2006 ML Steering & Transmission Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia
2007 E500 AMG Pack (Columbite Black) / 2006 ML 320CDI AMG Pack / 2005 E350 Sport (sold)
2006 ML Steering & Transmission Problem
W164 Owners, a couple of possible issues to be aware of:
My 2006 ML320 CDI has travelled about 18,000km and I noticed an occassional clunk in the steering column, took it into the dealer they were initially unconvinced but have found the upper steering column bearing needs replacing (part on order).
A week later I was driving normally stopped at traffic lights accelerated but the transmission would not change up, it seemed to have gone into limp home mode, ie. remains in 2nd gear & limits engine to 3,000 rpm. Called dealer he said to put vehicle in 'park' turn off take out key & re-start, it worked but the transmission had to re-learn. Took the car to the dealer a few days later and they found the whole transmission controller/actuator was faulty and have ordered a replacement, quite a large part apparently.
My 2006 ML320 CDI has travelled about 18,000km and I noticed an occassional clunk in the steering column, took it into the dealer they were initially unconvinced but have found the upper steering column bearing needs replacing (part on order).
A week later I was driving normally stopped at traffic lights accelerated but the transmission would not change up, it seemed to have gone into limp home mode, ie. remains in 2nd gear & limits engine to 3,000 rpm. Called dealer he said to put vehicle in 'park' turn off take out key & re-start, it worked but the transmission had to re-learn. Took the car to the dealer a few days later and they found the whole transmission controller/actuator was faulty and have ordered a replacement, quite a large part apparently.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
Funnily enough I have had both problems. Once with the limp home mode, which the dealer did some reprogramming of trans. And the clunk could not be replicated by the dealer, but I do hear it at very low speeds.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8
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From: Los Angeles, California
ML350, BMW525
2006 ML350 Transmission, Steering and numerous issues
My 2006 ML350 had the Transmission, Steering and numerous issues. It was in the Penske Mercedes Service for 22 days for repair on the Steering issue and still has a steering issue. According to the Penske Service the following parts were replaced for the steering issue.
-Subframe Bushing Replaced
-Control Arm front axle replaced
-Tie Rod\Steering Joint replaced
-Steering Knuckle replaced
My 2006 ML350 has this engine\transmission problem; there is a harsh down shift\jerk intermittently. I brought it back to Penske Mercedes four times and flash the firm ware problem persist. Penske states that this is the nature of these new transmission technologies. “It is normal to have this problem”; what kind of answer it that? This problem started at 800 miles, the vehicle currently have only approximately 14,500 miles as of today 7/20/07, still very new.
Plus I have had my ML350 in for service with 12 different problems and have been in the dealer repair shop for 44 days all together. Three of the 12 problems are engine related. The most serious engine\transmission problem was it will not shift out the DRIVE Gear. The vehicle was stuck in Drive Gear, will not Park or Reverse with message warning “Drive to work shop immediately without changing gear”!!!
I have contacted MBUSA 3 times to request to have this vehicle replace or buy back due to the excess repair and down time. I was told by Penske Mercedes\MBUSA that this ML350 was not qualifying for their buy back or replacement program.
MBUSA do not even have an arbitration program for protection under the Lemon Law. Accordingly this vehicle have been in for service for 44 days combine and have had 12 different issues, with 1 issue repeated 4 times, less than 18 months period. According to the Lemon Law this ML350 is entitle to buy back or replacement.
What am I to do? Help…can anyone out there please give me some pointer.
Thanks!
-Subframe Bushing Replaced
-Control Arm front axle replaced
-Tie Rod\Steering Joint replaced
-Steering Knuckle replaced
My 2006 ML350 has this engine\transmission problem; there is a harsh down shift\jerk intermittently. I brought it back to Penske Mercedes four times and flash the firm ware problem persist. Penske states that this is the nature of these new transmission technologies. “It is normal to have this problem”; what kind of answer it that? This problem started at 800 miles, the vehicle currently have only approximately 14,500 miles as of today 7/20/07, still very new.
Plus I have had my ML350 in for service with 12 different problems and have been in the dealer repair shop for 44 days all together. Three of the 12 problems are engine related. The most serious engine\transmission problem was it will not shift out the DRIVE Gear. The vehicle was stuck in Drive Gear, will not Park or Reverse with message warning “Drive to work shop immediately without changing gear”!!!
I have contacted MBUSA 3 times to request to have this vehicle replace or buy back due to the excess repair and down time. I was told by Penske Mercedes\MBUSA that this ML350 was not qualifying for their buy back or replacement program.
MBUSA do not even have an arbitration program for protection under the Lemon Law. Accordingly this vehicle have been in for service for 44 days combine and have had 12 different issues, with 1 issue repeated 4 times, less than 18 months period. According to the Lemon Law this ML350 is entitle to buy back or replacement.
What am I to do? Help…can anyone out there please give me some pointer.
Thanks!
Last edited by John-D; Jul 21, 2007 at 03:18 AM. Reason: Duplicate paragraph
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 647
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From: Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
2011 E-class coupe, 2012 C-class
W164 Owners, a couple of possible issues to be aware of:
My 2006 ML320 CDI has travelled about 18,000km and I noticed an occassional clunk in the steering column, took it into the dealer they were initially unconvinced but have found the upper steering column bearing needs replacing (part on order).
A week later I was driving normally stopped at traffic lights accelerated but the transmission would not change up, it seemed to have gone into limp home mode, ie. remains in 2nd gear & limits engine to 3,000 rpm. Called dealer he said to put vehicle in 'park' turn off take out key & re-start, it worked but the transmission had to re-learn. Took the car to the dealer a few days later and they found the whole transmission controller/actuator was faulty and have ordered a replacement, quite a large part apparently.
My 2006 ML320 CDI has travelled about 18,000km and I noticed an occassional clunk in the steering column, took it into the dealer they were initially unconvinced but have found the upper steering column bearing needs replacing (part on order).
A week later I was driving normally stopped at traffic lights accelerated but the transmission would not change up, it seemed to have gone into limp home mode, ie. remains in 2nd gear & limits engine to 3,000 rpm. Called dealer he said to put vehicle in 'park' turn off take out key & re-start, it worked but the transmission had to re-learn. Took the car to the dealer a few days later and they found the whole transmission controller/actuator was faulty and have ordered a replacement, quite a large part apparently.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 35
From: Atlanta, GA USA
2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
Revision: Applicable Models and Technical Content Updated
Model 164.122/175/177/186/871, Up to 12/06 Production
Model 251.122/165/175/177, Up to 12/06 Production
Groaning/Cracking Noise When Steering: install modified upper steering column bearing
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Quebec-Canada
2013 ML-63 AMG- 2010 C350 4matic
The Tranny of my ML-500 froze on P and would not shift to D or R. An MB technician unlocked it by flashing the firmware before driving it to the shop where they replaced the ISM Control Module. Now it is OK and shifts perfectly right. Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia
2007 E500 AMG Pack (Columbite Black) / 2006 ML 320CDI AMG Pack / 2005 E350 Sport (sold)
Got my ML320 back from the workshop yesterday, the dealer replaced the complete steering column & steering rack and the transmission controller/actuator all under warranty. The car was with the dealer for a total of 7 hours and all of the steering/transmission issues are now resolved, I was very impressed with the service. In particular the steering is much tighter and feels greatly improved.
