You really need to see the thing work with the phone you've got to be confident. Even when it works, the communications between COMAND and phone can fail silently resutling in missed calls.
- I'm always worried about what the engine/gearbox is going to do to me when I'm in a tricky driving situation; there's plenty of power there (even in a ML320), but getting a quick and smooth get away in traffic is harder than it should be.
- Although the cabin is fairly easy to keep clean, the carpets are hard to vac and the dash scratches very easily.
- Servicing not that expensive until you get to paying 450GBP+ at 25K/2 years.
- Barrel roll is bad compared to NEW RR (don't know about old ones).
- You're not going to believe this but the petrol filler does not work too well!!! The design means that the pump trips unless you hold the nozzle at a crazy angle. It's things like this that really upset me about MB cars. In this day and age you just can't believe it can you?
- I do 25K a year and I like driving it.
- It's quiet and the stereo is OK.
- Very good driving position.
- Good leg room in the rear.
- Petrol consumption is about 22mpg.
- I've found it VERY good off road, totally zaps BMW and that porche. I'm not talking racing or playing around, just simple mud/snow/ice/heavy rain. I guess RR is better still though...
- We got a perminantly fitted PS2 and dual screens for the kids. They love it. We love it too.
- We got the "security pack" (!) which means dark rear windows to you and me. Much cooler in summer, in fact the ML320 did not have this and it was a problem for us as the air-con's not too good in the back seats.
Additional comments;
- I like my dealer. I think they do a good job. I've got a Honda Jazz and the dealer's no where near as good (but that's another story).
- I've tried a new ML and would not buy one.
- Desiel ML's seem really good; lots of people I know have them and say they're OK. What about that?
- What about a Honda CR-V? They seem really reliable although they are a bit small and maybe crude by ML standards.
- No idea. Do you mean a petrol RR? I thought they were very hungry? To me desiel RR's always smell and have very high cabin noise.
Best of luck.
Yes, 2000 ML. All is well after all the bugs from being built in AL USA were fixed under warranty. Very comfortable for my two 1500 mile trips per year. Love those heated seats.
DanlK, FYI Services Collectibles
negative comments found on the web
We are very happy with our 2001 ML320. It developed tumbler problems causing the alarm to go off unexpectedly. That failure affected the remotes and driver door locks. Pretty bad for a while until the problem was properly diagnosed (it took several visits to the dealer.) These issues were resolved under the warranty. Other than that, no serious issues developed over almost five years of ownership.
I'm also considering a used ML, thanks for the post & comments. Been focusing on 2001 model but would love to find a 2002 (within budget) just to get the added blinkers in the side mirrors.
I love my ML430 MY2000 - original owner with 140K miles on it. However, I had to deal with the following issues(most under warranty):
power windows switch (twice) excessive break pad wear(may not be an issue for ML320) BAS sensors (twice) front door locking system failure broken trunk latch
Oh yes, I forgot...
I still like mine (just so long as nothing else goes wrong).
This is totally unhelpful, but the new R-Class looks good:
DAS
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