Selling This Piece Of ****!!!!
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
SL500
Mercedes Benz should send a letter to all early ML owners (1998-2000?) apologizing for the ****-poor quality of those vehicles. If the owner can show 5+ problems or 3+ reoccurring problems they should be invited to purchase another vehicle at the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (price at top of window sticker) minus $2,500. If the owner chooses not to purchase another MB then they should be cut a check for the $2,500 to be used as they see fit.
If MB would do this it would show they truly care about building a customer base and I for one would have a lot more respect for them.
If MB would do this it would show they truly care about building a customer base and I for one would have a lot more respect for them.
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Seoul, Korea
2011 C63(Euro-spec)
I have 01 ML320...
I like my car but...reliablity on this car is STILL far worse than VW, Audi, BMW I have owned.....
Cant even imagine that how bad is pre-00 MLs.
I have same problems with other ML owners..(faulty window switch, stiff gas padal, VERY SHORT brake pedal lifespan, all shorts of electrical problems)..nothing serious but these problems makes me feel like I drive CHEAP CAR..which shouldnt happend in MB product..
Other complain on design are..
1. VERY CHEAP AND LIGHT FEEL of sunroof cover.
This sunroof cover is made so cheap and light that it even closes itself if I brake hard........I never saw such a light and cheap feeling of sunroof cover on any other european cars.
2. Where the microphone is...(front dome light)..quaility of fit and finish is VERY BAD..I can move microphone surround(where the home link is) very easily....just too loose..
Overall int finish and finish isnt tight....feel like GM cars...
3..$40K+ luxuary car come with MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL?!?!?
I know they changed since 02..but still most people expecting Automatic climate control when they spend $40+ on Lux SUV....
4..Brake power seems to be too WEAK..most european cars exceeds in brake feel and power...but this car is just too weak(I think it applies only in ML320)...
ect..ect..
I like my car but...reliablity on this car is STILL far worse than VW, Audi, BMW I have owned.....
Cant even imagine that how bad is pre-00 MLs.
I have same problems with other ML owners..(faulty window switch, stiff gas padal, VERY SHORT brake pedal lifespan, all shorts of electrical problems)..nothing serious but these problems makes me feel like I drive CHEAP CAR..which shouldnt happend in MB product..
Other complain on design are..
1. VERY CHEAP AND LIGHT FEEL of sunroof cover.
This sunroof cover is made so cheap and light that it even closes itself if I brake hard........I never saw such a light and cheap feeling of sunroof cover on any other european cars.
2. Where the microphone is...(front dome light)..quaility of fit and finish is VERY BAD..I can move microphone surround(where the home link is) very easily....just too loose..
Overall int finish and finish isnt tight....feel like GM cars...
3..$40K+ luxuary car come with MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL?!?!?
I know they changed since 02..but still most people expecting Automatic climate control when they spend $40+ on Lux SUV....
4..Brake power seems to be too WEAK..most european cars exceeds in brake feel and power...but this car is just too weak(I think it applies only in ML320)...
ect..ect..
Last edited by jwkim80; Sep 25, 2002 at 08:44 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Seoul, Korea
2011 C63(Euro-spec)
If the owner can show 5+ problems or 3+ reoccurring problems they should be invited to purchase another vehicle at the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (price at top of window sticker) minus $2,500.
I think BENZ are being TOO CHEAP about this issue..
I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM MAKING DEAL $2500 under MRSP....also I dont think it is hard to make deal $2500 under MRSP considring buying 35k-100k..right?
SO WHO NEEDS THAT?
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: SE UK
$2500 to cheap
I got MB UK to buy back my 1999 ML320 at used retail price less 5%, and stuck out and got 10% of my new 2002 model...
In my case that amounted to £5,400 or $8000, and I was happy with that...
My ML had some nasty rust/corrosion problems to the chassis cross member welding (besides many other things), it missed the wax under body coat.. and so did many others I think..
It may be worth a look underneath boys, or take off the right rear wheel and have a look at the chassis weldings.. maybe with a mirror and a lamp, and a camera before they paint over it..
Yep thats the fix, cut it back and paint over it.. or change any rusty parts that can easily be changed.. its a joke...
In my case that amounted to £5,400 or $8000, and I was happy with that...
My ML had some nasty rust/corrosion problems to the chassis cross member welding (besides many other things), it missed the wax under body coat.. and so did many others I think..
It may be worth a look underneath boys, or take off the right rear wheel and have a look at the chassis weldings.. maybe with a mirror and a lamp, and a camera before they paint over it..
