Problems with the ML 320?
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
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Problems with the ML 320?
Hello all, I am a BMW owner who is trading out. No problems with BMW ( other than less than great customer service) just time for a change. Trading in my 3.0i Z3, and way too much cash, for an '02 Porsche Targa; thats not a problem. But I am trading in my 2000 5 series sport too. Great car, lots of fun to drive, never a problem. First few years were no problem, but last winter freaked me out here in NJ. As much as I hate to do it, I have to go back to 4wd for everyday driving. I looked at both a 2001 X5 3.0i and the 2001 ML 320. I have to say I like the inner and outer looks of the ML 320 better than the X5 so i sort of settled on that. However, after talking with a few people, they warn me away, saying the M series has had some serious problems.
So, I have come to the source. Is the ML 320 problem filled, or is it no more so than other SUVs?
Thanks,
DougD
So, I have come to the source. Is the ML 320 problem filled, or is it no more so than other SUVs?
Thanks,
DougD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,374
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From: NYC
2002 ML320
Most of the ML's problems were in the '98 and '99 model years, and some experienced issues in the '00 model year. By the '01 MY, most issues were fixed, although some minor ones still arise in some MLs.
But with the way used car pricing is now, just get a 2002 ML320 - the ML was facelifted in '02 with an updated look (clear projector lights, new bumpers, etc.) and many (over 1200) new components. Additionally, there were interior changes, including the new dual-zone digital HVAC system and the new center console. Other than that most of the changes are not visible - internal part updates, etc.
You should be able to find an '02 ML320 in the high $20k's or low $30k's at this point. Check out AutoTrader (http://www.autotrader.com) and Cars.com (http://www.cars.com) in the used car section for an '02 ML320.
If you don't find an '02 model to your liking and decide to go for the '01, you should also be fine - most of the problems were worked out by then.
Good luck
But with the way used car pricing is now, just get a 2002 ML320 - the ML was facelifted in '02 with an updated look (clear projector lights, new bumpers, etc.) and many (over 1200) new components. Additionally, there were interior changes, including the new dual-zone digital HVAC system and the new center console. Other than that most of the changes are not visible - internal part updates, etc.
You should be able to find an '02 ML320 in the high $20k's or low $30k's at this point. Check out AutoTrader (http://www.autotrader.com) and Cars.com (http://www.cars.com) in the used car section for an '02 ML320.
If you don't find an '02 model to your liking and decide to go for the '01, you should also be fine - most of the problems were worked out by then.
Good luck
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
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stay away from the ML!
i have a '01 ML320 and have had the following problems:
1) sunroof wind deflector fell off
2) unresolved warm start off-idle hesitation in hot summer months. ECU replaced twice to no avail. car going back to dealership this week in yet another attempt...
3) GPS/radio antenna broke and replaced. acts like it needs to be replaced again (AM reception is crap)
4) would blow fuses in summer causing A/C to partially fail (supposedly rectified now)
5) trailer lighting connector failed when contacts got pushed up into body of connector under normal use
6) niggling problem with awd clutches not engaging properly when accelerating away from uphill stop after cold start (never asked dealer to address since problem is confined to specific circumstances, my lack of confidence that dealership would be able to rectify and having to drive a Daewoo loaner while they tried to figure it out)
far too many problems for a $45K vehicle. better off with something else i would think (lexus, toyota, vw, etc. come to mind)
i have a '01 ML320 and have had the following problems:
1) sunroof wind deflector fell off
2) unresolved warm start off-idle hesitation in hot summer months. ECU replaced twice to no avail. car going back to dealership this week in yet another attempt...
3) GPS/radio antenna broke and replaced. acts like it needs to be replaced again (AM reception is crap)
4) would blow fuses in summer causing A/C to partially fail (supposedly rectified now)
5) trailer lighting connector failed when contacts got pushed up into body of connector under normal use
6) niggling problem with awd clutches not engaging properly when accelerating away from uphill stop after cold start (never asked dealer to address since problem is confined to specific circumstances, my lack of confidence that dealership would be able to rectify and having to drive a Daewoo loaner while they tried to figure it out)
far too many problems for a $45K vehicle. better off with something else i would think (lexus, toyota, vw, etc. come to mind)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,769
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I have one of the first '98s ...
a 12/97 build. It had a series of small quality control issues the first year, but they were not serious and the dealer was very good as exorcising them. It has been very reliable since (65k mi.). I agree with mbakshi's advice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,769
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I have one of the first '98s ...
a 12/97 build. It had a series of small quality control issues the first year, but they were not serious and the dealer was very good as exorscising them. It has been very reliable since (65k mi.). I agree with mbakshi's advice.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 11
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ml430
i have a 2000 ml430 and the only problem i had was a burned
headlight and a power booster replaced.i like the 430 instead of
the 320 if you drive both the v8 is the one to pick. most people
i know like the ml if you stay with 2000 and up you should be
fine plus get the extended warrenty from benz and any problems
are repaired threw them . my ml 430 is great its a fun and
dependable suv , i drive to the mountains every week and it
never let me down in snow or summer heat. my friend has 110
thounds miles on his ml and it still runs great. just make sure
the history and check it out well.
cheers
headlight and a power booster replaced.i like the 430 instead of
the 320 if you drive both the v8 is the one to pick. most people
i know like the ml if you stay with 2000 and up you should be
fine plus get the extended warrenty from benz and any problems
are repaired threw them . my ml 430 is great its a fun and
dependable suv , i drive to the mountains every week and it
never let me down in snow or summer heat. my friend has 110
thounds miles on his ml and it still runs great. just make sure
the history and check it out well.
cheers
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina, USA
1998 ML-320
Originally posted by mb_gopher
[B]stay away from the ML!
[B]stay away from the ML!
Obviously, the newer, the better.
3) GPS/radio antenna broke and replaced. acts like it needs to be replaced again (AM reception is crap)
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Mercedes-Benz
Originally posted by UncAl
Really? That's interesting. I thought the radio antenna was in the rear glass, and the antenna on the rear roof was cell phone/GPS only.
Really? That's interesting. I thought the radio antenna was in the rear glass, and the antenna on the rear roof was cell phone/GPS only.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Md.
2005 ML500 SE, 2005 X5
They are getting better
My 1999 was a total nightmare. Every problem that has been talked about on this board. My 2002 has been much better, but still is not as good as other MB models, with regard to quality of materials, fit and finish. You will be dissapointed in the ML's handling compared to BMW. I also have an X5, and there is no comparison between the two regarding handling and road feel.
I recommend you test drive the VW Touareg V8. Much more bang for the buck, unbelievable fit and finish, and higher quality of materials than either the ML or BMW. If you can get past the huge VW logos on front and rear, this is one incredible SUV/SAV
If BMW & MB are not worried about the T-Reg, they should be!
I recommend you test drive the VW Touareg V8. Much more bang for the buck, unbelievable fit and finish, and higher quality of materials than either the ML or BMW. If you can get past the huge VW logos on front and rear, this is one incredible SUV/SAV
If BMW & MB are not worried about the T-Reg, they should be!
