Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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Still alive
I just replaced my 2003 ML500 with a used 2005 ML500 for one reason only...it fully prtected me, my and dog during a high speed T-bone accident which resulted in a rollover one and half times with a 180 degree spin on it's roof. We all walked away with seat belt bruises which demonstrated the cockpit safety and protection worked well. The 45 MPH crash resulted ion less than 6 inches of body depression at impact. I was almost blind sided but had the instant acceleration to prevent her from hitting my door directly. We had many fine road trips on our 112,000 mile journey with it, reliable and well serviced. I"m happy we found a replacement to keep us safe and on the road.
One of the best cars I've ever owned
When I first purchased the car it was used, 2 years old, and already had a whopping 75K miles on it (but It only cost me $20,000 so it was a good deal). A few years later during a routine checkup I had to put $5,000 since the previous owner didnt take care of the car. Ever since that one time $5,000 work (replacing tires, breaks, etc) the car works like a dream. At 125K miles it still runs like a dream. I have been to over 25 states in it. This car handled the mountain roads of Vermont without breaking a sweat, never bogged down in New Mexican deserts, and traversed the shallow streams and rivers in Texas without any problems. No matter the terrain this car can outperform anything else.
- ML500 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,999471 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999487 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,399493 mi away
It's still an SUV
I traded my BMW 528i for the 2005 ML350 Special Edition. If you're in the market for an SUV that drives like a sports car, that accelerates, responds & maneuvers nimbly - This is definitely it! Pinch me. Remind myself that this is an SUV. I wanted a car that had views of a truck + seats 4 adults + roomy cargo space. This is heaven! Knowing that I would give up a few things (i.e. sensible gas mileage and sports car bucket seats) - It is well worth it!
Sporty Feel
Looked at from the outside, this vehicle looks small, but I'm impressed by the cargo room. Two large crates for our German Shepherds will fit into the cargo section with rear seats down. Climate control system is superb, with vents in the rear seating area. I'm also impressed by the safety features. There are no blind spots. Nice fit and finish all 'round i.e. no squeaks or rattles, but bear in mind only 3K on the odometer.
True SUV
This is not one of those unibody car based SUV styled vehicles. It has power, refinement, and is ready to navigate the Snake River Canyon with its all time 4WD. Never had a repair. It's my 16th car. I love it.
Great SUV
This has been a wonderful car to own. I've had it for 4 years. I've taken good care of it, and in return it's taken good care of me. I've been looking to move on to my next purchase but have had a difficult time finding something that I like enough to give this one up. The 2005 model year ML was the best looking, particularly the special edition which I have. It was the most distinctive design. MB ruined the ML with the introduction of the 2006 model year that looked almost identical to every other middle sized SUV on the road. From 2006 on, they look like a Kia Sorento, A lexus RX, and every other round bubble SUV on the market. Had one small problem in year 1, a faulty battery.
ML350 2005 Special Edition
We're happy with our 2 M-Class Benz and we're proud driving this car.
A Legacy? No ... But fits me well.
'05 is the last year for the truck-like frame body, as well as the 5 speed automatic trany. Performs well off- road and in snow. As most other Mercedes, the unique electronically controlled gas paddle will have you looking for others in your mirrors. Car feels somewhat rough on turns even with BAS helping out. If you like extreme ride comfort, get an s- class ... after all you are buying a truck. No 50 mpg for this baby, but not a Hummer either. Both interior and exterior features lack one or two items, but generally satisfying. Overall fun to drive, especially in blizzards. This model is sometimes known for few reliability issues, which are usually covered under warranty. Fun to drive
Ho-hum
I'd have to say that overall I am not that happy with this MB product. It is my first and probably last. The cost cutting features become obvious after the cache of driving a Mercedes wears off. Too many typical MB luxury features were cut out of the "special edition" which would have been more aptly named the "lower class" edition. More enjoyable to own and drive that the comparable ford explorer, but I have also experienced the quick wear of dunlop oem tires and the 25k mile brake job. Should not have to replace ball joint and drive train bearings/valve in under 50k miles. Reliability very disappointing for a $40K plus vehicle. Handling better than expected for a virtual road tank!
