Used 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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all style, no substance
I liked the styling and the Mercedes-Benz brand. I owned an E320 and thoroughly enjoyed it but my 2000 M-Class has been nothing but trouble. I've spent $5,000 in 12 months on repairs, brakes, rotors, leaking seals, pumps, etc. Curently, it won't run without stalling and the dealerhip can't seem to find out what is wrong. The've had it for four days!
My first Benz
I recently purchased my first Mercedes- Benz, a black '00 ML320 with 48,000 miles. I get a lot of weird looks from other ML drivers, as I'm only 21 years old, but nonetheless, I love my car! It rides very smoothly and I've got a great view of the road. The only gripes I have: 1) vehicle was leaking oil a couple of days after I purchased it; the problem was a leaky crankshaft seal and a bad crankshaft pulley, which I was told by the technician was a common problem with the V6 motor. 2) the liftgate rattles when I drive over any bump, and sounds horrible when I close it. Otherwise, it's a great car to drive.
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,650100 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995468 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,500690 mi away
WE LOVE IT!
An absolute great car! We've had a few problems with the steering mechanism, plastic on driver side seat cracked at 40,000 miles, and a lot of flat tires. We've never used the spare tire, because we don't know how to release it from it's holder... Other then those mishaps, WE LOVE IT!
ML430 Lemon
18 warranty issues in 2 years of ownership, including safety, reliability and drivability problems. This is my 3rd and FINAL Mercedes-Benz product.
Great to drive, but ...
Responsive engine, fun autostick, reasonable gas mileage (if you're careful), wonderfully comfortable seats, great sounding stereo. But every six months its back in the dealer for something else, window switches (of course), rattles, CD, radio, paint (dealer's fault). The build quality is dismal
ML430
Bought a Starmark vehicle. Wonderful vehicle! Don't understand the comments about fuel mileage. I get better than the EPA estimate. What do you expect from a truck? Solid as a rock and not top heavy feeling like other SUV's.
ML 320
I bought the vehicle new. 6 years and few problems. Oil sending unit did leak after 5 years. Didn't feel that should have happened. 48900 miles and still using original brake pads. Very surprised. Replaced switch for abs system. No other problems.Have changed oil every 10000 miles per fss.MBUSA insists on premium unleaded. I have burned regular unleaded for years. Can't tell any difference.
I'm scared
I bought this thinking I would own it for years and put 150,000 miles on it. Five months later I'm trying to get rid of it. So far its spent 20 days at the dealership. The shops been great, but the problems keep coming back. Power steering quit twice. Brakes quit (pedal to the floor) and took over a week to fix. Replaced shocks, brakes, all with less than 40k on the car. What's worse is that every time it goes to the dealer they have to air ship parts from Alabama. Appearantly they are type specific for each car. I love driving the car, but I can't imagine the repair bills once it goes off warranty. Would I do it again? NO!
Love it - Trading for 2003!
I love this truck! I have owned several MB in the past (6) and all of them have their own problems but I have to tell you this one has been great. I have NOT been dissappointed. THe dealership has repaired any problems, usually before I notice them. They have taken exceptional care of me and my vehicle, probably because I have been a customer since 1975.
Best of 16 Vehicle I've owned.
Of the 16 vehicles (cars, vans, SUVs) I've owned, this has the best value and utility. I have over 48,000 miles, and although there have been some minor problems with the rear seat, the over- all performance and use-ability of this vehicle is great. There is lots of room, great visibility, enough power to pass trucks and great braking. I have never driven a vehicle with more "sure- footedness". I am never fearfull in the rain or snow. The comfort level is very good, and I get 20 MPG over-all (22 highway).
50k junk
vehicle has been in the shop more times than I care to remember, I bought this for my wife thinking it was the best I could do for her. It really hurts to see what a piece of junk this thing is. She still likes it, but I have grown to hate it. also have a SL500 with 75,000 mi it cost over 6k in repairs last summer as it has continous electrical problems. It appears that MB has no quality. MB shop said to consider what they mean when thay say "engineered like no other" I thought it meant great cars. Bernie Doran Centerburg, Ohio
What A Lemon
Trouble started 10 days past qualifying for the lemon law - met all stipulations except the time period. Towed numerous times for the same problem to the same dealership (due to a move not the selling dealership). Never could fix for any length of time. Regional service manager wouldn't return calls, Mercedes USA wouldn't help. Would NEVER recommend one.
Hard Worker
Vehicle is driven daily commute and hauls my bass boat. Delievered quality was good. Minimal maintenance has been needed. Except in snow, >9 in., vehicle goes with minimal fuss. It tries its best to keep you from doing stupid things. Driving position is generally good and seats supportive. However on long drives >6 hrs. could use more thigh support. length. More than adequate power to tow my 21' bassboat (~4200 Lbs. Combat Loaded). Heater/AC is acceptable but noisy at high fan speeds. Cheap interior plastics are a put down. Off Road activity has been acceptable but not rubicon capable. The lack of a full size spare tire is not good.
