is 2002 ML500 reliability any better?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Boston
2002 ML500
is 2002 ML500 reliability any better?
I've just purchased a new 2002 ML500 (Black/Charcol, M3 conv, M5 sunroof, Bose premium sound). I've been reading here and in several other places about quality and reliability issues regarding the 320 and 430. Of course, I found the vehicle simply too irresistable to pass up, even with issues I've read about, and it seems that any vehicle has both good and bad write-ups.
My question is: does it seem that MB has fixed many of these issues with the 2002 models or is it just too soon to read about the horror for this model year?
My question is: does it seem that MB has fixed many of these issues with the 2002 models or is it just too soon to read about the horror for this model year?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Ca
'00 ML430 & '02 Porsche 996
Every new model year we all hope that
the ML problems of yesteryear have been fixed. Quite often they have - but only to be replaced with new ones caused by 'continual improvement'.
I suspect it's too early to tell if there have been any significant improvements, but if MBUSA is continuing to use the same suppliers for key components - then I suspect we can expect to see the usual crop of electrical problems.
Of course you may have a 'good one' - they do exist and the problems are only related to a small percentage I suspect, but when 400,000 ML's have been sold even 0.1% makes for a lot of unhappy owners.
Tim in San Diego
'00 ML430 with 23 warranty repairs
'02 Porsche 996 with 1 warranty repair (needed a new transmission which was made by MB!!)
I suspect it's too early to tell if there have been any significant improvements, but if MBUSA is continuing to use the same suppliers for key components - then I suspect we can expect to see the usual crop of electrical problems.
Of course you may have a 'good one' - they do exist and the problems are only related to a small percentage I suspect, but when 400,000 ML's have been sold even 0.1% makes for a lot of unhappy owners.
Tim in San Diego
'00 ML430 with 23 warranty repairs
'02 Porsche 996 with 1 warranty repair (needed a new transmission which was made by MB!!)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Have had many, many problems with my 02 500ML, actually more than I had with my 98 320ML. All have been resolved with the exception of 2 problems thanks to the persistance of my excellent dealer. The 2 problems that remain are problems with all 02 ML's: Brake squeal and erratic wear(V8's only) and one touch up windows. Both are awaiting "fixes" from MB. I am told that both fixes are being engineered in Germany. If you want a list of what I have had E mail me
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Md.
2005 ML500 SE, 2005 X5
Reliability is not much better. Old problems have been solved, but new ones are worse in some cases.
Bad trip computers that set off the alarm,
Squealing brakes
windows that go up and down by themselves, etc.
here are 2 good sites for information on reliabiluty:
http://www.mercedesproblems.com
http://www.mercedes-lemon.com
Bad trip computers that set off the alarm,
Squealing brakes
windows that go up and down by themselves, etc.
here are 2 good sites for information on reliabiluty:
http://www.mercedesproblems.com
http://www.mercedes-lemon.com
