amiras

Hi! I bought an '02 ML320 4 months ago and everything was going fine util last week. All of a sudden, the fuel gauge stop working. The needle is showing empty and the reserve light in on all the time. Since it is out of warranty, I knew this would be an expensive repair. I took it yesterday to the dealership and I just got a call quoting $900 to repair it (Ouch!).
Is there anything else I can do? Does this figure seems right to you guys? Any other recommendations/ideas about how to repair it? Go to a different shop maybe? I researched this forum and found that this is a common problem, so any help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance !

Angel

sosh

It is most likely the sending unit which is integral with the pump and filter. However its also possible that the problem is elsewhere in the system such as a connector, dash unit, etc. The sender failure is fairly common not only on the ML but many other models of MB's and other makes of German vehicles. Had this problem with the 98 ML I had and my 01 E320 but not with my 02 ML500. If as you say yours is an 02 its possible, depending on mileage that you are still under warranty, if so take advantage of it. If not $900 is not a lot of money today so have it fixed and pay for it.

Swiss Nick

If you do get if fixed, make sure that if the problem returns (and it most likely will) the dealer will not charge you again to repair it. Under warranty my ML was returned to the dealer about 4 times. Each time they changed something else!!

amiras

sosh and Swiss Nick:
Thanks for your help. The ML is out of warranty (52,000 miles) so I'm going to bite the bullet and get it fixed. I think MB offers 1 year warranty on all the repairs, so I'll make sure that shows up on the work order.
Thanks again,

Angel

Stiggs

Do a search under "fuel gauge" in this forum.
My dealership quoted me around $800 to $900 to fix mine.
I didn't bite the bullet.....and it sucks.

Petmerctech

Since you just went out of warranty, ask and see if MB will goodwill the repair. They might just have you pay for parts and not labor, or they may even warranty both parts and labor.

amiras

Well... I called them and tell them to go ahead and fix it. But before that I asked what happens if I drive off the lot and 2 months later I get the same problem (it seems like it could happen). They assured me that they will fix it at no cost. 1 year warranty, no mileage limit. I hope they honor their word. Should be ready this afternoon and I'll be paying the $900 .... but at least I used their loaner for 2 days !!! hehehe
Thanks again to everyone,

Angel

ml320_2001

Well if you did not fix it .. the only thing you would miss is when the fuel is empty right ????.......
Did you not have extended warranty ? If you had .. still will that cover this ? Because I think extended warranty runs from 2500-dont know but it was worth it if it covered this one right ??
As I am planning to take extended warranty I am onlly checking which will be covered and what not....
TIA

amiras

I think the extended warranty covers pretty much everything, just like the regular warranty. I did not have it, so I had to pay $932.00 but at least I used their loaner for 2 days and they washed the truck... hehehe

Stiggs

Oh yeah....you showed them!

amiras

I was kidding....