ML400 owners? Vibration in steering
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
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RAV4, MB ML400
ML400 owners? Vibration in steering
Hi all,
I am an owner of a new 2015 ML400. After buying a car I started noticing slight vibration in the steering wheel, not strong, but a very light one, kind of a buzz. It's intermittent and more likely to appear at the speeds of 25-30mph when letting off the throttle. I initially thought that's how the road surface feels through the wheels but then I confirmed that vibration appears even on very smooth freshly paved roads. I took a car to the dealership this week and they told me it's normal for ML400! They gave me service notes that mechanic did a test drive, apparently felt that buzz vibration but didn't know what it was, he contacted MB Engineering and was told that this vibration is normal operation of the steering in ML400! Really?! They gave me paperwork with these things noted and saying that they can't do anything. So, this is a $70k MSRP car where steering wheel vibration is a norm?
If you own ML400, can you please let me know if you felt anything like that in your car?
Any recommendations on how to proceed about fixing this? I can hardly believe that this is by design.
I am an owner of a new 2015 ML400. After buying a car I started noticing slight vibration in the steering wheel, not strong, but a very light one, kind of a buzz. It's intermittent and more likely to appear at the speeds of 25-30mph when letting off the throttle. I initially thought that's how the road surface feels through the wheels but then I confirmed that vibration appears even on very smooth freshly paved roads. I took a car to the dealership this week and they told me it's normal for ML400! They gave me service notes that mechanic did a test drive, apparently felt that buzz vibration but didn't know what it was, he contacted MB Engineering and was told that this vibration is normal operation of the steering in ML400! Really?! They gave me paperwork with these things noted and saying that they can't do anything. So, this is a $70k MSRP car where steering wheel vibration is a norm?
If you own ML400, can you please let me know if you felt anything like that in your car?
Any recommendations on how to proceed about fixing this? I can hardly believe that this is by design.
Last edited by VitR; Oct 29, 2015 at 01:50 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Then I agree, something is wrong. MB telling you a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel is "normal" is BS. No steering wheel should vibrate on its own. Take it to another dealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 398
Likes: 12
From: Michigan
2019 AMG GLE 63S
I don't have a solution for you, but I will say that the steering is so boosted by the electric motors in this ML that it took me a while to not over steer every time I touched the wheel. Coming from hydraulic BMW steering made it ever worse. But, I will say that over time it's getting more comfortable.
The "vibration" you note may be the steering motor/gear in a sort of "search" for the proper steering alignment. If the motor is constantly powered, there may be some level of motion that could seem like a vibration. I would live with it and you have documented the complaint. If it continues, keep telling them and/or try another dealer. But the other dealer will see your complaints from the other dealer and know they didn't do anything. Try to be rational with the dealer as much as possible; they didn't design it! Tell them you think the electric power steering motor is faulty and see what they do. If they note something different from other vehicles you will get it fixed. Otherwise, it must be normal right?? Whatever normal is.
EDIT: forgot to ask, do you have option to put in "sport" mode? If so, does it change it?
The "vibration" you note may be the steering motor/gear in a sort of "search" for the proper steering alignment. If the motor is constantly powered, there may be some level of motion that could seem like a vibration. I would live with it and you have documented the complaint. If it continues, keep telling them and/or try another dealer. But the other dealer will see your complaints from the other dealer and know they didn't do anything. Try to be rational with the dealer as much as possible; they didn't design it! Tell them you think the electric power steering motor is faulty and see what they do. If they note something different from other vehicles you will get it fixed. Otherwise, it must be normal right?? Whatever normal is.
