Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
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You gotta love what you drive
I used to drive a Corolla so when my wife and I planned to look for a second car we did a little research. I was opting for the new 3 series from BMW, but the minute we saw the ML, wow! Everytime I get close to the car, I can't help but stare at it. Gas mileage... who cares about gas mileage? It doesn't even matter, it was just too fun to drive. The looks, it's #1, no complaints. Build quality, you can't compare to anything. Everytime I get in and out of my car only one thing comes to mind "YOU GOTTA LOVE WHAT YOU DRIVE."
Awsome Benz
This is an awesome SUV. It truly rides like a car, handles corners well, and the ride feels like floating on air. The power of this new engine is astonishing, a slight press on the gas pedal, and you can feel yourself being pulled by the 350 engine.
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,900224 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,500229 mi away
- ML350 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,980262 mi away
Best SUV
Great SUV. Traded in 2003 Escalade ESV for ML500. Had test driven Range Rover Sport HSE, BMW X5 4.4 and Porsche Cayenne S, but ML500 is the best. Great Style, quality and faster than all of its competitors. 0-60 mph for ML500 is 6.7 sec. (X5 4.4 - 6.8, Porsche Cayenne S - 6.9, Range Rover Sport Super Charged - 7.3 (HSE - 8.2))
Lemonaid?
Great looks and comfort, but in one year has been in the shop 4 times for a total of a month with all kinds of mechanical and electrical troubles. New steering rack, new rear suspension, rear deck closer, thumping into downshift at stops in tranny (numerous software updates), a 6- year old Navigation DVD supplied making Navigation system useless, rattles in body. Pages and pages of campaigns to fix mistakes in build each time I bring it in, but at least they fix it free and give a nice M-B loan car. But when it's working, its a dream, and I'll buy the new Diesel ML-320 CDI version soon.
A pretty nice used car for what I paid ...
Reliable and comfortable. VERY EXPENSIVE dealer maintenance
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Redesign
I truly enjoy the experience of driving this vehicle. I believe this is by far a much better vehicle than the earlier ML Class. This vehicle handles very well and has no problem with power. The only thing I have to get used to is the brakes are a little touchy, and when you are driving in heavy traffic, the 7 speed automatic transmission is geared very low. If you are in normal traffic, the car is superb.
ML350 vs. the Bimmer X5 and Lexus GX470
MB has hit a home run with the 2006 ML350. We've clocked about 1300 miles on our 2006 ML350 and are very impressed. It surpasses the BMW X5 in every capacity and Lexus in all but one capacity (ease of use of Lexus' navigation is far superior than MB's). Mileage is excellent, the engine is capable and very quiet, comfortable yet sporty ride and much better looking than any other 5 seater luxury SUV in the market. Don't bother with the ML500 ... it's a much thirstier and heavier beast. The ML250 with it's 268 bhp engine is very capable and quick. Very well put together, fit and finish is unparalleled.
New ML500
Its too early to judge performance, fuel economy or reliability. The biggest disappointment so far is the navigation system. The nav system in my 2005 Lexus SC430 is a Rolex compared to the Timex quality unit in the Mercedes. Also, there is no bluetooth option for cell phones.
Happy ML350
After a rocky start with my dealership, my car is the best purchase I have made in years. Love the ride, and stability of my ML350. It's gas consumption has been ok also.
ML 350
Traded an '04 Tahoe in April for the ML 350. Drive 100 miles a day and have put 19k miles on it since purchase to include a trip from Texas to New York and back. MPG runs 21 for my commute and during the road trip averaged 23.5 mpg (off the computer) at 75 mph. I find it very comfortable as I am 6-3 and 235 lbs. The handling is superb and is quick enough to move when needed. I tow an 18.5 ft ski boat with no effort. I have had zero mechanical or electrical problems. I have read in previous reviews about the quirky transmission and can feel it at low speed (10 mph or less) accelerate and stop situations, but do not find it to be an issue.
Lovin' My Benz
Although I have only had the new '06 ML for two weeks, I am already in love!! What an amazing vehicle. The new body style is very sleek and attractive from every angle. The Interior is extremely spacious, and unbelievably comfortable. I was a previous Rover owner, and while I loved that vehicle as well, the ML is in a totaly different class. Test drive this baby before you buy anything else!
Great car BAD nav
First time owning a MB and comming from a long line of Infiniti's I love this SUV. Handles great w/ the Air suspension. But next to my partner's M35 the NAV on my MB is the worst I've seen yet. It cant find half the things your looking for and then it sometimes puts you in the wrong area. It seems Germans know how to make a fine ride but when it comes to technology, the Japanese have the upper hand. Id love to see some Japanese technology integrated in here.