Great Car
I bought my ML with 35K miles on it and it's been the absolute best car I've ever owned. I love the solid feel (other's descriptions of a tank are accurate) and I feel completely safe in this vehicle. It handles beautifully in the wet, snowy weather in my area. I too have had trouble with the flaking on the back windows but that's about it cosmetically. The car handles like a dream and has enough horsepower to get me out of a tough place if I ever find myself in one. Can't seem to find a phone that works thru the speaker feature tho...
Great Car!
We have really enjoyed our 350 ML. Great quality and reliabilty. First tires and brakes wore out quickly (25K) but second set lasted twice as long.
2005 ML 350 Special Edition
Our 2005 ML350 SUV is great. Love the Special Edition package,navigation system, and park distance option. The interior is roomy. Can't wait to see how it performs in the snow.
Very Good SUV
The '05 ML500 is the last MB suv I will be buying unless MB improves on the '06 ML and GL. MB cannot afford to build the '05 ML500 at today's material prices, hence the cost cutting measures on the '06 models. My main concern is safety. My wife drives the vechile on the interstate 40 miles each way and if I have to put a little extra money into maitenace in the '05ML its well worth it. A little noise and rattle is small price to safety of a loved one.
No Luxury Car!
This was my first MB purchase, and I bought it for the "reliability" and craftsmanship - HA! At 26K, needed to replace all 4 tires (get rid of Dunlop!), had leaking rear differential and the low-range light kept flashing. At 52k, entire front end had to be rebuilt (just off warranty, thank you very much), needed new front brake rotors and brake pads all around, front headlight "leaking". At 72K, had to replace radiator (cracked extrusion joint), and rear differential again had to be fixed. I can't wait to get rid of this crappy car.
My benz is great
The ML500 special edition is great. It is very good with gas. It goes from 0-60 in about 4 to 5 seconds and there is alot of cargo space.
Beautiful SUV, great handling
This is my second ML, had the ML 320 2001 first and loved it as well. I just bought the ML 500 Special Ed and there are many improvements. My first one had some problems, but as 4 more years have passed I am hoping they have made additional improvements in reliability. There is nothing comparable out there as far as style and this time around I am finding that the car rides much quieter. The turn radius is excellent, making it very easy to park just about anywhere. I found other SUV's like the Lexus too big and bulky for what I was looking for. This SUV rides tight and handles really well! I love it! Is very luxurious inside!
Excelllent SUV
Own a silver '05 special edition. Absolutely love this SUV. Previously owned a '02 ML320 and this one is even better. FAST engine, luxurious, and very capable of off-roading. Fortunately, this is still a true SUV with body on frame chassis. Everybody complains of how this vehicle is "showing its age" because it's not of unibody construction. They couldn't be further from the truth. This is an SUV, not one of those cross over, overly dressed up,soccer mom, fancy station wagons. Would recommend this vehicle ten times over. Would recommend buying from this dealer even if out of state.
2005 ML-350 Special Edition
I just got a 2005 ML-350 Special Edition in pewter with ash interior. A beautiful car and drives like a dream. I have a 3rd row seat option and can seat my 3 kids in this car pretty comfortably. At the same time it is a mid-size car (I am not a big fan of huge SUVs or minivans). Navig. system is great. Overall I love this car. Everyone who has testdriven it is very impressed.
So far so good
Bought pre-owned in 2007 with 20,000 miles on it. Quite a bit cheaper than a comparable X5, hence the decision for the ML. Added another 20,000 miles to it since then and no problems so far. Paint is peeling off the black window trim in places however. Only real issue was rear seat blower valve which MB fixed at no charge. Service at MB dealer is expensive, but generally in line with BMW, Audi etc. Used to drive a 2001 Jeep GC and the ML is in another league entirely when it comes to handling, traction on snow etc.
