Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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Too Few Comforts, Too Many Repairs
I compair this car to my 1994 Mercury Sable which cost 1/2 as much. The Mercury does it better in each of these areas: Trip computer poor, no auto heat/air control, intermittenent wiper limited, cup holders in wrong place, visors don't cover two windows at once, switches in wrong places, arm rests too low, way to many trips to the dealer, parts expensive, many rattles.
MB ML320
OK Vehicle for actually an American built (in Alabama). truck. Good Derman engine and drivetrain. Poor US assembly. Fairly reliable, but major parts blew with no help from factory (warranty expired). $3000 for tranfer case at 102,000 miles, steering box at 111,000 cost $2200, Rt Engine exhaust manifold cost $750 installed at 160,000. High pollution engine. Pulled trailer 1500 miles no sweat. Wont buy a another MB. Now going to try Toyotas reputation. BTW, this was a work truck for me, not a wifes car to take to the store.
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,99596 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995648 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,9881,028 mi away
Never Again
Bought ML320 used at 22K miles. Had it for 20 months, and got rid of it. The final straw was the failure of the third ESP/BAS unit. Wife drives my Volvo wagon with 230,000 miles because it was more reliable! ESP/BAS was replaced twice at $1800 each time, and needs replacing AGAIN! Fuel pump failed ($800); new rear struts ($250);"Check Engine" light on constantly. In 20 months, we spent over $5K in repairs - Plastic pices, trim and other interior parts were coming loose; wind noise; moon roof never would seal properly; window drive motor on its last legs (which I refused to put any more money into the car). NEVER NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A MERCEDES BENZ
MY LAST MERCEDES
This was my 4th and will be my last Mercedes. With fond past experiences I didn't mind paying the extra cash for the 3-pointed star. Replaced many parts during the warranty period and got to know my repair service rep very well. When the warranty period expired, the true pain commenced. Replaced: the ESP/BAS unit twice at $1600 each time, one fuel pump ($870), two window electronic control sets ($400 each), interior panel lights went out twice, the steering wheel cover is loose and interior/exterior trim pieces keep coming loose. The wind noise is like a Mack truck. Now there is a whining noise under the hood. Enough is enough!!!
All on How You Take Care
Got the "Light Truck" 9 months ago. It came with dealer-installed running boards,full grille gaurds with PIAA foglights. Driving is always a pleasure in wintertime. Although quality is literally plastic moldings for the dash, they suit well enough for the price. Not the quality instituted in German-built facilities. Many speak of cars falling apart on them. If you don't follow the maintainence that Mercedes asks for the vehicle of course it'll fall apart. Service the vehicle every six months and it will go the distance in mileage. The cargo space with folded down seats and extra two 6th and 7th seats is roomy enough to say the ML's are willing to get a little dirty but still its a luxury SUV.
Good car for the price.
A very good car. Fun to drive. Average gas mileage. Rides a bit rough. Overall a good car for the price.
rollover
This is thje seconfd ML I have rolled. This rollover came whena car hit the left rear quarter after running a red light. The car was traveling at 35, and I was travelling at a similar speed. The ML rolled to the side, upon being hit, and then onto the roof. I was not injured, except for a laceraton on my head. This is the second ML I flipped, the other wasa 2001, that the right rear tire blew. I skidded, ;lost control of teh car,and the car again went right over.
My dream auto
This is not a good mileage vehicle but it rides like a dream, handles great and will haul pretty much anything you want. As with many black Mercedes, the hood is a faded chalky black while the rest of the car shines.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Do not buy the 98-99 model!
This car is awful! Bought it at 82k and now has 115. At 85 had to change oxygen sensors. 100$ each. So $400. Engine coolant started leaking at 88k, had to change the radiator. 120. This car is just awful. Good comfort.
No Major Problems
I have had no major problems, I have had a few minor problems with the fit and finish, but all were covered by warranty and the service I received from Mercedes is excellent. In my area they even offer Moble service and they come right to you.
EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE FOR THE PRICE
EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN EXCELLENT. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. EXCELLENT HANDLING AND BRAKING.
Love the vehicle
I have had this vehicle now for almost three years and I love it. The handling is exceptional and and I have no mechanical or electrical problems what so ever. I recommend my car and all the versions after it to my friends and convinced one to purchase a 2002 version and as he said, I will never purchase another car ever again.
ML 320
I have owned this MB for about 2 years and have not had any problems except for a cup holder I broke with my knee that was replaced by Dealer free with no questions asked. The vehicle has been totally reliable and is fun to drive.
Love the ML320
This car is excellent overall. It drives and performs like a true Benz (for those of us that know.)I have had many and this one is fun, fast, sporty, yet user friendly for those trips to the antique shows or for the mulch bags. Dynamic control and comfort for an SUV. I would buy this car again.
