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Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

8197 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 5:19 PM

You are in the Mercedes Benz M-Class Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, SUV

Messages Page 633 of 820

#6320 of 8197 Thanks mrwhipple, hello bon_bon by ripleyiii

Apr 11, 2002 (11:07 am)

Thanks mrwhipple for the Meguiar's Professional Yellow Wax #26 tip (have I got it all right?). Do I wax over the clear coat, or add more clear coat before waxing?
 
I hope these aren't dumb questions.
 
Now I’d also like to respond to this one (#5924, “New (Proud) owner of an ML 500”, bon_bon, dated March 28), albeit late. I just bought my 2002 ML500 and I’ve been considering the vehicle carefully, too. Mine is Black/Java, Bose, M3, M7 (no Xenon). I’ve put 500 miles on it the first week and at this rate I’m going to run out of warranty in 2 years!! I feel I got a good price ($360 over invoice) and the added chrome makes the car look far better than the similar 320. I’m considering adding a step.
 
I still own the vehicle this is replacing: Ford Explorer. As veteran MB owners will tell you, this is a quantum step forward from a Ford! I’m gonna dump it as soon as I can get it together.
 
I agree with bon_bon on a couple of things. The Navigation System was a slight disappointment because you have to enter the address in a parked position. It’s probably good because it prevents me from typing while driving, but doesn’t explain preventing the passenger ability to do so. This is a small inconvenience because I didn’t buy the car to tell me where to go. But I have found that you don’t have to have the radio on when using the Nav System. Put on the CD player. If there’s a CD in it, pause it. Or, put it on an empty CD slot.
 
But I wish the CD player controls were a little closer to me, or on the wheel. But I’m tall and I can handle it. The changer in the back is a good idea. Let’s not clutter the front cabin with CD’s and cases. That really gets to me.
 
The only other interior problem I have is with my phone. No place to put it. I suppose I’m encouraged to buy the Mercedes built-in phone, but that would mean having 2 phones, 2 numbers and the hassles that go with it. I would still need my portable phone even if I did get the built-in one. So where to put the phone? On the center console near the ashtray? That’s one idea. It usually ends up on the passenger seat.
 
I like the seats and the three pre-sets, but frankly I thought the BMW X5 had the best seats around. And since I spend a lot of time on the road, this was a serious issue before buying the ML. But doesn’t seem to be an issue now that I’ve been driving the car for a week.
 
Yes, I feel some of the road, but this is the best driving truck around. Remember, it is not a Camry body. It is a truck, and a powerful one at that.
 
But I, too, miss the door ajar warning. Would this be too hard to show on the dash somewhere? But the closing of the doors is good. Heavy doors are good, not light ones and I don’t consider it “slamming” when they are closed properly. The matte paint finish along the door is great because it doesn’t show fingerprints on my (black!) paint. Too bad there isn’t a similar feature for the boot. I usually have to put my hand on the chrome for the final push down.
 
I hear the engine when I accelerate, but it doesn’t bother me. In fact, I love knowing that I have something in reserve on the freeway when I have to get around traffic, and I’m already cruising at 65. Just don’t stomp on it. You don’t have to.
 
I had to adjust my headrest ‘way up to provide good “snap back” protection. Now it’s perfect. I took out the center headrest for the back seat because it obstructed my view entirely.
 
As for air recirculation: It is unhealthy to recycle the same air continuously in the cabin. Normally, you want to pull in “fresh” air to replenish “old” air. A common complaint in airplanes is second-hand air: Recycled air spreads throughout the cabin and everyone shares the air.
 
As for the fit and finish, this is great. I’m waiting to experience knocks and rattles, but none have arisen. I do hear my seat squeak from time to time, and I’m about to get under it with a can of WD-40.
 
I am grateful there is no sound for the lock/unlock doors. Some people may need this to locate their car in a parking lot, but I don’t really want to call attention to myself by chirping each time I park, so this works for me.
 
Everyone has an opinion, and I am grateful for bon_bon’s posting to inspire me to jot down mine. In short, I may be a more grateful owner, because, as I mention at the top, I just moved up from a Ford. If that is the case, then as I “mature” in my ML500, perhaps I’ll become more demanding and/or more critical. But I don’t think that will happen right away.
 
Good luck and good driving!

#6321 of 8197 waxes / ripleyiii by mrwhipple

Apr 11, 2002 (3:19 pm)

If you need to, you can use Meguiar's Deep Gloss Polish before you use the main wax. It's specially made for dark colors & clearcoats.
 
If the paint was oxidized, their carnuba wax cleaner or heavy duty car cleaner are both quite good. Luckily you have new paint.

#6325 of 8197 Rust on MY00 ML320 - need help for fix?! by bzoomie

Apr 11, 2002 (7:39 pm)

Been reading this board over 2 years - now need some advice.
 
Rust on passenger door where the molding attaches on front of the door around to the inner door jam. Rust coming from inside and bleeding through paint.
 
MB refuses to cover completely - only 50% since car out of warranty (I drive 35k miles/year on highway). MB recommends scraping rust off - not a new door. Is this good enough?
 
ML only been through 2 light winters and garaged. My previous domestic cars never had this problem.
 
Dealer took it to DSM and I called 800FORMERC - what else, where else should I go to get some help. Does anyone else have this issue? Watch your doors!
 
Brandy
bzoomieaol.com

#6326 of 8197 bzoomie by thor8

Apr 11, 2002 (9:54 pm)

let me see if I understand correctly, you are saying the rust is coming from the door trim or mold that runs along the doors?
 
If that is the case have you removed the trim and seen the rust? it could be one of the brackets rusting. For what you are describing seem to me an easy fix, it could be treated chemically also.
 
Nobody will give you a new door because is an easy fix and the repair will last for the life of the vehicle if done rigth.

#6327 of 8197 Rust by bzoomie

Apr 12, 2002 (4:12 am)

thor8
thanks for the reply. We removed the molding (I was hoping it was the bracket/fastener), but the rust is coming from inside of the door (looks like it may have originated from where the fastener pierced the door.)
However the rust has progressed to beyond just the door front (separate piece that can be removed according to MB) and to the side of the door (different piece of metal that is joined to the front of the door) and located in the jam between the front and back doors.
 
I was concerned that this area could be treated since it involved an area where the 2 pieces of the door was joined.
 
I also wonder where else this could be happening. My friend (car engr for mfg and has been to Tuscaloosa to see the ML assembled) believes it is a factory defect from when the molding was assembled to the car.
 
I just feel MB should take care of this completely. I want to make sure it is fixed correctly (with no repeat issues).
 
Thanks for your help. I may try to post a picture of it.
 
Brandy
bzoomie

#6328 of 8197 ML55 Steering by tdavenport

Apr 12, 2002 (9:42 am)

I've got a 2000 ML 55 that in the overall has been a good car.The only gripe is that periodically the power steering decides not to work. Dealer service techies are going bald scratching thier heads trying to divine a remedy. I get real nervous driving it when I'm preparing to go subsonic. Any fellow ML55'rs out there had this same problemo.

#6329 of 8197 What to do with the phone - ripleyiii by ron320

Apr 13, 2002 (4:37 pm)

My phone has the standard user installed stud on the back to attach to a belt clip. At Best Buy, I picked up a clip that accepts the stud and is flat on the back with a peal and stick surface. I stuck the clip between the seat warmer and rear wiper switches. Perfect fit. I remove the phone from my belt clip when I get in and clip it on the dash. I would not recommend trying to remove the clip so make sure you have it in the right place before you stick it.

Messages Page 633 of 820

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