1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

1998 ML320, 175,000 miles

Written by: Vicel on 12/08/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4 Dr ML320 4WD Wagon

Review

I have to agree with most of the reviewers. This is one bad MB. I've owned 3 MB but this is worst of all! From the day I've picked-up this car, I've had so many problems for next about 5-6 years. I've made so many trips to dealers. Luckly, many of the problems were fixed under warrenty. Many times, dealers would fix additional items without telling me though. Real poor build quality. However, I have to tell you that after all those repairs (all done at the dealership), my car has been "Finally" running real nice. I now have 175K miles and really runs very nice. I think it was after about 90K miles this car runs nice. I still would not recommend any one to buy any Mercedes models!

Favorite Features

Strong engine and transmission. Roomy cargo.

Suggested Improvements

Everything else! I mean everything!

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It's been a good car.

Written by: DI on 01/06/2007

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4 Dr ML320 4WD Wagon

Review

We bought the car used with 64,000 miles on it. It's been a very good car, fairly reliable, but routine maintenance at the dealer has been expensive. Good gas mileage for it's size, good cargo area for my needs. Now has 112,000 miles and motor still great. Never left me stranded, but my clock stopped working last year and instrument panel would have to replaced at a cost of $1,000, so not doing that. Comfortable for me, but not my husband who is tall... he doesn't have near enough leg room, and even getting into the vehicle is a tight fit for him. It needs about another 6-8" of leg room for people over 6 ft. Back window wiper is loud. I still have the original radio which is pretty useless.

Favorite Features

Styling, motor, good gas mileage for highway driving. It's been dependable, and handles bad driving conditions well. Paint and body still look great.

Suggested Improvements

More leg room, better cup holders, better placement of high beam light. I can't see behind steering wheel at night. Better sun visors with extendable insets to help block sun.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Engine light on & works fine? Read this

Written by: James on 01/29/2006

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4 Dr ML320 4WD Wagon

Review

Living in the heart of the Colorado Rockies I am surprised at how my ML320 performed in unforseen conditions on back forest roads, however I wish at times it had a bit better off-road capabilities (ML has the same clearance as LR Disco). My driver window regulator too went bad, a $200 repair. Also the check engine light has came on, if you get your codes read and it says fuel trim malfunction, there is a 95% chance your Mass Airflow Sensor needs replaced (located on the air intake hose just after the filter going to the motor)This will cost anywhere from $180-300 depending on where you get your parts but is an easy DIY when you have the part. Good overall SUV if you can afford well mantaince

Favorite Features

Lots of room for entertainment add-ons under rear seat (DVD player ect). Love the look, could use more chrome. Great for long trips.

Suggested Improvements

Benz, stick to your quality reputation and dont skimp out on cheap plastic parts. Larger fuel tank, or better MPG.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Still unbeatable

Written by: MS on 12/14/2005

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4 Dr ML320 4WD Wagon

Review

When I bought it back in 1998, the ML was the king of the SUV hill. So hot it was, I waited for 6 months for delivery. After almost 8 years and 140K miles of service, it's time for a replacement (mind you the truck is still going strong). The SUV landscape has definitely changed. A lot of new contenders, but no clear winner. You don't see a waiting list for any one of them. The whole SUV class seems to have softened. Where are the low range gears and the body on frame? My little ML has pulled many monster Suburbans out of the mud... in soccer field parking lots! After much searching, I've decided to buy another ML. A 2005 version, not the new 2006, as it's lost the true SUV spirit.

Favorite Features

3 rows of seat in a compact size.

Suggested Improvements

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Wasted money

Written by: michael on 06/28/2005

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4 Dr ML320 4WD Wagon

Review

My 1998 ML320 has 67K miles and it is the worst car I ever had. The car had multiple repairs on windshield/sunroof motors, various sensors and transmission parts. But worst of all is the security system. For the last 7 years, keys had to be changed 6 times ($105- 150 a piece)due to a faulty chip. They also had to be changed every time the battery would be gone. I was stuck several times, and had to interrupt a trip and be towed. Once you reach a total of 8 keys, you have to change locks and computer parts (approx $5500). When tried to complain to MB, they have a standard answer- keys are not covered by warranty and there is nothing we can do. Dealing with MB service is very frustrating experience

Favorite Features

Exterior design

Suggested Improvements

Return to MB quality standards. Improve customer service

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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