QUITE A SUPRISE
When I first started comuting in it, I was pleased with the comfortable interior. While some would like more H.P. I find it gets up & goes when entering highway traffic. I am not towing a trailer & don't feel it is underpowered for my use. Fuel milage averages 20 MPG, but 90 - 95 % of that is highway. Of course I bought it as a sport utility & have roof racks for kayacks,(noisy when hauling.) I also own a boat & constantly bring supplies back & forth, plenty of room. I like the over the head tailgate, at 6'1" I don't hit my head. I have gone through several vehicles in the past few years, this one will be around for a while.
Solid Delivery
I drive the ML for both city and highway use in the metro -Detroit area. Great in all weather. Haven't had any problems with the car compared to various issues that I've read about in magazine and web-sites. Great value for the money in terms of features and re-sale.
40,000 Miles of Use
My Mercedes has been reliable and in general a joy to drive. Negatives: 1. 26,000 $900.00 brake jobs. 2. Everything done to the vehicle, not covered by warranty costs more than $400.00. 3. Rattles and squeaks. 4. Paint finish is pretty, but very poor in its ability to withstand normal road dings.
Poor quality
This car has been in the shop several times. It has cut off in the middle of the road as well as a separate instance where the steering wheel locked up - both very dangerous situations. Plastic pieces have broken. The power windows broke on the night my son was born and I had to run back and forth from the delivery room to the parking lot so the repairman could get the window back up. It a fun and practical car but simply is not reliable considering it 2 years old.
Why so many Noises & problems?
These are all the parts which I've replaced during my 25,500 miles driving history: 1) all four shocks totally replaced within 10,000 miles due to non-stop clunking noises 2) all the doors's power locks were replaced due to failure to close doors, the door gears simply won't activate, doors would bounced back when tried to close 3) right headlight burnt out at 9,000 miles 4) driver side window could not close; Also, 5)Check Engine yellow light was on at 25,000 miles, emission problem. Most annoying problem: Non-stop creaking, clunking, squeaking, cracking noises everywhere during the drive. Just could not imagine how this car was assembled in USA.
FUEL PUMP
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR TWO WEEKS. The fuel pump went at 34k miles. This happened driving the car back from purchasing it.... Mercedes warranty covered the car, but now my wife has lossed confidence in the vehicle. I hope no other problems occur. The car drives nice, for a truck
ML320
I got my ml new and i have loved it ever since...it feels and rides like a good or better yet great car and for the price it was the best SUV on the market at the time and maybe now...The only gripe that i have is that my model did not have automatic climate control, but they have finally added it to the 2002 model
Alot of things break on this car
Everything has broken at least once on the interior of this car, from electric windows, seat heaters, seat belts, windows, a/c, trip computer,EVERYTHING!!! However, the engine has beensuperb, and the reliability of the engine has been perfect. I love the car, except when more stuff breaks!!
MB as a rugged family car
I needed a car in the AWD category which was suited for rough off-roading trips in the country and daily suburban mom, and which wouldn't embarass my husband when he had to park it next to his super-status-concious coworkers. For the money, this car fit the bill. Remembering there wasn't much out there in the smaller 6+passenger SUV category at the time and that this car was originally priced considerably less than the other entries in this category, like Lexus and Toyotas, I can forgive many annoying flaws. I'm still a loyal owner, but I haven't had any of the reliablity issues the other reviewers had, and I wouldn't tolerate them if I did.
car sucks with too many recalls
My car was bought in October last year and has been in the shop for recalls, oil consumption studies, mirror replacements, and leaking problems over 6 times. The car is cheaply made and there is very little luxury when you must use a loaner car more than you can drive your own.
Mercedes ML is a partial hit! 8+
This is basically a good SUV; at first I thought it was too small and uncomfortable and after 3 years I am learning to live with the size, but it is still uncomfortable ie, seats very hard and suspension stiff. Mercedes thinks (ha) that only off roaders buy SUVs. Detroit also thought their cars were fine twenty years ago too! At 95 miles per hour it handles like a sports car and feels quite safe (I was late going to the airport). Fuel economy is good considering the weight of the vehicle, about 5k lbs, and the size of the motor. Pulling our boat is easy and effortless and I am glad I had the trailer package.
Not the Benz I used to know
This is one example where "they don't make them like they used to." Mercedes has clearly discredited their name and reputation with this SUV. Clearly not assembled in Germany; more likely in a Chrysler plant. Reliability and maintenance costs clearly the biggest draw-back to this car. Resale value is also very poor as not many people interested in buying these cars back, including the Mercedes dealerships. My recommendation is buy a Lexus.
