Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Consumer Reviews
Reliable family car
Bought it with 35,000 miles and I have just put 37,500 more miles in 4 years. It had brand-new tires and brake-pads when bought and it is just about time to replace them. I have spent about $500 a couple of time extra for repairs (not regular maintenance) and my only complaint would be that I have to keep an eye on the engine oil level. If I drive over 70 miles per hour on a hot day, it will surely burn oil. Other than that I am pleased with this SUV.
well satisfied
This is my third ML 320 in three years, due to my unwillingness to wait for body repairs after being rear-ended and after a tree limb incident. Performance is better with the 2001 than the 2000, and the 2001 is tighter and more quiet than the 1999. All are solid and secure on the road, and handle beautifully. No mechanical problems with any.
- ML430 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,900534 mi away
- ML430 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,999745 mi away
- ML430 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,0001,029 mi away
Thought it would be better
Great car until it hit 107,000. New power steering pump $1000. Next month emmission air pump $1400. Drove it 4 miles check engine light came on again. Must clean engine vents. Maybe cleaned externaly for $650. If that does not work - $2000+. m selling the car. Lots of little stuff goes wrong.
9 Month Update
This is my 2nd review of this car. I just bought a 24' boat and I'm using the ML320 to pull it. I'm extremely pleased with the towing capacity of this somewhat small SUV. It pulls a 4600lb boat with no problem and I live on a large hill. The low gear is a great feature that works well. We have had no issues with the vehicle and it has been fantastic. I drove it 2200 miles across country without an issue. I noticed the battery comment in a previous review. Be careful - Germans don't like maintenance free batteries so you need to check the water levels in your cells or it will die with no warning. I'm really impressed with the capabilities of this vehicle.
Big disappointment
I bought this car as a Starmark certified vehicle from Mercedes. Almost immediately I noticed some issues: Two exterior plastic body pieces spontaneously broke, interior plastic parts seemed prone to breakage as well. Also, the breaks were very noisey and fluttery (dealer told me to live w/). Eventually, more serious (i.e. expensive) issues arose: fuel injectors became blocked, spark plugs fouled, coils needed replacement, power steering line ruptured... all within 21000 miles of purchase. Of the thousands of dollars in repair bills virtually nothing was covered by the Mercedes Starmark warranty. Shockingly poor quality, esp. from a company with such a premium reputation (and price tag)
A good value used
I purchased this vehicle for my wife for Christmas. She has always wanted one. I was a little hesitant due to the reviews on Edmunds. It appears some people love them and some hate them. We purchased a certified one because of these concerns. It has performed very well and is comfortable to ride in. I really like how stable it is off-road. This vehicle is ridiculously over-priced new (as most are) but has depreciated nicely to where you can get a good sport utility at a reasonable price with a decent warranty. The best thing about the vehicle is the safety features. I bought it for my wife and young son so they could walk away from almost any accident. It's a tank!
my opinion
This is the second ML I've owned and both have been totally reliable and fun to drive. Don't discount this SUV based upon some of the petty complaints passed around on the web, go drive one and see for yourself.
Love my car
This is the NICEST auto I have ever owned. I have had excellent reliability and have put nearly 40000mi on it in 2 years. I recomend it to everyone I know and I always get a WOW when I open the sky view roof. You can't imagine how awesome an 8 foot sunroof is, or as my husband says "a convertable SUV". I got rear-ended in my ML and the Honda Accord that hit me was totaled at 50mph, and all I had was a scratch...no joke, on my bumper. The other driver said it felt like he hit a brick wall!!! Anyway enjoy the luxury the safety RELIABILITY and pure joy of driving this car, you will never want another!!
Not A Mercedes
I trading in my 1996 Ford Explorer XLT in on a 2001 "Mercedes Benz" ML320. I traded in my T-O-T-L Explorer because while reliable, it had interior rattles. My brand new ML320 rattles worse. In addition the ML had the following failures: 1. Power windows. 2. Automatic door lock system. 3. ABS system. 4. Poor front and rear plastic bumper fit. 5. Poor driver side side-view mirror adjustability. 6. Uncomfortable front leather seats. 7. Rear seats do not fold down flat.
Nowhere to rest driver's elbows!
There's excellent & smooth V8 power, & the most carlike handling of any SUV that has a low range transfer case, but the power steering is WAY overboosted & there is NO where to rest your elbows when you are holding the steering wheel, if you are average or tall sized. VERY fatiguing! Don't buy one based on a short test drive, but imagine how tired your arms will get on a longer drive while you're forced to hold them out in front of you the whole trip.
My new 8 yr old ride
Traded my 04 Escalade ESV for this ML430 and some cash. Should have bought an M Class years ago. Much better engineering and build quality. More fun to drive, and more driver friendly and intuitive. Any bugs long since worked out, I think. Mileage is almost 17 city. Comfortable, and easier in & out. Smooth and quiet.
