Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Consumer Reviews
Consumer
Not up to par on features vis-a-vis competitors in same price range. Significantly improved quality since intro in '98 Already see condensation in left headlight assembly. Will have to get replaced. Not something I would expect in a $50,000 vehicle. Had I not gotten a terrific deal. I would have gone to competition but they are all selling at MSRP or above. (Volvo, Toureg, Cadillac, Lexus) Ridiculous.
Don't buy one
The build quality and reliabilty is terrible. I have never owned a car or truck this bad.
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,995144 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,450500 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,999611 mi away
What a disappointment!
We bought the Mercedes ML-320 with such excitement and high hopes. What a disappiontment to own a new car that keeps breaking down! Sure the dealer fixed each problem (though not the first time more than once) but the hastle of bringing the car in for repairs was significant. The car is peppy, but this seems to come at the expense of gas milage; we never acheived the EPA estimates even when driving the car gently. Yes, it has a third row of seats, but they are not convenient to use.
Long Live the 320
You're insane if you don't buy this SUV and even nuttier if you don't get a 320 instead of the 350. This is a great all around SUV. The gas mileage is not too bad, and you get real off-road capability if you need it (and sometimes up north you need it in the snow, regardless of what the advocates of "carlike" SUV's say). I think the 320 is a fantastic bargain right now. The dealers are motivated to sell, and I can't tell the difference in power between the two. And when push comes to shove, you just can't beat Benz customer service.
2003 ML350 Limited Edition "Inspiration"
I previously wrote a glowing review for the 2003 ML320 that I purchased Sept of 2002. Well, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, MB delivers! The "Inspiration" package is a must. What an incredible value for all those upgrades (ML55 grill, ML500 rims, AMG seats w/ Athracite Leather, Chrome Instrument Panel Rings, etc.) I noticable increase in power. The AMG seats are great with add lumbar support and full bolsters. The interior is much more sportier. This is the right choice if you are looking for class and luxury.
The original bench mark SUV
The ML is still one of the best SUV values and was the bench mark for the current crossover SUV. I think anybody looking for a true SUV will not be dissapointed...
Black Lemon
I love this car...but Mercedes doesn't back their product like they would have you believe. First, the steering column was replaced (reluctantly, by MB); then after putting me off repeatedly while "trying this and that" (until the warranty ran out) about a gear noise in the front left wheel, they replaced the transfer case. MB ended up charging me for half of this repair, despite the fact that they said they'd take care of it. I still love the car, but this dealership has cured me of ever wanting another one. New battery and alternator cost me $1000~!
ML 350 - Our newest family member
The inspiration package is a must for the dollars -- really wish I would have sprung for the bi-xeon lights! The P38 package inspiration is true automotive value in the upper-end car market. Having driven a 2003 ML-320 for 1 week, I couldn't be happier with the 350! And talk about safety, the Greater Omaha Safety Commission baby seat installer couldn't believe the fit and the option of belt retractors not just in all 3 locations of the back seats but also for the 3rd row seat seats as well!
Not what I expected
As a previous owner of a 1995 S class, I was expecting more from a Mercedes. The M class is in a much lesser league than my old Mercedes. It does not exude quality and opulence. It is "plasticy." It feels like a car for the masses. It lacks the solid, stoic, German, big, heavy feel that I was looking for. Instead, it is what I would have expected from a mid-priced line.
More problems than you would expect
I purchased 4 Mercedes in 2003, (2) ML500, (1) 500S and (1) E500 The ML500's had fuse box fans that squealed for a half hour in the morning. Serious brake and tire problems. Each ML required new tires at 25,000 miles. Each has had the brakes replaced twice in 46,000 miles. ($1,400 for brakes) At 53,000 miles the brakes squeal so bad they are embarrassing to drive. Each has been in about a dozen times for various repairs. Top dollar, inferior quality, design problems and miserable service. Avoid these automobiles.
Crappiest Mercedes
I'll never by another Mercedes-Benz no matter what model.
Better than I thought it would be
They shouldn't know that it's an 8-cylinder not a six cylinder so the power is greater than average list engine can last a lot longer than a 6 cylinder engine so the wear-and-tear is lower even though the mileage is high
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
M class it's here to stay
this vehicle it's very safe it drives smooth like a sedan with a very comfortable interor.it's made for people who enjoy a smooth afternoon ride in the neigborhood and also for those who like a big adventure. well desingend interior with premium material a good v6 engine well designed exterior with a longer wheel base that turns it a safer vehicle.
ML350 Exceeds All My Expectations
My Brilliant Silver ML350 has exceeded all of my expections. I read that these trucks were so unreliable taht I was prepared to have some problems. I have not had any problems so far.
