Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Can you believe

I have owned this ML 500 for 6 yrs and it has a total of 174,000 mi. It has been bullet proof! Yes it's hard on brakes, every 22k mi. Tires depending on brand 30-35K. Mechanically, the only major issue? I just had the dealer install a new power steering pump at 171,000 mi. Wow! Great SUV, the best MB I have ever owned. Why get a new one?

Safe and Secure.

The feel of this SUV on the road is one of stability and security. This is my second M class, the first was the reason for the second. On my way home one evening a Lincoln Town Car pulled out in front of me and we collided nearly head on, I ended up on 2 wheels going the wrong way into on coming traffic. I was able to control the vehicle and turn it while on two wheels back onto my side of the road.

Liking it!

I bought a used 2003 with low miles and just love the way it handles the road, especially in the rain. The sound system and climate controls are superb.

2003 ML350 Inspiration Edition 225k miles and still going strong

Family bought this SUV used back in 2005 and since then put on 175k miles on it. Been extremely reliable. Of course there is the maintenance. However, it is expected with any vehicle. This has now became my vehicle (3rd owner), and am confident it will get to well over 300k. Has handled well on the road, especially on the curves and in the winter time as well.

164K miles runs like new

I have maintained this ML 500 at the dealership since purchase. WOW, the only issue has been brake jobs every 25K miles, a new battery at 100K and of curse oil changes 5k. I take care of it and it has NEVER let me down. My favorite car/SUV ever! maybe, I am lucky but this ML 500 has been bullet proof.

Love this SUV, but...

I bought this car 5 month ago. I was the second owner. The car was one of the top-notch options-equipped and one of the dream cars you wish to buy. I love this car for the way it handles the road and the luxury you barely find in American cars. Although it was the best car I rode so far, I am thinking of selling it for the sole reason of the gas mileage specially when it comes to $3.50 per gallon. One more thought, When you are driving a Mercedes SUV do not compare the feeling with an S class ride. Got it? It a tough rugged SUV with a Mercedes logo.

Driven Everywhere

I drive this thing +175 miles a day, 4 to 5 days a week under all conditions and on every type of road way and I really enjoy the car. It has enough room for passengers to be comfortable, but is much more comfy for me than my last 2000 ML320. For a car to stand up to what I put it through and keep going with little to no maintenance is very pleasing. A great buy and I don't even care that I have to reach over 6 inches to adjust the radio instead of the steering wheel.

Best mid-size SUV on market

The rumor is true, when you buy a Mercedes you expect nothing less than the best in everything; and that is what you get. 2003 ml350 w/ sport and comfort pkgs. Can't say enough good things about the car, gets better gas milage than expected! Truely the classiest yet most fun to drive SUV on the market. There is definately a reason the star turns heads no I know why! All of our expectations were met. Sincerely, Extremely Pleased Mercedes-Benz owner

No Complaints

Was my grandparents SUV but is now mine. Never any major problems for either of us. Great midsized SUV. Takes bad weather like a champ. Reliability is as you would expect for a MB. Some of the exterior factory colors don't look great. Go with black if it's an option. My only complaint with the car would be the fuel efficiency.

a s.o.b

this s.u.v is great it takes me any where i want

Excellent vehicle by far the best car I have owned

I purchased this car from my work (Alpine Electronics) in 2004 (they purchased it due to a quality issue with the radio) No problems found. I have not had major repair issues with it, I have put 176K miles and it just keeps going, only maintenance I have done is breaks, tires, oil changes, and lately replaced valve cover gasket due to some leaking issues and while it was there I told them to replace all the hoses, re-charge AC (it had never been done) as well as the timing belt. Great value for the price, the quality of this vehicle has surpassed my expectations. I have owned Porsche, BMW, Nissan, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo and by far this is the best vehicle, would love to upgrade but why? the car is still running as if it was new!

Drives itself

Awesome vehicle. Has everything you need including built in radar detector helps with that eight. The ML500 is in a class all by itself. Smooth cornering. Step on the accelerator and this vehicle flies all on its own. I have yet to have a problem with this vehicle. This vehicle is great in the snow, not a problem especially with bliz tires or the Dunlop sp5000 which is a tire that has been on the market for about eight years. Only exception 20,000 mile tire. Sound system rocks. Definite head turner.

