Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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2004 ML500
It's no secret the early MLs were plagued w/problems. By '04 Merc was trying to win back consumers and my ML was a great value. All the bells and whistles, no defects, price reflected poor reputation and turned out to be a solid performer! From formal outings to hauling kids, lumber, furniture and landscape rock - still looks good as new.
Pushing 160000 miles
I enjoy driving this car. It has a lot of power and gets around in the snow and ice really well. We bought this for our daughter 3 years ago, and we've had to replace a water pump, and the brakes, and the tires, of course...but it's dependable and zippy. Does require premium gas. It's a good little car.
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995487 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,499695 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,998814 mi away
'04 ML500 is Amazing Value!
After launching the world's most unreliable SUV in 2001 Mercedes took the ML took this project back and put significant improvements into each subsequent year. The 2004 is a solid truck with great towing, solid handling, great performance for its weight, and an outstanding daily driver. Unlike the X5, cargo space is tall and the cabin roomy. Bumper to bumper length of an Accord for easy parking and tight turning radius. Good in the snow, decent mountain climber and enjoys the twisties! Stay away from the 2001 but you'll benefit from the bad reputation in the following years and get exceptional value.
ML350
Purchased as "Cross over vehicle" to reduce cars in the family. Use MBZ now both as in town car and as an SUV for snow covered mountain transportation. First trip in the snow car performed very well. No slipping, easy handling. Plenty of room for cargo and a large dog. Easy to handle and park in the city as well.
ML500 4X4AWD
My wife and I purchased this vehicle for my mother. She feels very safe in the ML and loves the ease of Entry and Exit. At 74 who gives a rip about gas mileage. You can't take it with you! Your kids will have fun after your gone!!
Love it!!!
Love this car...I'm 16 and this is my second Benz after wrecking the first one. It has tons of room, very nice leather that NEVER wears. Sound system was great. A few problems with ball bearings and engine mounts, but inexpensive to fix and caused because the previous owner was apparently abusive. Great acceleration and handles great. So good off-road, can go everywhere all my friends with lifted trucks can. Feels really solid and was built with great quality. I would recommend this car to anyone who has kids or needs room for stuff but still wants performance and comfort.
My favorite vehicle in 35 years
I bought my '04 ML350 in june '05 with 18,000 miles on it. I commute about 50 miles per day. I've taken it on about 6 long-distance road trips too. 107,000 miles as of March '10 It is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned. Poor MPG (avg. 17.5). Wears out tires every 25,000 mi. Best mechanical reliability I've ever had, despite chronic "clunking" tranny on downshift from day one. I spent $1500 and many dealer visits trying to get that fixed to no avail. Interior plastic skirts around front seats broke early on from pressure of sitting. Coating on all dark exterior metal rapidly deteriorated. I would buy another one if they still made them.
ML350... A great machine
I bought this Mercedes in May of 2003. I opted for the ML350 Inspiration edition. Its a great looking SUV with a lot of potential. In snowy conditions, the ML is right at home with excellent road manners and great maneuverability. The 3.7 V6 guzzles more gas than what i had anticipated, but it doesnt bother me at all. The interior is spacious and very luxurious, and the navigation system is top quality. The only issue i have, is that the control for the volume is far away from the driver. There should be steering wheel mounted controls. Other than that, its a great SUV and i love it!
Great family car
We purchased our ML with 42000 miles as a CPO vehicle nearly two years ago. Since then we've been to the dealership only twice for scheduled maintenance. The car is incredibly dependable, performs well on most surfaces, handles well, and hauls just about anything you can throw at it. We love it and would buy another in a heart beat.
A "Champ"
My '04 ML350 is my 4th ML; I was hit a 55 head on in my '99 and was uninjured. These are incredible vehicles, best safety available, great on/off road. Lacks come luxury features and mpg is horrible even w/v-6. Tight turning ratio, good seats; very heavy and capable. If you want a SUV that is very safe, handles well, comfortable, holds and tows lots of cargo, this is a great buy. The newer models are even better driving, but lack the turning ration and low range gear for extreme conditions. Drivers need to be aware of how heavy it is when braking and anticipating turns. The amount of steel and safety features are simply unavailable elsewhere. Eats tires and brakes, but stops very well.
