sshu930

Typically first year models have some issues and it takes at least one year to work out the bugs to an acceptable level. Do you think the new ML has it's issues worked out at the first year, by the second, or still working on it now?

roadrutz

I don't think any manufacturer stops "working out bugs" these days. Almost every model year sees some improvements over the previous year. Judging from the posts on this and other ML forums over the past 18 months that I have been involved, the W164 never had any particular "bugs". The newer engines are just evolutions of the previous ones. The newer body structure is quite different -- monocoque vs body-on-frame -- but bodies aren't usually a source of problems. The electronics continue to evolve and, occasionally, to frustrate. You read complaints about Mercedes downgrading materials to save a few bucks, but then you see other people disputing that. The biggest criticism seems to be of the assembly quality in the US plant, but there is a lot of disagreement about this too -- although everybody agrees that early MLs were definitely of dubious quality. As an ex-X5 4.4i owner and now ML550 owner for the past year, I would have to say that quality and materials are quite comparable between the two. I was happy with my X5 and I'm happy with my (more powerful and much more comfortable) ML.

sshu930

I know they never stop working out the issues with the car. I remember when a lot of the 03(E, SL, S, etc class) models came out there were a lot of little electrical issues with the cars but by 05 the majority of issues were resolved. I'm always on the look out for something new and our current family car is also a 05 X5 4.4i. It has had a few issues but they were all resolved pretty quickly. I'm hoping the the ML550 would be at least as reliable as our X5. I dont' mind the occasional issue here and there but major stuff like tranny can scare me.

roadrutz

I suppose I should add, in a spirit of full disclosure (), that I did take the extended warranty when I bought my ML, for the same reason you cited: anything goes wrong with the tranny, engine, or Airmatic suspension outside warranty, and the bills can start looking nasty. I'd rather pay the extra $2,500 up front and know I'm good for seven years/160,000 km.

red308

Just traded in a 2008 ML550 (lease end) because it had blown a fuel pump, 2 cam sensors, and a cam expansion plug. In for service every 3 months. Bad motor. 26000 miles!

Got a 2010 ML350. Already have creaking problems from the body mount. Had this same problem on the ML550.

I would say they have not fixed the bugs yet.

Mark

sosh

Quite frankly I had an 06 ML500 and it had not one bug. My current 2010 ML550 so far is the same. Had it since Oct 09. I have never experienced any of the stuff that some of you complain about.