I just bought a 1999 ML320 with 74,000 miles and decided to get everything fixed by a certified MB Mechanic. This hopefully will be reference for anyone how has simliar problems and is trying to decide whether to take the time to do it themselves or go to a dealer/local MB mechanic. So please don't bash me for overpaying, etc... if you think I grossly overpaid, that is more motivation for you to do it yourself.

Local Mechanic:
Erwin F. Schwarz Ltd.
2625 S. Brentwood Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63144
314-968-4250
They are a family owned MB, Jag, Rolls Mechanics. I highly recommend them over a dealer if you live anywhere near there.

"Customer states central locking does not workk, trunk lock inop."
Perform diagnostic, replace right rear door lock actuator, and trunk lock actuator:
Part Number
5829 (Door Clip)
5857 (Lock)
10873 (Lock)
Labor + Parts = $444.39

"Instrument cluster Lights Inop."
Replace 27 instrument cluster bulbs
Part Number
2681 (Bulb, Dashboard)
Labor + Parts = $132.96

"Compass Display Inop. and Auto Dim Mirro Inop."
Replace blown fuse
Labor + Parts = FREE

Replace Air Filter
Part Number
843 (Filter, Air)
Labor + Parts = $20.09

Replace Auxillary Fan Wiring Harness
Part Number
10019 (Harness, Wire)
Labor + Parts = $203.22

Replace Fuel Filter, Lines
Part Number
6280 (Fuel Line)
6724 (Filter, Fuel)
Labor + Parts = $159.26

Labor = $590.40
Parts = $369.52
Supplies = $17.71
Subtotal = $977.63
Tax = $29.33
Total = $1,006.96

I think I fixed everything I needed to and replaced the major parts that break down. I asked when and if I should replace the transmission fluid. He said it should be done about 90,000 to 100,000 miles and will cost $400-$500. I replaced my 2001 QX4 tranny fluid at 50,000 miles so I don't mind to change the ML320 at 100,000.

Is there anything else I should get done (I'm getting the free harmonic bal & cat con replaced next week)?

 

I would do the tranny fluid A.S.A.P. - get it flushed - not just changed.

 

Interestingly enough, I just brought (this morning) my '99 C230 SLK Kompressor Sport with 65k miles into Walter's Import service, also on Brentwood Blvd, just on the other side of Manchester. Even more odd is the locking doesn't work either. So, I guess you just told me how much it would be to fix it.

Maybe the locking mechanisms are shoddy around this year MB. Oh well, I love the ol' girl anyway. She may be easy to get into but she's so hard to get out of.

 

With a open ended question like that this could be a long post.You should do a search of tsb's.There is just tooo much to list.Here just another to lighten your wallet a little more:motor & tranny mounts.