2003 ML 350

Solid unbeatable safety features. Best snow vehicle you can buy. Typical poor fuel economy, SUV. Only average power from the 3.7 l motor. Limited color selections. The interior layout better than previous years. A woman's vehicle unless you are only 150 lb. male. Narrow and short seats, too harsh a ride. Build quality below average for Mercedes.

ML320

This has been a wonderful car. Built like a truck. A little rough in town, but get it on the highway and it drives like a dream, solid and heavy. Good gas mileage, usually around 25-26 mpg.

owner

Overall, I have found the M-class to be a very enjoyable and reliable car to own. The only problem I have had is with the coolant light coming on and the dealership has resolved the problem quickly and professionally. The interior is very comfortable and user- friendly. It handles more like a car than a truck and overall is a smooth ride. Gas mileage is average, could be better.

2003 ML 500

Very comfortable seats. Very good gas mileage for engine and type of vehicle. 15 in town; 19-21 on road. Very good handling and drivability. Ride slightly harsh. Excellent turning circle. Poor brake wear. New rotors and pads every 18-22 M miles at a ludicrous cost. Front shocks needed replacement at 47,000 miles. Thank goodness car is still under warranty. Dealer cost to replace $850. Power steering hose clamp blew at 40,000 miles. BAS went at 42,000. Reliability poor for a premium brand.

Not for the long haul....costly repairs

I purchased this vehicle in 2003 and currently have 125,000 miles on it. This car has been a NIGHTMARE. The suspension has major issues, my total cost for suspension, control arm and various related issues is well over $7,000. The catylytic converters went at 90k miles,$2,300. Transmission control module, power steering column and pump, calipers froze, transmission mounts, motor mounts, heated seat caught on fire.....the problems are too numerous to name. Overall I've spent at least $20,000 on repairs. All the mechanics I've spoken to advise getting rid of this car after 5 years. It is definitely not built for the long haul. First and last Mercedes.

Makes a great pet

The 500 gets even better mileage than the ML430 that it replaced. The tranny is better and more responsive. Xenons, rain sensor wipers, electric rear quarter windows, folding mirrors, etc. . . . it offers all the features you'd want in an SUV. Lots of cargo space, and tows like a champ.

Awsome Offroad

Shortly after purchasing this I got a lot of flack for buying a 4 wheel drive car that most people never take off- road. Living in the desert I quickly put them all to shame when I drove my ML through a wash that 2 lifted pick up trucks were currently stuck in and then proceded to do a 12 mile treck through the desert on a trail that was "Jeep Recomended". This SUV is the best SUV on the market. It has amazing off-road capabilities, a very comfortable interior, a powerful engine, and hardly any problems. But, what else would you expect from the vehicle the German military relies on.

Finally the real M arrives

For me, people who buy the M-Class are well-informed, practical and have an appreciation of the delicate balance between luxury and utility.I was truly impressed with the X5 but it didn't have the M's cargo room/utility.Drove the MDX-wide track, excellent engine- but it lost points in the luxury department (plus 3rd row seating is actually smaller compared to the M). Sequoia? Quite impractical for my needs. Consider a vehicle that will inflict the least damage to the other vehicle-lower bumper and crumple zones. Don't be persuaded by emotional reviews. Do your own research and come to a conclusion. Have a safe trip and tread lightly!

Worst Benz EVER

An ML500 Insp.(03)loaded. At 1,500mi the "check engine" light came on, I'm told the gas cap was not tight. The problem persits. Took it back wks. later & dealer changed something. The light went off & later came back on. Called dealer & car kept for two days. I picked it up & light was out. Two days later on, take it back & it is now the catalytic converter. (at 4000Mi). Ask dealer & MB rep.what about when car is out of warranty? The MB rep & MB service mgr. say they'll "monitor" vehicle. I went home to find out next a.m. in my garage a leak (washer fluid).

Mighty Fine Vehicle

I traded in my 2000 ML320 (old model) for a 2002 ML55 (new model) last may, and I must say that besides the obvious performance gain, the quality of the car (interior, rattling, overall quality) has also improved a lot. I'm basically a very happy camper, and besides a recall involving the powersteering everything has been fine. This car and the dealership I bought it at live up to my Mercedes-Benz quality expectations. I don't quite understand the static the other reviewers give the ML55. The only thing against the car would be the fuel milage.

