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Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
65 reviews

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1998 ML-320...Nice Ride

BKR, 03/04/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good mileage; good performance; highly reliable; go almost anywhere. Well worth the money.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love it despite electrical issues

lindaw, 09/04/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car BUT I had electrical issues at 60K miles which lead to an $800 fix. Dealership told me the underside of the car was wet too frequently, but no off road usage and was garaged when not driven. Also have had to replace the driver's window switch 4 times - opened 4 times a day every day for tolls, but my Honda did fine with the same drive.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

1998 ML320

p_iyer, 03/13/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The good: relatively quiet interior easy entry/exit in spite of being a tall vehicle The bad: poor build quality brakes wear out prematurely poor transmission, jumps in and out of gears at low speeds Excessive wind noise at highway speeds

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3.88 out of 5 stars

M-Class Poor Reliability

smitty2, 03/16/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle looks reasonbly good, handles well, gets good fuel mileage, rides well, but is not reliable. Requires frequent service.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Engine light on & works fine? Read this

James, 01/29/2006
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Problems!

Dale, 10/14/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the vehicle used with 30K miles. I've had it for 3 years and its been in the shop 16 times. Everything has been replaced on it. Oil changes average $100, brakes are good for about 30K miles and cost $400 to replace ($800 for front and back). VERY HIGH maintenace costs. It rides a little rough for my tast. Gas milage is good but your paying $.20 per gallon more for premium so that cancels out the good gas milage.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mercedez-Benz ML 320

Mike Bowling, 06/08/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have thouroughly enjoyed my ML 320. I bought it used, which can be a scary thing, but have never had a problem with it. Handles very well and is fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

LOVE IT! Very happy!

demimoore, 06/27/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I haven't had this car very long (just got it used), but I can tell you that so far everything's perfect and I LOVE driving it -- it's beautiful, not too big and not too small, rugged yet smooth, and just feels much more solid than all of the other mini-SUV's I test drove. I think that even if it costs a bit more than average to service it eventually, it'll be worth it! (My husband may have a different opinion.) :)

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Not a single problem with mine

jjstern, 07/03/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Call it dumb luck but I've never had a problem with my M-class. I use it for my job and it is the most capable off- road vehicle we have ever had in our fleet. When you see it going through 2 1/2 to 3 feet of water and the door seals are so tight not a drop gets in you know the truck is built right.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Used SUV bargain

renate, 03/16/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best used SUV bargain around, especially with Starmark warranty!

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4 out of 5 stars

Time To Trade

bsdl1, 03/17/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After waiting a year to receive my ML I was thrilled to pick it up. The handling in bad road conditions is exceptional. The handling and ride are all I hoped for. Build quality is horrific. The original paint chipped in over 200 places on the hood, MB repainted the front end under warranty. Electrical problems persist. The trip computer has gone out, my wipers no longer work, the clock works intermittently. MB wants $145 to look at the wipers - no repair. The arrogance of the dealership is incredible as they make me wait 11 days to schedule an oil change.

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4 out of 5 stars

Lease is up in May!

PatR, 03/19/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

During the first two years this ML was in the shop 13(not a good #) times. The next two years were flawless except for routine service. I can purchase the ML for $24,000, but I am worried about long term reliability. Considering a Toyota Highlander or a Chevy Trailblazer to replace the ML. How has everyones ML been after the first two years?

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5 out of 5 stars

Mine is more than great!!

Fred P., 04/11/2019
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 1998 ML 320 is really great. After 20 years and 164000 mls, runs better than ever. I found a very good mechanics who does everything cheaper than the dieller. Just a little scratch in the front, nothing mayor. More than happy with it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Randy Jefferson

Randy Jefferson , 05/13/2025
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Few minor repairs at first. Decided to do overhaul & have technicians correct all mishaps& bring car back to original shape as when bought in 1998 . Expensive procedure, totalling close to 10,000 dollars in both parts & labor, however well worth it. Currently 360,000 miles. Expect another 300,000 carefree driving w. many yrs ahead. Not an everyday 😁 car or meant to be used everyday . Local _ wkend driver makes for enjoyable drive. No problems since(2 yrs ago) & rides like a Benz should ride. Smooth & responsive. However, does use premium gas freely. Still love car of the yr. for 1998. Not looking to sell what's so ever..

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2.38 out of 5 stars

Will not buy another one

Will not buy another, 11/05/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is always in the shop (windows, transmission, electrical, fuel pump, etc)

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