rglass

My 2009 ML350, which I purchased in Dec. 2009, makes a pronounced noise when shifting from Park to Drive to Reverse, and back to Park. Although several dealers have told me that it is a normal sound for recent models, I found that this "normal" sound has been corrected in the 2010 ML350.

The problem now is, that when I sell my SUV in a 5 years, I will have to convince the buyer that the noise is "normal," even though the newer models don't exhibit that problem. The resale value will be affected. A recall is a must in this case. We have strength in numbers. I need your help.
Thanks,
Roger

sosh

Recall, you have got to be kidding!! This is completely normal for the 06 thru 09 ML's and others that use the electronic shifter. Perhaps you would like a recall on the 10's as they took out the chime when going into park. They did quiet down the shifter solinoid in the 10's as I was surprised following the delivery of my 10 ML550 after having an 06 for 4 years. No one will ever not buy your car because of this except perhaps you and maybe the other person in the world that thinks like you!

u001elg

I am with SOSH. The noise you hear is normal and will not affect present operation or future resale.

This post reminds me of the time my buddy borrowed my Roadglide (Harley) because his BMW motorcycle was in the shop. He told me that there was something seriously wrong with transmission since it made a loud "clunk" when shifted into 1st coming to a stop. All Harley's do that, and I have many thousands of miles under my seat to show it is not broke.

You didn't buy an appliance, you bought a SUV and they do make some normal noise(s). It is just part of the beast and in a few weeks you won't notice that solenoid engagement at all.

pharaoh

Dude, are you serious? Think you have been watching a lot of Toyota recall news on CNN.

rglass

Here is another interesting problem. I feel a pronounced vibration from the engine on my certified 2009 ml350 4-matic with 15,000 miles. Compared to my friend's five year old ML 500 which is smooth as silk, mine isn't. Yes, his is an 8 cylinder, but my engine actually shakes when viewed under the hood. I checked another new 2010 ml 350 at the dealership. It, too, shook under the hood. But, the vibration did not transfer to the body or cab. Has anyone experienced this problem. Any solution? Thanks, RGlass

Benzo 003

I have had the same issue and was able to drastically reduce it.

You need to remove the engine cover/air box from the engine. Simply pull the cold air tubes toward the front the car, they will come out. Next, undo the clip at the backside of the engine at the firewall. Then, just give it a good firm yank straight up. The cover mounts to four posts via cheap clips.
Once the cover is off, ensure that the posts are tight. I had a loose one. Then, with a simple pair of pliers, squeeze the four clips on the airbox, basically, closed.
Remount the box, clip the latch in the rear, reinstall the tubes.
Mine shook so bad that I did feel it in the cabin, now, smooth as glass.

Benz_Guy

sosh, on a completely different side note, even our 2008 ML350 does not chime and display the large "P" in the dashboard when going into Park. How would I enable this feature?

As for the OP's concern, I might add that every MB with the electronic column shifter makes a noise when shifting. Even the S-Class does; in fact, the 2007 S550 I once drove makes a louder noise when shifting than the M-Class, but it doesn't hinder the car at al. It's perfectly normal, don't worry about it.

sosh

I do not recall the large P on the display in park in my 06 and my 10 does not do that either. From what I understand the chime and the large P cannot be displayed and programmed to do so. I am not certain about the 08's as I never owned one but if its not there most likely it too cannot be programmed to do so.

QuadBenz

+1. Our old S550 did it, our ML63 does it. 100% normal.

Our '07 ML63 displays the large P and also has the chime.