The 'perfect' ML?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kent, UK
ML 320 CDi
The 'perfect' ML?
Hi,
The most discussed problems with new ML predominantly relate to the transmission and airmatic systems but it would appear that the appropriate software (transmission) and hardware (airmatic) solutions to ameliorate these problems are now available.
As I'm taking delivery of my 320 CDi (with airmatic) next week (17th Jan) I want to be as certain as possible that my car won't suffer from aforementioned problems so I would like to know (for sure) that it's 'up to date'.
Thus my questions are:
Can the diagnostic system print out the above data (i.e. transmission software version/ airmatic pump version etc.?) and if so what should these 'versions' be? Is this the sort of data one should expect a Dealer to supply?
As mentioned on other threads there are no 'lemon' laws in UK and whilst it shouldn't be the case, in my experience car Dealers are prone to let the buyer point out problems for them to address rather than pro-actively rectify them themselves (even/especially MB?) i.e. one person's 'problem' may not be another's, so it's a path of least resistance.
Perhaps I'm worrying unduly but especially reading the experiences of one or two of you (Steve/endodoc etc.) it's better to be safe than sorry.
Cheers,
The most discussed problems with new ML predominantly relate to the transmission and airmatic systems but it would appear that the appropriate software (transmission) and hardware (airmatic) solutions to ameliorate these problems are now available.
As I'm taking delivery of my 320 CDi (with airmatic) next week (17th Jan) I want to be as certain as possible that my car won't suffer from aforementioned problems so I would like to know (for sure) that it's 'up to date'.
Thus my questions are:
Can the diagnostic system print out the above data (i.e. transmission software version/ airmatic pump version etc.?) and if so what should these 'versions' be? Is this the sort of data one should expect a Dealer to supply?
As mentioned on other threads there are no 'lemon' laws in UK and whilst it shouldn't be the case, in my experience car Dealers are prone to let the buyer point out problems for them to address rather than pro-actively rectify them themselves (even/especially MB?) i.e. one person's 'problem' may not be another's, so it's a path of least resistance.
Perhaps I'm worrying unduly but especially reading the experiences of one or two of you (Steve/endodoc etc.) it's better to be safe than sorry.
Cheers,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Originally Posted by Dieter
Hi,
The most discussed problems with new ML predominantly relate to the transmission and airmatic systems but it would appear that the appropriate software (transmission) and hardware (airmatic) solutions to ameliorate these problems are now available.
As I'm taking delivery of my 320 CDi (with airmatic) next week (17th Jan) I want to be as certain as possible that my car won't suffer from aforementioned problems so I would like to know (for sure) that it's 'up to date'.
Thus my questions are:
Can the diagnostic system print out the above data (i.e. transmission software version/ airmatic pump version etc.?) and if so what should these 'versions' be? Is this the sort of data one should expect a Dealer to supply?
As mentioned on other threads there are no 'lemon' laws in UK and whilst it shouldn't be the case, in my experience car Dealers are prone to let the buyer point out problems for them to address rather than pro-actively rectify them themselves (even/especially MB?) i.e. one person's 'problem' may not be another's, so it's a path of least resistance.
Perhaps I'm worrying unduly but especially reading the experiences of one or two of you (Steve/endodoc etc.) it's better to be safe than sorry.
Cheers,
The most discussed problems with new ML predominantly relate to the transmission and airmatic systems but it would appear that the appropriate software (transmission) and hardware (airmatic) solutions to ameliorate these problems are now available.
As I'm taking delivery of my 320 CDi (with airmatic) next week (17th Jan) I want to be as certain as possible that my car won't suffer from aforementioned problems so I would like to know (for sure) that it's 'up to date'.
Thus my questions are:
Can the diagnostic system print out the above data (i.e. transmission software version/ airmatic pump version etc.?) and if so what should these 'versions' be? Is this the sort of data one should expect a Dealer to supply?
As mentioned on other threads there are no 'lemon' laws in UK and whilst it shouldn't be the case, in my experience car Dealers are prone to let the buyer point out problems for them to address rather than pro-actively rectify them themselves (even/especially MB?) i.e. one person's 'problem' may not be another's, so it's a path of least resistance.
Perhaps I'm worrying unduly but especially reading the experiences of one or two of you (Steve/endodoc etc.) it's better to be safe than sorry.
Cheers,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
The 'perfect' ML
I would worry, too, when you read about a few people having bothersome problems. Mine has been perfect for 7,000 miles/6 months. My dealer did diagnose a rough transmission PRIOR to delivery and upgraded the software. I have no complaints about the transmission or anything else.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Cornhusker State
ML 500, John Deere tractor
Greg, how do you define a "rough transmission"? One of the few complaints I have about my 500 is say when you slow down to turn a corner and then accelerate again, if you are not careful it will give you a pronounced jerk. I'm wondering if this can be fixed. Otherwise the tranny performs flawlessly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Transmission issues
Originally Posted by Curious George
Greg, how do you define a "rough transmission"? One of the few complaints I have about my 500 is say when you slow down to turn a corner and then accelerate again, if you are not careful it will give you a pronounced jerk. I'm wondering if this can be fixed. Otherwise the tranny performs flawlessly.
I frankly don't know what issue my car had that was fixed before delivery, just that the transmission software was reflashed and it's been just fine in my experience.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
The transmission jerkiness (or hard downshift) is a known problem by MB. For some cars the fix is to replace the transmission valve control body and then reflash with new software that prevents shifting into 1st gear until the car is at a complete stop. This fix supposedly works if the original valve control body was produced before a certain production number. If the valve control body is the newer one and the problem still exists, I don't know if the software will remedy the situation. I have an appt. with a MB tech rep coming up to address this particular problem. Since the MB is going this route without replacing the part before the meeting, I am concerned that this solution is not viable for my specific vehicle (ML350 delivered 7/1/2005). Time will tell.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I received my ML350 with airmatic and Sport finishing on January 3rd last. here in Barcelona-Spain , I have 900+ miles on and it is SUPER,.... flawless....I love the vehicle, the airmatic, the finishing....my only negative opinion is the Comand Aps DVD disk version 4.0 MercedesBenz delivers with it , an old version of June 2004 which their Customer Service says it´s the last available for Europe !!!!!!!!!!! Ciao, from Barcelona
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