EDIT: forgot to ask, do you have option to put in "sport" mode? If so, does it change it?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 31
From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
Why not visit your dealer and take out another 400 for a 'test' drive. If the vibration is found in the 'test' vehicle, MB is about to have a headache!!! If no vibration found, MB is about to have a headache... LOL! No car should have a steering vibration.... maybe visit another dealer, if possible, for the 'test' drive.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 398
Likes: 12
From: Michigan
2019 AMG GLE 63S
Why not visit your dealer and take out another 400 for a 'test' drive. If the vibration is found in the 'test' vehicle, MB is about to have a headache!!! If no vibration found, MB is about to have a headache... LOL! No car should have a steering vibration.... maybe visit another dealer, if possible, for the 'test' drive.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
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RAV4, MB ML400
Good advice on test driving another ML400. Thanks! Unfortunately, there is only 1 ML400 left ~30mi away! The next one is 150mi away 
There are several GLE400 much closer but not sure if that's going to be apples-to-apples.
I understand that MB drives differently comparing to a Toyota and I can feel it in the way it handles turns and how I feel the road and there is no problem with that.
I was also thinking about turbos.. i guess that's possible.
The vibration feels like as if something is rubbing or catching on something while spinning. I am now wondering if some bearing somewhere is faulty or something like that. Not sure. I guess if it's a bearing it will only get worse and will become very apparent at some point, so dealership won't be able to say that it's normal.
There are several GLE400 much closer but not sure if that's going to be apples-to-apples.I understand that MB drives differently comparing to a Toyota and I can feel it in the way it handles turns and how I feel the road and there is no problem with that.
I was also thinking about turbos.. i guess that's possible.
The vibration feels like as if something is rubbing or catching on something while spinning. I am now wondering if some bearing somewhere is faulty or something like that. Not sure. I guess if it's a bearing it will only get worse and will become very apparent at some point, so dealership won't be able to say that it's normal.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 26
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ML
Does the vibration get faster with highway speeds? Is it felt only on the steering wheel? Try having a passenger with you and both place your hands on the door armrests...can you both feel the vibrations? Do you have dunlops?
I ask all this because I just got a new ML as well and was also experiencing a vibrating sensation. First the dealership balanced all four tires..still there. Then went on a test drive w the shop foreman..he said it could be normal, so we went back and took out a loaner ML to compare the rides. On the highway, it was agreed there was definitely more vibrations on mine.
The dealer fix is to swap the dunlops to contis under warranty. Hopefully that'll resolve the issue...still in the shop. Will LYK the outcome. My service guy also said that they've had issues with dunlops developing flat spots, which made me google "Dunlop grandtrek sucks"...MANY agree.
I ask all this because I just got a new ML as well and was also experiencing a vibrating sensation. First the dealership balanced all four tires..still there. Then went on a test drive w the shop foreman..he said it could be normal, so we went back and took out a loaner ML to compare the rides. On the highway, it was agreed there was definitely more vibrations on mine.
The dealer fix is to swap the dunlops to contis under warranty. Hopefully that'll resolve the issue...still in the shop. Will LYK the outcome. My service guy also said that they've had issues with dunlops developing flat spots, which made me google "Dunlop grandtrek sucks"...MANY agree.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
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RAV4, MB ML400
No, I don't have dunlops. I have Continental LX Sport 20" and vibration doesn't seem to change with speed, so I say this is different.
I started a conversation with MB USA regarding my issue. I have been talking to a case manager who sounded very accommodating and willing to help. He told me he had a conversation with the manager of my service dealership and asked them to do all the best for me.
Today I brought my car to the dealership and just got it back with notes saying that they test drove my car and confirmed steering wheel vibrations at 30mph and 60mph. They again confirm that these vibrations are part of normal operation of the steering wheel actuators! They also say they did test drive two other MLs and did find the same vibrations! Also told me that they have people complaining about this time-to-time but it's considered normal operation and no fixes available. I didn't have time to do a test drive myself yet, but it sounds like no one on this forum is having this issue, so I find it hard to believe what my dealer is saying. They also did balancing of all four wheels and told me all wheels needed adjustments. This by itself shocked me. Aren't cars supposed to be coming with wheels balanced from the factory?? I just have 500 miles on the odometer. Anyway, this is very frustrating. Probably my first and last MB, unfortunately.