Yep thats the fix, cut it back and paint over it.. or change any rusty parts that can easily be changed.. its a joke...
Last edited by Londonboy; Oct 12, 2002 at 02:55 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Sounds like you had more success with..
MB in the UK - not sure if MB USA would go for that. Doubtless they'd have some weasely excuse for doing practically nothing.
That's what tends to happen in larger markets - they know there will be another sucker (oops I meant customer) along in a minute.
Of course, eventually word gets round and when they see business dropping off then something might happen.
Seems to be a cycle for all the 'great' motor companies - you know, start off producing rubbish (bit like Skoda), get their act together and produce really products, get complacent / greedy (start being controlled by bean counters), quality drops, customers get turned off - company merges / gets sold / goes bust - cycle starts all over again.
I suspect MB is at the complacent / greedy stage.
Tim in San Diego
'00 ML430 with 23 Warranty claims
'02 996 Porsce
That's what tends to happen in larger markets - they know there will be another sucker (oops I meant customer) along in a minute.
Of course, eventually word gets round and when they see business dropping off then something might happen.
Seems to be a cycle for all the 'great' motor companies - you know, start off producing rubbish (bit like Skoda), get their act together and produce really products, get complacent / greedy (start being controlled by bean counters), quality drops, customers get turned off - company merges / gets sold / goes bust - cycle starts all over again.
I suspect MB is at the complacent / greedy stage.
Tim in San Diego
'00 ML430 with 23 Warranty claims
'02 996 Porsce
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: .
08 GL450
I love the manual HVAC controls on my ML 430. It gives me the exact air flow speed and location I want. I can " click" it up or down a degree and feel the difference almost immediately. I can adjust everything by feel w/o taking my eyes off the road.
OTOH, the climate control on my 2000 E320 wagon absoluetly sucks. It freezes us sometimes even set at 80-82 degrees. It takes FOREVER to respond to temp change request, you have to stare at all the icons and push a bunch of buttons, ( and take eye off the road ) . It has had several sets of sensors, control panels and vent divertor valves w/o any improvement. I have driven 3 different E class sedans as service rentals and they ALL do the same thing ( including blowing bone chilling ice cold AC air even set at 80 degrees ) - so I have concluded that pre-03 E class HVAC was calibrated by fat German guys ( more heat trapping insulation from their blubber ) .
OTOH, the climate control on my 2000 E320 wagon absoluetly sucks. It freezes us sometimes even set at 80-82 degrees. It takes FOREVER to respond to temp change request, you have to stare at all the icons and push a bunch of buttons, ( and take eye off the road ) . It has had several sets of sensors, control panels and vent divertor valves w/o any improvement. I have driven 3 different E class sedans as service rentals and they ALL do the same thing ( including blowing bone chilling ice cold AC air even set at 80 degrees ) - so I have concluded that pre-03 E class HVAC was calibrated by fat German guys ( more heat trapping insulation from their blubber ) .
Last edited by MKW; Sep 27, 2002 at 10:47 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: So. Cali
BMW 328i, 2000 ML320
I am planning to buy one Please give VOTE of confidence in the car. because base upon reading all your guys comment.. Man, I am scare to buy it now.. The model I am looking at is either a 1999 or 2000 ML430... Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Vote of NO confidence in the ML & MB generally
Hi,
I have a my 2000 ML430 which has been fairly reliable for the past 6,000 miles or (presently only needs a couple of wrattles fixing and some work on the drivers window). Total mileage so far 38,000 miles.
But for the first 30,000 miles or so it has had over 23 warranty repairs (13 for major electrical problems, the rest for failry trivial stuff).
Many of the problems were compounded by dealer incompetence and MB USA 'couldn't care less attitude'.
This is my first & last MB.
Buy an ML at your peril - you might get lucky.... there again......
BTW if you're still in doubt check out http://www.mercedes-lemon.com
I have a my 2000 ML430 which has been fairly reliable for the past 6,000 miles or (presently only needs a couple of wrattles fixing and some work on the drivers window). Total mileage so far 38,000 miles.
But for the first 30,000 miles or so it has had over 23 warranty repairs (13 for major electrical problems, the rest for failry trivial stuff).
Many of the problems were compounded by dealer incompetence and MB USA 'couldn't care less attitude'.
This is my first & last MB.
Buy an ML at your peril - you might get lucky.... there again......
BTW if you're still in doubt check out http://www.mercedes-lemon.com
Last edited by timdf; Nov 2, 2002 at 08:39 PM.
