2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Reliable family car

Written by: ahering on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought it with 35,000 miles and I have just put 37,500 more miles in 4 years. It had brand-new tires and brake-pads when bought and it is just about time to replace them. I have spent about $500 a couple of time extra for repairs (not regular maintenance) and my only complaint would be that I have to keep an eye on the engine oil level. If I drive over 70 miles per hour on a hot day, it will surely burn oil. Other than that I am pleased with this SUV.

Favorite Features

It is a tank in the highway, I feel safe and enjoy the drive. Although you may feel it is underpowered, it has always responded very well when needed. Brakes have saved me from 2 car accidents, so it is a reliable SUV!

Suggested Improvements

It feels kind of slow when you start accelerating, but the reality is that it is a heavy SUV, what could I expect for a 3,200cc engine.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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2001 ML55 AMG-- Silver rocket!

Written by: Daniel N. on 04/25/2008

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

My wife and I had a 1998 E430 sport, great car, but decided to go with an SUV. It was either a Range Rover or a Benz. The Rover was a little out of our price range, so we went with the ML 55. If we were going to get an ML, I wanted the fast one. Gas mileage is about 18mpg, not great, but this is a very fun and cool SUV, not to mention it will spank every Rover I've seen. Fast, fun to drive, and I got slotted and cross drilled rotors and brake pads off ebay for $345 and only spent two hours doing them myself! No weak brakes on this ML! Will buy another when it gets 90k miles on it. Bought it with 52k miles and no regrets. Great SUV!

Favorite Features

Red brembo brakes are a cinch to change, handling is precise, the awd system makes a nicely positive difference on wet pavement, good premium sound system, stable and safe. We also have a safe vehicle discount and pay less on this AMG than our 98 e430 for insurance.

Suggested Improvements

If you want more upgrades than what this has, buy a newer one.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Beauty

Written by: desolateraid on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This car just looks beautiful from outside. I play hockey and have and the steering column break and had the power steering fluid leak a couple times when the weather was under -40. Other than that, drives fast, guzzles gas, but looks good which is the most important right. I love how the seats fold flat. Seriously perfect. We are the 1st owner and love the ride. Gets you from point A to point B in style

Favorite Features

Fold down seats iare just wicked and is in my opinion the most stylish SUV on the road. And its great for going offroad. Have only got stuck once in ditch but the hitch was perfect and was out within an hour with my buddy's truck

Suggested Improvements

Controls in the center console are awkward, people always ask how to open the windows. Make the vehicle in Germany, not the US.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Big disappointment

Written by: Nailz on 09/12/2007

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car as a Starmark certified vehicle from Mercedes. Almost immediately I noticed some issues: Two exterior plastic body pieces spontaneously broke, interior plastic parts seemed prone to breakage as well. Also, the breaks were very noisey and fluttery (dealer told me to live w/). Eventually, more serious (i.e. expensive) issues arose: fuel injectors became blocked, spark plugs fouled, coils needed replacement, power steering line ruptured... all within 21000 miles of purchase. Of the thousands of dollars in repair bills virtually nothing was covered by the Mercedes Starmark warranty. Shockingly poor quality, esp. from a company with such a premium reputation (and price tag)

Favorite Features

Handled extremely well in snow/ice (w/snow tires). Engine had plenty of power (when it wasn't out of comission).

Suggested Improvements

Build a better car, improve the recertification process, cover more items with the Starmark warranty.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: DB on 06/19/2007

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I leased my first M-class in 2001 enjoyed it very much. End of lease purchased a 2001 M-class. Currently I have 85,000 on this M class with a easy care 100,000 mile warranty. Good thing, fuel pump (towed), gas/air mixture filter, sun roof air vents, electric window control, ESP and anti lock brakes. These were all covered by a warranty with a $100 deductible each time. Normal maintenance expensive. Oil changes $200 - $300. Rotors and pads for all four wheels $1,200, plugs and wires $800. I am thinking of trading it..

Favorite Features

Fun to drive on long trips. Good sound system. Easy to park.

Suggested Improvements

More reliability built into the vehicle. Too many major parts going bad too soon. CD changer upfront.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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A great buy on the used market

Written by: Steve on 06/12/2007

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

After reading a lot of reviews ripping the ML55 I had to respond with my experience. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing a used ML55 and decided that this is the vehicle I wanted. After 6 months of searching for the right one I landed a one owner '01 w/ 50K miles for $19K. As the previous owner had the vehicle for 5 years all the usual small bugs everybody complains about have been corrected. To say I am happy is an understatement. I went from an '01 Durango into the Benz and could not be more pleased. The power, handling, and comfort are great. I don't know about $65K but for $20K on the used market they can't be beat.

Favorite Features

Favorite feature...duhhh.....the engine. I can literally dust anything around short of my wife's M3 and it pulls our boat in real style and comfort. This is a great used truck period.

Suggested Improvements

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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2001 ML - 430 problems

Written by: Bob E. on 03/07/2007

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought the vehicle new and now have a total of 23000 miles. The brakes were replaced at 22500 miles due to excessive noise [squeel] the new breaks also squeal bad have tried everything to quiet them down. Replaced the drivers heated seat. The GPS system stinks. I advised the dealer of a loss of water in the radiator and was advised that I needed a new water hose, six months later the hose came in that I had paid for, however no water leaked during that time. After many calls they finally gave my money back for the special order hose. No heat in the floor, dealer advised to shut off dash vents? Wow is this quality of MB or a page from a Model A Ford. All of my cars are garage kept.

Favorite Features

Other than the above coments I love the ML-430

Suggested Improvements

Improvements that I would suggest have been made on the '07 models, better gas millage, relocated cup holders, better GPS system etc. However, I would not buy another vehicle with a built in GPS

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A luxury and fun to drive SUV

Written by: a women driver on 02/10/2007

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I have close to 70,000 miles on this ML55 and I didn't have any problems with it. Very fine detail in the leather interior front seats, lots of punch in the engine when you need it most, and the transmission has very smooth shifting. Brakes are great but make sure you use ceramic pads or the wheels will get dirty. Anyone who wants performance will have to pay for it at the pump so don't think it's free. If you drive expensive cars you'll pay for it. I'm very happy, It's an A+.

Favorite Features

Interior seats. They wrap around nicely

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love It!

Written by: Dodie on 10/23/2005

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This car is expensive to fix but I love it! I bought this car used without a warranty and everything I have had to fix i.e. brakes, shocks, oil changes, both head lights, a tune up; was not covered by warranty anyway. The dealership I go to now gives out airline miles according to how much you spend getting your car repaired so that makes the cost of maintenance/repairs somewhat better for the consumer.

Favorite Features

The ride, the look, the prestige.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the cost of parts/labor!

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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9 Month Update

Written by: DSanborn on 10/06/2005

Vehicle

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 2nd review of this car. I just bought a 24' boat and I'm using the ML320 to pull it. I'm extremely pleased with the towing capacity of this somewhat small SUV. It pulls a 4600lb boat with no problem and I live on a large hill. The low gear is a great feature that works well. We have had no issues with the vehicle and it has been fantastic. I drove it 2200 miles across country without an issue. I noticed the battery comment in a previous review. Be careful - Germans don't like maintenance free batteries so you need to check the water levels in your cells or it will die with no warning. I'm really impressed with the capabilities of this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Versatity - It'll pull a large boat! It's fairly efficient for an SUV. My favorite feature is still the safety it provides my family.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the brakes to handle the weight of the vehicle and it's towing capacity. Thank God for surge brakes on trailers. I would highly recommend using Goodyear Fortera Silent Guard Tires. They really quiet the car down.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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