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I'm not being snobby, I just don't think splitting hairs comes into play between BMW and Mercedes or any others. If someone is concerned that the cost of an oil change isn't included, then so be it but it would never sway me personally. Warranty is in for major things anyway. The ML is higher right now because of demand vs. production. Same for GL. BMW is sucking wind so they ... Read More
I've owned the 2003 ML350 (same as 2005) and currently have the 2007 ML350. 1. 2003 is a body on frame, very truck-like, better for towing and off-roading. 2007 is unibody/car-based so much better handling, quieter ride, stiffer chassis, and more car-like drive. 2. In our experience, the 2007 has had MORE problems. I know the 2006's had issues with the power rear door but was corrected with a new sensor. ... Read More
not sure if you already bought your benz., but... "2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320, i have seen quite a few with what looks like an incredibly low price, Prices ranging from $8000 to $12000" if thats the price range you are looking at., then dont get a 200 ml320,. get a 2003+ ml350., the 320 is under powered, ., you can get a 350 for $1000 more than a 320!
Can anyone help? My wife's 2003 M-Class started this morning without a problem. However, it made a wheezing and not very loud noise after a half a mile of driving. The noise sounded like a decompressing sound of an electric motor. Then the power steering was no longer functional and the car was difficult to steer. I called a Mercedes Dealership and the service rep said that this model has tendency ... Read More
Initially it was thought to be a brake light switch ($21 at the dealer/parts dept) but that all changed starting with the 2003 models. Same thing with the ABS relay ($15 part), nothing is the same anymore. I think that once they figured out that people were able to fix their own with inexpensive parts they changed them! Anyway, thanks for your post and I will mention it to the teenager ... Read More
Thanks for the reply! Yes, I have already test driven the Highlander (07 & 08) & Pilot (07 & 08). Highlander 07 was OK, I wanted to REALLY wanted to like it & make it work due to Toyota rep of reliability & such, but I was disappointed in the lack of room & couldn't get over it. Highlander 08 I did NOT like. Bigger but not a whole lot more ... Read More
Hi! I'm a car buying newbie (haven't purchased one in near 15 years!) and am considering a used 2003 ML320 I just happened upon. (I currently have a small compact car w/172,000 miles on it.) My MIL had an ML320, liked it. I was able to drive hers a bit so I am familiar with the feel. This ML320 I'm checking out has low miles (21,000), price is $20k (excl. tax/license), ... Read More
I got this car from my sister in LA. The current mileage is about 38K, we seems having some lucks with it, no major problem so far. But we did replace the brake pad twice, and rotor once. I understand the ML use a bit soft brake pad, which wears out fast, but two replacements within 4 years is really excessive. I wonder if this problem of the Mercedes design, or ... Read More
Robinderp, I don't think MB sold ML350 on yr2002. As matter of fact, they only sold ML350 in CA during the first half of yr 2003. I am quite aware of the problems with Mercedes. To be fair, our car runs well, only problem we had is its brake pads wore very fast, we changed the pads twice in 25K. This may contribute the soft brake material they use, but it ... Read More
I suggest that you check out the Subaru Legacy GT, the Audi A6, the Mercedes E-class station wagon with 4Matic, and Volvo's all-wheel-drive large wagon. All of those will do just fine in the snow. On winding roads, they'll handle a whole lot better than a tall SUV. The extra ground clearance of the SUV isn't going to buy you anything unless you expect to be driving through 8" of unplowed ... Read More
The MDX is better than the X5 from 30-60 you are right, but 0-30 the X5 smokes the MDX(because the MDX, and Ody's Vtech engine really gets going with the higher revs) 0-30 and the 350 smokes them both. Are you sure it's just not a perception? Even a conservative publication like Consumer Reports timed the 2003 MDX's 0-30 as 3.0 seconds, and the 2005 X3 3.0 at the same 3.0 ... Read More
i bought 6 ml so far .the 2003 500 is the best one so far. my wifes car of cource .is well built at 30k no problems at all i have a 2001 s500 love it best riding sedan ever..recently bought for my self a used 2003 acura mdx touring...i can say this is well put together. rides like car, and until the new ml comes out ill stay with the ... Read More
Hi, I am writing from Geneva. my ML320 (2001, 75,000km)had exactly the same problem. It one week that is blocked at the Mercedes Benz dealership and being checked all over (fuel injection, spark plugs/cabling, fuel tank, etc). But as usual they are unable to efficiently find out a solution. Please let me know asap what happened in your case. What was the problem and how was it solved? Did Mercedes Benz ... Read More
