Great post- Thank you.
The list of stuff to watch out for on a 163
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 8
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ML 320 2002
ML 320 20 Low range light flashes on start up
Back by popular demand, here it is:
I think the brake parts are identical. All ML320's and 350's use the same stuff as far as I know. It looks the same anyways. Some 430's may even have had the smaller brakes.
Forget the remote starter, it aint gonna happen with the whole transponder in the key thing.
You could add step tubes, but not mudflaps. You could also add running boards. Brush guard should fit too. Personally I would leave it alone, it looks pretty good as it is, not to mention the wieght factor. Sport package bumpers are heavy compared to regular ones.
Anything that went wrong with 98-99 ML's is still an issue with the '01 models. They were not substantially improved until '02 with the redesign.
The '01 will probably be a bit more reliable though.
Fuel pumps - make sure you got the updated version, check filter and lines to make sure they are updated.
Harmonic balancer- check it often. This has yet to be "fixed" on any year model.
D-pillar covers crack
Aux fan fuse blows- needs upgraded wiring harness and larger fuse.
Window switches - yer left front will go down and not come back up!
Defroster vent likes to pop out of dash, replacement is easy.
Door locks like to fail, jump up and down. replace latch to fix.
Oil consumption- check oil level regularly, use only mobil 1 0w40, change more often than required.
Trans connector leaks- new o-rings to fix- updated parts available.
Oil level sensor- make sure it works and doesn't flash low oil for no reason.
Transfer case shift motor - make sure low range light doesn't flash on start up.
Leaking canister shut off valves were still prevalent during '01.
Leaking washer fluid tank- still an issue to this day, even with updated parts.
Tail gate lock breaks, allows tailgate to open when locked. Replace outer handle assembly.
Sunroof wind deflectors break. Replacement kit available.
Catalytic converters break in half, or rattle. Replacement required. Must remove torsion bars and reset ride hieght after replacement.
Bubbling center console armrest- replace.
Seat side trim cracks, falls off - updated parts are stronger.
Tele aid- banner year for problems. Disconnect.
MCS unit- there are a number of problems. Updated part may fix.
Sunroof accordians fall off - glue back on.
Wind noise- test drive before you buy. Usually no fixing that.
Vehicle stalls when hot - crank position sensor failure. Replace.
Vehicle will not start - fuel pump.
Vehicle will start then immediately stall- replace keys or das module.
Self adaptations at limit, part load or idle, right or left bank or both - replace mass air sensor, intake duct seals, air filter.
Hesitation on acceleration- updated ME control unit will greatly reduce this issue, along with random misfires, runs like crap, etc.....
EGR fault codes- go ahead and replace the valve assembly and the EGR tube. Saves everyone a lot of trouble in the long run.
Lifter noise- replace all compensating elements, inspect cams and followers, replace as needed.
Vehicle won't start, already replaced fuel pump and or no voltage to pump. Check electrical connector on chassis near left rear wheel, and look for burnt connector under fuse box underhood.
SRS light illuminated- updated side bag connectors available, also seat occupied recognition sensor in right front seat has been a problem.
Seat heater does not heat evenly- replace heating pads, maybe seat cover?
Rear seats folded flat, now they are locked to the floor, can't get them up. - DONT EVER PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR SEATS. ANY OF THEM. Check to make sure there is nothing there before folding flat. Too many times the cables are broken or popped loose by a missing shoe or some doodad left under the rear seat.
Lower power steering hose blows off- recall in effect. Benz will cover this part for 10 years regardless of mileage. Install new hose and clamp.
Door insulation falls off, leaves gluey residue on windows and sunroof- remove, discard. Installing more just means it will fail again later. There are updated parts available, with mixed results. Its impossible to get all the glue off the door, and what happens when your new glue sticks to the old glue, which then fails?
Coolant flush every 3 years.
Brake flush every 2 years.
Air filter due at 60K
Fuel filter due at 60K
Spark plugs due at 100K
Dust filter and wiper blades part of B service.
Trans is filled for life, requires no service and there is no dipstick in the tube.
No recommended diff service interval either.
No recommended tranfer case service either.
Brake life varys widely by driver.
Tires last longer on ML's than anything else. Expect your 17" to wear faster.
Hope this is enough to keep you on top of things for a while. I probably forgot something along the way...... Enjoy your new vehicle!
***Keep in mind I just cut and pasted, No way am I retyping all this! It may not make perfect sense since it has been taken out of original context***
I think the brake parts are identical. All ML320's and 350's use the same stuff as far as I know. It looks the same anyways. Some 430's may even have had the smaller brakes.
Forget the remote starter, it aint gonna happen with the whole transponder in the key thing.
