Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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Mercedes boss!!
I purchased my Mercedes when I was 17 with 53,000 miles on it , I treated it like gold. Servicing it regularly never drove it hard or off road it handles so well and is so comfortable with so much room to haul things. Then I moved to North Carolina I thought about buying a jeep or a truck for the snow and the gravel roads, I thought wrong this Mercedes would climb a tree. as of now living in north Carolina I have driven in over two feet of snow up mountains and never spin out or slide, I now own an ml500 and baby that one, I have been putting my old Benz to the test! I go out every time it snows and drive off road and it never fails, same when I go through hunting trails and mudding even through creeks. I drove it through my local mud sling and made it! I put slightly bigger tires on my baby and I'm up to drive anywhere. I love this car it is truly a Boss with 289256 miles on her!!!
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Buy an ML if you want safety and reliability in AK
Reliable and sure-footed, remarkably good on fuel cross country (27MPG).
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- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $13,900171 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999272 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,995275 mi away
Still a Tank; interior falling apart
Our ML320 is a tank. It's been serviced well & have had no reliability issues. But, the electrical problems. These repairs cost **$$$$** so we have lived with them. Odometer light went out, radio has to be manually turned off/on, gas mileage tracker quit working. Once, when it was parked out in the rain, it freaked out & the interior lights and whistles went off and flashed until we turned the car off. We park it in the garage now. A life saver in the snow - the four wheel drive was awesome (live in FL now - it's awesome on soft beach sand). We need a third row, though. The children are going to kill or maim each other soon in that back seat. We are trading it in soon.
I'd buy another
I love this truck. I have put 100,000 miles on over the last 5 years with minimal maintenance. Typically get 21-23 mpg hwy/ 15-16 in town. Not bad for a 6,000lb truck. Down side is brakes! Mercedes recommends changing pads and rotors, very pricey and they wear very fast. I would buy another in a heartbeat, but this one may not wear out.
Twelve year experience with ML320
I have just traded in my 1999 ML320. We had a rocky relationship but it did last 12 years so it was not all bad. Frankly I loved the basic design, drive and utility of the vehicle. Maintenance was very very expensive and reliability reminded me more of GM than Mercedes. However, it never failed to start except when the battery died every four or five years so it did serve as reliable transport. So many little and bigger things required maintenance however that it was simply not economical to own and would have been cheaper to walk away from four or five years ago than to keep on the road. I finally threw in the town when the transfer case started acting up and repair was over 5 grand
Great Car!
I love this car, had it since 2000 almost have 270,000 miles on it. But of course you're gonna buy a new one but if you already have one and are going to sell it then don't drive it until the wheels fall off!
Good So Far But Several Annoying Things
I bought my 1999 ML 320 with 186k from the second Owner and have been pretty happy with it. The heated leather front seats are great, there is plenty of room in back for my rat terrier and her bed, and the cargo area is huge even with the back seat in place. The engine is smooth and quiet with great torque. The SUV feels sure-footed and is easier to park that I thought. Now for the not so good. An oil change is over $100 because the ML 320 holds 8.5 quarts of oil. The ride is stiff and there is too much wind noise. Yes the cup holders are terrible. And why on earth did Mercedes outfit the earlier ML's with a manual climate control ? The A/C takes forever to cool the interior on a hot day - and my ML 320 has dark tinted windows and I live in Oregon ! I can't imagine the A/C making the cut in Arizona. There are also some blind spots that take some getting used to.
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Excellent Vehicle!
Hey Guys! It's Gavin Back With The Updates On My 99' ML430, We Got Her Up To 306,000 Miles! Still Running Strong, Except For A Faulty Fan Clutch, But We Decided No To Put Anymore Money Into It Since We're Starting To Look At The New 550's. But The ML430 Was Definitely The Best Car I've Ever Purchased, And It Will Stay On That Position On My List! I'm Gonna Miss Her When She's Gone, But She's One Strong Girl!