Expected More
Overall the vehicle is a good buy if you are stepping up in class for the first time. However if you expect Mercedes quality in the M-class you will be disappointed as I was. Within the 1st year of ownership I had to return the vehicle to the dealership 3 times to fix small rattles, loose nuts etc. The breaks seem to wear more on this vehicle than any other that I have owned. Coming from a Ford Explorer I expected more from a Mercedes. If you have to go with Mercedes go with their cars, but as far as luxury SUVs their so-so.
solid value
Extremely comfortable SUV. It's not a big load hauler or a tow vehicle, but load up the family and a bunch of suitcases and drive this ANYWHERE! I've had a Chevy S10 Blazer, and the M- class handles snow and slick roads MUCH better.
Satisfaction
Hard ride. Defrost system clumsy to operate. Have to be constantly careful steering because it is very sensitive. Like being high. No place to put purse in front when there is someone in passenger seat. Great storage at waste high trunk. Don't like having to pay for highest octane gasoline. Good ride on interstates. Feel every bump on local streets.
ML320
Great vehicle. Only disadvantage is small area for 3rd row seating.
Mercedes SUV
This is our 2nd Mercedes SUV. Previously purchased same model in 1998. The 2002 had many improvements and enhanced comfort ... great vehicle that I would recommend to anyone!
OK, needs improvement in next generation
Lots of electrical problems. Engine is loud, doesn't sound good either, slow acceleration. Throbbing wind noise with rear windows rolled down. Fuel tank too small (230mi range) Fuel filler not compatible with certain pumps Needs cutting edge safety features Small cargo area. Wind noise from rearviews low road noise however Good ride and handling, however stability is questionable Comfortable, very easy to drive, great turning radius. great brakes for SUV dealer service is great bad cupholders
SHOCKED!!!!!!!!
I can't believe the reviews on this SUV. Have driven the RX300 LEXUS and the MDX from Acura, the ML320 has them beat. First, it is just plain fun to drive. Then again the simple ergonomics and quality in the leather is amazing. Very quite and I am shocked at the many people I talked to who said this is a "trucky" feel to the SUV.For someone else in my category i.e. Third a must, quality in the ride, great sound system. Try a ML320.
Most Pratical Luxury SUV
Living on the top of a mountain dirt road, down a 1200 foot driveway - we got 28 feet of snow in 2002-03 - we really need an SUV. This car has performed in all weather getting us safely home, is a pleasure to drive on the highway - quiet and nimble - and has never caused any maintenance issues other than annoying lights out on the dash. A winner in my book - roomy, comfortable, safe, reliable.
You would expect more from M-B.
First experience with M-B., and a frustrating one, had to be taken to the shop at least 10 times in the past 2 and half years, and was helped by road side assistance at least 6 times more, excellent treatment everytime at shop, but please....for $40K you would expect more. Shame on you M-B, to have this black sheep among your other exquisite siblings...
Biggest Mistake of my life
After 10 days of ownership an electrical short burned a hole in the headliner- in three years the engine has been replaced, 3rd set of brakes, fuel pump, srs system, abs failure, power steering problems, windowswitches, fuses, rattles, broken seat and heater, blown a/c--poor acceleration/decel- tranny issues undiagnosed. NEVER again- No one will give me a decent trade-in due to the vehicle history.
2000 ML430
Overall, great vehicle, great handling and fun to drive. Excellent acceleration for the weight of this vehicle and the safety is top notch.
The best vehicle in the snow I've ever driven
got about 120k miles on my 2000 ml320 and it is fricking awesome. ive owned it since 100k and ive had to replace steering rack, power steering resevoir, rear brake lines, trans pan leak, front ball joints, etc. Its a total money pit when it comes to repairs, but she has never left me stranded. This truck is by far the best thing ive driven in the snow and ive driven quite a few 4x4 trucks and suvs. i live in the U.P. of michigan where we can get 2 feet of snow in one snowfall and this thing absolutely plows through feet of snow. I dont even have to shovel the driveway to get out of a foot of snow, just romp right out of it. grand it, i do have general grabber at2 tires on the truck which help a lot, but even when i had worn all season it was still a beast. I highly suggest this truck for the winter, I drive the speed limit or higher when conditions are absolutely horrendous while everyone else is going 10-15 under (I dont suggest doing this though its still very unsafe for many reasons).
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
After 80,000 miles - trouble - high cost
Expensive to extend its life - Cayalytic converter cracked, shock absorbers in rear needed replacement, coil went out , spark wires replaced, new transmission fluid required to extend life (MB says no, dealer says yes), New fuel filter,...etc. $3,500 + costs - too much
Spent Too Much!
