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Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
137 reviews

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4.25 out of 5 stars

2003 ML 500

disappointed, 04/09/2007
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Not for the long haul....costly repairs

BenzOwner516, 02/23/2010
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 29 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Makes a great pet

green chiai tea, 06/19/2005
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awsome Offroad

Scottsdale, AZ, 03/11/2004
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Finally the real M arrives

emster320, 10/08/2002
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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!

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