Love my Aging Benz
Purchased this 1999 Mercedes Benz 320 with very low mileage - it had been in an accident but otherwise was in good repair. I bought an extended warranty which was well worth the price. Didn't have as much luck with Mercedes dealership repair shop - they kept trying to sell me a new car rather than repairing the one I had. The car is now 19 years old - body style is still current; interior is comfortable but doesn't have the 'technology' of today's cars. All electronics work including the NOAA weather radio station when in 4X4 mode, the 12-CD player and sun/moon roof. The vehicle is on a 'truck chassis' and I do use it as a truck - affectionately called my Ghetto Benz because the body has seen some wear. The only complaint(s) I have are the low gas mileage; the cost of repairs (if you use original parts); and the mechanism for folding down the rear seats - requires coordination and strength - hopefully more recent vehicles have new mechanism. Overall I was happy with my purchase. Still has low mileage and is available for sale to someone that wants a safe first car for their inexperienced driver.
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ML is magic on dry or wet roads
The ML is designed from the ground up to be a superior performing light truck in all weather conditions. My experience to date with the vehicle has been superb. Performance is strong, handling is tight, and traction is amazing on dry or wet surfaces. All Wheel Drive is a *must* in my book. It is part of what makes this vehicle a superior performer. So is the Independant suspension. It seems to get better when you go off road or load the vehicle with passengers or cargo. I drive this car 120 miles day to and from work. I average 80mph on the freeway. This vehicle rocks! It has some design flaws on the interior mostly but these things have been corrected in the 2000-2002 models.
Very Pleased with ML 320
I traded my BRAND NEW JGCL with 16K miles on it due to numerous problems. Got the '99 ML320 for an excellent price with under 42K miles, and I am not looking back. The car handles well, and is excellent in wintery weather/ice. Acceleration is good (especially in highway traffic), and my choc lab LOVES this car - no more lurching off the back seat when I drive off due to excellent stability! Just to be safe, bought an extended warranty for an additional 36k miles - have not had to use it yet, so maybe I wasted my money on that. Overall, an excellent buy. Now, I just have to convince my family to bury me in it when the time comes!
love mine
sweet engine. great ski car. maintain them and they go forever
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1999 ML320
Bought new, still own it. It has been a great vehicle. Would buy another.
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'99 Mercedes ML320
My wife's car. Wonderful for her - sits high with great visability & comfort. The AWD is supurb here in Denver - great in snow and it doesn't eat up tires as I feared it would (we get 40K miles per set). Gets only 20 MPG on highway at 75. (I don't even try to determine our mileage in the city!) Reliability has been better than some other owners reported: Replaced air mass sensor (expensive!) at 55K miles (it caused transmission to shift late or not at all). Replaced front brakes at 40K and 73K; rear brakes at 73K. Brakes/rotors are expensive, but very, very easy for a do-it-yourself project. (Brake parts for four wheels cost me about $350.) Transmission can't be serviced by non-MB shop.
Fantastic Vehicle
Still looks great! Still feel's great! Still fun to drive! Owner is Master Mechanic but not needed, other than Transmission Replacement, but not to mention everyone else who has an ML has the same problem. 265,000 and still running strong, and still putting up a good fight. Hope I have many more miles to come. Beautiful design! Never regretted the purchase. Highly recommended. But! I'm sure that you will not buy an 11 year old truck!
Wonderful
The light truck, as Mercedes calls it, is simply a joy to drive. Handling is superb. Engine is very powerful. Interior is extremely comfortable. Friends at school are filled with envy of my car. No problems yet anyway. New replacement key - $115. New automatically adjusing rear view mirror - $585. But overall ride quality is just wonderful.
48,000
Bought the car with 35K miles. The ESP is great, you don't even feel it engaging. Seats are too stiff and lots of plastic. Steering feels heavy. Replaced all 4 rotors and pads for under $400, very easy-did it myself. Our Honda Pilot and Acura MDX beats the comfort factor and drivability but I feel very secure with ML specially when raining and snowing.
233392 and still kicking
This car is amazing. It's not the fastest thing on the road by far, but it is a tank in the snow. Nothing will stop it and we live in Minnesota. I've had Explorers and Expeditions, Blazers, etc, but nothing comes close to the ML in the snow. Also, everything still works on it. I bought the car 3 years ago with 220000 on it. I knew I had something special when, not only did the rear wiper blade work, but so did the rear washer! The stereo is clear and loud too ... Great winter car for the money.