Djdj, wow, I have had only minor adjustments on my 2002 ML500 which currently has 31,300 miles. I don't think your situation is the norm. Yes, there are a few adjustments that have to be made occaisionally, but I wouldn't tell someone to "run away" from the Merdedes dealer. Every manufacturer has their share of problem cars but Mercedes are generally good and trouble free. I have 5 Mercedes currently in ... Read More
We have a 2003 ML500 with the same problem. Also the finish on the window trim has peeled and been replaced once already. We are just going to trade for a Lexus GX470. I have had many Mercedes but their quality and service attitude has gotten to the point that I don't want to deal with them. Although I have purchased Mercedes from them since 79 (450SEL,560 SEC,560SL,500 SL,S500) they almost ... Read More
Gardencar, here are my thoughts on the ML350: 1. Towing is definitely superior to the RX330. You can tow with the Lexus, but not as much as the 5000lb the ML350 can. I personally don't use our Mercedes to tow at all, but maybe others on the M-class board could give their experiences. 2. With respect to reliabilty, we have never had a problem, but we did worry about this issue ... Read More
allnation, I purchased my ml 350 (Dec. 2003) for $41K even with 1900 miles with every option that you mentioned plus sport/chrome wheels package, chrome front grille, navigation, and an addition 12 months/100,000 miles (starmark warranty) beyond the 48 months/50,000 miles manufacturer's warranty. Although it was sold pre-owned, it was a demo for the Mercedes dealership. The miles on the SUV were just test drives by customers. The brilliant silver with ... Read More
Diesel11, At the beginning, I was reluctant to buy the 2003 ml 350 for my wife because of reliability issues. Actually,I wanted the new 2003 GX 470. But after purchasing it and driving it for several months, I really enjoyed the SUV. Although it has some problems, the dealership that I bought it from is very good when it comes to service.
I keep going back and forth between the Acura MDX and the Mercedes ML 350 and 500. I would like to keep the car at $47,000 and below, so the ML500 is pretty much ruled out unless I can get a phenomenal deal on a 2003. The MDX loaded has pretty much everything I need and fully loaded with the NAV and DVD entertainment system it offers more options for about ... Read More
Glad to meet you all - I just traded in my 2003 E320 for a 2003 ML500. Could not resist that 5 litre V8, and more importantly, I have a cottage I shall need to get to in winder and here in Ontario that means 4WD. I think my ML will be the ideal compromise between rpoad car (the E was sweet!) and truck (I'd love a Land Rover :-) See ... Read More
Glad to meet you all - I just traded in my 2003 E320 for a 2003 ML500. Could not resist that 5 litre V8, and more importantly, I have a cottage I shall need to get to in winder and here in Ontario that means 4WD. I think my ML will be the ideal compromise between rpoad car (the E was sweet!) and truck (I'd love a Land Rover :-) See ... Read More
Just picked up our 2003 ML350 last week from Princeton, NJ. Sold my CR-V last tuesday(9/30/03) morning and took delivery of the new car in the evening. It's white with JAVA, M1, heated seats, Bose and Moonroof. My wife is the primary driver and we have 600 miles so far. The CD changer was not playing and I had to take her in and they replaced the magazine. Other than that, ... Read More
I too had a 99 430 ML and had too many issues to even list. I have had numerous Mercedes dating back to a 79 450 SEL. They have been S coupes , sedans and SL's. I still have several of them and am a MB enthusiast. I had always had a SUV as well and after 2 Jeeps (91 Cherokee and 95 Grand Cherokee both of which were both much ... Read More
I've have had my ML350 for 6 months. I BOUGHT IT FOR SAFETY AND THE AWESOME SERVICE I EXPECT FROM MERCEDES BENZ. This past weekend, I was pulling in a parking space with my 3 small children belted in the back when I realized the brakes were not stopping the car. When I pushed harder, the car accelerated, jumped the cement median and plowed into another parked car. Thank god no ... Read More
The Mercedes maintenance program is for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers all scheduled maintenance during this period but does not cover wear items such as tires and brakes. 2003 model year BMW's were the first to also include the first set of brake pads in their maintenance program. For BMW this was a big addition since on a BMW you also are required to replace the ... Read More
I bought a brand new 2003 ML 350 3 weeks ago. On my 4th day of ownership, I lost all power steering on my way to work and was leaving a trail of power steering fluid in the parking lot. I called the dealership (Phil Smart, Seattle, WA) and was instructed to call a towing company to have the vehicle brought back to the dealership. The next day my service advisor ... Read More
