2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Destroys Tires

Written by: Edward Vinca on 06/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

After 17,000 miles, tires developed excessive thumping. After a couple of conversations with the dealer, the dealer, as a favor, agreed to replace the tires, but I was responsible for the four wheel alignment. After 11,000 miles on the second set of tires, the thumping came back. Dealership agreed to check the alignment. According to them, it was within specs. They told me to talk to Michelin Tires. Michelin agreed to replace the tires as a favor. However, they are no longer responsible for wearing of the tires. So at this point, the car having 28,000 miles, the third set of tires has been put on. Mercedes will not accept this problem as their responsibility. HELP!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Mercedes needs to address this problem of why the tires are feathering. If I knew this before I purchased the car, I wouldn't have purchased it.

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My 2nd MLV8!

Written by: RockyM on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)

Review

I traded in my 2006 ML500 for this 2008ML550 because I wanted a few more options such as a hitch and backup camera. My 06ML was wonderful and I had no problems for the three years I owned it! My new 08ML550 is awesome! The extra 80 hp makes it even more powerful (ML500 was fast to me) and the gas mileage is about the same! How do they do that? The quality is top notch and this vehicle is so much fun to drive! Love it!

Favorite Features

Motor! IPod, backup camera, Parktronics and bluetooth.

Suggested Improvements

None. This is the perfect SUV!! I would rather have the extra power than the better MPG that a less powerful engine would give!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Awesome ML!

Written by: Evangelist on 02/17/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

This is my 3rd ML starting with a 2000 ML320, then a 01 ML430 and now this awesome 08 ML350. The advancements in technology, comfort, performance and design are amazing. My ML has almost every option including the Bi-Zenon headlights which are incredible in form and function. Even the power tailgate makes life so much more pleasant. Mercedes began the luxury SUV line and has totally raised the bar with the latest ML350. What an awesome vehicle.

Favorite Features

Bi-Zenon Headlights, Power Liftgate, Heated Seats and Bluetooth Telephone.

Suggested Improvements

My only improvement has already been done in the 2009 model year: improve the DVD Navigation. The Nav is now a Hard-Drive based unit.

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Much Better than 2006

Written by: drlgu on 02/16/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

My wife had a '06 ML350 and loved the looks and how it drove; however, it was in the shop several times for power liftgate and squeaking rear suspension. Decided to trade in for 2008 with P2 package and never regretted it. The 2008 handles much better, probably due to larger wheels and tires. Bought it in June '08 and overall reliability and build quality has been excellent. The '08 also seemed to have improved on the 7sp transmission as it does not hesitate like the '06. Had opportunity to drive in 3 inches of snow and handled very well.

Favorite Features

Headroom, interior room, bi-xeon headlights, quietness, drives like a luxury car and not an SUV, ipod connection, rear seats fold flat, good MPG for an SUV of this size.

Suggested Improvements

Had to pay $500 for bluetooth module, leather should be standard, rear view camera is great, but at this price point it should also have parking sensors.

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Good SUV

Written by: eric on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

Bought this vehicle new and have been impressed with the handling and the fuel mileage. No one even guesses that this is a diesel when they are riding in it. One of the best features is the locomotive like pull while merging onto the interstate. Absolutely no problems finding diesel and with the large tank you cover a lot of distance. 27mpg in mixed driving.

Favorite Features

7 speed auto with diesel power. No rattles or wind noise.

Suggested Improvements

Seats could use better lumbar support. Nav is slow to initialize as is the back up camera on start up.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Exactly what I expected

Written by: Roscoe18 on 11/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

It's no RR Sport. Not as fun- but 27.4mpg hwy and between 20-22 overall. The gas mileage is great and less carbon emissions. Diesel engine noise is annoying. Porsche will win if they can combine sport and "green" in the new Cayenne!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, better for environment. Satellite radio, great i pod synch. Watching the mpg read out in the car--it's like a game that you can play with depending on how you drive,

Suggested Improvements

Quality of material is a little cheap (compared to RR). Diesel is what it is, but the gas mileage is awesome. Not too sporty a drive..more suburban car/soccer parent drive. Not very rock n roll!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2008 ML320 CDI Diesel - way to go!

Written by: Peter Shiakallis on 10/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

Bought the ML320 CDI after much consideration vs the BMW X5. It is better than advertised on MPG! I get 24- 28MPG around town and 30-32MPG on the hiway! Minimum 600 - 700 miles per tankfull! Plenty of power and torque that no gas engine can match! No black smoke and no noise! Americans should re-educate themselves about diesel! No hybrid can match the power and range - period. It is way ahead of any competitor in this range and I am 100% satisfied and as a previous Mercedes Benz owner - this the best I ever had!

Favorite Features

Power, torque, design, MPG, looks!

Suggested Improvements

Navigation should be "touch screen" but after a while I get used to it.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Zoom Zoom... not just for Mazda

Written by: alexatlanta on 10/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)

Review

My ML550 has the power to scare squirrels on trees a quarter mile away. I love the take off speed. The stereo is very rich and nice. I never dreamed that satellite radio would be so addictive. The seats are seductive in their contours. While the nav has quite a few limits, such as the joystick and the lack of new roads, it serves it purpose well and has a much nicer voice than the 2006 edition. While road noise is more pronounced then the E class, it is much quieter in the ML than in many other cars. The car is just fun to drive. I really like at lights when someone pulls the other lane expecting to blow past the bloated SUV only to be mistaken.

Favorite Features

The Sirius satellite, the rich Harmon Kardon stereo, the reverse camera, and the engine! Wow, I love the engine

Suggested Improvements

iPod integration should be through the Command system (this is true in the 2009). Road noise is a bit high for a Mercedes. I would like to see better BlueTooth integration. I would like the Keyless Go to lock automatically rather than having to touch the handles. The clock has a second cog.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Exterior design does it for ML350

Written by: mike sab on 09/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Hands down rides much nicer than BMW X5. Needs leather standard on a vehicle of this caliber. Brakes are a little mushy if I had to complain at all.

Favorite Features

Harmon Kardon stereo, satellite radio, standard 19 in. wheels

Suggested Improvements

Brakes are mushy. Tranny gets confused sometimes at low speeds

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Diesel SUV that drives like a sports car

Written by: Steveo on 07/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

It is really fun to drive! This is unusual for an SUV (especially for a Diesel). The engine gives good low and mid range power and acceleration and is smooth and quiet. The mileage has been better than advertised. The iPod integration is nice.

Favorite Features

The Turbo Diesel. The exterior design. The roominess of the rear cargo space. The backup camera.

Suggested Improvements

Less brake dust on the front wheels. Better placement of the cruise control lever. The rear seat head rests are awkward and uncomfortable unless raised all of the way up.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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