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1999 ML430
I've owned various SUV's over the last 20 years, including every style of Jeep on the market, but this will probably be the last one I will ever need or want to buy. It was built to last and is extremely comfortable. The seating position for the driver is superb for on and off road adventures. The amplitheater style seats in the rear provide the passengers equally good view of the scenery. I hate having to break down and buy foreign, but nothing we americans make, and none of the small boxes the Japanese make come close.
I Love My Mercedes ML
I love the performance of this suv. German car feel makes driving fun. I receive many compliments on this beautiful car. The rear could look less like a mini-van but the front and side looks awesome. After 101,000 miles, I have only had a few problems: window problems, cup holder, power-steering pump, sunroof, interior trim, tail light, and a/c fuse. But I'm not picky. Warranty covered these items except interior trim. There are obvious quality control and reliability issues with the interior of this truck which can be costly, but I have yet to hear of an engine problem/transmission problem except for fuel pump. Be sure to buy extended warranty, I think it's worth it.
18 yrs old and still great!
Always done the scheduled maintenance and this vehicle has been wonderful! So maneuverable and turns on a dime.
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This is a great automobile!
My ML 320 has never let me down. No major repairs, only routine maintenance. I have yet to see the "service engine soon" light come on. Performance, safety, and winter handling are unbeatable. This vehicle is glued to the road in any conditions! I still average 24 mpg on the highway at 70 mph (22 mpg at 80 mph)! My only complaints are with the interior. My rearview mirror adjustment knob popped off and I have not been able to find it. Well, what can you expect when the Germans hired someone else to engineer the interior? I am not disappointed, the interior it is still good, it just doesn't live up to the quality of the rest of the vehicle.
200k still going strong
This is a very sturdy SUV. Classic lines very reliable and also a strong and comfortable ride.
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Can't Keep Up With Repairs
I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago used with 70,000 miles. Since then I had to replace driver side window switch ($482.00), cad converter($2000) oxygen sensors($1000),rear brakes & roters($1000), the interior squeaks, front squeaks, etc.. many more repairs to come and it did not hold its value I might as well just burn it!
I loved my ML430!
I purchased my ML430 pre-owned(1 other owner) in 2004. The car was well taken care of and the maintenance books showed that the original owner KEPT THE MAINTENANCE UP on schedule!! When I purchased it had 40k miles at 5 years old at the time. I too kept the maintenance up with a VERY good Mercedes Benz dealership and this SUV did not give me 1 problem, until 5 years later at 120k, normal wear and tear and aging. At that point, any car will need replacement maintenance. I really enjoyed my ML 430, this has been a very good car to me and my family. Safe, reliable, beautiful...it aged very well, people were shocked that it was 10 years old last year! I look forward to my next M-Series!
Junk
Everything starts falling apart at about 80k. We've spent well over $2k in repairs in the last 6 mo. and I was just told that we've got an entire page of other issues that need to be addressed as I had it at the dealer for our third recall! Last recall we paid $1200 in repairs before they issued the recall. After telling us they'd reimburse us we had to wait 6 months before Mercedes did so, and only after we had to start legal action. MB is not even close to being in Toyota's league. It's disgraceful what they charge for these vehicles/service and unfair that only a dealer can check fluids. MB service shouldn't be required to keep the vehicle from repairs.
Don't Buy the Star
Bought a used ML 320 in good condition. First thing I noticed was the rough ride for a "Luxury SUV." Averaged 12 miles a day since I owned it. The next day after bringing it home had to have the gas gauge fixed. It never read accurately afterwards. Then with less than 29000 miles had to have smog components replaced. Final straw was a "computer module" failure that left me stranded. Wrote to MB, U.S.A and they failed to take accountability for the product they market and sell. Traded it in for a Japanese luxury SUV and will never have anything to do with German engineering built in the U.S.A. MB reputation at an all-time low with this one.
My wife loves the ML320
This has been a wonderful car for the family. Teenagers and adults like the full back seats. The car has a solid comfortable feel, but does not drive like a truck. Our only problems have been with a gas gauge that doesn't register all the way to full and recently a dashboard light that burnt out for the clock. We also priced that cross country Vovlo at the time but thought this was a better buy.