Mercedes M-cls review
I'm happier with the M Class than with the BMW X5.
Safe, Incredible in Snow, Low MPG
Wonderful SUV. Built like a tank. 4-wheel drive is insane: went up in the mountains last new year, did not use snow chains because did not need to! I did not even know I was driving in snow, the truck is so stable! Watched other drivers in luxury SUVs struggling in snow as I was simply cruising along. Problems: no audio controls on the steering wheel (which was addressed in 2006 model), steering wheel is not telescopic like BMW X5, MPG is really 11-12MPG, even in V6. Cassette is hidden inside the entertainment unit which makes it hard to connect IPOD via a cassette adopter. CD-changer should be in front not in the trunk.
Excellent buy.
Excellent quality and price. I look a lot of different SUV and for this price it beats all the competitors.
Solid Car/Truck
It offers a more rugged, spacious alternative to the recent crossover SUVs, in case you do like to venture offroad, or pull a decent size boat. The new cars aren't well suited to that lifestyle. I like the fact that I can play anywhere, and still look good going out at night. Nicer to have in a big city for parking, traffic than the other tougher SUVs, too. I think the bugs have pretty much been worked out, and that the satisfied majority of owners don't post or even read the review sites.
I like the M-class
I enjoy this car fully. The power is more than enough to go when I need to go and it has already saved me problems on the road by just the get up and go it has in reserve. Transition to fast from slow is effortless and the engine barely breaths hard in producing that power without hesitation.
ML500 in Canada
My ML500 has seen Canadian winter (Toronto) so I can attest to its snow bound abilities. Excellent and fun vehicle to drive. Currently own an 02' Audi 3.0 6 Speed as well and driving the wifes' MB is always a pleasant treat. HID headlights are a severe nuisance to other drivers at night (their problem!). Only negatives are gas mileage SUCKS (you'll think you have a leak in your gas tank) and you'll go thru tires relatively quickly. Positives; great fun, excellent build quality, superior power (and I mean SUPERIOR), great all- weather vehicle offering outstanding stability and grip, also, did I say lots of power in that 5 liter engine yet?
A great car
This car is probally the best i have ever owned. Everything about it is exceptional. The only downside is that is is always in the shop for little things like the power seats broke and the runningboard lights did not work and a hose for the radiator broke. All minor things but it hapens alot. Luckly mercedes has exelent service and the all the problems were covered by the warenty.
My 2004 ML is my 4th since 1999
Most impressive, I walked away from a 55mph front end crash -- completely unhurt. Sure,it isn't perfect, but there is nothing out there -- for any price, much less the low $40,000 range that offers the safety, warranty, utility or value. Ask the BMW or Volovo dealer if they even offer a factory, extended warranty -- they don't It may not blow anyone away with styling or any other singular aspect, but once you drive one through a bad storm, you'll appreciate what it does very well, which is get you where ever you need in safety and comfort.
a nice suv, poor gas mileage
The m-class benz is a stylish, comfortable, and reliable suv with two draw backs. The draw backs are gas mileage and the location of the cd player in the cargo area. It is an attention getter, if that is what you want in a vehicle. You probably wont go off roading in it. But it even with the draw back it is still one of the suv's for the money.
Passed By
This Mercedes was good in its day but has been far exceeded by the likes of Lexus, and BMW. Gas mileage is horrible. You can expect 17-18 at best on long trips, 11 to 12 around town. For the same price you are better off with the E-350 4 matic which will deliver 24-25 mpg. The navigation although accurate is ancient (look at the Lexus) You'll think your comparing a video game from 1995 to 2005. Unfortunately the new Mercedes ML is not much better.You'll also find operating the navigation consists of moving a joy stick. Unfortunately this has also carried over to the new ML. Pretty stupid! Electronics and comfort features are deffinately not Mercedes strengths. Also braking is heavy.