I started a conversation with MB USA regarding my issue. I have been talking to a case manager who sounded very accommodating and willing to help. He told me he had a conversation with the manager of my service dealership and asked them to do all the best for me.
Today I brought my car to the dealership and just got it back with notes saying that they test drove my car and confirmed steering wheel vibrations at 30mph and 60mph. They again confirm that these vibrations are part of normal operation of the steering wheel actuators! They also say they did test drive two other MLs and did find the same vibrations! Also told me that they have people complaining about this time-to-time but it's considered normal operation and no fixes available. I didn't have time to do a test drive myself yet, but it sounds like no one on this forum is having this issue, so I find it hard to believe what my dealer is saying. They also did balancing of all four wheels and told me all wheels needed adjustments. This by itself shocked me. Aren't cars supposed to be coming with wheels balanced from the factory?? I just have 500 miles on the odometer. Anyway, this is very frustrating. Probably my first and last MB, unfortunately.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4
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2015 ML400
I have a 2015 ML400 with Continental tires and approx 7500 miles and the vehicle is nothing but a smooth ride. However, the front brake pads and clips that held them in had to be replaced (for free) due to the brake pads not fitting correctly into the clips and slightly moving when i stopped creating a squeaking noise. As far as your issue is concerned, with only 500 miles, I would press that issue big time, maybe even try another dealer to get it serviced at. That's absolutely not normal.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
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Mercedes ML400
I also purchased a brand new 2015 ML400, and experience the same vibration starting at 110 KM/hour and getting worse at 150 KM/hour. Tried balancing tyres in different vendors and MB dealer changing brand of tyres to Michelin. Have not been able to eliminate the vibrations. Now getting to know I am not alone in this experience. Cannot believe how MB releases vehicles with this problem
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Vibration
I don't have a 400 but an ML350 and notice no vibration , I would think the steering wheel mechanism would be the same, but could be wrong. One things I would do is have them 'FORCE" WHEEL balance the tires. It is a special balancing where they actually move the tire on the rim to have the high spot the tire on the low spot on the rim and then add weights. Ask the dealer if he force balances the tires. Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
VitR - I have driven many W166 MLs and GLEs at various MB events over the last few years and I know exactly what you're talking about. My own 2015 ML350 has the same vibration. It is not related to the vehicle being driven in any way - you can feel it with the car parked and revving the engine in neutral. It is more pronounced at certain RPMs than others, and it is simply engine vibration feeding back through the steering wheel. The "cause" if you will is that the steering on the W166 is so power-assisted and detached from the road that there is no road feel travelling back through the steering column, and the only thing you can feel is engine vibration. As I said, I have it on mine and it is annoying. Roughly half of all non-AMG W166s I have driven have it to a varying degree... half of them definitely don't. Maybe it's a different batch of engine mounts, sample-to-sample variations or even the person at the plant in Alabama where they assemble them that torqued the mounts... there seems to be no discernible pattern. When I first noticed it I went to my dealership where I have avery good personal relationship with both the manager and the shop foreman. They let me sit in and start up over a dozen cars, and it was 50/50. Yes, I am not too impressed myself. Having bought four new MBs in the last four years with a fifth on order since July (GT R), next time I'm looking for a car I just might vote differently with my wallet. 
CA21 - vibration at speed is a different issue altogether from what the OP is describing and is related to wheel balance. Get the tires road force balanced at a third-party shop that has a road force balancer.
CA21 - vibration at speed is a different issue altogether from what the OP is describing and is related to wheel balance. Get the tires road force balanced at a third-party shop that has a road force balancer.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
My ML350 is silky smooth no vibration at all on the steering wheel. I do however driven a '15 ML550 and GLE and noticed what you are having. It feels like bad engine mounts as it felt the exact same feeling, but less shake, when I got bad engine mounts on my C300. Maybe Diabolis is right and that is the reason why MB is saying it is normal.