A ride to have
This is a ride you must own in order to tell a story. What a beauty to own! This is my first ML 350 and I wouldn't have chose anything over this SUV. It's a solid built for the road, a powerful yet luxurious ride. The suspension is beyond words. I am excited about this purchase and thrilled to know that I've bought this 2005 body style. From the pics I've seen, the 2006 ML-350 looks too much like the RX 330. Less of an on and offroad SUV and more of a crossover sedan and car. Don't like it.
Comfort and Performance
This vehicle has taken its hit on fuel economy but I didn't buy this Mercedes Benz ML 350 (special edition) for this purpose. It's the best all around SUV that I test drove including the BMW SUV 5.0 which I liked but which was overpriced. The special edition includes 17 inch wheels which add to the comfort of the ride. I've owned a Cadillac Escalade and had test drven all the comparable SUV's prior to buying and concluded that this luxury SUV had it all. The ride is comfortable when you drive this SUV unlike other SUV's which drive like a truck.
Not as hot as you may think
For the first year I owned this car, it was amazing. It was fun to drive, got decent gas mileage, and of course it performed well in all types of weather. However, it was all downhill after the first year. Brakes needed to be replaced after only ten thousand miles. The whole car rattles, and the car decides to jerk back and forth at a red light. The radio decides to turn off whenever it feels like. Please tell me how a Mercedes needs a new transmission after only 15 thousand miles? Since I owned this car, it has been in the shop over ten times. Good thing Mercedes has a good service plan, otherwise it would have been hell. It was such a pain to keep bringing the car in though, such a waste of time.
Rock Solid SUV
My recent lease of an M350 SE was among the easiest decisions of my car buying life. The 3.5 liter engine is extremely responsive from 2500 to 4000 rpm, the range I normally utilize, giving the car a very nimble feeling. While I see many who criticise the M's road manners I find the handling precise and responsive. There is almost no roll when hitting a curve a bit too fast, giving the driver tremendous confidence in the steering input. This vehicle simply has that great Mercedes rock solid feel and very little in the way of harsh feedback. Fuel milage is poor, but not any worse than the Envoy or Trailblazer (we also own the Envoy). Beautifully appointed, fun to drive.
Not just eye candy
It is a great vehicle with everything a SUV should be and then some. I have driven several SUV's, but this one lets you know the very minute you sit down in the driver's seat that perfomance and control, as well as safety, have been adressed in this vehicle. Also, the comfort and entertainment package will blow you away. In short, prepare yourself for the best.
ML500- Not a Lexus or BMW
Squeaky brakes, annoying rattle in the hatch, stiff and sticky gas pedal...all of which the shop foreman has heard before. To fix breaks they will apply an anti-squeal formula for free that will get me through the first year, then what? Check engine light that will not go off...all in the first 5000 miles. Gas mileage is poor but I expected that. Best part is I have to pay for the service intervals....a cost cutting measure in 2005. After seeing all the plastic/rubber on the new 2006 model, I am glad I did not wait. This is my first Mercedes!
Long Live the Mercedes Brand....Not!!
Nice looking SUV w/great power and handling. Quality leather interior and sound system. Plenty of room for SUV's in this class. Goes downhill from here. Squeaky brakes that dealer says is s MB problem and they put on free lubricant for 1 yr then you are on your own. Dunlop tires are inferior for a 50k SUV. After 20k miles and a loud ride, dealer says you need new tires and not to replace w/Dunlop. Stiff gas pedal takes a lot to get used to, dealer says they made the cable to short. Dealer nor MB Client Services will stand behind brake/tire issue. Agree with another reivew that MB will be dead in 5 years unless radical changes are made
I want to sell the it
First time SUV owner. I feel ML is really a truck rather than a car. High performance engine, very responsive handling, strong feedbacks from the road. These also come with noisy engine, rough ride (for driver and passengers), bad gas mileage. Have driven other SUVs, ML is worst in term of comfort, long distance ride will not be fun for passengers. Interior is simple and dull. Window control, cruise control and cup holder seem in strange place, not very intuitive. Lack of standard features such as seat bel sensors, trunk open sensors, trip computers. No luxury features.