Excellent SUV in Rain and Snow
Surefooter in rain and snow!
My 2nd ML500
Repeat buyer of ML 500: With enough room and power, backed up by a superior service network, this SUV makes my life easier.
Nice but smaller to the liking
This midsize SUV is very nice and classy. This is a great choice if you have a family of four or less. That is my only complaint. I believe you should have eight seats built-in, not an optional third-row because then that last row takes away from your cargo space.
Don't do it!
My wife and I purchased a 2004 MB 350 with 32,000 miles on it, thinking we would have a high quality vehicle for many years. We were half right. The vehicle is now ten years old and we have had one problem after another. At 52,000 miles the water pump broke. MB would not stand behind it. Shortly thereafter, we discovered the power steering was leaking. The bearing in the front wheel drive needs to be replaced. Now a light module is defective, discharging the battery almost daily. It's been one problem after another. Buy a Lexus or Acura!
MB Experience
I have owned this ML350 for over 3 years. I have had no problems and the car has been fun to drive. The cargo space is great. I would recomend the ML if you are in the SUV market.
Noise from SUV is Loud and not Smooth
This SUV is designed and built like you might expect from Mercedes, but the one I own sounds loud and isn't smooth because of a "wobble" sound in rear that Mercedes can identify and correct. I will try again to get this problem resolved soon. The warranty Mercedes service center said the warranty expired for tires balance and alignment. I have only 14,600 miles (about the time for an oil change in Mercedes); don't get fooled by the 4 year general warranty; service will come out of your pocket for things you do not expect after paying the sticker price. They should correct the mechanical or tire sound coming from the rear of the SUV, but they are asking me to pay for it...last MB for me.
No Regrets
Bought this SUV somewhat worried about quality but it has been terrific. It is a joy to ride and I and peace of mind with my family in it. We have driven it on snow, ice, freeway, mountain roads, towed waverunners and it passes with flying colors!
1st Choice, 2nd ML
I first owned a 1999 ML430. Replaced with 2003 ML 500. Very happy with improvements and performance. No service failures. Only complaint is that now it is necessary to remove rear headrests to fold down seats. ML500 is stylish, comfortable for long trips, and will go anywhere. It is truly at home in wil or at the Opera.
M series ALL WHEEL DRIVE
excellent vehicle except fuel efficiency is average suv
excellent
The best car I've ever driven!
Excellent!
This car is a great car to have. Handles well in bad weather and is SO comfortable. I wouldn't recommend any other car. It's a 10 in my book!
Can't Touch This Vehicle!
We recently purchased a Toyota Sienna Mini-van. With AWD and options that came standard on the Mercedes, the price was $3000 more than we paid for the ML350! We have not spent a cent on maintenance in 3+ years-all standard service covered plus warranty! Had a small problem with side window coating like other reviews I have read-replaced by dealer during regular maintenance visit-no problem. This car has the most stable, solid ride I can imagine for a truck. It's impossible to get this vehicle to sway, and the horsepower is great. You need a V-8 plus $15 grand to match the power in a BMW. To quiet Benz bashers in the media - this is a beautiful, well-built vehicle and an exceptional value!
ML 500/ Work Horse
I have recently purchased the SUV my first. I really like the feel of the ML500 it handles great. Comfortable interior quite different from my luxury sedan. The only complaints I have is gas mileage needs improvment. I am in sales and my SUV is my second office.Finally having a choice of either 4WD or 2WD or AWD.This may give the consumer the added value of having additional options to slect.
Awesome! Suv
What to drive a fun safe SUV. This Machine is a Chunky Monkey in the snow! Runs like jack the bear down the road! Fast! Great dealers can't say enough good about these guys. ( all dealers) Have two BMWs car and dealers really suck in Ontario. However Benz is where it is at. Outstanding service never had a problem they were not happy to fix quickly. Always went above and beyond with the repairs. This is my second ML. First was a 320 01 great machine. Now an 04 Ml 500. Safe Safe Safe!
