Gas mileage and brakes
 

Hey guys, Newbie here. Just bought an ML430 a few weeks ago. I knew it was a V8 but didn't realize I would have to dig so deep in my pockets just for gas. Is this normal? Because I think I got a very good deal on the with very low miles, so for some reason I have it in the back of my mind that there maybe something wrong. I don't want to take it back to the dealer if there isn't a problem with it. Do you guys know what the 01 430 gives as far as gas mileage? City/Highway. And by the way, my brakes are also squeeking. Is this normal? The car only has about 13k miles on it. Thanks.
~Asim

gas/brakes
 

I average 16 mpg in NYC and suburbs. I'm replacing my brakes after 20K miles even though the sensor light did not come on.

Re: Gas mileage and brakes
 

What mileage are you getting. You should be in the 16-18 city and 19-20 hgwy. depends on how much you like to gun it, and also on how the engine was broken in. The break-in you can't do any thing about but if you do quick starts, you'll drink a lot of gas.

I really haven't checked to see how many miles the car is giving me. Everytime I fill up and the tank gets low, my wife decides to fill up the tank. But I'll check and see what I'm getting. Thanks for the info.
~Asim

What does the computer say? Just click that button a few times until you get average mpg.. read it off :) easier than whipping out the calculator ;)

Re: gas/brakes
 

'02 ML500

We get about 15mpg in So Cal stop go traffic...
 

with my wife's driving which is actually quite hard, on a run with easy cruising we get low 20's.

As for brake wear - looks like about 20,000 miles between changes.

Be aware that all 4 sets of pads are likely to wear out at the same time and on some V8 ML's the rears wear out first (as was the case on our ML). The 320's don't seem to be quite so heavy on the brakes.

Another poster has mentioned that since he had his rotor & pads changed to a later spec, his gas mileage improved. You may already have the later pads & rotors being a later year model. Mine is 2000, bought in September '99.

Hope this helps

I have about 11,000 miles on my 2001 ML 430 and I would guess mileage is about 12 - 14 per gallon. It is not too much better then my Navigator was.

have them check to see if your brake calipers are sticking. MB has had trouble with the rear calipers sticking on some ML's (V8 models).

With my ML500 I get 16 to 18 mpg around town and 20 to 21 on the road. Re brake squeal, this has been a problem with all the V8 brakes. MB has come out with a new type brake pad. Had these installed on mine under warranty and haven't heard a thing from the brakes since.