Great SUV
Bought this gorgeous suv in November, 05. Test drove the Escalade, Bmw X5, Lexus GS, Porsche S, and VW Touareg. Narrowed my choice down to the ML-500 because it was just great looking, had the largest engine and the fasest out of all the other 5 i drove. I favored the rims on this, I purchased the AMG spoke rims look sharp mean and tough, The navigation system is great for the road trips, Handling is the best out of all the others also! You can't go wrong, it drives like a dream! I also own a BMW M3 and it handles and drives just as good on the street!
It's a sweet ride, baby
This is my third Mercedes vehicle. I have driven a Toyota, a Mitsubishi and 2 Jeeps... so far I have been impressed by the Mercedes quality. I live in a 4 season climate, and whatever the season is, it's a sweet ride!
Not very happy
The vehicle exterior appearance looks impressive and that's why I bought it. Unfortunately when I picked up the vehicle it had a problem with the transmission one week later. The transmission bucks going down to 1st gear when you slow down. Had it in 3 times to be serviced and it is still not perfect. They can't seem to get it right. The interior has a nice layout. The other shortfalls are: lack of cigarette lighters in the front seat area, the leather is not very good quality, the back window does not open up. Good qualities: Nice navigation system, good legroom and headroom in the front seat area, lots of compliments on the appearance.
Better than Lexus
More power than the Lexus RX300 and 330 combined. Feels like the SUV is glued to the road and you feel safer than the Lexus. Imangine, 7 gears in its class, it runs better than some 8 cylinder SUV's.
Great SUV
Had the vehicle now for 5 months and its everything we expected. The sporty package makes the difference for us. The vehicle hugs the road especially on turns. I have recommended this vehicle to everyone. I have read all the previous problems with the transmission, but I got the vehicle anyways and to this day, not one problem.
John's review
This vehicle has the best heating and air-conditioning system I have ever experienced. The optional three zone system with infared glass makes it really comfortale in the sun. The car handles very well, the speed-variable steering is a very important standard option. The optional parktronic system makes it very easy to get into the garage each day without parking by "brail". The seats are very comfortable, they allow you to drive for long distances without the normal "back-ache". It is not the cheapest vehicle, but with all the options and safety features is a bargain.
Wonderful so far
We have only had the ML for a couple of weeks, but we love it. We traded in a 2000 ML 320. In my test drive of the '06, the first place I went was to a parking lot to try it on the speed bumps. It was great! The old ML was a killer. We took the new ML on a 1600 mile trip and we got 23 MPG. It is very quiet and smooth. It is as quiet as my wife's Lexus ES 330. Our ML is silver with silver wheels. It is crying out for chromies. It has much more storage space in the rear than the old ML. I have not encountered any shifing problems so far - or any maintenance problems, but it is still pretty new. It handles really well and is powerful. The new shifter is nice once you get used to it.
Fantastic!
A beautiful, thrilling blast to drive. The ML500 is eye catching and the performance matches the wonderful design. I have owned many vehicles, This tops the list, and I am glad my Volvo XC90 is history.
Great SUV!
Having heard some initial horror stories about reliability, there was a tinge of nervousness mixed into all of the excitement of the new car. I had the ML350 built-to-order and waited over three months for its arrival. Since that point I can tell you it was worth the wait and the reliability has been outstanding! This SUV is solid both inside and out and my only problem was that the power lift gate would not seal (which was fixed promptly). I am very impressed with the quality and appeal of this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone in the midsize SUV arena, it far surpasses anything from BMW/Lexus/Volvo, etc.
Love it
Improved look of the vehicle over the previous models. The handling is great especially in difficult weather. Inside, enjoy lumbar support, seats, and spacious cargo. Great power with the V8 in our hilly community both freeways and city drives. Finally feeling safe and comfortable during commutes. Excellent car. Needs some cosmetic work inside. Too much plastic but if you choose less options, you get what you pay for.
Huge Improvement!
Traded a very reliable and fun to drive 2003 ML500 for 2006 ML500 fully loaded. This car with air-suspension is truly an AWD sports/luxury car. From styling to features from the S- class, it finally looks and acts like a true Benz. I love this vehicle and look for excuses just to drive it. Although nav system is better - it should be voice activated. I also agree the clock needs a center location for others to see. The 7- speed is awesome! Well worth waiting for the special order as the upgraded seats are incredible as is the Harmon Kardon sound system. At 4,200 miles no defects,failures, or disappointments.