If I were you pay close attention to it every time you drive it and keep on bugging the dealer in a civil way. The moment the vibration gets worse to the point like it feels like really bad engine mounts then go all out to them.
If I were you pay close attention to it every time you drive it and keep on bugging the dealer in a civil way. The moment the vibration gets worse to the point like it feels like really bad engine mounts then go all out to them.
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 156
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GLE350d, Porsche TE
MB heavily relied on Jeep's WK2 design to design 166 ML chassis/suspension. ML ended up with an offroad suspension and a disconnected steering setup that leaves a somewhat mushy setup on this car, not really off-road, not really autobahn material either.
The 20" tires with a 45 sidewall is a stupid option on the air suspension models (should have been 265/50) along with a not so forgiving disconnected steering setup you can feel lots if you just have one that just "not perfect"
I have one of the last build ML350 w166 and lucky me- smooth as silk, aside from the 265/45 tires.... it drives ok.
The 20" tires with a 45 sidewall is a stupid option on the air suspension models (should have been 265/50) along with a not so forgiving disconnected steering setup you can feel lots if you just have one that just "not perfect"
I have one of the last build ML350 w166 and lucky me- smooth as silk, aside from the 265/45 tires.... it drives ok.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
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From: Wisconsin
2014 E350 (wife's car), 2006 E55 AMG (retired/totaled), 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2017 4Runner TRDOR
I realize this is a recently resurrected old thread, but if people are still reading, I'll chime in as well. I have a 2015 ML400, no vibration issues whatsoever. 19' AMG wheels with standard suspension (no air ride) with OEM Dunlops. truly speculation on my part, but if vibration occurs only during driving I'd suspect tire balance. If it also occurs when vehicle is in park or neutral, I'd assume motor mounts. Best of luck to those having issues though, that sucks!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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From: calgary
2015 ml550
I seem to have the same issue on my "new to me" 2015 ml550. I had W164 ml500 years ago but never had this issue.
Brand new tires (pirelli scorpions), all the tires are recently rebalanced but the buzz remains. It starts at around 50miles (80km). smooth as silk under that speed. I also hear a very light humming noise at around 120km but it is very vague. It is driving me nuts, literally numbs my fingers on long trips.
Does anyone know if this is related to the front diff? I appreciate any help.
Brand new tires (pirelli scorpions), all the tires are recently rebalanced but the buzz remains. It starts at around 50miles (80km). smooth as silk under that speed. I also hear a very light humming noise at around 120km but it is very vague. It is driving me nuts, literally numbs my fingers on long trips.
Does anyone know if this is related to the front diff? I appreciate any help.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
I seem to have the same issue on my "new to me" 2015 ml550. I had W164 ml500 years ago but never had this issue.
Brand new tires (pirelli scorpions), all the tires are recently rebalanced but the buzz remains. It starts at around 50miles (80km). smooth as silk under that speed. I also hear a very light humming noise at around 120km but it is very vague. It is driving me nuts, literally numbs my fingers on long trips.
Does anyone know if this is related to the front diff? I appreciate any help.
Brand new tires (pirelli scorpions), all the tires are recently rebalanced but the buzz remains. It starts at around 50miles (80km). smooth as silk under that speed. I also hear a very light humming noise at around 120km but it is very vague. It is driving me nuts, literally numbs my fingers on long trips.