Perfection
This is my second ML 320 (1999 and 2001) Maybe I am lucky with cars but these two were the best I ever had. I will be buying a 2003 this fall.
Disappointed
I leased my first M-class in 2001 enjoyed it very much. End of lease purchased a 2001 M-class. Currently I have 85,000 on this M class with a easy care 100,000 mile warranty. Good thing, fuel pump (towed), gas/air mixture filter, sun roof air vents, electric window control, ESP and anti lock brakes. These were all covered by a warranty with a $100 deductible each time. Normal maintenance expensive. Oil changes $200 - $300. Rotors and pads for all four wheels $1,200, plugs and wires $800. I am thinking of trading it..
Excellent vehicle
I have had nothing but a fantastic vehicle. What is wrong with your vehicle. Mercedes is getting a bad rap on this one. Its a great ride and vehicle.
ml32001
The ML320 has been a great experience for me. This has been my first SUV owned and I have truly enjoyed and still is enjoying this vehicle. It handles very well (sturdy with a safe feeling). It just the perfect size and I can pretty much get around anything. I'm like a vehicle with a bit more pick- up and that is my reason for possibly trading and/or selling. Other than that this is one good riding/driving vehicle.
mb 320
Maintenance is expensive, but keeps the car in excellent condition. The car runs as well as it did 177,000 miles ago when it was new.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Never buy anything else!
I have owned many high end SUVs. The M Class is by far the best. Let's clear a few things up. It is a Mercedes. Don't expect to drive a year and never have any problems. That said, I have put 15,000 miles on this truck in less then a year and only had 1 minor problem. MB service is amazing, you never pay for anything. The truck handles like a sports car, no joke. I dumped a LR Disco for this and never looked back. The dealer is a pleasure to deal with. Don't buy this unless you are a real driver though. If you don't know what an apex is, if you're no interested in a 0-60 time, if you don't care about road holding index, this truck is not for you. You simply will not value it.
Beauty
This car just looks beautiful from outside. I play hockey and have and the steering column break and had the power steering fluid leak a couple times when the weather was under -40. Other than that, drives fast, guzzles gas, but looks good which is the most important right. I love how the seats fold flat. Seriously perfect. We are the 1st owner and love the ride. Gets you from point A to point B in style
What's Up with the ML320?
Easy to enter the vehicle. Good, firm, fronts seats with good adjustments for different sized people. Do not like the CD player being in the back of the vehicle. Good fit and finish. Engine noise not too bad, wind noise is negligible. Fuel economy is near 20. Good view from from seats, fair from the back. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Auto shifter is fun. Pulls 2000 lb. trailer with relative ease. Sound system is good with above noted exception.
2001 ML Disappointment
I am a die hard Mercedes Benz customer, having purchased many of their fine automobiles over the past 35 years. Notwithstanding, my experience with their ML product has been disappointing at best. Presently, we own a 2000 E320 and a 2006 S500. In recent years we have also owned a 2000 SL600 and a 1997 SL500, along with a 2002 S55, 2004 CL500 Sport, 1998 C230, 1993 300E and several 2000-2002 S430 / S500 Mercedes products. We also owned a 1999 ML320 that was a disaster on wheels and until this past week a 2001 ML320 that was one of the worst vehicles that we have owned to date.
Reliability
This is my 2nd M Class. Purchased the first model and was disappointed with all the problems it had. Gave MB another chance because of their reputation, believing they would fix all the issues. Bad decision - I only have 75K miles and it's been to the shop so many times, I lost count. Mechanical problems resulted in replacing the main computer (5K miles), power steering (pump went out at 11K miles), numerous sensors and fuel system components. Minor exterior and interior (broken plastic) parts are also a disappointment. I have gotten to know my mechanic very well. Forget MB and the status symbol. Every time I see an MB, I see my mechanic's shop. Not very reliable-only a name.
Merc + suck
So I bought this mint used 430 with 16,000 miles on it and boy was i burned. Been in the shop 7 times in 6 months. Door latchs, window lifts, winshield washers, seats, mirrors, electronics, on and on. What an idiot for thinking mercedes meant a solidly built car.
WORST CAR EVER!!!
Worst car EVER the ML 320 CDI. After three years of annual repairs exceeding many thousands of dollars we are parting with our two MBs. The ML for obvious reasons and the CLK 320 out of principle will be traded for an Audi and BMW. We were told expect 200k miles at not even 100k we've dumped more money into this car. Ok we expect the service upsell and the cost of A and B service which are ridiculous. In addition we have received thousands of dollars in annual bills - breaks, steering column, steering fluid, multiple oil leaks, engine issue, tranmission issues. I will NEVER buy another mercedes and urge anyone considering to buy a BMW where the cost of owning is better
Love It!