You could add step tubes, but not mudflaps. You could also add running boards. Brush guard should fit too. Personally I would leave it alone, it looks pretty good as it is, not to mention the wieght factor. Sport package bumpers are heavy compared to regular ones.
Anything that went wrong with 98-99 ML's is still an issue with the '01 models. They were not substantially improved until '02 with the redesign.
The '01 will probably be a bit more reliable though.
Fuel pumps - make sure you got the updated version, check filter and lines to make sure they are updated.
Harmonic balancer- check it often. This has yet to be "fixed" on any year model.
D-pillar covers crack
Aux fan fuse blows- needs upgraded wiring harness and larger fuse.
Window switches - yer left front will go down and not come back up!
Defroster vent likes to pop out of dash, replacement is easy.
Door locks like to fail, jump up and down. replace latch to fix.
Oil consumption- check oil level regularly, use only mobil 1 0w40, change more often than required.
Trans connector leaks- new o-rings to fix- updated parts available.
Oil level sensor- make sure it works and doesn't flash low oil for no reason.
Transfer case shift motor - make sure low range light doesn't flash on start up.
Leaking canister shut off valves were still prevalent during '01.
Leaking washer fluid tank- still an issue to this day, even with updated parts.
Tail gate lock breaks, allows tailgate to open when locked. Replace outer handle assembly.
Sunroof wind deflectors break. Replacement kit available.
Catalytic converters break in half, or rattle. Replacement required. Must remove torsion bars and reset ride hieght after replacement.
Bubbling center console armrest- replace.
Seat side trim cracks, falls off - updated parts are stronger.
Tele aid- banner year for problems. Disconnect.
MCS unit- there are a number of problems. Updated part may fix.
Sunroof accordians fall off - glue back on.
Wind noise- test drive before you buy. Usually no fixing that.
Vehicle stalls when hot - crank position sensor failure. Replace.
Vehicle will not start - fuel pump.
Vehicle will start then immediately stall- replace keys or das module.
Self adaptations at limit, part load or idle, right or left bank or both - replace mass air sensor, intake duct seals, air filter.
Hesitation on acceleration- updated ME control unit will greatly reduce this issue, along with random misfires, runs like crap, etc.....
EGR fault codes- go ahead and replace the valve assembly and the EGR tube. Saves everyone a lot of trouble in the long run.
Lifter noise- replace all compensating elements, inspect cams and followers, replace as needed.
Vehicle won't start, already replaced fuel pump and or no voltage to pump. Check electrical connector on chassis near left rear wheel, and look for burnt connector under fuse box underhood.
SRS light illuminated- updated side bag connectors available, also seat occupied recognition sensor in right front seat has been a problem.
Seat heater does not heat evenly- replace heating pads, maybe seat cover?
Rear seats folded flat, now they are locked to the floor, can't get them up. - DONT EVER PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR SEATS. ANY OF THEM. Check to make sure there is nothing there before folding flat. Too many times the cables are broken or popped loose by a missing shoe or some doodad left under the rear seat.
Lower power steering hose blows off- recall in effect. Benz will cover this part for 10 years regardless of mileage. Install new hose and clamp.
Door insulation falls off, leaves gluey residue on windows and sunroof- remove, discard. Installing more just means it will fail again later. There are updated parts available, with mixed results. Its impossible to get all the glue off the door, and what happens when your new glue sticks to the old glue, which then fails?
Coolant flush every 3 years.
Brake flush every 2 years.
Air filter due at 60K
Fuel filter due at 60K
Spark plugs due at 100K
Dust filter and wiper blades part of B service.
Trans is filled for life, requires no service and there is no dipstick in the tube.
No recommended diff service interval either.
No recommended tranfer case service either.
Brake life varys widely by driver.
Tires last longer on ML's than anything else. Expect your 17" to wear faster.
Hope this is enough to keep you on top of things for a while. I probably forgot something along the way...... Enjoy your new vehicle!
***Keep in mind I just cut and pasted, No way am I retyping all this! It may not make perfect sense since it has been taken out of original context***
Hello,
I own an ML 320 02. My Low range light flashes on start up. What is the best thing to do ?
Thanks a lot. Please advise . . .
Last edited by zeduebel; Jan 12, 2014 at 04:59 PM. Reason: wrong spelling
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 8
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ML 320 2002
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 8
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ML 320 2002
Low range flashes on start
What I did is knock the transfer case motor while switching the low range on neutral, my wife help me on this. And amazingly it did worked.
Not only my low range is working, the light flashing is gone.
Make sense, since we don't use the low range quite often, it tends to get stuck. I live in LA, the last time I used it was probably 8 years ago on one of my trips to Big Bear.
