John-D

My 2006 ML350 had the Transmission, Steering and numerous issues. It was in Penske Mercedes Service for 22 days under repair on the Steering issue and still has a steering problem. According to the Penske Service the following parts were replaced.
-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!

mtrandpm

Yes, these problems are well known to 2006 ML350. You can find previous posts about these.

I had the same transmission problem, the 2nd time they replaced the valve assembly after they tried to flash the firm ware. Mercedes had letter sent out to dealers about this problem. Mine is much smoother now after the repair.

My steering column does make the same noise, but not loud enough for me to bring it in. I hate to bring it in SO MANY times also. I had several other problems in the past!!

Please read other post about lemon stuff on here. You do NOT get what you paid for. hehe

sosh

The steering issue is not a well known problem but the transmission is a known issue with some early production units BUT its easilyfixed. The steering issue you speak about looks to me like the vehicle could have sustained some damage along the way, perhaps in shipping. Believe you have a dealer competency issue here.

John-D

Hey everyone thanks for the reply. I actually get some info from a forum member name Dutch who had the same problem with Transmission and Steering. Seem that there is a TSB on the steering problem as well.

DUTCH
Senior Member



Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle I drive: 2000 G500 NMLE & 2007 ML320 CDI
Posts: 293 Quote:
Originally Posted by alewifebp
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.
There's a TSB out on the steering column problem. May 17, 2007; T-B-46.10/32a

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
__________________
1973 280SE4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE ("DEEP THROAT")
2007 ML320 CDI

sosh

Believe that the problem Dutch had with the steering was different from yours at least as you described it. His was a noise in the upper steering column which is actually in the cab of the vehicle not up front and under the vehicle as the parts are that you had changed.

DUTCH

Actually, I haven't had either of the problems. I just posted the TSB info to help out.