Does anyone know if this is related to the front diff? I appreciate any help.
you didn't mention if you inspected front axle visually or look at cv boots
you didn't mention if you checked ps fluid level
You gotta start somewhere before throwing it here for a guessing game
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Have the tires Hunter Forced Balanced. Not all places do this but, this method/machine actually puts force (weight) on the tire while it is spinning so it is getting balance like it was on the car, not just the wheel. I have had problems in the past with cars not being able to get a good balance and this always works. This system shows the high point in the tire and rim and allows the operator to adjust the tire on the rim to match it up therefore using less weights to balance the wheel.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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From: calgary
2015 ml550
The tires have been force balanced and aligned. All the components were checked visually. PS fluid is OK. I know little bit about cars, this is definately not a wheel balance or alignment issue. It feels like the whole steering rack is resonating past 80km/h. I cannot feel the resonance through any other parts of the vehicle, just the steering wheel. No buzz on dash, doors, seats etc.
I had a meeting with the service manager today. He knows all about the issue, he thinks it is an engineering flaw but MB has not admitted it, they are claiming that it is part of normal operation. He stated majority of the drivers don't feel it but there are a few drivers out there like myself who keep complaining about this. The manager told me that on one vehicle they have changed front diff, steering racks, shocks, rims, tires, etc to rectify the issue but nothing seemed to help. MB Canada has issued a statement to the services stating that they won’t cover the cost of parts that are changed because of this issue.
What a pity, love everything about this vehicle, 400hp beast but if you drive it on the highway for more than half hour your fingers start to fall a sleep.
I had a meeting with the service manager today. He knows all about the issue, he thinks it is an engineering flaw but MB has not admitted it, they are claiming that it is part of normal operation. He stated majority of the drivers don't feel it but there are a few drivers out there like myself who keep complaining about this. The manager told me that on one vehicle they have changed front diff, steering racks, shocks, rims, tires, etc to rectify the issue but nothing seemed to help. MB Canada has issued a statement to the services stating that they won’t cover the cost of parts that are changed because of this issue.
What a pity, love everything about this vehicle, 400hp beast but if you drive it on the highway for more than half hour your fingers start to fall a sleep.
Last edited by cooperalp; Feb 18, 2019 at 11:39 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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From: calgary
2015 ml550
Just a quick update on this. Dealer replaced both CV joints and it did not fix this wheel buzz. So they gave me a piece of paper stating that this is all they can do and little but of buzz on the steering wheel is normal to the 4matic system of these vehicles I also test drove another vehicle with identical tires, 2015 ml63, it appeared to have a similar buzz on the steering wheel.
What I also noticed is that the buzz significantly dims if you drive on fresh pavement and it is worse on old pavement with concrete underlay.
I took it to another reputable mechanic who only fixes MB, he think the issue is the tires. He recommended me to get rid of the 21" Pirelli scorpions and go with Continentals on 20" rims. That is what I am planning to do next. I will update once I start driving on a new set of tires and rims.
I also test drove another vehicle with identical tires, 2015 ml63, it appeared to have a similar buzz on the steering wheel. What I also noticed is that the buzz significantly dims if you drive on fresh pavement and it is worse on old pavement with concrete underlay.
I took it to another reputable mechanic who only fixes MB, he think the issue is the tires. He recommended me to get rid of the 21" Pirelli scorpions and go with Continentals on 20" rims. That is what I am planning to do next. I will update once I start driving on a new set of tires and rims.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
PS fluid is OK? The W166 has electrically assisted steering... what fluid were you checking?
The steering on these is so disconnected from any road feel that it is common for you to feel some engine vibration - which you could also feel if you slowly rev the engine in neutral.
If you can only feel it while driving, I would still tend to point the finger at the wheels/tires (the diffs are not known to introduce any vibration). Do you have a set of winters, and if yes, does it happen with both sets? If not, are you able to borrow a set from a friend / colleague for day or two? Are the wheels OEM?
The steering on these is so disconnected from any road feel that it is common for you to feel some engine vibration - which you could also feel if you slowly rev the engine in neutral.
If you can only feel it while driving, I would still tend to point the finger at the wheels/tires (the diffs are not known to introduce any vibration). Do you have a set of winters, and if yes, does it happen with both sets? If not, are you able to borrow a set from a friend / colleague for day or two? Are the wheels OEM?