Great design and ride but quality stinks
I have owned a '99 ML320 since new and it now has 105,000 miles on it. I love the ride and utility of the vehicle and to be fair it has never failed to start nor has it ever stranded me except when the battery failed (and then a nice MB tech arrived to replace it at cost of battery). That said, the quality stinks. The car has been in the shop about 20 times for various bits and pieces failing or falling off. Everything from rusting lug nuts (within 90 days of new) to a failed steering sensor (requires replacement of entire steering column). This car is expensive and annoying to keep on the road. Final insult is that now the driver's door has penetrating rust. Buy a Honda Pilot instead.
Don't Buy
I had one problem after another. Sorry engineering! Things that should never break broke with little use. My parents had one also and had to have it towed 4 times.
ML320
I love this car. After two Ford Explorers (91 and 95) which were in and out of the shop at the drop of a hat, how wonderful it is to have a vehicle that is reliable.
The Lew Review
My 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is a joy to drive. My friends and I always use my car around town because it is just amazing. I hope to purchase this vehicle in a newer model very soon so I can continue to enjoy my driving experiences.
Great car
This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. I seldom have to take it in for anything other than routine maintenance.
Owning a '99 ML320
I love the sensitivity of the gas pedal and the ease of the steering wheel, but the gas mileage is pretty sad. Handful of electrical panel problems, but nothing major. No engine problems so far from owning it for six years. Good vehicle.
Hope for the best
Since the purchase, the brakes were done, including the front and rear pads. The airconditioner compressor had a major leak, so it was replaced, check engine light on resulting in a tuneup because it had the wrong plugs, stability control light on/cruise control inoperative, replacing the brake switch corrected the problem. installed a K/N air filter, now highway mileage is 24.6 mpg at steady 65, not bad for the size and weight of this vehicle.
Best in Class
A Great Everyday Vehicle which has not been fully appreciated by the auto critics.
A FINE CAR
WE USE THIS VEHICLE ONLY ON LONGER TRIPS. HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER ONE TIME FOR A FAULTY REAR HATCH LOCK UNDER WARRENTY. HAVE DRIVEN PAST MAY VEHICLES IN THE DITCH ON ICY FREEWAYS.EXCELLENT WINTER CAR. EXCELLENT RIDE.
Wach for Air Conditioning BAD BAD
Air conditioning poor especcialy in the back,dealer and corporate office would not deal with the problem..Car made that way keep it or sell it.Bad Costumer service care, if car as a big problem.hanced four pannel of doors.Crack Plastic cover replaced,dashboard controll replace it,and three time main brain box for opereting window and doors for malfunction,replace it.
Saved my ass
No better vehicle than one that gets you through a 16 inch snow storm, 8 inch ice storm, 24 hour sleet storm through 4 states in 16 hours on old tires and yet is 4 years old without a mishap. All the while watching drivers get in all manner of accidents in states that have no clue how to deal with inclement weather. WV actually had pick-up trucks with plows on I-79!
Great used car value
Got my '99 ML320 with a little more than 50,000 miles on the odometer, spending $22k, or about half the cost of a new model. A service record obtained from the local MB dealer showed that most of the annoying glitches that plagued early MLs had been taken care of (window switches, etc.). I've had no issues with the vehicle, and am much happier with it than my Jeep Grand Cherokee. A lot of car for the $!
Doctors Love MLs
This truck is fantastic.
My dream boat sank.
Given that this was a used vehicle I cannot put all the blame on the vehicle. I was ok with regular wear and tear repairs but I had to give up when somehow the anti-freeze got into the block. I am guessing a gasket leak but in one day I went from my dream vehicle to "you need a new engine". I think that mounting the overflow tank for the radiator on top of the engine might have added to this problem. I will really miss my ML430, but I just can't go a new engine on a car with poor resale value.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER: IT'S A TRUCK!
I have enjoyed my ML 430 very much. Yes, there have been little nagging things that have been fixed, but, the dealer ALWAYS had another car for me. The seats a good and firm for all day driving. Not like a living room couch. Also people seem to forget : IT'S A TRUCK! NOT A CAR. Of course it is choppy over bumps. But I would like anyone to tell me that they can find another vehicle that handles like it and rides like it with a full frame underneath. When was the last time you checked the air in your tires? Sould be at 42PSI Overall: Great Vehicle. Rides like a true German car. FIRM!!!!
Third SUV
The ML320 is the third SUV I have owned (Ford Bronco and Ford Explorer being the other two). There is no comparison. The ML is astounding in its safety, handling, and construction. It is a joy to drive, both locally and on long trips. I drive it on rough mountain roads, on interstate highways and in city traffic with complete confidence. It is a beautifully engineered piece of work that combines safety and functionality with style.