Love this SUV
I bought this car in Early June when the car had barely been put on the market. I was one of the first to buy the Special Edition ML350. I love this car. It is a great car to drive when going out with friends as it is both roomy and has a great sound system. The power on the AWD 3.7L 6cyl is fantastic, as well as the easy handling I wanted to get a hold of one of the last 350s being produced since the 2006 is coming out soon. In my opinion, the 2005 ML350 is so much better then the 2006 since MB is deciding to make the ML LESS of an SUV (through body chassis,performance,etc) and more like a family wagon looking car.
not as bad as they say
this is my 2nd ML and if the fact that I bought it after owning a '99 doesn't tell you I think of them nothing will. Use it in my work in the deserts of Nevada and the mountains of Colorasdo. They have been nothing but exactly what one would expect from a Mercedes.
Horrible Car
This car, was just a horrible design, the "SUV" was not as reliable as I thought it would be when I heard about it. This car is horrible, and I am planning to sell mine too.
I love my ML500
I have 12,000 miles on my ML500SE and like it better than any other I have owned including BMW X5-4.4, Landcruiser, and Range Rover 4.6HSE. Fast, quiet and comfortable. Love the Sirius radio and Nav system. Fit and finish are great and have not had it any for any type of service.
I'd Buy It Again
This is my 1st Mercedes. I traded in a Toyota 4Runner for a 2005 Special Edition 350ML and driving has not been the same. Before, driving was just going from one location to another, and I could not wait to get out of the car. Now, I love being in my car and sitting in traffic no longer bothers me (to a point, of course). My Mercedes is like my home away from home. I love it and would recommend it to anyone. I would definitely buy it again if I had to do it all over. Perhaps Mercedes will have a hybrid SUV when it is time to buy my next vehicle.
This is an exclusive SUV
I traded my 2001 ML430 in for this and they ML430 came with more options like a sky view top this one only comes with a normal sunroof, this one also doesnt come with a cd-changer. Other than that the car runs like a dream and it is so powerful considering it only uses a little gas.The third row seat doesnt realy have that much room but it does its job.I test drove the BMW X5 which looks better that they ML but compared to the way the ML drives the X5 is junk and they X5 doesnt have safes or a third row of seats.
ML 350
Mercedes could of made the gas mile. on this a lot better considering that some V8 engines have 18 miles to the gallon like the bmw 745i or the jaguar xj8.
Very disappointed in Mercedes
I have to echo many of the complaints already on this site. We've owned ours for 1.5yrs., during which time we've spent slightly over 10k in repairs. If fact, it's in the garage now. Repairs include; new transmission, brakes, wiring, and various other items. Short list of quality issues; wind noise above 50 mph is intolerable, brakes make all kinds of noise at low speed, head liner likes to fall off, paint on side molding also likes to fall off, and a never ending list of repairs, which are all very expensive.
All Wheel Drive Eats Tires in 10,000 mi
My ML350 ruined a set of tires in 10,000 mile. The dealer says I didn't rotate enough. They were rotated and balanced at 5,000 at 10,000 at 15,000 at 20,000. I think the all wheel drive is eating the tires. My dealer won't do anything, no other dealer will do anything. So, at 30,000 miles, I'm losing $7,000.00 just to get rid of this lemon. Pretty sad. I've had other Mercedes, but this piece of junk is my last. This vehicle vibrates like a piece of junk. I'm embarrased for M.B. They should be ashamed.
