Floobydust

I had my ML550 in for its first A service. When I went to pick it up the service adviser noticed that that driver's outside door handle was loose. I needed to run some errands so we agreed that I would come back and they would check it out. Two stops later the handle jambed open so the door wouldn't even shut! I drove it back to the dealer holding the door closed with my arm.

I could write this off as just bad luck or Monday Car Syndrome, but the exact same thing happened to the left read door about two months previously (that time I was able to get the door to shut). Obviously both have/will be covered by the warranty, but it's getting a bit inconvenient (the part won't be here unit next Tuesday, three days away). Has anyone had trouble with the outside door pulls? Is anyone aware of a TSB on this issue (if there is I will argue for the dealer to replace the remaining two to avoid any more of this).

Thanks,

- FD

another_geek

I have a 2008 ML5500 and I had the same thing happen to both the driver's door and the driver's side rear door (same two doors as yours it sounds like) a month apart from each other.

Both times, the cause was a spring that links the door handle to the lock assembly. You can't just replace the spring however -- both times my dealer had to replace the entire assembly. I haven't had any problems with the passenger side doors though.

Seems to be a fairly common problem -- my service writer recognized the problem right away and has seen it before on several occasions.

Floobydust

Thanks . . . interesting trend here. I still don't have my ML back. I spoke with the S.A. today and she said that, "the technician noticed that the window regulator was also affected by the issue and needed to be replaced." Well, that one's up there on the bs-o-meter. The power window regulator certainly has nothing to do with the lock actuator. The real story is most likely the tech broke the regulator unit while replacing the lock actuator. New regulator won't be here until Thursday. . . .

- FD

Floobydust

Got the ML back . . . the handle "pull" doesn't line up with the fixed portion, the rubber gasket on the forward section isn't seated properly (so water is draining right into the door interior) and there is now a dent in the door crease above then handle! They didn't even clean the tape adhesive off form the paintwork from where they had to support the window glass. This isn't a good sign . . .

- FD

Floobydust

Quick update - Got the ML back and the door handle is now straight and the dent is fixed, but now the window glass rattles when the window is down. It also makes a scratching noise going up/down. The center console latch is also now broken. Dealer had to order half dozen different parts to repair. The neighbors think I've bought a Chameleon C-class because there is always a different color loaner in the driveway!

I have read the ML's have a spotty record with reliability, but this is making me begin to wonder if some of that reputation is from more than just design/quality issues. How complicated can a door latch be? What have others experienced with respect to the quality and attention to detail on service/repair they have gotten from the their MB dealer?

- FD

sosh

This door handle problem seems to be with the latest model years. My 06 has not had this problem and I have not read about any of the earlier models with this problem. Perhaps MB changed suppliers for some reason.

another_geek

Sounds like I would question the workmanship of your particular dealer. While I've had the issue twice (2 different doors) in both cases the doors were repaired the first time with no side effects, collateral damage, etc.

Vernl

I have had no similar troubles and your whole situtation sounds like one minor problem which has spirlaed out of control because of inept people working on the vehicle and doing more damage as they try to fix one problem.

VelociRaptor

I will investigate supplier swap situation on this, it does happen in the middle of a shift but rare. Ill post up my findings.