horizon32

I purchased my 1999 ML320 SUV/V-6 in 2006 (came out of lease) I babied it as I knew this would be the last vehicle I would buy, as I hit retirement age and I knew I would not be able to afford another vehicle. MB is well know for dependability, stability, and would run until I no longer could drive. I diligently kept up with maintenance by a qualified MB mechanic ONLY, and any parts were only OEM. I drove it with extreme care, never let anyone else drive it! I even washed it by hand as I didn't want the exterior to get all scratched up! Over the years the only parts that required replacement was the MAF and #4 sensor. At 99K I had the 100K maintenance done, 3 weeks later the Crank shaft sensor went out.....immediately it was replaced. Two weeks later on cold starts if would misfire....took it the mechanic to only find out that valve #4 was at 100 PSI and leak down test found 18% leakage past rings. "This should not happen with a MB at 100K," stated the MB certified mechanic, "I'm so sorry." Here I am retired with a limited income and my dream retirement vehicle has totally failed me. My world literally came crashing down, my dream vehicle, my hopes, and years of dedication to my retirement vehicle gave way with tears streaming down my face. I am truly hurt. 1/22: Emailed MB customer service in NJ. Response: "....all vehicles should be seen by a mechanic." Unbelievable! Hell-o....it was a "MB Certified Mechanic" who diagnosed the vehicle. Still on my quest to get answers for faulty engineering.

StarvingArtist

Bummer. Mine is still tight at 300k. Given the current value of an ML320, you can probably replace it for 3-4 grand if you shop around, then use your old one for parts.

horizon32

Yeah, I have a friend with 352+K miles on his and still tight! I got a "lemon!" I figure why buy another, only buying someone else's problems! Totally devastated! Yet thanks for the response.

Maj. Dundee

Before you condemn this engine you should have your mechanic check the coil, spark plug, ignition cables and especially the injector on cyl. #4.

horizon32

Thank you Major, yet all that was checked out, spark plugs are new, just completed the 100K maintenance approximately 1 month prior and those where changed out. Coil fine, ignition cables and injector okay. I even suggested to the mechanic to check air hoses and reinitiate the new Crank shaft sensor, as that too can cause misfiring. It is definitely a bad valve. Yet, thanks again for sharing your knowledge and your service to our country.