Would any of these people happen to be actual ML owners? I say that because there is a hate relationship sometimes from people that own another brand (ie Lexus) that have been told from magazines that their cars are indestructible and we all know that is NOT true. The ML is an excellent SUV and as far as reliability is concerned, one of the best. The previous generation (163) had some problems initially but if you take a look in the 163 forum you will read that a lot of folks have over 200k miles on theirs with no major problems.

In short, I suggest you do your own research and stay away from "experts" such as coworkers or even some automobile magazines that are biased since they collect $$$ from certain manufacturers (this is a well known fact)

 

My 2006 ML500 has been a disappointment reliability wise as well, and my service dealership is first rate, so it can't be attributed to poor maintenance. This is the best vehicle I've ever owned when everything is working; unfortunately throughout the time I've owned it there has almost always been something wrong. While I understand that when you get a car with this many features you increase the likelihood of issues cropping up, there's really no excuse when you consider what these things cost.

I'm glad to hear others have had good luck. If there were solid proof (JD Power, etc.) that ML's have improved quality wise I'd consider another; it really is an amazing vehicle that does a lot of things well. But without that I can't recommend one.

 

JD Power and consumer reports do NOT provide solid proof about anything. All they do is collect feedback from current owners regarding problems with their vehicles. If that survey is filled out by an owner of a $100,000 S class that happened to have a problem this past year that was fixed under warranty, the owner (chances are) gets upset and gives lower marks on the reliability scale. If the same thing happens to a $15,000 Hyundai, the owner is inclined NOT to report it in the survey because he feels he got a steal anyway. What does that show us? That the Hyundais are better than MBs?
Ever wondered why smaller cars always have better marks than expensive cars? How can that be?

I am sorry about your troubles with your ML, but if we all go by these reporting companies then we wouldn't drive some of the most sophisticated vehicles on the road. We would all drive the lowest maintenance and most inexpensive cars available. No company gets it right 100% of the time for all the units made, none of them. (Benz, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, GM, etc) There is always going to be a small percentage of lemons in each production year.

 

You are absolutly correct. Its also a matter of what your expectations are. For example one major low cost air carrier gets very high marks and a large legacy carrier comes out poorly. Reason is that no one actually expects anything from the low cost carrier so there is nothing to complain about while some of the passengers of the legacy carrier expect lots of frills and thus the complaints if it does not meet their expectations. Same deal as the cars. I just filled out 2 Powers surveys one for my new ML550 and the other for my new E350 4M. Did not have much to comment on as I have had absolutly no issues with either one. However many of the questions related not to the car but to what I read or watch on TV, etc. That should tell you something.

 

I do not like being a pioneer. I let other people be the test beds, not me...

 

Sorry but that is just a feeble excuse for poor MB reliability. Yes, economy cars may be judged differently but that is not the point. Don't compare MB's scores to the Hyundai, compare them to the Lexus and Infiniti and Acura. No comparison when looking over the past five to ten years. MB ranks at the bottom of the heap (of luxury vehicles).

Yes, there have been improvements in the past two or three years. For that reason I am considering buying another MB despite a relatively poor track record with my current ten year old ML320. I say relatively poor because the car does have 150,000 miles on it and has only required towing once or twice but the service guys at the dealership know me by name and I believe I've put several of their kids through college. My ML is now essentially worthless (rusting through in several places including the gas cap cover!). Why then would I consider another? Because despite the poor reliability, I have really loved the balance of driveability and utility offered by the ML. I may also look at the MDX (far more reliable) but would really like to find a good 08 ML320 CDI and a 7/100K full coverage warranty.

 

I had a MB 350 2005 Special Edition that my wife and I did everything in, sailing, biking, vacations, trips to family. We are actually both very sad to trade it in ( for a 2010 Bluetec 350)

I had zero problems with the car. None. No returns or arguments or weird warranty issues.

I loved this thing, i towed a 5000lb sailboat, biked all over NE...sad day!

 

After reading the back and forth banter between those who've owned flawless 2006 ML's and those who've had nothing but trouble, I thought I'd weigh in.

If you got a good 2006 W164, well then, GREAT! But the facts are very clear, that as a whole, the 2006 models were trouble prone, in the least.

I've read the arguments suggesting that most problems are needling issues from over expectant owners who'd complain about a gifted Picasso because it was the wrong color. I've also noted the suggestion that lousy maintenance or poor driving habits lent to the rash of repairs on an otherwise good quality vehicle.

I've owned ML's since 2004, with my recent purchase of a 2006 CPO ML350. I honestly would not have entertained this purchase had it not had a warranty, just from my research. It is my hope that after all the 'bugs' are worked out that it would be as competent and trouble free as my previous purchases. But my supposition has been glaringly wrong, unfortunately.

To date, the ML I've owned has had more than an understandable rash of troubles, many of which makes my previous ML430 a reliability saint. The latest repair, which, is being performed as I write this. It is on the rack at the dealer having a new front differential replaced along with a rear hatch strut. Obviously, a repair one would be weak kneed if they had to pay for it. But, one would surmise that crap happens and can happen to anybody. HOW much crap is acceptable, though.