Bought this vehicle and spent the money thinking I was purchasing quality. Have had the car back to the shop at least 6 times for leaking anti freeze - can't seem to fix properly. Customer ervice totally rots once you buy the car - Treated with little respect as a female owner - would I do it again - NO WAY - even though I do like the car and even spent the $$$$ to purchase the extended warranty thinking I would keep until I got my monies worth. Even the brakes don't last - I have under 24,000 miles on this car and really try to keep it up but this is definitely high maintenance!!!!!
very pleased
very powerful, user friendly gadgets.
Love it when it is out of the shop
It is a smooth quiet car with fair gas mileage. Very comfortable and easy to drive. However, many many small things go wrong and fixing it is difficult, at least for my dealer. Everything turns out to be not covered. The window lever went out 4 times in the first two years, the radio/navigation system went out 5 times while on warranty and now I have a 2500 dollar box that isn't working. The oil light went on for 6 months and they couldn't figure out how to fix it. The key did not recognize me for three weeks and three trips to the dealer, etc.
Exclusive!
I had it since 2000 it now has 27k it still runs superberbly. My husband takes it off roading all the time, it's great.The car doesn't catch peoples eyes as much as it used to because the M-class is all over the place now, but it is still my baby.
ML 430
I am very impressed with the overall comfort and performance of my ML. The car is roomy, fast, firm, and well designed.
I Hate it
I own 2 Mercedes. The ML430 has had nothing but problems. I will not ever buy another Benz again. I thought it was just the ML430, but my SLK is also a money pit. Very disappointed with Mercedes
Lame as the others say
In three years, I've been to the dealer for many issues from the SRS light (twice), CD player, seats slide, Sunroof chatters, Brakes go out at 25K (undersized I feel), driver window switch, ESp light, etc. Tires wear out around 28K. My carfax report can tell it all. Very disapointed in a 45K MB, would have been better off in a Denali, Tahoe, or Ford. Friend has two ML and no problems?? Go figure.
Didn't know I was Buying a Chrysler!
My ML320 has been great mechanically but a disaster with the electronic systems. I have had problems with power windows, seats (both sides), sterio, cd player, overhead trip computer, gas gauge, heated seats, rear wipers, ac adapters and third row seats. Service has been great (I'm on a first name basis with them). MB extended my warrantee but it's not enough. It is in the shop too often, it takes 2 weeks for an appointment and then I have to wait for parts. Too many problems! I thought I was buying the best. How disappointing to find that I bought a very expensive Chrysler!
pretty disappointing
My rating number does not tell the full story. My wife and I love the truck for all that is Mercedes. We both agree though that the build quality is poor. Sure all the stuff is fixed under warranty, but going to the dealership every month and a half gets old. I should have known what I was in for when the door broke on delivery. Failed window switches, radio glitches, hoses that develop holes - in addition to shoddy work at the dealer. Can't say I would buy one again, and in fact, are shopping to trade it in on something else. Really thought I would get something more for a $500 a month payment.
ML430
This car is a powerhouse of fun to drive. The car responds better than any SUV I have ever driven and it has a fully integrated GPS system (1st of its kind). My only problem with the car is the low profile tires, which I have had to replace every once a while.
Gotta luv it
We got a great deal on this ML430 with 6 months and only 6000 miles on the clock and a 100K Starmark. Better deal than any new purchase. Yes, we've had to endure the stupid small fixes: drivers window stuck down, back passenger door sticking, left side of drivers seat broke. BUT, this is one heck of a drive and we love it on our 400 mile trips to Jay Peak. We had Pathfinders before, which we thought were comfortable, but this ML430 gets us there in such a refreshed state (and with style) that we now realize how mcuh of our energy went into driving the Pathfinders.
Didn't know I was Buying a Chrysler!
My ML320 has been great mechanically but a disaster with the electronic systems. I have had problems with power windows, seats (both sides), sterio, cd player, overhead trip computer, gas gauge, heated seats, rear wipers, ac adapters and third row seats. Service has been great (I'm on a first name basis with them). MB extended my warrantee but it's not enough. It is in the shop too often, it takes 2 weeks for an appointment and then I have to wait for parts. Too many problems! I thought I was buying the best. How disappointing to find that I bought a very expensive Chrysler!
Safety, handling & value
I suppose the best way to think of an ML is that it's the least "Mercedes" Mercedes. A lower quality fit and finish is an obvious compromise in getting the price to the mid $30's. First, the ML is safer than most SUVs because of superb braking, multiple airbags (my 2000 ML has six), ESP (electronic stability program), and very good handling. The cabin offers fewer frills, but really only fails in the all important cup holder department. Operationally, the biggest improvement I can think of would be a larger gas tank for a little better range and fewer fill ups.
Avoid this thing
Poor design and poor execution sum it up. Transmission shifts roughly and balks at downshifts, rear seats impossible to get up, windows very slow to raise, CD changer rarely works right, HVAC doesnt like to change temps, very uneven and wobbly ride which is incredibly tiring, tiny gas tank in a gas guzzler, etc. etc. etc......