Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2 nd year review
Has been in the shop for mulitple malfunctions all addressed by dealership on SEVERAL visits and Park Place's Road Side Repair service. Brake pads stink!! I am at 27,500 and told the brake pads have 10% left? Set number 3. 2nd set at 12,500 miles. Told by dealership it is due to AWD and common with their brake pads? This is my first Mercedes. Never had an issue with Japanese and US autos with AWD. To spend 50K+ on an auto and having to replace ONLY REAR pads for $311.00? That is crap!! Designers, take notice of the issues to keep Mercedes image and return buyer.
maintenance nightmare
Our ML320 has been in the shop 20 different times. The last time was to replace the rings. It was burning 2 quarts of oil in under 2000 miles.
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,59923 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,900298 mi away
- ML320 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,500581 mi away
disgrace to MB Name
I have been owning ML320 for about a year and have been having nothing but problems. Every two month it is at the dealership for repair: oil leaks, sunroof sometimes does not close, replaced water pump twice, door sills tear up and start leaking even arount sunroof. I thought that I was not lucky, but my neighboor got one and she is only using it on weekends and she still bring her for repair once in four months: same water pump problems, rear axle loose, etc. My friend got one too and he has been complaining about his also. Overall it is peace of s... The only good thing is it off road capabilities. In winter on the snowy roads it is great.
ML500 Sport
I went with the sport package and put aftermarket 295's with lowenhart rims, looks great with tinted windows. The Nav system is great once you figure out how to use it. Bose is fair. The small radio and Nav controls are a friggin joke. They have to make the car safe because you stand a great chance of having an accident while you change radio stations. I've had two service problems.Wish I went for the AMG to get the bigger engine.
So far so good!
Since I bought the ML500 in Sept/02 I have put on it about 18000 miles. So far I have had only minor initial problems that were corrected during the first couple of months. The truck is FAST. Road and Track tested it to be 6.7 sec 0-60 and I believe it. The only minor thing that I miss is the fact that there are no controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The other little thing is that the navigation system is CD based instead of DVD based, and therefore there are about 10 CDs for the US maps (instead of 1 DVD).
Great Truck-Espcly compared to the X5
Finally got rid of my 2002 X5 Bimmer. What a piece of South Carolina-built crap. (I traded it in - didn't have the heart to stick someone else with it.) If it wasn't a recall that had me back at the BMW dealer's service department, it was something else. What happened to you BMW? You need HELP...NOW, especially after learning you have a secret letter out to your dealers authorizing them to buy back the newly-released 7 series cars from all the customers having problems. The Benz is magnificent so far - comfort, convenience, and great performance. Love the V-8. Wow, what power.
Nice car
Great ride, amazing luxury, solid feel
We got what we paid for
This truck is the third Mercedes-B in our family but it's the first one that was made in USA. We were very concerned about the bad reputation so we researched some information on the X5 and Land Rover as well. We talked to the Land Rover dealers in VA and they told us that the truck was over-priced. And we agreed that we didn't like the shape of X5. ML 320 is the best pick for both of us. It's very nice, comfortable, safe and reliable. We don't have any problem so far.
needs redesign
The use of a spacesaver spare moves this car to a nonreliable vehicle status. The tire used for this vehicle is not readily available from a tire dealer, and must be ordered. Delivery: 2 to 7 days. If you trash a tire on your vaction trip across the USA you won't be able to pick up a replacement along the way, and you can't drive an extended time on the toy tire. Bad move on the part of the manufacturer. Also the location of the spare: under the vehicle has problems. Can be damaged, and hard to get to except in ideal conditions.
POOR CRAFTMANSHIP
I had my SUV for 3 months and been to deeler couple of times due to poor product design: First the astray failed and have to keep the car overnight co, they have to take apart the median console area. Second the driver side sealer pop out they to replace the section that hold the fancy mercedes name as you step in the car. But its fun to drive, the luxury feature are great then again it drink gas. Overall I'm happy, as long little things will hold.
ML320 Report
We have 7,000 trouble free miles with our ML320. With the red exterior we get numerous positive comments concerning it's looks. The 320 engine is quick off the line, but lacks punch above 40 MPH. Fuel economy has been acceptable, nothing to write home about. It's holding it's value, which is one of the reasons we selected a Mercedes. I'd buy another one, but I'd opt for the V-8 version.
Nice Powerful Utility Merc
Besides better economy of fuel what more could I ask for?
Review
This car is good, I like it. I recomend it to everyone who is thinking about a luxury SUV. I like its off road capabilities and smooth highway ride.