ML 350 Meet Expectation
Purchased new Special Edition 2005. Vehicle still looks great and drives very well after 5 years. Plan to keep it another 5 years. No major problems. Needed new tires after 20K miles. Don't kid yourself MB still sets the standards. Don't have to worry about safety for wife and children. Unfortunately for other brands we will continue to buy MB, next one in 2014.
Disappointed Buyer
Purchased my ML350 3 mo. later, dead battery & Headlight out. Have had it in the shop 9 times in the first year, stalled @ lights, radio/stereo goes in and out, phone option purchased for an extra $1500.00 in less than 1 yr. it is obsolete.The black side panels next to the windows peeled had to be replaced.Rides very rough. Sad to say very disappointed. It was a gift from my husband for our 5yr anniversary, I look at it and only think what a waste of money. Have filed a claim with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have notified my local news station to do a story on what a terrible company Mercedes-Benz truly is
ITS NOT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE
IT STILL RIDES ROUGH - EVEN FOR A LUXURY VEHICLE. SHOULD HAVE GONE TO LINCOLN.
I love this SUV
This is my second Mercedes. My first was the C-Class which I loved and than our family expanded and I had to have another Mercedes. This SUV is all that I wanted and more!! I got the sport edition and love the inside interior. This SUV feels safe when you drive it down the road. Everything that I wanted.
GOOD SUV
OVERALL I LIKE IT ALOT
2005 ML 35 Special Edition
Owned this car for 15 years and have had no major problems. Normal upkeep as wear and tear items wear out. 135000 miles now and am ready for tires but guess what? except for chinese tires none are available. My favorite Michelin 275/55/R17 109V which have lasted for ever it seems can not be found. I talked to the Michelin Factory several times over the past year and they say that the tire is not scheduled to be produced. My local Mercedes dealer can not locate tires for this car either. The service manager says he is dumbfounded about this !!! I really have enjoyed the car and would give it an eight out of ten but I guess I will have to look for something else simply due to the tire issue.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
So Far So Good
So Far, This SUV is a 10!
ML 350 Experience
We have the car 2 years now, so far no technical problems. This is second Mercedes, the first one being an E320 4Matic. We came into the dealer to buy a C240 4Matic, but when my wife saw the 350, she was attracted to it. The price was very attractive so after a short test drive we decided to go for it. In retrospect, I kick myself for making such a spontaneous decision. The car is no comparision to the smoothness of the E320. This one feels really like a truck. But my main issues with the car are the engine and the fuel economy. The engine does not feel and sound like a Mercedes engine, it is underpowered and noisy, awful. Fuel consumption is horrible. Never will buy again.
leaky trans
2005 ml 500 sp edition.Transmission leaks after just 2000 miles , dealer replaced valve body, after two weeks , found a pool of trany fluid on the floor, back at dealer, not so sure about reliabilty , should of bought a Porsche pepper.
Own it. To know it.
PROS: Luxurious cabin furnishings, plush ride quality and a strong range of engines. CONS: Not much cargo space,mediocre fuel mileage with V6.
05 ML350 Special Edition
This SUV is great. Not what I expected. I didnt even like it that much, until I drove it.
Cheap Luxury
You will not get anything similar for this price. Fun to ride.
ML gets bad rap by reviewers
Great performance...this is my third ML...first one bought in 1998.. second in 1999....great improvements since first introduced...I get better gas mileage than listed by ratings... 350 engine is great.. great highway vehicle...I have put over 350000 miles on three ML's since 1998
ML 350
Our ML350 Is the third Mercedes we have. It is great to drive in the mountainous roas in the Sierras. The best thing we enjoy about the ML350 is its maneuverability in the snow. We will not drive any other cars for our ski trip. The interior of the car is very practical and the dash board is very user friendly. We also use it to haul materials for our weekend projects, either using the top rack or by creating space by folding down the back seat. We are very happy