Goodbye 2006 ML500
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
2006 ML500
Goodbye 2006 ML500
Yesterday I finally traded out of my 4 year old 2006 ML500. The second happiest day of my life was the day I bought that ML, the happiest was yesterday when I sold it.
Firstly, thanks to those on this forum who provided information and directly assisted me. Without that help I would not have been able to resolve as many faults as I did. (I had to fight for everything and multiple times.)
To other mercedes owners on the forum, I wish you happy motoring and I hope you have a far better run with your W164 than with mine.
To those yet to buy an ML, add me to the list of those who advise against it. Not just because of the many technical problems with mine, but mostly with the lack of any sort of customer support from Mercedes Australia. Unfortunately we don't have US style lemon laws here, something I'm sure my car with 52 days being repaired at the dealer under warranty would surely have tested.
What's wrong with my (ex) car?
Multiple tranmission faults from the second day of ownership to now. Rough 2-1 changes, flaring, "clunking" when taking foot of accelerator, slipping into neutral.
Steering replaced 3 times and starting to "clunk" and feel sloppy again.
COMAND system static present on all input modes (radio, CDC, phone etc)
Parking sensors had to be replaced
Body noises (bumper assemply not attached to sub frame correctly)
Failed crankshaft sensor
Numerous other more minor problems.
All of these lead me to the conclusion I could not afford to own this vehicle once Mercedes stopped honouring the warranty.
Again thanks and happy motoring.
Firstly, thanks to those on this forum who provided information and directly assisted me. Without that help I would not have been able to resolve as many faults as I did. (I had to fight for everything and multiple times.)
To other mercedes owners on the forum, I wish you happy motoring and I hope you have a far better run with your W164 than with mine.
To those yet to buy an ML, add me to the list of those who advise against it. Not just because of the many technical problems with mine, but mostly with the lack of any sort of customer support from Mercedes Australia. Unfortunately we don't have US style lemon laws here, something I'm sure my car with 52 days being repaired at the dealer under warranty would surely have tested.
What's wrong with my (ex) car?
Multiple tranmission faults from the second day of ownership to now. Rough 2-1 changes, flaring, "clunking" when taking foot of accelerator, slipping into neutral.
Steering replaced 3 times and starting to "clunk" and feel sloppy again.
COMAND system static present on all input modes (radio, CDC, phone etc)
Parking sensors had to be replaced
Body noises (bumper assemply not attached to sub frame correctly)
Failed crankshaft sensor
Numerous other more minor problems.
All of these lead me to the conclusion I could not afford to own this vehicle once Mercedes stopped honouring the warranty.
Again thanks and happy motoring.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Thats interesting. I recently traded out of my 06 ML500 for a new 2010 ML550. My experience with the 06 was the opposite of what you had posted. I took delivery in Oct of 05. To the day I traded it had absolutly had no faults and was never in the shop for anything but routine servicing. I wonder why there can be so much variation in quality between two vehicles of the same model and same year. My take is that it is the conditions in which its driven and the quality of the servicing dealer. Also perhaps some of the blame can go on the factory or parts suppliers. ?????
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 43
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ML63, VW Jetta, STI, Ducati Monster 1100
I’ve owned 3 ML’s so far and never a major issue with any of them. Sure the odd things like the brake switch on one, and a windshield fluid sensor on another, but that’s about it. Regular servicing at the dealership with a courtesy car to drive each time is a nice touch too.
But each person has their own opinions and when things go wrong we are left with a sour feeling so I wish you (sydunipete) better luck on your next vehicle.
I will continue to enjoy my ride!
But each person has their own opinions and when things go wrong we are left with a sour feeling so I wish you (sydunipete) better luck on your next vehicle.
I will continue to enjoy my ride!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
2006 ML500
Sosh, always serviced in accordance with Log Books at Mercedes dealers, less that 60,000 km (37,000 miles), city driving. Problems occurred from my first full day of ownership.
No, in my view it's a lemon. It happens to all manufacturers. It's how the problems are dealt with that define customer service. And in my personal view Mercedes Australia is a 0 out of 10. MBUSA or other locations backed by stronger consumer protection legislation might be a different story.
No, in my view it's a lemon. It happens to all manufacturers. It's how the problems are dealt with that define customer service. And in my personal view Mercedes Australia is a 0 out of 10. MBUSA or other locations backed by stronger consumer protection legislation might be a different story.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Sosh, always serviced in accordance with Log Books at Mercedes dealers, less that 60,000 km (37,000 miles), city driving. Problems occurred from my first full day of ownership.
No, in my view it's a lemon. It happens to all manufacturers. It's how the problems are dealt with that define customer service. And in my personal view Mercedes Australia is a 0 out of 10. MBUSA or other locations backed by stronger consumer protection legislation might be a different story.