Design Outdated
I bought this car somewhat reluctantly. It's far less expensive than my first choice, the BMW X5, about the same as an MDX. Frankly, the Mercedes-Benz badge made it the choice over the MDX. Has a simple, somewhat rugged exterior without being pretentious (Lexus RX300 and Mercury Mountaineer). Got just the minimum: Luxury and Convenience package with the Bose sound system.
not competitive with other suvs in class
Mbz Doesn't hold its value at trade in time. Kind of tank like in ride and handling. Cheap interior and parts inside will fall off and don't feel good to the touch. Tiresome ride after 30 minutes.
Fabulous
Just GRRRRRREAT. I love everything about this SUV. I got a great bargin on a 2003 MB ML320.
Solid Alabama Engineering
We just love it!
Better than best
Owned a 1999 ML320. This vehicle has been totally updated for comfort and enhanced drivablility.
Mercedes ML500
I'm thoroughly pleased with this vehicle. The SUV provides a comfortable ride and feels safe in all weather. Great and comfortably priced introduction to a Mercedes.
Reconsider before buying.
If I had a second chance, I would not buy it..
My second m class
I bought 1998 m class and it was back a lot at the dealer for repair and had poor air conditioning for Ok. The 2002 came out and after driving the 98 I could easily see the improvement. The 2002 is phenomenal. It does everything well; has many features the 98 did not have, handles better and has never been back for any warranty work despite 16ooo miles the first year.
Many improvements
If you get the 500 its worth the money compared to any other in its class. Its durable, so far no problems. Although many are complaining its because they have a lower model, the 500 is solid and performs well!
The Perfect SUV
I just recently bought my daughter her first car. She wanted and SUV so I bought her an ML500. I knew it was safe and would run forever. Everybody I know who has owned one had never once taken it to the shop. She loves the looks and I like the comfort of knowing she is safe. The features are great and you get a lot for your money.
Great
It is a great suv!
Fun to drive
So far so good. No major complaints, just a few minor noises. The Black Opal paint shows scratches from the car wash.
Poor quality ML 320
My ML320 has the poorest quality of any car I've ever owned. Many, many things have broken, the interior pieces keep falling apart, the heater/aircon is always too hot or cold, the rear window sometimes goes down on it's own (also happens on a friend's ML320). When the warranty expires I'll need a second mortgage.
Great SUV
Great car overall. Test drove the ML and Acura MDX. MDX is very bland. ALmost like a honda. MDX is very noisy inside, even more than my Camry. ML drives really great. Very comfortable. Powerful enough for me. Lot of goodies inside
really, this is the best car out there
this car is one of a kind... i got the car because i wanted to downsize from the ford expedtion and still have the 3rd row seating... i looked at the other opttions and i relized i wanted a 3 point star on my hood. this car really drives like my jaguar. i take this car everywherere and my friends complememnt me. its just a great car and makes a statement
2002 M-Class is Much Improved
We loved our '98 ML 320 but were less than thrilled with multiple simple problems that plagued the first year of production: rattling rear seats, window switches that failed, rusting lug bolts, noisy suspension to name a few. We are loyal MB owners and have been for 19 years, and can honestly state that the 2002 M-Class improvements are first class--the quality has finally caught up with the design mid-way through this model's life cycle.
Nice Mercedes
This is a great vehicle. It's not a boat...easy to see, drive and park. Comfortable and very nice to drive. Has room for 7, but we took out one seat in order to get more cargo room...so make that 6+ cargo. Top of the line safety features, both on and off road.
great ride
I love my ml. The only problem I have had is a fuel system software upgade I had done to get better fuel economy didnt work out so well but it has since bee fixed. To the clown who says they flip too easily. tell us how you flipped yours where a car and driver stunt driver could not? Also I do not undertsand those who say the interior quality stinks. I have owned volvo bmw and mb and the quality in the interior is awesome
Can't believe made such a costly mistake
Well when we took it for a test drive before buying was kind of impressed. Probably the feeling of "Mercedes" took over. But after about a month since we bought it, started hearing squeaky sounds from the back. Can't even pinpoint where they are coming from but surely while driving can here them. It has just about 800 miles. Can't imagine what it would be after few thousand miles... If I had the extra dough would have preferred BMW..
Gets better with age
Initial experience during the first 4 years of ownership was mixed, in and out of the dealership for various warranty repairs this was offset by the MB loan cars and MB USA extending my warranty for another 4 years. So far, the truck has been trouble free for the last three years. I recommend using ceramic brake pads, it last twice as long. I will likely keep this truck until for a few more years.
Ten Quarts of Oil Used in 3.000 miles
I bought my wife a M-Class as she wanted a SUV. Thought Benz was suppose to be the best. She has been in the shop more in the past year with this vehicle than any other ever owned. The topper is the ten quarts of oil consumed in 3,000 miles. I want a new engine but dealership feels just rebuilding is ok. Better off buying a Mazada Tribute for half the cost!!!