I bought this trap on January 29 and 3 days before, it had a new transmission valve body and electro-hydraulic control unit replaced. On Christmas eve, it had a new steering wheel installed, front left door lock replaced, front seat rear guide rails replaced, sunroof sliding rail, headliner and GLASS replaced.

The following was replaced as a result of the CPO process:
Closing Cover Camshaft (2)
Seal ring flange/ Crankcase ventilation
Rear shock absorber
2 Support Joints- rear axle- bottom
Battery
Liftgate lock striker
Sunroof motor

The following was replaced BEFORE the CPO process:
Intelligent Servo Module (ISM), Direct Select Gearshift
Poly V-Belt (maintenance)
Seal- Oil reservoir
Evaporator, A/C system (replaced TWICE!)
At 10,000 miles, coolant hose, radiator

IMHO, the fit and finish of this vehicle is MILES ahead of it's predecessor. I guess this interior fit and finish would be great eye candy while waiting on the tow truck to flat bed it to the nearest dealer while one should be enjoying a vacation or on their way to work. But, let's face it. This is NOT an indication of quality. It's an indication of problems that are more serious than what the previous W163's experienced. MAF sensors, Clicking transfer cases and popping torsion bars don't hold a candle to replaced valve body's and front differentials. It is my sincere hope that I don't happen to own one of the pending balance shaft failures, as well. We'll just have to see.

 

Amen to that. My mistake was expecting the bugs to be taken care of by the previous owner and the CPO process. I guess the conventional wisdom remains to steer clear of first model year vehicles. I hope I don't experience the dreaded PO1200 and PO1208 Check Engine Lights. I guess I could look at this on the bright side, when they get finished, I'll have a completely rebuilt truck!

 

cmitch: On behalf of the rest of us here, I feel I ought to thank you. If the average ML experiences, say, five problems over its life, then your experience means that the rest of us will only average two problems.

But seriously... great post, and nicely written. You'll have to forgive me if I admit I was actually laughing out loud, because there comes a point where continuing misfortune just starts to look funny. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you don't join the Balance Shaft Club.

No, on second thoughts, maybe I'm hoping you do join it. Then the statistical probability that the rest of us will have that problem also drops...

 

I'm glad you appreciate the little injections of humor. I am laughing, myself, because it does no good to cry.

Yours is a 2009, so your ML should be far from trouble prone, since they've had 4 years to perfect them.

If I join the balance shaft club, I hope it's before the warranty expires. Again, the balance shaft cog was an issue confined to 2006 MY and some 2007 MY vehicles.

 

I bought my 2006 ML 500 in 2009 from Carmax and it had 27,000 miles on it. Since 2006, I've had a couple of major issues with it: alternator, differential and unexplained engine light coming on periodically. Most recently, it has to have a new engine put in with only 104,000. The car just died at a stoplight; just as it had done almost a year previously on the highway. This time it would not restart, not even with a hand crank. Of course my extended warranty just expired the month before. Now I've got to spend $8300 on this car because I'm still making payments. MB has not been of any assistance at all. I owned a 2001 ML 320 before that did well until I traded it with 240,000 miles on it. Recently we leased a 2011 E320 coupe. I have loved MB for a long time, but with this recent issue, I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go back to Lexus.

 

I am on my second ML350. My first was an 06. Had no issues. Currently have an 09 with 47k. Have had a few minor issues that were covered under warrenty. I guess I must be blessed as these are the only 2 vehicles that I have had no issues with compared to my past vehicles and I have owned a lot. Honda, Acura, Nissan, BMW, Porsche (what a piece of crap)

I am going to buy the ML when the lease is up as the car has treated me well and I am not anticipating any issues. Sorry that many of you have experienced issues I know what a bad taste these types of issues can leave

 

Judy, sounds like you had issues with 1 Mercedes, that you bought at Carmax. It is unfortunate, but sometimes, I think, buying from a place like that, you assume a risk. Maybe the ML was not taken care of, not in good shape, etc, and that is why it was sold at Carmax. Maybe it just happened to be a bad car.

 

My biggest problem with our ML is that I'v just never bonded with it. It drives great, has had some problems (most minor, but one was a biggie). We bought is Used for a fair price. Will I keep it? No. What will replace it? Don't know, but I'm looking at all options.

Mark

 

^^Lol, then why the heck did you buy it in the first place? Clearly, it wasn't the car for you.

I have loved ALL the Mercedes models we have owned. However, the only complaints I have with my current ML550 are the heavily reduced build quality and the unbelievably harsh ride.

 

Why? We need a winter vehicle, and our past exerance with MB vehicles has been very positive. (2005 55 AMG wagon, and a gray market 82 S500 AMG that we bought new and keeping for over ten years.)

But the ML 500 as I said, drives great, but, and there's alway a but, it just not floated the boat. Whether its the color of its guts or it's tall narrow stance, the way it performs in the snow, or that it was dubed "The Blue Bunny" by the wife.
May be poor reasons but they are ours.

Mark

 

My brand new 2011 ML350 only has 6500 km on it, it had been in MB service centre for 3 times already!!! First time is tailgate won't open, they had to replace the hydraulic motor, second time ABS stopped working, replace 4 wheels RPM sensors. third time replaced driver seat belt.

OMG, I guess Benz won't make any money on my car because they're gonna spend thousand hours to fix it. I'm definitely gonna extend my warranty