ML500 - Very Poor Ride
I am very unhappy with the ride. MB should be ashamed, no wonder they are loosing market share like anything. What the hell were they thinking when they designed the suspension system for this thing - ML500 with $50,000. The other problem, which my dealer tells me is normal - all tires are feathering a lot, he tells me this is normal. I am supposed to change the tires every 15-20000 miles? My god the ride is just so bad - 10 mins ride and your body is ready to fall a part. never expected a donut size tire either with MB, when others have full size spare. Don't know what to do with this.
Nightmare tri star
Do not buy this SUV, what do you get for a 40K SUV: plastic, problems, bad customer services, everything could go wrong will go wrong from the engine to trans, window, etc. Shop around for your money, don't pay for the name
Unparrelled German craftsmanship
Driving toward the sun, head lights turn on by themselves, when sun comes down, dashboard illuminats automatically. Downhill traction control is real. ETS+ works like magic during heavy rainpour on freeway. Ergonomic interior design, quiet cabin even at 80mph. Second row seats easy but little heavy to fold. Deep bass sound throughout. Precise braking, engine torque comes out needed. Head start lacks speed like X5, it is typical Mercedez. I am 6 foot, 265 pounds, it satisfies my size, leg room, head room, shoulder room, as well as hip room. Even the cloth seat itself has lumbar support.
Chrysler quality- M Benz price
This SUV has been very disappointing.The quality control is lacking. Numerous shop visits without satisfaction and a dealer who cannot get it right. I will never buy a MB product again.
Great truck!!!
I was seriously deciding bewtween a MDX and the ML320. I test drove both and the MDX has great acceleration and it drove like a car. While the ML drove like a truck and lacked the pep off the line. So, why did I buy the ML? It's simply because I wanted to turn heads with a Mercedes. At first I was not sure whether I made the smart choice. However after 2 months I have fallen in love with it. The ML is well designed. One word says it all "SOLID". I have never felt safer in a vehicle. The interior and exterior is absolutely beautiful. Unlike the MDX, as soon as you sit inside the ML luxury immediately comes to mind. I would highly recommend the ML320.
The New 2003 ML350 Inspriation Edition
WAKE UP EDMUNDS! The much-maligned ML320 is dead. Long live the ML350! Even though the automotive press dropped the ball on covering this vehicle, it is the wonderful replacement of the ML320. The 3.7 liter motor delivers 232 hp and 254 lb- ft of torque. My Inspiration Edition is as luxurious and comfortable as the E320 I traded, and has more power. It holds everything a family of five needs for a weekend trip to the lake -- something my E-Class simply couldn't do -- in any kind of weather. No rattles, no sqeaks, no vibrations. A wonderful sport light truck!
Review of M-class
This car is fun to drive and very reliable. It is a perfect size; it is not too large as some are, and not too small as many are.
very classy!!!
this is a very nice SUV from mercedes. (well, the only other choice you have is the ugly G-Class)! nice overall fit and finish, nice climate control dials, nice front seats, cool navigation screen, etc. maybe i should have gone for the X5?
owner
excellent suv very nice drive
Mercedes ML 500 beats the rest
I've test driven the BMW, Acura, Lexus and the new Volvo SUVs, some several times, and the ML 500 beats them all. The car drives like a dream, has power to spare, and has many great features, like it's easy to use nav system. Plus you can feel safe and secure in this SUV. It's safety features are second to none. Whats best about Mercedes is how your treated before, during and after the purchase of the vehicle. At Mercedes there is no presure, they want you to make the right purchase for yourself, and you feel welcomed at the dealership even after you purchase the vehicle.
I'll stick to Lincolns
The car is fine but nothing sets it apart from other luxury SUVs. My exp w/ the sales process was the only piece that went smoothly. Due to Linc, I am accustomed to receiving the model of loaner veh that I am having serviced. Mercs' loaner car program consists of using the co-resident Enterprise office. That blows. The warranty has a couple nice perks but nothing worth dealing w/ their Service dept. After purchase, I received a letter for a recall that went out six months prior. Should've been fixed prior to sell of vehicle. Mercs' Customer Service and Service depts could learn a lesson from Linc.
Fast and Fun SUV
Very capable on and off road SUV. Very powerfull near 300hp motor. Very happy with this vehicle.
Great Car!
I purchased the ML500 12 months old and got a great deal, nearly half off and with a 100,000 8 year warranty. I can't believe I lived without GPS for so long. It is not as smooth as my S- class but now I can haul stuff. I would not want to be in another car after a serious accident last year. I will take poor milage for the safety trade-off.
It is good one
Trade my 00ML320 to 03ML350. Love this car. Had no problem with my ML320. ML350 rides even better, improved lighting, air-conditioning, etc. Best in the class for the price, great off- road capability(beats almost all SUV in snow conditions), nice looking interior.