It is a rocket

Having owned a variety of BMW's, MB's, and Lexus's, I can say that the ML 55 is simply for those that want an SUV that is all beast when you hit the gas. It lacks some of the basic conveniences and creature comforts that are found in lesser vehicles, but when you hit the gas, take a hard corner, and need it to respond, it there for you. No sissies need apply.

Going Strong

Just turned 140K miles. Only oil changes, tires and brakes. No problems, amazing..

My ML55 AMG

I love the way my SUV drives, it handles great for how big it is. It has 342 HP which is more than most cars on the road and is a real head turner. My Benz is faster than my sister's 2002 CLK320.

My Money Green ML 2003 500 Machine

Bought it almost 5years ago w 78k miles and paid almost $1700 in repairs and My baby Is 500 % Reliable..I'm @157k miles now, just drove 400 miles today with no class, time for oil change, 2new tires and I'm going to keep it till the wheels fall off or God calls me!! Awesome vehicle for any reviewers inquiring, contemplating buying.

2003 MERC BZ ML 350

This car is the most reliable car with the fewest maintenance ever. Runs like a champ and drives like a real truck. It handle well in all weather and has never let me down. Bought new 0 miles and I now have 193k miles without a single issue. Maintenance over the 18 years less than $10,000.

Proud Owner

Ml 350 ???

Bought this Suv new. after 4 years with 25000 miles i replaced front and rear brake pads and rotor and 4 tires.After 6 yrs with 35000 miles need a pair of ball joints and door assembly.

My first and last MB

18m of problems.Many unscheduled visits due but not limited to: xenon lights (x2),cooling reservoir,brakes, brake lights,wipers,ashtray (x3),radio, trip computer. Nav. system/ heat/cool,flawed big time.MB too cheap to authorize a replecement with the DVD based system..If it ain't broke (to pieces) don't fix it! Who pays for my wasted pers/profes time? Did not get my money's worth.My wife's,same age,RX300 has not been back except for an oil change.I'll get rid of it soon and I'll never look back.

A Pair of Winners

I've had 2 ML320s, a leased 1999 and a purchased 2002. In 4 combined years of ownership I/ve had absolutely no problems nor any need for warranty work with either one. They keep getting better by including more standard features every year. The emergency notification system and navigation systems are terrific and Bose sound spectacular. My only minor gripe ist the 6 CD changer belongs in the dash, not in the cargo walls. Thumbs up for American craftsmanship.

solid and reliable

the dealer has been great. we have no problems of any kind.

TOTAL NIGHTMARE

Power windows that wouldn't go back up (in a rainstorm)was my first experience. I have had to get new batteries 3x now at $35 a pop. I have had problems with my dashboard lighting up like a Christmas tree. My front brakes (according to the dealership)"went" at 27,000 miles to the tune of $300. Here is a small list of what has broken in the short time I have had this vehicle, water pump, anti theft, cd player, stereo speakers, srs, abs, there was something else but I can't remember those three letters ha ha, and most recently the radiator. Everytime I bring this vehicle in I lose it for a minimum of 3 days, as it would seem parts are hard to get.

2nd time around...

I replaced my 1999 ML430 with a 2003 ML350. Improvements have definitely been made with regard to ride and handiling of the '03. The 2003 has a softer feel, though I do receive more engine noise than the ML430. My two biggest gripes are the same as those I have read in other chat rooms: no stereo controls on the steering wheel and poor fuel economy. Other than that, it's a great rig in many, many ways. Dealers are very aggressive with pricing on the MLs right now, too, so it's a good time to buy!

Better than ever!!!

We traded a '02 ML430 with 78K that was the best car we ever owned. Now, the '03 ML500 takes top honors. the drive is improved and the power makes it handle like a sports car going up hills. Great tow car, smarter trans, and some new convenience features. I'm getting better mileage than the 430: over 19 mpg (mostly freeway) because the torque just eats up the hills.

arisman's second ml

this is our second Ml now and I are in love with the car!!! My husband suggested we look at other cars and I said absolutely not. We put 50,000 miles on our first one in less than 2 years and it wonderful, But, most of all, the service we get from Isringhausen Imports is what keeps us coming back for a mercedes!!!!