Hi,I am new to this board. I've been a buyer of Janpanese cars for the past 15yrs, but decided to give ML a try. My dad had a Mercedes 1979 240D, the worst vehicle I've ever seen.... Just bought a 2003 ML 350... drove 400 miles... no problems so far. My impression, I am not impressed, but not as bad as some reviews suggest. Positives.... steady ride at 80+ mph with ... Read More
Thanks for the confirmation. Too bad they are going to discontinue the ML320. I am actually wondering if it is worth my while to trade in my 2001 (33,000 miles) for a 2003, since Mercedes gives a price break of $1000 to previous M class owners and there will probably be a very reduced clearance sale on the ML320's. I agree about the climate control, and I also really like the ... Read More
Last week, I traded-in my 2000 ML320 and bought a 2003 Acura MDX Touring with Navi and RES. In the past year, my ML turned into a complete nightmare - first started with the air mass sensor failure (twice), then the in-line fuel filter, followed by the infamous/common power window switch failure, the moonroof (a trim fell off), the transmission valve stuck, mysterious noise from the AC center vent, the power ... Read More
Last week, I traded-in my 2000 ML320 and bought a 2003 Acura MDX Touring with Navi and RES. In the past year, my ML turned into a complete nightmare - first started with the air mass sensor failure (twice), then the in-line fuel filter, followed by the infamous/common power window switch failure, the moonroof (a trim fell off), the transmission valve stuck, mysterious noise from the AC center vent, the power ... Read More
Last week, I traded-in my 2000 ML320 and bought a 2003 Acura MDX Touring with Navi and RES. In the past year, my ML turned into a complete nightmare - first started with the air mass sensor failure (twice), then the in-line fuel filter, followed by the infamous/common power window switch failure, the moonroof (a trim fell off), the transmission valve stuck, mysterious noise from the AC center vent, the power ... Read More
About your counting skills. CTS's sale number in March 2003 are 4588 units, and that was a increase of 10.5%, March 2003 was one of their better months. They are on pace to sell a little more than 50000, see link below: http://www.saturnfans.com/Company/2003/march03sales.shtml 50000 units for a car that is under $30000, I consider that a failure, But considering Cadillac's last 2 attempt at cars under 30K, CTS is doing pretty ... Read More
Good morning. Like you I had a Benz C-Class (1994 C280), it was a great little car. Since that time I have gone back and forth between Benzes and BMW's and my wife has driven a couple of Grand Cherokees. I currently drive a 2003 MB E500 and a 2001 BMW 330Ci convertible for the rare sunny days. 6 months ago we wanted to replace our 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee because ... Read More
[GX470] delivers a quieter, more comfortable ride ... Actually, C&D's instruments measured interior sound levels as equal when at full throttle and at 70 mph cruising. Yeah, that surprised me too, but perhaps the 2003 MDX's additional sound insulation has paid off (and the Lexus may be noiser than the nameplate may suggest). The MDX was actually significantly quieter at idle (36 dB vs. 39 dB). Thus, at least according to ... Read More
i am taking it in to the dealer for the 1st time on monday, anyone have the same problems? thx My ML350 when stopped at a red light keeps wanting to go forward from time to time even though I press on the brakes. It jolts forward, stops, then jolts forward again. It does this for about 10 seconds and stops. I feel that when this happens I have to press ... Read More
i am taking it in to the dealer for the 1st time on monday, anyone have the same problems? thx My ML350 when stopped at a red light keeps wanting to go forward from time to time even though I press on the brakes. It jolts forward, stops, then jolts forward again. It does this for about 10 seconds and stops. I feel that when this happens I have to press ... Read More
Hey Guys, I am about to pick up my new ML320 this Saturday from the dealer. Has anyone bought a new one recently? Any suggestions as to what I can expect? Also has anyone got an extended Warranty from HERITAGE? IS is the only other warranty besides STARMARK that the Mercedes dealer honors. Any experiences? thanks all
Make: MERCEDES BENZ Models: M CLASS Years: 1998-2003 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 03V121000 Recall Date: MAR 26, 2003 Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS Potential Number Of Units Affected: 211000 Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION. Consequence: THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY ... Read More
