Is the ML320 a bad car?
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From: Ivyland
Mercedes S500
Is the ML320 a bad car?
Hey, I am just wondering does all 2002 ML 320 rattles or problems? Because I just leased a 2002 ML 320 and if things will happen to it is there a point to have one? Am I right? 
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
No its not a bad car. I am on my second one. Your satisfaction with the ML will depend upon the service offered by your dealer and his competence.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
Ou ML has 35000 miles on it and it has had two rattles - one was the hatch and was super easy to fix (I fixed it myself).
The other was in the front right corner of the dash (others have mentioned this same problem), but it comes and goes, and I decided that having MB remove and replace the dash to fix it would cause more problems than it remedied.
Our only major warranty repair (other than the rear-view mirror my wife busted
but they fixed it under warranty too!) has been the fuel pump.
Of course, your mileage may vary ...
The other was in the front right corner of the dash (others have mentioned this same problem), but it comes and goes, and I decided that having MB remove and replace the dash to fix it would cause more problems than it remedied.
Our only major warranty repair (other than the rear-view mirror my wife busted
but they fixed it under warranty too!) has been the fuel pump.Of course, your mileage may vary ...
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From: Florida
2007 E350/2001 SLK320
I totally disagree with several of the posts which state the ML is not a bad car; so in light of avoiding a fight - I will say this - The ML is not naughty, it merely needs some "time out".
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ML
Re: Not so bad!
Originally posted by bottedi
I have a brand new ML320 (2002) and I like it. It rattles more then most MB's but if you buy an SUV, that is to be expected.
I have a brand new ML320 (2002) and I like it. It rattles more then most MB's but if you buy an SUV, that is to be expected.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
The ML320 is not really a bad car, but it's by no means great. It has more than its share of problems, so much so that I'd probably shop for an American SUV before I considered an ML. 
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11
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From: Louisiana
86 Mercedes 300e euro
ML is a very nice SUV, the early ones had some problems with the balancers coming apart and eating into the oil pan and front timing cover ( done 4 myself) . Yea they had some fuel pump problems . Otherwise they are real nice and ride good. Oh yea if you are one of those early ML owners and your crank bolt is an allen keep an eye on it , when we replace the balancers we update the bolt to a 27mm. You will see the rubber coming apart on the balancer ,change it before it cuts through the alluminum.
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Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 237
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From: Charleston, SC
99 ML 320, 97 Porsche 993 C2S, 92 300E
I have a 320 with 58K miles on it which was purchased new. It has been a great vehicle, probably the best mid size SUV available. It handles great, nice ride, good gas mileage.
I have driven Mercedes autos for over 23 years and believe it is not as well made as other mercedes, but then its an SUV. The engine and the running gear so seem to be very well made.
I have had a number of warranty issues which were know problems, all of which were resolved to my satisfaction.
My advice is to get a used 1999 as a lot less than I paid new. Just check with the dealer that service it and review the file to see if the known problems were resovled. Let the first owner deal with the warranty issues.
I have driven Mercedes autos for over 23 years and believe it is not as well made as other mercedes, but then its an SUV. The engine and the running gear so seem to be very well made.
I have had a number of warranty issues which were know problems, all of which were resolved to my satisfaction.
My advice is to get a used 1999 as a lot less than I paid new. Just check with the dealer that service it and review the file to see if the known problems were resovled. Let the first owner deal with the warranty issues.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: West Windsor, NJ
1999 ML320
ML320
I concure with the folks above. The ML320 is what it is. It's not a sports sedan or a Yukon. I purchased my ML320 in 1999 and still love it. At the time, it was the only SUV with full time AWD, 5 speed auto transmission, optional 3rd row seat, with decent gas mileage and for under $45k. Plus, On a recent family vacation to Florida and NC, I averaged 24 miles per gallon! I realize that today there are other SUV choices (i.e., Acura, Honda and BMW), but I feel the ML is still a good value. I'm planning on keeping mine until 2004, at that time I'll re-evaluate the SUV's in my price range. However, if I was purchasing one today, I'd lean toward the ML once again.
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From: Outside Fairfax, VA (Lake Anna)
ML 55, M3 Coupe
Ya many people just don't take car of their vehicles so things are going to happen sooner or later. I'm not say you don't take care of it but, it is good to have routine maintance done on it. Take me, I left my ML55 go for 5000 miles after the dealer said to replace the brake pads and I knew that they didnt need replace because i bought then a month ago but, he also didn't tel me there was a crack in them so I ended up driving it for 4700 miles before it locked up. So, it may also be your dealer not telling you these things to pervent things from happening.