Good luck to all DYI's. Have fun and learn something unusual . . . I did
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
MB ML270, MB ML320, MB 300D
I agree to all of the problems listed down. However, I would still prefer the ML over anything else. It's cheap and practical to run and repairing the car is usually once every three to four months.
_________________________
'98 ML320 W163
'01 ML270 W163
'92 300D W124
_________________________
'98 ML320 W163
'01 ML270 W163
'92 300D W124
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
1999 ML430
We bought a 99 ML430 a couple of months ago and most of the things on the list have been done, still a few things on there I will need to take care of. I did change the CPS right after we got it, I figured better safe than sorry, now a month later the MIL light came on showing EGR problems. But my question is does anyone sell everything needed to fix this in a kit? The EGR valve, the tube, fitting, nut, gasket etc all in a kit to make things easier. I don't want to order what I think is everything just to find out I missed some stupid little thing.
Last edited by billw913; Mar 13, 2014 at 12:17 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
1999 ML430
Can someone help me with this
One other question about this list, which is great by the way, you mention when replacing fuel pump to make sure the lines and filter are updated also. How do I tell or is this something I just need to replace when I do the fuel pump
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
ML430
Help no crank on 99 ML430 Jumped K8 starter works, new battery and starter. I have only owned this for about a week. Will start and run after sitting all night. Only one key I have one on order from dealer. Any other checks to make? Please help no cranking swapped relays checked fuses cleaned connections at battery and grounds. Interior got wet in rain storm Florida weather
Last edited by SeanOD; Jun 29, 2014 at 10:30 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
I have a similar 99 ML430 and I never have a problem like that. But my brother has a 99 ML320 and a few years ago it had the same symptom. Once he goes somewhere, he have to wait until the engine cool down before it would start again. Came to find out, the Crank Position Sensor was the culprit. I ordered one from Autohausaz.com for about $80 - I think, and replaced that for him. It was not a fun job to do. Apparently there are different versions of that sensor so if you decide to do that make sure that you get the right one.
BTW, my ML430 is still fine with 114K miles on it.
Have a wonderful day.
BTW, my ML430 is still fine with 114K miles on it.
Have a wonderful day.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5
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ML430
trong_l Thank you for you reply this ML doesn't crank at all. The CPS wouldn't keep it from cranking. This is a weird one I talked to the Mercedes dealer never heard of one starting in the morning and then not again until the next day. It has to be heat related wiring ? I was hoping a tech on here might have seen something like this before.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Sean, somehow I misunderstood the problem you have with your ML430. I think you've tried everything that I would try to troubleshoot the problem. I hate to say this but you might have to take it to a dealer or a reputable well equipped service shop. Yes the dealers are more expensive but at least they can pinpoint the problem(s) accurately. Having 3 1/2 Mercedes-Benzes I know expensive it is to keep these running smoothly. FYI, I count my 06 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster as a 1/2 Mercedes since it wears different badge.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: East Texas
2002 320 CLK 2002 ML 500
Ok just a 2002 ML 500 , Loved the post about what to look out for .
I would like to add a couple of upgrades and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions I am looking for a bumper guard and running boards.
I am also looking for the following parts.
Driver side mirror without memory in metallic dark green
I am missing a couple of those covers on the back bumper
heating pad for driver side seat and is there a kit for the seat I need to recover it too
Navigation system gives me the message Navigation system not installed. was told it needed a module
and last I am in need for a new windshield piper water reservoir
I would like to add a couple of upgrades and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions I am looking for a bumper guard and running boards.
I am also looking for the following parts.
Driver side mirror without memory in metallic dark green
I am missing a couple of those covers on the back bumper
heating pad for driver side seat and is there a kit for the seat I need to recover it too
Navigation system gives me the message Navigation system not installed. was told it needed a module
and last I am in need for a new windshield piper water reservoir
Last edited by comptronix; Sep 13, 2014 at 01:43 PM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: VA
2000 ML320
Ok just a 2002 ML 500 , Loved the post about what to look out for .
I would like to add a couple of upgrades and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions I am looking for a bumper guard and running boards.
I am also looking for the following parts.
Driver side mirror without memory in metallic dark green
I am missing a couple of those covers on the back bumper
heating pad for driver side seat and is there a kit for the seat I need to recover it too
Navigation system gives me the message Navigation system not installed. was told it needed a module
and last I am in need for a new windshield piper water reservoir
I would like to add a couple of upgrades and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions I am looking for a bumper guard and running boards.
I am also looking for the following parts.
Driver side mirror without memory in metallic dark green
I am missing a couple of those covers on the back bumper
heating pad for driver side seat and is there a kit for the seat I need to recover it too
Navigation system gives me the message Navigation system not installed. was told it needed a module
and last I am in need for a new windshield piper water reservoir
www.rockauto.com