A recall appears to be happening as we speak: Make: MERCEDES BENZ Models: M CLASS Years: 1998-2003 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 03V121000 Recall Date: MAR 26, 2003 Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS Potential Number Of Units Affected: 211000 Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS ... Read More
Any oil burning is definitely a problem. The Mercedes manual says oil should not have to be added between required oil changes. The oil level light on my 1999 ML-320 flashed on in Jan 2002 after a round trip of 2000 miles. The dealer has been conducting their so called "oil consumption test" for the past year. They are now on test 2 of part 2. This is related to the ... Read More
My wife is looking at a new ML350 when her Lexus 300 comes off lease later this year. Will there be any significant changes between 2003 and 2004 versions of the car? I have heard about reliability problems with the M-class in the past. Has reliability improved? The 3.5 liter engine seems better suited to pull this large vehicle. My wife likes the comfortable leather seats. Are they supportive for long ... Read More
I am a lurker. I sit quietly and read what everyone posts. I don't own an SUV. Matter of fact, I drive a minivan, imagine that, a 2003 Olds Silhouette. What strikes me as odd is how people come on here and beat up American cars calling them "cheap", "entry level", etc. without so much as a close up look. Many rely on the automotive press for their opinions. Keeping in ... Read More
Just to chime in here, I went with a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer and test drove all those vehicles and while the MDX and M-Class are fine vehicles, the MDX looks positively wimpy with the wheels it had ( I understand they improved them for 2003) and the interior was a sombre place indeed. The M-Class was real nice only when very well equipped. Looks-wise interior/exterior I preferred the Explorer. Looks ... Read More
Mercedes-Benz ML sales in the tank Good news for those interested in getting a 2003 ML.
After test driving, with my wife, several SUVs two or more times to include: the Acura MDX , BMW X5 , and the Lexus RX 300; I've purchased the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500. I was somewhat worried about purchasing the Mercedes based on some test drive articles I read. What speaks best about the car is that my wife, a 5 foot 3, 125 lb woman, after test driving diffent ML's a ... Read More
Thanks wmquan for the detailed descriptions.. I happend to see the pics of new, redesigned 2003 Toyota 4 Runner and it looks greattt!!! I was wondering if I can even compare 4 Runner with MDX and ML320? If so, what would be the difference and which one would be a good choice! My Mercedes dealer told me that now they have got 2003 ML320s, but 2003 ML350 would be available sometime ... Read More
In North Carolina, Mercedes dealers are offering remaining 2002 ML320's for $500 over dealer invoice in an effort to clear out remaining stock before the 2003's arrive.
I agree with William's comments above. The ML handles quite well for an SUV. At the Mercedes Power Drive last week in Las Vegas during INTEROP, I drove an ML-500 much harder than my 2002 ML-320 and I found the modest side bolsters on the driver's seat to be the limiting factor--I slid on the seat more than the ML leaned on the hard turns. The ride on the highway is ... Read More
I am considering purchasing an ML-320 sometime this year. I am currently driving a Audi S4 which drives and handles great, however, its small size is a disadvantage. I've never owned a large vehicle, so the vehicle size was not an issue for me when I bought it. But something happened a few months ago that has given me pause to reconsider my choice in automobile. I was the victim of ... Read More
I was at my dealer getting my 36,000 service and I saw the G Wagon just brought from the Vehicle Preperation Center (VPC). After talking to the General Manager of the Dealership who knows me by name, I was allowed to test drive the "monster". My early impressions on the G Wagon are as follows: It surely feels like a truck. The engine sounds like that of the ML 55 AMG. ... Read More
Good news mercedes M lovers! Mercedes is considering a smaller M-Class to compete against the new X3 that's coming at year 2003 The new M-class will be name "MLK" it will be based on the smaller cheaper A-Class model. it is rumour to be all time 4wd, perfect for the rugged condition hmm.... anybody have pic. of this car or heard of anything more?!
I'm also in the process of negotiating for a ML320. (See my post #2003) I got an offer from the salesman for $39,500-$371 over invoice, in your case that would be $40,254. I'm going to counter with $39,000 and see what they say. That would be $129 below invoice. There's a $1200 dealer holdback but I don't know if the salesman gets any of that. I would like to know how ... Read More
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