fdk110

I have a 2000 ML320 with 120K miles. Overall, it has been a problem-free ride but as of late it has had some probelms. A couple of months ago the ABS pump went bad and yesterday I had to have the crankshaft sensor change. I fully expect that at 120K miles somethings to go wrong, but I am worried that one of these days I will have a major expense on my hands.

Up to now, I really had not considered selling it, but now I am wondering if it is time. In other words, I am trying to do a cost benefit analysis as to which is a better option.

With this background in mind, my question is if there is a list of common problems with the ML320, and specifically the 2000 vintage.

Many thanks

mihir_d

If you have kept your car well maintained (like me)...you are right, the major problems could start to show up past the 125K mark, and it becomes questionable, whether it is worth keeping this ride for long.

Here's what I would advice looking for:
1. Fuel pump (if you haven't gone through it yet) $600
2. Oxygen sensors (if you haven't gone through them yet) $300
3. If your tranny has been trouble free so far, I would not worry about it until the 175K mark. $4000 (I am assuming you got it flushed are refilled at 100K miles)
4. Alternator (I have never heard of the alternator being having to be replaced on an ML, but from my experience with other cars, they tend to break down at some point or the other) $400
5. Head gasket leak (again unheard of on the ML, but common on the BMW's) $2500
6. Door lock acutators (I have gone through all 5 of them by now) $350/pop
7. Wiper motor (I have gone through this one too) $550

Rest could be body/upholstry work, but that depends on how well you have kept it. I have only had to get my driver side seat cover and the A pillar fabric replaced on mine so far. The driver side window switch is showing initial signs of needing replacement, but I might be able to get another year out of it.

On the paint front, the clear coat is starting to show signs of peeling on the bumpers (it is always the bumpers on which the paint job fails first, because of the non-metallic material which tends to expand and contract more than metal with temperature changes, therby causing the paint job to weaken), so that could be another expense to look out for.

But minor upholstry/body work can be delayed/ignored.

Except for the trip computer light not working (again, minor annoyance), I have no other current outstanding issues on my ML. I am planning to keep it and roll it down to 200K miles..

My 2 cents.

boardboy330

I think mihir d covered everything...

Personally...I am at 140K. As of this point...a $400 set of tires, and $300 for two new keys, power steering recall, and blender motor for the A/C have been my costs. I get free oil changes from my dealership...so that is $50 every month saved. I intend to drive this truck to 200K as well.

I can tell you the exhaust has a tend to fail around 100-150K miles. Specifically the Cats. I would get that done asap. You can go stock for $2500 (complete system) or you could replace with aftermarket. I called last night and got a quote for $250 to put a flowmaster 70 (cut two cats out) and attach dual AMG tips plus all piping and labor included.

Hope this info helps!

mihir_d

So my CATs were replaced under the emissions warranty at around 72K miles..

For those who have had their CATs replaced once, I haven't heard of them fail again from anyone who has reached the 200K mile mark...

Its only the Tranny, Head Gasket or CATs that can be a killer expense going forward to the 200K mile mark..the other ones are not too bad..

And Yes, I have lost 1 key in 9 years (not bad) $135 for a replacement.

I did not mention tires, brakes, battery & oil changes because those are unavoidable consumable expenses..

Benzlova

How can you tell if you have bad CATs? I was driving my ML and someone told me that I had some kind of heavy burning gasoline smell and recommended I have my CATs checked. Idk if it anything related to this.

miguel446

I'll tell you how you can tell... your truck will quit running! One of mine clogged and the whole system went into limp mode, 5 of the 6 cylinders were misfiring and I had absolutely NO power... 20mph max... I barely made it up hill a few times... and I don't mean SF hills, I life in N Central TX for me a hill is like a 2% grade!

MLPanzer

fdk110,

If it makes you feel better I have a 2001 ML320 (154K) with no major issues (note: I have never pulled a trailer).

The only thing I have had to replace is the differential gasket, power steering res. O-ring, new battery, recent coolant flush, minor valve cover leak, changed spark plugs at 100K (Bosch Fusion's), and all lock actuators were greased with WD-40 (no problem yet).