This car is expensive to fix but I love it! I bought this car used without a warranty and everything I have had to fix i.e. brakes, shocks, oil changes, both head lights, a tune up; was not covered by warranty anyway. The dealership I go to now gives out airline miles according to how much you spend getting your car repaired so that makes the cost of maintenance/repairs somewhat better for the consumer.
Mercedes M class
Not a Mercedes, drives like a Jeep with a mercedes name
ML55 AMG
This SUV is a rocket, much better than the Yukon I had for 6 months and did not like.
Be Warned of Low Quality & RipOff Labor.
Be Warned of Low Quality & Rip Off Labor prices. there are large number of failing componenents (fuel pump, steering components, sensors, brake switches, ignition coils, etc) that will let you stranded.. The labor is a rip off for a low quality component vehicle. $600.00 for changing a coil, $280.00+ for oil and filter changes, $1000.00+ for fuel pump changes. MB customer service is a joke and dealers are a nightmare. MB refuses to perform TSB's unless you get stranded. Value went from $45,000 to a dealer trade in value of $20,000 in 2001 to the year 2003.
Still Luv It
I have nothing but praise for this vehicle as it is exciting to drive (Sport), has served it's purpose (Utility), and has been a good daily commuter (Vehicle). I still get plenty of looks with the Sport package and the service received from the Cincinnati store has been impeccable. It must be said that any and all cars will have minor issues arise throughout its ownership and this ML320 Sport has been no different - although nothing has been horribly wrong (worst was when the window stuck in the down position during a winter drive...Roadside Assistance took care of it within 25 minutes).
Uncomparable!
Had it for 3 years and virtually no problems (SRS relay replacement and 1 passenger seatbelt replacement). If there has been anything else wrong it must have been fixed during regular maintenance (love the FSS!). Drove it from TX to MD this summer, besides the excellent drive I only spend $100 in gas both ways! Involved in rear end collision by 18 wheeler and NOTHING happened to the passengers, the cabin nor frame (loved the quick SOS assistance). Repaired to perfection by MB. No complaints. If I don't keep this one I would certainly buy a new one. Look forward for the new design.
ML320
Reliability and comfort are two of the most iportant features of the 2001 ML320. Its rich feeling on the interior and sleek exterior mask the rugged on or off road capabilities. It hauls people and cargo like a truck, but it can play dress up with any autos.
Awesome
Better than an X5.
ML430 Sport 2001
I love the vehicle. Was growing tiered of squeezing into my Lexus coupe. I am 6' 7" tall and love the head and leg room
No Quality Check for ML320
All of these problems occurred in the first year: -Navigation systems sends out wrong location -Windshield wipers fail to function -Kick skirt falls off the seat -Drivers window loose in track fails to close (in winter) -Parking brake release comes off in your hand -Power window button snaps off -Computer brain needs replacement -Computer brain needs reprogramming since replaced with wrong version of software
ml 320 AFTER 2 YEARS
I still love this vehicle after 2 years, all wheel drive awesome and its pretty quick too.
An SUV Oxymoron
How can we say we love our ML 320 when it has been in the shop 9 time in 2 years. We have not paid a dime other than the HUGE aggrevation factor and there is an uneasinees of "What is next?" The main aggrevation is the unsolvable warm weather hesitation problem. We have driven a 2002 and a 2003 M-Class loaners that had the exact same hesitation. It is truly a great ride and one of the safest vehicles availble. However, we will not own it ouside of the warranty period.
ML320
This is my first Mercedes and won't be the last. Shortly after buying it my wife and kids were T-boned by another driver on my daughters passanger door. The other vehicle had to be towed away and the police told us that any other vehicle would have resulted in injury to my daughter. In the ML she was shook up but not injured as there was no intrussion to the passanger cabin dispite significant damage to the door. My wife was able to drive away. Repair was to replace the rear passanger door no damage to frame. This impressed me as to this vehicle's safety.
Owner
Drives with confidence anywhere.. stylish and tough... with guts.
LuvMyMerc
Bought the car back in Oct 2001. It was a car owned by the dealership and driven by one of their execs. It had about 7000 miles on board. To date, I had no problems (none whatsoever) with the car although I have around 30,000 miles on it. Loving it..
I love the confort
This is my second Mercedes nd I love. You feel the security when you're driving this car.
Drive it to Love it
Our first Mercedes replacing a tired Isuzu Rodeo. What a difference! Solid feel and response, while enjoying great engineering and interior fit and finish. You know that in a Mercedes, the German engineers WILL have their way with you, and some of the American frills like temp control, cruise control indicators, decent cup holders, and change on the fly CD player will have been pre thought out and arranged FOR you! Overall, however, a wonderful drive. I make my wife drive it in bad weather, because I know she's safer up high and well surrounded by a good crash cage. I would buy another in a heartbeat!