Not impressed

I trusted the quality of Mercedes-Benz, but this vehicle did not meet my expectation. In the past several months, I had a few issues with its brakes, power windows, and transmission. The ride is fine. I did not notice this much when I purchased the vehicle, but the automaker went cheep by using many components made by plasctic. For the price I paid, I could've found a better-built vehicle in other brands. Just like any other comsumer products, you would be paying premeum for the name, not the quality you should get.

Get out while you still can

The M-class is a disaster. My car arbitrarily stalls since the day I rolled it off the lot. Unfortunately, the only time it does this is when I'm entering a busy road and need pick-up. Repeated trips to the dealership revealed nothing...except a waiting room of other angry M-class owners experiencing the same problem. Computer's been updated three times. My friends with C class cars are having similar problems. My guess is that Mercedes tried to make a lower priced vehicle for the "masses," and unfortunately, sacrificed quality. There are many SUV's out there for the same price-without the kinks.

Excellent Ride

As far as reliability, function, resale value, ability to city drive and overall comfort, I would not exchange my ML for any other SUV (except of course an ML 430).

ML 350

This is a very well crafted vehicle with many added safety features that many other SUV's do not enjoy. A more powerful engine than its predecessor ML320. I do have to say that it is time for a new body style. I have owned my 2003 ML350 for 3 months now so not much else to comment. Everything is great.

Mack's opinion

This vehicle was purchased from a dealership, I am the second owner, with 42k miles, perfect condition, no dents, no scratches, no leaks, everything works, new tires, complete safety check was done. It is white with beige leather interior, Nothing gone wrong with the instruments.

MAINTENANCE NIGHTMARE

First, mine ia a 2001 model. We have had electrical problems,cooling problems, power steering problems, air bag problems, and the car is now at the dealer to have the fuel pump replaced. All in only 18 months! We live in the mountains and the 4 wheel drive system is the worst I have ever used. The worst indictment of all is that MERCEDES does not seem to care.

I hate my ML500

I purchased two Mercedes because they built their name on quality, what a "joke". We own the ML500 & 350. The 500 was poorly built, a lot of repairs In less than one year, I have spent over $2,000.00 in repairs. Even the clear coat is peeling, both my Mercedes have this problem. I will never purchase another Mercedes, in fact I am trading both vehicles in this weekend for Lexus. Mercedes should be ashamed of themselves.

Great Truck

This is a great truck...PERIOD. I looked at getting an X5 4.6, Toureg, Cayenne, MDX, Rx330(so bland)and even a Navigator. No comparison. This is a sports car in an SUV's body. Gas mileage sucks, but you have 342 ponies to play with. I've had to bring it in for a couple recalls and some minor things, but the dealership has been great. No regrets.

Fantastic car! I bought it used and well worth it!

Fantastic car! I bought it used and well worth it! I would highly recommend buying one!

The ML320 is Dead - Long Live the ML350!

The ML320 is dead -- replaced by the much-improved ML350. I bought the Inspiration Edition and have been very pleased. The upgraded interior has sport seats and better leather, both lifted from the ML55 AMG, and wheels and tires from the ML500, which make it handle much better on dry roads than the old M-Class. The new 3.7 liter engine of the ML350 has enough new power and torque to give the M-class new vitality. It also has terrific second-row seats that fold perfectly flat to the height of the load deck. I am very impressed with the quality of the new M-Class Inspiration Edition. It finally drives and feels like a "German-made" Mercedes-Benz.

Best Car I ever owned

I am extremely satisfied with the Vehicle overall. I am confident the reputation of a German Engine / Transmission will prevail. Provides the Chrysler comforts. No compaints none so ever I have on comforts. Their safety features are unmatched. Miles per Gallon can be better.

SUV for the Winter

Great vehicles, not unstable, very good visual, safe stable ride

Perfect

i love this car soo much i mean it is the car of my dreams anyone who wants a perfect car buy this car if u dont believe my try it for urself

Sexy Beast

The ML55 AMG is a "Sexy Beast". It is faster than 90%of the cars on the road. It's a fuel hunger SUV; But What would you expect for a 342 HP SUV? It's a rocket launcher! I love everything about my silver bullet.