Potential issues:

The fuel filter has not been changed and/or converted to new system. MAF has been acting up lately, but then again I ran a K&N for approx. a year (self inflicted).

One thing that helps tremendously is keeping her cleaned and running full synthetic

jeffnghiem

The driver-side window on mu ml320 yr 2000 does not go up or down. Where do I need to check?

mystery3

Gents,
i have a 2001 ML320, i wounder what are the supported filetypes of the CD player.
thank you.

Boston Mark

Hey Jeffnghime By now you have had to replace the window switch. If you ever find your self in the same situation, remove the switch, spray it with WD-40 and you may get a few more days out of it on till your replacement arrives. I got mine on eBay for around $100.00
Boston Mark

apontealbino

Just hope your ABS pump and module don't go out on you. They're integrated and cost $1500. A leaking wiper fluid reservoir may fry it.

miriamp613

I have a ML320, '02 Model with little under 90K mileage. Would like more information on windshield wiper malfunction. No initial problems prior to onset, but noticed during a severe storm that only one wiper worked. Please advise where this problem my have stemmed and what to expect cost wise to repair. Need Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

boltonblue

wipers have two basic components.
the motor and the transmission.
my recollection is they were both around 100-150 each.
if it's one wiper then the transmission has given up the ghost.
taking it apart is annoying enough, I'd just replace both while your at it.
I think the dealership was ~3 hours of labor.

IMF

Hi Miguel

I have the same problem, can you please tell me how did you solve that issue?

Thank you in advance
IMF

miguel446

Just replace the catalytic converter. To tell the truth, I don't remember how I knew which one it was. It might have been a process of elimination. I had replaced one a few years before. I don't think it was code related. I seem to recall hearing a rattle from one of them before it clogged (loose debris from the honeycomb). It was about 4 years ago so I'm kind vague.
Hope that is helpful somehow.

IMF

Thank you very much Miguel!

Did you remember if bought original or from other supplier?

Once again thank you for your fast reply.
IMF

Kcosme83

I have the same problem with my 2002 ML320. The mechanic told me I need to replace the driver side catalytic converter for $1100 without changing the o2 sensor but on the day that I'm going to get my truck, the shop called me that I would also need to replace my passenger side cat. Thats another $1100. I don't know if I am being rip off.

JoseHidalgo

Hi, I just got a ML 320, the radio requests me a access code, wich I donīt have.... how can I reset this feature... when I input a code the radio stands in WAIT

2000MB320

JoseHidalgo I have the exact same problem, can some one please help? (I have my code & still says WAIT)

lebbydebby

Need a little help here. I just purchased a 2001 ml320 from a local dealer.... It has 121k. Ii will start and run for a few minutes then quit.... The car will turn over but not fire. I usually let it sit for awhile like 30 minutes then it might start. I just changed the battery, and that doesn't seem to be the fix. A shop put in a new crank sensor... Any help I can get would be great!!

DrX

The code is a security feature that discourages thieves from breaking into your car. The manufacturer, who designed this feature, not only input the code at the factory but kept a record of the code and your vehicle's ID. You can obtain the code by calling your local MB dealer and providing sufficient proof of ownership.

If you are in the USA, this service is provided for free. Elsewhere, a fee may apply.

If your radio says wait, you put in the code incorrectly. If you do that a few times, it makes you wait longer.

Kcosme83

I think your crankshaft positioning sensor needs to be replace. I have the same problem and after I replaced the CPS it did work right away.

Donttrinh

I have same problem, try everything still not running yes.

Donttrinh

I try two cps. Only thing did not is ignition......

lebbydebby

Yes! I changed the crank position sensor, got a new battery and a new key. I did also get the mass air flow sensor changed. It might have been just the crank position sensor or all of them together.
I got the crank sensor at a auto parts store for $50.00 verses $150.00 though my local Mercedes dealer. The key I did have to go there for. That was $155.00. The battery was also about $110.00 at Napa. The mass air flow cost me about $300.00. So I would start with getting it checked and what codes are coming up and start from there.