My first Mercedes
You get what you pay for. This vehicle is solid while comfortable and quiet. Rides like a car, great in the snow and rain. Smooth on the highway and delicate around town. Beautiful lines outside and in. A real value for the money. I told my accountant I was looking to buy a car and considering either a Toyota or a Mercedes. "Thats quite a difference" he said. Not really, any idea what the base price for a land cruiser is? $54k! The Mercedes was 10 less. I know 8 vs 6 cyl and whatever but... Even take the Highlander and compare it with the same accessories and you are paying pretty close to what your paying for a Mercedes. Go for the MBZ
My best SUV yet
This is the quietest vehicle we'v eowned. Due to health problems, I have not had this one off road yet, but inclement weather driving has convinced me it is fully capable as any smooth road SUV. Jeeps, Hummers, G-wagon, etc., are the rock and mud SUVS, and the MLs are not in that group. Getting to the spot that you really need one of those, the new ML is at the top of the list.
The Best SUV ever
I have been driving all kinds of SUV's, but this one it has to be one of the best out there. I am very impressed with how it handles. It corners nicely, and I feel very save when I'm out with my family on the weekends.
Robust Alternative to the RX
The revamped ML is a very good looking SUV. Interior is very well sorted out, trunk is best in class. Seats are firm and supportive. Driven for 6 weeks and no problems. Gas mileage varies 17-20 most of the time. Huge tank gives a nice range. Power liftgate is a great option. Controls more complicated than the Japanese, but, this SUV feels safe as a tank. Good sight lines around the vehicle, seating position is excellent. Well done!
One Nice Ride!
I traded in my 2003 E500 for this ML500. I loved my previous Mercedes but when I test drove the M500 I was in love!! This vehicle is awsome!! I have had it a month and I just cannot believe how much I enjoy driving it! It drives as good as my E but has more room and the quality of workmanship is even better!! I can't wait for Spring to take it out for country drives!!
The Best ML 500 ever
I had a 2002 BMW X5 4.4 and it was a nice SUV, but it doesn't compare to this new ML500. The quality of the ride, the comfort, performance and fun to drive. We love the changes that were made to the styling of the new ML.
Love Our Black Beauty
How awesome a Mercedes is.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2006 ML350
This model is much improved over the 2004 ML350 that I previously owned. This is my 5th ML and is far superior to previous models.
Mixed Bag
I have driven luxury vehicles for years, and this is certainly not a BMW 5 series. The build quality is just not there. Having said that, it was the best value for the money I could find in a SUV. I am really impressed by the gas mileage. I am getting up to 28 on the highway and 24 in town - which I find amazing. I do have a beef with the nav system - it should be mounted on the counsel for ease of use and the knob should be larger. It also seems outdated already and the lack of voice commands is a major drawback. Yes, the transmission is also flawed and it does not want to shift up as quickly as it should. All in all, though, I am very happy with my purchase.
Nice ride - way too many issues
Very nice ride but constant and expensive maint issues and way too many 'little' things going wrong with it. I can't recommend it - I have grown to HATE this car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not for this BMW lover
First: sloppy tranny. The gear changes are very jumpy and noticable by passengers. On hill, I can floor the accelerator and get little to no power. The dealership, saw it twice, & states the tranny is fine. Take your foot off the gas and it downshifts noticibly, all by itself. It does not hold tight curves or the road on bumpy surfaces, very scary. Drives like an expensive Blazer! The Nav system is one of the most complicated I have seen. This is no X5I Question the skills of anyone calling him/herself an avid driver, if they say they like this vehicle. There is one positive, It is sending me right back to the wonderful skilled machinery of BMW for the rest of my life
Extremely disappointed
I bought the first car of this new Model in 2005 and it has been hell ever since. At some point the dealership offered to give me a new car for additional 15k -- I bought the car cash hoping not to worry about buying a car for a long while. I have the ML320, 99 and it has worked very well for us, so I assumed this would be the same. To start, when the roads are wet or there is a little wind the car feels like it is being blown off the road and I have had this since day one, initially they told me that it might be the tires, but that wasn't it. The car has had so many problems that, at one point it spent 36 days at the dealership and they still couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.
Much better than previous MLs.