No, in my view it's a lemon. It happens to all manufacturers. It's how the problems are dealt with that define customer service. And in my personal view Mercedes Australia is a 0 out of 10. MBUSA or other locations backed by stronger consumer protection legislation might be a different story.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
2006 ML500
Put me down as another 2006 ML500 ex-owner who lived the nightmare. It was driven by my wife and had so many issues after 12 months I traded it in on a 2007 GL450 that was flawless. We now have a 2010 ML350 which at 2000 miles is starting to exhibit some unsettling issues.
I am a firm believer that barring any unusual circumstances it is luck of the draw.
I am a firm believer that barring any unusual circumstances it is luck of the draw.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Put me down as another 2006 ML500 ex-owner who lived the nightmare. It was driven by my wife and had so many issues after 12 months I traded it in on a 2007 GL450 that was flawless. We now have a 2010 ML350 which at 2000 miles is starting to exhibit some unsettling issues.
I am a firm believer that barring any unusual circumstances it is luck of the draw.
I am a firm believer that barring any unusual circumstances it is luck of the draw.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
2006 ML500
It is making a rattling noise at idle from the front of the engine which turns into a whine at higher engine speeds. It is going to the dealer tomorrow and I will let you know what it turns out to be.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
2006
Unfortunately it does not appear minor. They suspect it involves the transmission, possibly the torque converter. Mercedes wants them to pull the transmission to check it out.
As I said earlier, it's the luck of the draw.
As I said earlier, it's the luck of the draw.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Thats about as far from the front of the engine as you can get. Have not heard of any issues in this regard as far as the torque converter. Have had 4 MB's with this transmission and have had zero issues with it. Quite frankly if its a major deal I would ask them to replace the vehicle as its so new. This is the same trans you had in your 06 and your GL. With the history you have had they just might do it for you.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Brampton
Mercedes Benz W204
thas unfortunate but i hope it doesnt repeat in the future. I have been with Mercedes Benz since 2002 and ever since I been in love with their cars and never faced any issues. Wish you all the luck in the future and hope you look forward for another benz
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: idaho
gl 450
I had a 2005 ML500 also that had many problems. Went back to the dealer an average of once per month for problems. I finally traded it in for a GL450 that never gave me one problem. I traded it in for a ML550 2 years ago. IN the first month I had the ML I had one problem that took several trips to the dealer to fix. At first they said it was a bad intake manifold. After the repair within 50 miles the same problem came back. Then the dealer told me it was bad gas. I had to pay over $1000 to have the system flushed. Within 50 miles and their gas the same problem occured. Back to the dealer again and they told me it was a flutter valve that was bad. Back to the dealer again to be fixed. Picked it up and again the same problem within 50 miles. All this happened while I was out of state on vacation in Las Vegas. Between each trip to the dealer I had to return home to work and come back the following week in hopes of driving it home. After the third trip to Fletcher Jones Mercedes in Vegas I was heading home and within 50 miles the same problem resurfaced. I decided not to go back to Vegas and just drove it home for my local dealer to look at. Took my local dealer 1 hour to diagnose that the vacuum lines had been hooked up wrong. All told I spent over $2500 of my money to resolve this problem. Under MB warranty program I should have been reimbursed for some of the costs such as lodging. MB to date has not sent me a penny. The ML 550 has been fine since with no problems at all. I don't think I will go back to MB again. Infiniti has taken much better care of me on warranty problems.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
Took my local dealer 1 hour to diagnose that the vacuum lines had been hooked up wrong. All told I spent over $2500 of my money to resolve this problem. Under MB warranty program I should have been reimbursed for some of the costs such as lodging. MB to date has not sent me a penny. The ML 550 has been fine since with no problems at all. I don't think I will go back to MB again. Infiniti has taken much better care of me on warranty problems.
The problems you are describing have not much to do with MB as a brand, and EVERYTHING to do with dealer customer service. It is the first dealer's shop that put the vacuum lines all screwed up. Not MB.
Again, your last comment about the Infiniti should read "My Infiniti DEALER has taken much better care of me on warranty problems"
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to be said about MB quality on occasion but I don't see how Mercedes is at fault here. All cars, as man made machines will break down (see the TOYOTA myth being busted in front of our very eyes...)
