I just recently bought my ML350 and have come to this forum for help. The problems that I have encountered are:

1:The fuel gauge suddenly goes down to empty even though I still have more than half a tank left. Goes back to normal after I leave the engine off for a while.

2: When I try to turn the engine on with my A/C on, my engine shuts off. I'm thinking the engine is working too hard but even my toyota doesn't shut down on me just because I have my A/C on. I even have Hyundai that doesn't shut down on me.

1. Probably a simple connection problem ("loose wire").
2. Engine is "working too hard?" Umm, I don't think so. There should be 260 or so spare horsepower. I can't diagnose that one, though.

Yeah that's what I was thinking about the engine too. But the wierd thing is right when I turn off the A/C, the engine starts up perfectly.

The older ML's had pretty lousy fuel gages which MB never fixed or upgraded. I had one that would go to empty and bounce back to a 1/3, plus the the car still had 5 to 6 gallons left when it did get to empty. You would think that MB would of done something about that in the redesign.

Hello Chip, there were a few redesigns. Still not as reliable as in the 'good old days' but should be an improvement.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/badgas.html

wow...the last post might have solved my problem. I clicked on the link and it says that is the engine stalls, then I might have too heavy chains on my keys. It's true that I have some heavy keys on my keychain. House key, business warehouse key, other car keys, mailbox key, alarm remotes, etc....

I've come to the conclusion that's it's not my keys because it still doesn't start without my other keys. I have also decided that next time I buy a car, I'm buying a lexus... . I liked the new design but I have a feeling it's going to cause me some problems in the future. My transmission is already making wierd clunk noises.

I'm having more engine problem. When get my engine to turn on, it starts revving all by itself. I'm not a car pro and don't know the exact term for it. But this is the sound it makes.....vroooom....vroooom...vroooom. Once again all by itself.

Yeah, you can't put on too many keys with the smart keys. it pulls on the key somehow. Most MB's will run at a higher RPM for a few seconds when you start a cold engine, but they shouldn't go Vroom, Vroom. Somethings wrong, take it to the dealer. It's not abnormal for a few things like that to go wrong with a new one. Doesn't sound serious.

Hi jangjiman, Just letting you know that I don't believe a word that you're saying. It seems you have been reading problems of the older ML's.

Why would anyone talk about so many issues. Anyone with half a brain would be calling the dealer before talking about it on the forums.

Yes, it sounds a little sketchy.

I agree with you both...so far I havent seen any promblem like that yet....MBZ is watching all complaints and repairs very closly and issueing DTBs accordly

My ML500 is scheduled to be built next week, and I really want to hear all feedback (good and bad) from those who already have their ML500's. Thanks!

But, please please be truthful!

As I have posted before, after three weeks and 1500 miles, nothing wrong with my ML500. Runs flawlessly, no rattles, no problems. I hope it will last for at least 3 more years. Too soon to say.
There are only two or three people on the forum who are having problems. This is a too small sample to be significant. Nevertheless is regrettable and "I feel their pain" since I have been there with MB five years ago.

Just letting you know I don't really care if you believe me. I set up an appointment for monday because they said they couldn't guarantee me a loaner car till then. Why would I just read other car problems and post them.
I just came to the forums because I know a lot of people tinker with your cars. Just wanted to know if these problems were minor or major. I don't know if you have enough time to go around reading older ML problems and reposting them. I have a full brain so don't worry about. Why don't you stop going around assuming things.

Don't worry, I'm not assuming. I'm fully believing that I don't believe you. I never said you're a lair just that the stuff you posted is hard to believe.

This is the place where I come to find out about problems with a model that I may buy or find out what to do about the problems that I may have. It really is the only place to compare notes with other users. I love walking in and telling a dealer that I am not the only one having a certain proplem, shuts them up really fast if they are hedging. They all read these boards.

If this guys car is cycling like this I don't think immediately think he is making it up. I'm sure he could be a Chev. Dealer that is steering us to buy Tahoes from him but I doubt it.

Infact, I know some one at MBUSA in NJ. Please give me the last 5 digits of your VIN# and your dealer via PM. He can give me a WTD list on your car.

Hey Cozz...if you have a friend at MBUSA, ask him why Keyless Go is NOT an option on the R350 while it is on the R500 (same with the ML models.) I am about to cancel my R350 order unless I hear that MB will option KG on the R350. Thanks

Cancelling your order because of the lack of Keyless Go, isn't it a little too harsh??

Read my threads on this forum and the W251 Forum...also GCF MB R Class Forum. It may be "harsh" but earned by MBUSA. What $66,000 "luxury Grand Sports Tourer" doesn't offer a KG option...you guessed it....the R Class R350 by Mercedes Benz!

I'll see what I can do. I don't think he deals with that but I can ask. Also, is there even the full list of features for the R-class? Didn't the Euro modal have the feature?

Is there a thread on this? Maybe we can continue there. I'll have a check on the mean time.

Go to the R Class W251 Forum...there is a thread on this subject. I talked with my dealer today and he talked with the local MB sales rep and he feels my pain but does not think MB will change anything. I am slowly resigning myself to order the R500 with KG and pay MB the extra $5-7000.

my ml350 runs smoothly, 2500 miles now in 2 months and not a single hiccup. the only thing is i find myself looking for the gear in the mid console, just getting used to the steering wheel shifter.