Now Seeking Leagal Advice
This vehicle will be going into the shop for the fourth time. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle stalling and ideling rough. I have had issues with the window trim pain peeling off to the EGR Valve being repleced. This vehilce is now becoming a thorn in my side. I only want what I paid for a reliable vehicle which this is not. Save yourself time, money, and most importantly the saftey of your family think before you purchase this vehilce.
A $40,000 Mistake
Don't be taken like we were... Had a 2001 ML320 which was absolutely horendous: Window switch panel replaced three times, Tele_Aid (like OnStar) controller replaced, brakes need to be replaced every 12K mi (with ROTORS every 2nd pad swap), poor fuel economy, trim peices that unsuspectingly fall off, glove compartment door hinge that breaks within the first 1K miles. Thought the ML350 would have all the bugs worked out. WRONG! Mercedes needs to listen to their customers a little more, and stop acting as though their cars are the best on the road. They act as though every time something goes awry, it's YOUR fault.
ML has a heavy and sticky gas pedal.
One very annoying problem that is mentioned by many ML owners is the heavy and sticky feel of the gas pedal. It makes it difficult and uncomfortable to drive smoothly. MB service just says "that's the way it is" there's no fix. That is unfortunate because there is a lot to like about the ML and this problem is something that you experience every single time you drive. MB engineers need to drive a BMW and experience the silky smooth progression of the BMW throttle.
DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!
Absolutly without equal the biggest piece of junk I ever owned in my life. Was in the shop at least once a month. Mercedes service stinks. Couldn't figure out the electrical problems after numerous visits. Problem solved, traded in on a Lexus RX330 and there is no comparison between these 2 vehicles.
ML500
love this car, like it better if it is cheaper, more affordable to use. Eats a lot of gas.
my mercedes ml 500
I purchased the inspiration model. Vehicle is fun to drive. Not sure about mileage have not had it long enough. The suv is built very solid and is capable of some off roading. Handling is a joy. Does not bounce like my Grand Cherokee limited 5.9. Probably both capable of the same speed. Nice car
Do not buy this SUV
Biggest mistake I did buying this SUV. It feels like I am driving a TANK - very very uncomfortable and feels like there is no grip on the road. I am always scared turning this car on hard corners. Do yourself a favor and look for some other car in this class or WALK rather than ride in this SUV.
Reasonable cost-performanced car
This car is good choice among drivers who require standard function plus alpha (=value-added) on SUV and are seeking more simple one. The features described are telling the truth.
Joe's opinion
Love this vehicle, all advantages of SUV and it drives like a car, smooth and quiet.
My best SUV
My best suv i ever had was the mercedes benz m-class. Exellent performance and fun to drive. Very powerful V6 3.7 liters fills like V8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ML-350
Great fun to drive and classy style. I chose the Bordeaux Red & really like it as it is not a color I see often. My only complaints are the gas mileage and the rear loading cd player. Impressive vehicle. Plan to keep it many years.
very happy with car, but sound system?
Love the vehicle. It drives well. I've had 4 jeeps before this. The only thing I miss is a more convenient standard sound system. The service department was great with any questions I had.
a great vehicle
it's a good vehicle fjdoas
Terrific vehicle
Superlative car. Probably safest car on the road. Very comfortable. Two complaints: lousy gas milage and stereo controls not well thought out. Stereo sounds great though.
Stay Away!
You think I would have learned with the last one, (2000 ML430). But no. Same problems as before. Poor design, poor quality, endless trips to a dealer filled with people lying to you and insisting that all the problems are normal and at your expense in many cases. What a pile of junk. Last MB ever for me.
1999-ML430
My first Benz so i cant really compare to other Benzs but i can compare to the other vehicles ive owned,This SUV is a blast to drive and wonderful on a trip,Right after i bought it i went to Kansas on a hunting trip,16 hours of driving, good mileage, rode well,plenty of storage for gear,the 4.3 V8 has plenty of power,love it!