Much Better then my 1999 ML
I leased a 1999 ML and got this new 2002 version after my lease ended. I liked the 99, but was really upset with the overall poor fit & finish. This car is entirely different! Much better quality and feels like a luzury car! Still a few complaints - not like a German made MB, but it's great!
A competent luxury SUV
The M class is one of the best luxury SUV's in the market today. Its handling is great and its ride quality is good. The interior of the M class is simple and functional with plenty of luxury amenities. Its exterior is tough yet elegant. The reliability of the M class seems to have improved considerably over the years and now appears to be on par with the competition. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a safe and competent mid- size luxury SUV.
A Fun Drive
Would like to see more convenient "handles" to help you get into the car (like the Navigator has).
Still the best SUV around.
Even better than the original 1998 version.
Three weeks old
I turned in my 1998 ML and bought a 2002. The 1998 model was in the shop 13 times during the first two years. 3 times in the first three weeks. this one seems to be a lot better. They put a lot of thought into the later models and made numerous improvements. I hope this one is a REAL M-B!
An average truck.
The M-Class is a good SUV, it does everything well, but will never be able to win a comparison against other luxo SUV's
DISAPPOINTING
This is the second SUV I have owned, and my first MErcedes Benz. Unless I can afford the S500, it will be my last Mercedes Benz. It is a very unreliable as parts that I have never even heard of break down with minimal notice. I have been at the repair shop so often that I know every service agent by first name. THis is a very disappointing car for the mercedes benz logo. It has destroyed almost every degree of respect I have for the brand. This comes close to being the worst item I have ever owned.
Not your father's Mercedes
The ML feels a little cheap and not as solid as what I expected. It does not have that heavy MB ride, and I do not feel swathed in luxury when I drive it.
My second ML320
My first 1999 ML320 was a plain Jane model. It was unbreakable and the dealer support was much better than I expected. Although I bought it used, and from out of the area, the local dealers always exceeded my expectations. I liked the '99 but the '02 is dramatically improved. Every feature works better and I treated myself to all the amenities. I dispute the claims that the ML series is flawed and poorly assembled. Everything worked, always, and I used it hard.
So Far - So Good
With under 500 miles on the ML320, all is performing fine. I did notice however that the ML320 has gained a lot of weight since 1998. This weight increase probably accounts for the reduction in gas mileage over my 1998. The 2002 is a vast improvement over the 98/99 model. MLs have always handled well, and they are awesome in light off road travel. The 2002 is a credit to MB for continually improving their products. Go for it.
Ml 320 reveiw
Great vehical with a great pickup and great interior. Our only concern is that it has a rough ride compared to the Lexus RX 300 which we own.
Safety and flexibility at a price
Purchased as a flexible, sturdy, safe vehicle with a luxury image, we have been satisfied on those criteria. It is strongly-built with many safety features. The V6 seems undersized, but the smooth 5sp automatic works to give the ML adequate grunt. Fuel economy is low (16-17MPG). Ride is choppy, but improves with additional cargo or passengers. Interior is roomy, quiet and refined in Mercedes style, with a great seating position. I find the seats overly firm for long trips. 4 wheel traction and braking systems and high clearances make this a decent off road SUV. Interior pieces have broken, fixed under warranty. Dealer service is as expensive as feared.
ML500 Review
As a tall person, the front and rear leg room is a plus and the short turning radius and good acceleration is ideal for city driving though the braking ability of this vehicle is slightly less than what I expected. On trips to PA in especially hilly areas this vehicle maintains its speed rather well. The navigation system would be great if you could use it with other cd's in the changer-somewhat bothersome.
Don't let the bad reviews throw you...
People who purchase in this range tend to be pickey. I've had mine for three years now, and while the 99's did have niggling little problems, all in all this is an extremely fine vehicle. It has spirited accelleration, corners with grace at higher than expected speeds, has a cavernous hauling area in the back, and an excpetional ride. And it IS a Mercedes. I'm very pleased with mine, and would highly recommend you give it a close look. Mercedes has loaded a tremendous amount of GOOD ENGINEERING into this vehicle. Read their brochure, and this will all become very clear. Well done MB.
mercedes 2002 m class
HANDLED GREAT WAS SMOOTH WITH HARDLEY ANY EXTERIOR NOISE. CAR FELT TIGHT BUT SMOOTH AT THE SAME TIME. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS CLASSIC BUT MODERN. THIS CAR FEELS MORE LIKE A SEDAN NOT AN SUV. THIS CAR HANDLED GREAT AT HIGHER SPEED TURNS WITH OUT THE FEELING OF SWAYING OR TIPPING OVER. WAS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE DROVE AND FELT MORE LIKE AN EXPENSIVE SEDAN. RECOMMEND BUYING THIS CAR.
2002 ML320-Love it!
Also owned a 1998 model...love this one!