Last edited by aggst1; Feb 4, 2010 at 04:16 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: idaho
gl 450
MB first diagnosed the intake manifold as being warped while it was in the dealer shop. It took almost a week to get a new intake manifold. MB policy states if you are more than 50 miles from home and have to wait for parts they will reimburse you for up to 3 nights lodging and a per diem for meals. They did let me have a loaner to drive but I could not take it beyond state lines. I was 600 miles from home and 2 states away. Lodging was only one part of the $2500 dollars. Several other factors made up the total. When they said it was bad gas they would not let me take the vehicle until the bill was paid since they said that was my problem. I said fine but I wanted a sample of the gas in question so I could take it back to Cheveron and show them. They said they would keep a sample for me but when I went to pick it up they had discarded all of it. I could go on and on but I felt both the dealer and MB had a hand in this. Neither ever helped reimburse me for any of this. It was my 3rd MB in a 3 year span so it was not like I was a one time buyer.
My local dealer has always been great to work with so I am not bashing all MB dealers just fletcher Jones in Vegas.
My local dealer has always been great to work with so I am not bashing all MB dealers just fletcher Jones in Vegas.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
ML
We got our 2010 ML350 back after a week at the dealer. They replaced the torque converter and front transmission pump. Seems as good as new, as it should since it IS new.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
2009 ML350
Why did you accept paying anything when the vehicle is under warranty? Interestingly you are concerned about the lodging expenses but not the $2500 ?? Am I missing something here?
The problems you are describing have not much to do with MB as a brand, and EVERYTHING to do with dealer customer service. It is the first dealer's shop that put the vacuum lines all screwed up. Not MB.
Again, your last comment about the Infiniti should read "My Infiniti DEALER has taken much better care of me on warranty problems"
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to be said about MB quality on occasion but I don't see how Mercedes is at fault here. All cars, as man made machines will break down (see the TOYOTA myth being busted in front of our very eyes...)
The problems you are describing have not much to do with MB as a brand, and EVERYTHING to do with dealer customer service. It is the first dealer's shop that put the vacuum lines all screwed up. Not MB.
Again, your last comment about the Infiniti should read "My Infiniti DEALER has taken much better care of me on warranty problems"
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to be said about MB quality on occasion but I don't see how Mercedes is at fault here. All cars, as man made machines will break down (see the TOYOTA myth being busted in front of our very eyes...)
IMO, you should do as much research on the dealership you buy from as you do on the car itself. they're the ones you're going to be tied to over the next x amount of years.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: idaho
gl 450
The real problem with the vehicle was a bad "tumble Flap". MB told the dealer it was the intake manifold the first time. Before I got it back MB issued a recall on the early build 550s to replace the tumble flap. As far a researching what dealer to take it to I called MB toll free number and they called Fletcher Jones and sent a flat bed truck out to pick up the car. The repair I paid for was when the dealer said it was bad gas and that MB would not pay for that. I would agree with that except that flushing out the gas and installing new gas did not fix the problem.
This week I found out that my selling dealer who is 50 miles away has been canceled and I got a call from a new MB dealer saying they would now provide the service for my ML. The only problem is that they are over 300 miles away. After getting this problem fixed correctly the 550 has been trouble free.
This week I found out that my selling dealer who is 50 miles away has been canceled and I got a call from a new MB dealer saying they would now provide the service for my ML. The only problem is that they are over 300 miles away. After getting this problem fixed correctly the 550 has been trouble free.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
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2006 ML350
joining the club
I bought a 06 ml350 about two weeks ago. Snow storm hit and I couldnt drive it for about a week except for very short trips but noticed some pulling at about 15mph. Finally got it back to carmax where I bought it. They said erratic shifting between 1st n 2nd gears. They took it to the MB dealer who said the remedy would be a new transmission. Its still under factory warranty, the carmax 30 day warranty, (and i bought an extended warranty at the time of purchase). They said about $7000 and a week to fix but it I wont have to pay 1 cent. Happy about that but nervous that this may be the beginning of a long nightmare.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I bought a 06 ml350 about two weeks ago. Snow storm hit and I couldnt drive it for about a week except for very short trips but noticed some pulling at about 15mph. Finally got it back to carmax where I bought it. They said erratic shifting between 1st n 2nd gears. They took it to the MB dealer who said the remedy would be a new transmission. Its still under factory warranty, the carmax 30 day warranty, (and i bought an extended warranty at the time of purchase). They said about $7000 and a week to fix but it I wont have to pay 1 cent. Happy about that but nervous that this may be the beginning of a long nightmare.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
The mid year ones with issues included a 2002 ML500 that had some nagging issues. If everyone thought like you there would not be a second year to appear.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
AMG E55Kompressor
I have read before the ML is th worst SUV money can buy and most everyone if not everyone tells me to steer away from one. I want to pick up a ML350, not the big motor, anybody know if that motor is more reliable? We probably will go to the new GX460 Lexus. I cannot have my families lives in jeapordy with the car breaking down on the freeway or something. My E55K has been solid, bit the Ml is scaring me.