With trepidation we traded in our '00 320. When it ran it was great. But the electronics were constantly signaling trouble, sometimes turning out to be real. This is a different vehicle, a very different vehicle. It runs great, handles great, and feels great. We are impressed with our first running of it. Everything is fine (but the power steering recall is a bit of a concern, but at least they are fixing it) but the navigation system takes some learning (I wish we had a 12-year old to do this for us). The finish is fine, the acceleration is very good, and the ride outstanding. We like it and look forward to this being the ML and MB we have wanted.
Better Luck Last Year
I had a 1999, then a 2002 ML 320. We set our hopes too high for the 2006. So far we have been less than satisfied. It has been the shop for erratic transmission shifting in stop and go traffic, and the transmission is noisy when shifting into park, reverse etc. Lots of plastic, you can see the Chrysler influence. No additional storage under seats. On the open road, the ride is smooth and more quiet than previous models. Hope they figure it out because the overall design is great. I should have kept the the '02 at least until they worked out the kinks. Although, we may have a lemon on our hands.
Not bad
My first MB. Has rough downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. Acceleration gets better after 500+ miles. One day after a heavy rain, the CD player failed to eject the CD and displayed "no CD" in the unit and I had to use a plier to pull it out. The rear door also failed to open at the same time.
What an improvement!
Beuatiful redesign inside and out. No longer rides like a truck. The new V6 puts out more horsepower than most V8's in its class and is super quiet. Much more roomy and comfortable than previous model with too many perks to mention. Pay the extra money for the appearance package which includes 19" wheels, a chrome grille, and Alcantara seating surfaces (looks and feels like suede) MB really got it right this time!
Alabama's Finest
An excellent, competent vehicle on the road. Pretty good off road too. Very comfortable and safe. Good economy given the size and weight of the car. (Avg 20 on highway, 16 in city.) All switches are where they should be. Computer takes some getting used to, but it's easy when you know what you're doing. Practice before you go on the road. AC is very effective. Gearbox is one of the best I have seen on any vehicle. Very roomy inside. Airbags everywhere ! If you want an 8 seater, wait for the R-class. This is the most quiet SUV I've ever driven...Watch the speedometer. The vehicle is deceptively fast. Besides the large blind spot at the back, they're worth the wait and the money. Well done Mercedes !
Ed`s review
Had an old Ml320 for 5 years and like it. This one is a far better car , drives better , looks better and has all this bells and whistles. It doesn`t drive like a SUV anymore. High quality vehicle.
Mercedes
From the moment I drove my ML350 off of the car lot I felt like I was just behind the wheel and the Mercedes drove me home. The SUV handled like a sports car and hugged the road. I parked the car in my garage and I didnt want to get out. Much better than my wife's BMW X5. I'm truly impressed.
Sweet Machine!
The ML 350 is deserving of all the accolades it has received so far. This SUV rides like a dream! It is quiet and comfortable with plenty of power. The stereo has theatre like sound that makes you hate to wanna turn it off. If you want a great ride at an affordable price, the ML 350 should be at the top of your list.
The best car ever
I got the ML350 with the suede seats which are very comfortable, and the 3 zone air conditioning system which keeps everyone satisfied. I definitely recommend the purchase of the ML350.
KING OF SUV'S
I bought this car when it first came out and I loved it. but after a month something went wrong with the airmatic so I had to return it for a new one. I just love the ML i got it's fully loaded with everything and i think it is just great. This is the King of SUV's.
ML350
Tthis is an excellent driving machine. I love the sturdiness of the vehicle when you go around curves, and how it grips the road in the rain.
Nice Car
Terrific all around vehicle. Very reliable, as I never had to bring it in for service other than regular scheduled service.
Why go for an imitation when MB is best?
I expected an excellent vehicle and Mercedes-Benz delivered far more than that in this 2006 ML350. Each and every segment and system is flawless. With the air-ride it handles like a sports car, nimble and sure footed, and the power plant runs you down the road like a bat outta hell. The highway mileage is about 24+ cruising at 70 MPH, around town about 17mpg. After looking and driving all the other manufacturers current offerings, many had some similar characteristics, but none had them all in such a well put together, comfortable, and driving machine. A must buy for any serious luxury SUV shopper
Love my M350L
I went from a Navigator to the M- Class. I love the handling of this SUV because it feels like a car. It has tight handling and you should check out the lean when driving in a curve. It has all the luxurious that say "Mercedes" but is also fun to drive. The new body style is sportier and doesn't look like a minivan. It is an SUV I plan to keep for a while.
Wonderful
It is an excellent and quite ride and the entertainment package makes the sound system sound phenomenal. Also the power for a V6 is excellent and blows away the Cayenne that I sold last year.