99 vs 2003
We traded in a 1999 ML 320. We did have some problems with it. Fuel pump, Power Steering hose and Transponder. We really like this one much better.
350
nice ride, a few maintenance issues no real complaints
ML 320 overall
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 / Gallon are on par with other SUVs. Can be better. Did not provide a MP3 Playback in the Extremely good audio system. Navigation technology was CD based in 2002, but are now DVD based and compatible with the 2002 MLs. I find the 3rd row seat very useful. Small but good for kids.
A Very Strong Capable Vehicle
The ML500 is a rock solid SUV. It is fast as hell and can hold up well against very bad roads. I was very impressed by the traction in the snow and rain. I was driving more cautiously than I should have. The SUV is built extremely well, I feel safe and secure in this care. It is very fun to drive and a head turner.
self
Very nice safe car
Gas Hog
The gas mileage on this vehicle has been awful. The sticker states it gets 15 city 18 hwy. I have yet to get 13 on the highway and I am lucky to get 11 around town. It is a noisy vehicle and really needs steering wheel audio controls. My GMC Yukon is overall a much better vehicle. The third row is even smaller than expected. It is pretty much useless.
Enjoyment
After having driving a Chev Suburban for serveral years, the ML-350 is an excellent choice. All the comforts and extras. Fuel economy could be better but it still outshines the Suburban.
a beuty and a beast
the power is awsome. the car is a beuty ive had mb suvs for a long time the only thing that this suv needs is more comfort for the driver and passenger that is the only thig that lacks .........
Great all round SUV
This is my third ML, owned a 2000 430, a 2002 500 and now just took delivery of my '03 ML500 with the Inspiration Pkg. Handling and performance is fantastic but to make it even better I changed the springs to lower the vehicle ~1 1/2" - it really improves the cornering performance and still leaves a little travel for minor off- roading.
nic says
Love the look, the feeling of safety and luxury combined, which is crutial in my work of selling real estate. Chose it hands down over a Lexus SUV, even though ride is rougher and am so thrilled that I did.
ML320 is fantastic
All the problems have been addressed. It rocks!!
ML500 Inspiration Edition
We traded in our 2001 ML320 in orion blue for the new 2003 ML500 Inspiration Edition. The capri blue color is just beautiful. The handstitch seats with the new DVD-ROM in dash navigation sold us on the spot. After test driving the vehicle, there is NO COMPARISON on the ZOOM between the 320 and 500; 500 definitely beat the 320.
Great SUV- Quality,comfort ,reliable
12,000 + trouble free miles Mercedes- Benz is still at the top of the automotive world
ML 500 Inspiration Edition
We bought this SUV new (it is our first, and only, SUV). It has always been very reliable and has provided us with the hauling capacity we needed (moving household goods and garden supplies). It has been comfortable on trips and for in city driving. Fuel economy is not this model's forte--it's a heavy vehicle with a large engine. Even though we are light footed, our in city fuel economy has always been between 12 and 13 MPG.
ML320
A lot better than the 1999 which I had previously owned. Retractable mirrors great. Radio screen too big and ugly. If it could show TV stations then it would be sized appropriately.
ml320
MB dealership very friendly and informative, no pressure to buy like other dealerships. Went from Explorer to ML320 like night and day, 320 rides and handles like a dream, very solid and secure no rattles like explorer.Plenty of safety features and comforts,killer Bose stereo.Third row seat actually is very well designed and useful alot better then i thought it would be.
i love this car!
i love it! this is the ultimate SUV. it is sleek and....just great to drive!
MERCEDES IS STILL A MERCEDES
INCREDIBLE CAR . THE RIDE WAS SMOOTH , THE ENGINE IS PEPY, THE INSIDE IS VERY ERGONOMIC. I WOULD PREFER A MERCEDES VS A BMW X-5, BUT DO NOT FORGET I AM 44
best and safest suv on the road
Be ready for heads turning and lot of your friends want to test drive your car! with the package I got makes the car stands out with the other competitor. I have the inspiration package that adds a lot of sportiness inside, with the engine and transmission upgrade I never had problem in trying to go around on the freeway. Very easy to maneuver even in the most zigzag road. The most important is the peace of mind about the safety of the vehicle 10 airbags with 24 tele assistance which comes with 1 year from the manufacturer. Overall happy with my decision of getting rid of my old suv and bought this car. Makes me enjoy driving again!
solid, safe
After 2 years with the vehcile, it has been flawless.
M350 first 3 months
The vehicle has been comfortable to drive, and to my friends who had seen earlier versions, its much more luxurious. It seems Mercedes has stepped up to the plate and fixed earlier probelms and built a Mercedes level vehicle. But they kept the price low. For a car after 6 model years it drive nices, feels wonderful inside and is priced cery competitively. A great buy for the money.
10
solid, fast and reliable...