Diaappointed
This vehicle has been a nightmare. The interior lights dim when the high beams are on so you can't see the screen for the radio and CD player. The seats are very difficult to fold down to carry large items. The battery died with no warning, the check engine light is on all the time,and we have been in for repairs constantly. The inconvenience is extremely aggravating. Plus the cupholders do not hold water bottles or coffeecups and the exterior paint chips every time I drive down the road. I will never buy another Mercedes!
sick of it
at first I was in love with it but after about 5/6 months things started to go wrong..the window switch broke twice,the sunroof would not close, the tires were losing air ALL the time,the driver seat became uncomfortable,the sound system would crap out,the lights would dim,the glove compartment door latch broke twice,the cup holders are a joke, and when it comes down to performance, I always feel "uneasy" when driving on a parkway at high speeds and turning..fells like it might tip..handles GREAT in the snow though, but crappy in the rain..seems very "delicate" and minor repairs are very expensive.I simply can not wait to get rid of it.
Hey, it's a Mercedes!!!
I've had some issues. My power switch panel went out at 4000 miles, the car rattles a bit, and it drinks gas, like it's going out of style. But, you know what, I still love the car and besides, it's a Mercedes. Is it the best vehicle I've owned, obviously not, but I know that if any of us had a choice of a vehicle to be in, in an accident, most of us would opt for this vehicle. We all take a chance when we buy a car, I've had 2 lemons in my life time, including a 2000 Honda Accord and a 2001 Diamante. All I'm trying to say is that, overall, the ML320 is not bad at all, especially when you consider the safety, luxury and confidence a Mercedes provides.
Piece of Junk....
I bought this SUV on May 21 and had to take it in 3x's for the same problem- accelerator hesitation. When I would mash on the accelerator, it would hesitate for a few seconds and then take off. They replaced parts on all ocassions and the problem still existed. I took it back this past weekend and the dealership paid me what I had bought the SUV for and I traded it in and bought a Yukon. I just assumed that since this was a Mercedes, that it wouldn't be a piece of junk and that it was of high quality, but the joke was on me. I could see that I was headed for a life of misery with this SUV and am grateful that I was able to get out of it.
My Second round - another Lemon
Mechanical Problems Persist...Transmission noisy and unreliable, fuel pump goes so car stalls while driving on highway, interior peels...etc...
Good Used SUV
I have owned this car for 2 years and have experienced some major repairs; however, the big stuff has been covered by warranty first dollar. My biggest gripe has been the fuel mileage - 17 MPG; however, the trade off is a larger vehicle that is comfortable and very safe, as well as stylish. You can get a used ML for as low as $6500, depending on the mileage. If you are into long drives and/or need a larger vehicle, I would recommend. I am looking to down size now as the vehicle meet its purpose with no major compliants.
2001 ML - 430 problems
I bought the vehicle new and now have a total of 23000 miles. The brakes were replaced at 22500 miles due to excessive noise [squeel] the new breaks also squeal bad have tried everything to quiet them down. Replaced the drivers heated seat. The GPS system stinks. I advised the dealer of a loss of water in the radiator and was advised that I needed a new water hose, six months later the hose came in that I had paid for, however no water leaked during that time. After many calls they finally gave my money back for the special order hose. No heat in the floor, dealer advised to shut off dash vents? Wow is this quality of MB or a page from a Model A Ford. All of my cars are garage kept.
2001 ML320
Bought based on MB reputation for quality. This vehicle is a disgrace to the marque. Poor interior build quality and very poor dealer service. In 2 years and 30K was at dealer 6 times for warranty (replaced window tracks 2X - rattles,glove compartmen and map pockets fell OUT, center console top broke, Windows and sunroof covered in Goo from iside door and ceiling sheetmetal, Drivers seat panel fell off. Dealer service even worse. Stated work complete that was not, Actually told me the ML was not built to MB standards.
Excellent SUV -Unfortunately made in USA
This is a great SUV but as an owner of other MB vehicles it is very upsetting the lack of quality control of the US plant.
Mercedes M-Class
I have owned my ML320 for 16 months and have had numerous problems that have resulted in numerous trips to the dealer. The only saving grace has been the awesome treatment from the servicing dealer. I also had noise problems emanating from the dash area. The dealer had to actually take the dash apart and repair spot welds in the A-pillar! That was the only way to get rid of the noises! Besides the noises, I've had faulty power window switches, noisy power door locks, faulty light switches, noisy blower, and the list goes on. All these faults resulted in parts having to be replaced.