Terribly Unreliable
I have had more problems with this vehicle than all seven other vehicles i have owned combined. Granted i did buy it with 100k miles on it, none of these things should be going wrong with a Mercedes Benz. I have had U-joints fail, bolts on both sides of my front suspension break twice, electronicsgo out on the center dashboard, three ignition coils fail, and the A/C compressor has gone out. Aside from that it has a rough ride like riding in a sports car without the fun. Much of the car uses cheap materials that can not hold up to everyday use. It does have decent performance for the size vehicle it is, though.
I Love My Truck!
I went from a 735i BMW to my current ML430. After 61000 miles I enjoy it more and more. My lease is up and I have ordered a new ML500...same color and all. My only doubt is whether I would be better off buying "old faithfull"
ML430 is a Good Vehicle
We have owned a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 vehicle for four years. It has been extremely reliable. This is our second Mercedes and won't be our last. I recommend keeping up on service. We have had no problems. I do wish the front leg room was just a little bit bigger. I am 6'1" and it could be just a little longer.
Horrible Idea
Thought this would be a great get the kids to and from school car. This car has been nothing but problem after problem. We do regular mantince on it oil change all That, besides th obvious this vehicle been in the mechanic shop a total of 15 times. There never a ending list to this vehicle of work needing to get done. Don't buy this car it a money pit.
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Mercedes ML 320
Continuing electrical problems. Doors lock while one is not in car. Always take out keys when I am not in vehicle. Intermittant rattles which dealer refuses to try and fix. Poor dealer relations when problems occur. Engine knock.
Good but...
Knew the car for all its life so bought it when it was being sold. I was mentally prepared to face issues but figured I'd treat myself to a Merc for a little while. Maybe because I was prepared, or maybe I was somewhat lucky, I didn't think the car gave me too much trouble - just enough to remind me that I bought it with 70K. For the 2 years and 20k miles I put on it, apart from the regular maintenance, I probably spent 1k, mass air flo sensors, brake pads and a couple of visits to check the 'check-engine-light'. For it's utility, saftey and the fact that it's a Mercedes, I have no regrets on owning it except maybe when I hit the gas stations lately.
Avoid this like the plague
I've had my ML430 for about 1 year and have spent close to $5000 in repairs. I wish I researched more on this problematic SUV. I've soon realized I am not the only ML owner that feels that way. After 2 days of owning it, the transmission had issues. It wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear (common prob), Gas guage not working properly (common prob), then Catalytic converter started making noise($1500 to replace), Window/Door lock switch panel didn't work (common prob NOTE: there's a relatively easy DIY fix for the window. Now the it won't start because the factory immobilizer has died. Let alone the normal maintenance.
Off Road for Many Miles
We have owned this car for about 60,000 miles, and had an extended warranty through last year. This car has been driven through city and country, with many miles off-road locating petroglyph and Indian ruin sites throughout the Southwestern United States. This is our third Mercedes and we have driven them an aggregate of over 250K miles, so I am somewhat biased toward the three pointed star. All of the suggested service was performed and the additional repairs required have totaled less than $1,000 which included the new platinum plugs at 100K miles. I would buy another one without a second thought.
An SUV that keeps falling apart
This clunker I own has kept falling apart since 1999. Accordion skylight roof control died within 6 months, head lamp burned out in 9 month, rear cargo bay plastic sidewall cracked up and broken in 1-1/2 years, windows driver side windows control died in 2 years, one headlamp light bulb burned out in 9 months, lamp cover leaking water inside and got cataract-like problem that blocked light seriously, bad chair design that has blocked blood circulation in my right thigh every time I drive, no lumbar support that caused back pain, many mysterious noises all the time while driving, terrible OEM General tires that made the rear part skidded so dangerously every time turned. Super gas guzzler!
A sad attempt. Never purchase a MB.
I have had so many problems with My 1999 ML430 (98K miles), I want to cry. Its been a very, very, troublesome vehicle from the day I bought it. My current stable is made up a BMW 3 series and Volvo S80 (as well as the ML430). The Mercedes has easily had twice (if not thrice) the amount of issues of both my other vehicles combined. Not to mention one of the poorest after sales service dealers I have ever encountered with a cost of ownership that is stifling.
