coolclk500

1999-2000 Ml320 or Ml430 reliable? How releable is it? Does it have a lot of electrical or engine problems?

andaya

but if you search for threads I'm pretty sure you'll find numerous complaints from other ML owners. I also heard the 98' ml had alot of problems due to it's first year of production, but along the years they have fixed most of them. I suggest that if you're buying a ML go for the most latest. 2000- up But you can get lucky and find perfect 98-99s.

Good luck.

randyman

i have a 98 ML 320 with 97,XXX miles with no problems.

GSMITH

I have had my fair share of problems with my 98 ML320: bad transfer case, axle bearings, ball joints ($500 a side and wait 2 months for parts), dash lights going out, check engine light on and off all the time and so many rattles I have lost count (seats, seat belt retractor, rear hatch, sunroof etc).

I still think it is a good machine as it can tow, has reasonable gas mileage, works well in the snow and has a great engine and transmission combination.

ML320AMG

//touch wood

haha

with 56K miles on the car
only big things:
- blown transfer case motor
- leaking apex seal on the transfer case

minor stuff:
rattles ... "felt tape warrior" to the rescue
(you learn to tear apart the interior and fix little stuff after a while)


DENIS

Kar don

are you interested in a 99 ML320? I may be willing to sell for the right price... it is in good condition with some tasteful upgrades.

kullenberg

I have a 99 ML430. I think the kindest thing I can say about it is, that it's been a pretty good car, particularly for use in severe winter conditions, BUT, it's a lousy Mercedes. This is my 5th MB, and based on the poor reliability of this one, I'll never have another. It's been nothing major, but a lot of minor things, that require a run to the dealer, which is 1 !/2 hours away. Thank goodness it's on a lease, and goes away next May!

GregW / Oregon

My '98 had numerous small problems the first year, and has been almost perfect since then. The dealer was excellent at resolving issues, and being proactive about preventing them. Just before my warranty expired they went through everything--new battery, door seals, etc.

sincos

I've got a 1999 ML430, with about 90K miles on it. The truck had very intermittent transmission-like problems (things like failure to upshift once every couple of months, never repeatable). One day, at 80K miles, without warning, TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. Dealer replaced transmission and torque converter, and MB coughed up 1/2 of the parts cost. Still cost me $4K, since warranty had expired. Other than that little detail, it's been a good truck. Saved my butt when we had a 18" unpredicted snowstorm a couple of years ago.

Stiggs

I think Kullenberg put it best...its a great truck in severe weather, but a lousy mercedes. I've said this time and time again....you can't compare the ML to any mercedes car...the cars will always be better.
But my 1999 ML430 has kicked some major butt this past winter. Heck, I almost can't wait for this year's first snow storm!!!