Decent Buy
I bought this 1999 model in late 1998. I know the 1998 models and numberous problems. I have done 69K miles and have had the following warranty repairs. Transmission Control Module (Warranty) Driver Side Power Window Switch (Warranty) Alarm System (Warranty) Power Steering Hose (Recall) Auxulliary Cooling Fan Harness ( Out of Warranty: $400). Besides this I have done the regular maintenance, brakes, belts, etc. Overall it has been very reliable. I have never been stranded. I hear a lot of horror stories and sometimes think about trading it in. But since I have had no major problems, I don't want to start making new car payments and will probably keep it untill the first major problem.
Decent car, but not for the money
Good power, sophisticated AWD/traction control, resonable comfort, good headroom/rear legroom. BUT poor placement of controls, rear seat lowering is a nightmare, questionable quality (e.g. fuel pump died at less than 15,000 miles, no rear A/C vents, no climate control for A/C, poor CD changer placement, awful gas mileage, minivan appearance, cup holders are a joke, difficult access to spare tire.
Never again for Mercedes
I traded in my Cadillac Deville that had no problems with 112,000 miles (never one repair) for this SUV assuming that it would be more reliable since it was made by Mercedes- Benz. Was I wrong. After 55,000 miles I had to replace the drive shaft. Then the harmonic balancer went out and took everything else out with it, that cost 1200.00 and turned out to be a recall. M-B reimbursed me 200.00 of the 1200.00. I have also replaced the transmission, transfer case, rear shocks, front struts. I have put almost 10,000 in repairs in this vehicle. The only good I have to say is the safety. I was the first car rearended by a surburban in a 4 car pile up and neither myself or daughter was hurt.
Lemon?
Had to replace the fuel pump at 36k. Warranty had expired 7 months prior and mechanics could not believe that part will go bad on a 36k ML430.
DONT BUY AN ML430
I bought my ml 430 new back in 1999 I had a lot of problems with it like cup holders break all the time, the power steering pump goes bad all the time and the interior wood trim is so cheep it squeaks all the time if you are planning to buy this suv I mean the ml 430 you need to know that its the worst m class in the history of Mercedes. My ml430 was sold with 37k miles and I bought a 2001 Ml55 its a totally different car even with the same body style. The best Mercedes suv is the ml320 all of my friends who has one have never complained about it. Some time wanting the options does not give you the best car you want
Fun to drive to ski and hiking
very comfort to drive, especially in the snow area, and mountain side. excellent control in downhill condition. Just fun to drive in all weather conditions.
Sticks like glue to the pavement
I owned an Explorer before this and this vehicle simply outperforms the Ford except in highway ride feel. The ML bounces a bit much on long highway cruises like a short wheelbase sportscar. But overall this vehicle rocks. The way the ML sticks to the ground is unsurpassed. The advanced ABS and traction control make it act like it has glue on the tires under ANY conditions. I mostly drive in rain and while other vehicles slow way down I simply keep on trucking down the road at freeway speeds with full confidence.
AWFUL VEHICLE ALL AROUND
I don't know what you people giving this car a good review are smoking, but what I do know is that drugs are bad. I've had about 21 vehicles so far, and the 99 ML320 is the most awful, poorly built, unreliable, thing (not a car!) that has ever been sold on this galaxy. The car was well kept and still it has 177k miles ONLY running because I have basically rebuild the darn thing. EVERYTHING on the car has gone bad! a few things such as clutch fan, a/c compressor, cold/hot air selector motor have actually been changed a few times! Other than that, name it (radiator, electrical components, all cabin controls for everything, drive shaft bearing, catalytic converter, suspension, etc) went bad
My Car
This car had bumper to bumper warranty for four years. It has had no major repairs. It had the belts replaced two or more years ago.
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.
maluze
The vast use of (hard)plastics in the interior of this $40,000 MERCEDES is astounding, and, makes the interor, without the wood trim,look like it would fit in a corolla. Ergonomics are good, but the gaping hole that resides under the radio controls is just, well, hideous.
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.