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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 746 of 821

#7445 of 8197 Metal Grinding Noise when Steering the Vehicle by tiger2doll

Jun 30, 2004 (12:21 pm)

Hi All,
 
For the last month or so I am frequently getting a Metal Grinding Noise when turning the Steering Wheel in either direction. This noise does not come always but is there sometimes. Haven't got the time to take it to the dealership - will do so after the 4th July weekend. Any ideas - is it the Steering Column or the Front Wheel Bearings or something ? Thanks for your help.
 
Regards,
Rahul

#7446 of 8197 Failing Welds on Cats by markjenn

Jun 30, 2004 (12:37 pm)

Just a quick note to those who have high-mileage MLs to be sure to check the integrity of your catalytic convertors prior to the 8-yr/80K emissions warranty expiration.
 
At 61K, my 2000 ML320 developed a loud exhaust leak, diagnosed by my local garage as a failing weld on the driver's side cat. The MB dealer agreed and said the passenger side cat was failing also. Thankfully, they replaced both under the emissions warranty, one of the few things covered by it.
 
If that truck had been out of warranty, the total cost would have exceeded $3K!
 
- Mark

#7447 of 8197 Inexpensive Chrome Tip for Exhaust Pipe by ghrothe3

Jul 10, 2004 (11:13 am)

Having just purchased an ’05 ML350 I was not impressed with the plain steel exhaust pipe.
I have seen various aftermarket solutions to this ugliness costing as much as $120.00.
 
My solution costs about $8 from Advanced (Discount) Auto Parts. It’s about 5” long, 2” in diameter (actually 2”X3.25” Oval), Chrome plated Stainless Steel, distributed by 3A Racing. I purchased their model number 62-1106 because that was the only carried by my local parts store. I have since gone to their website www.3aracing.com and discovered that they offer eight different tips.
 
Installation Note: I removed the internal clamp with two screws that is supposed to secure the tip to your exhaust pipe. Then I simply drove the tip onto the exhaust pine with a scrap piece of wood and a hammer. The “springiness” of the oval is still holding after 500 miles. If it falls off I’ll buy another for $8 OR go shopping at the website above to choose a different tip.
 
It’s amazing how something so simple as an exhaust tip can dress your truck!
 
George

#7448 of 8197 Update - 2002 ML500 by tiger2doll

Jul 15, 2004 (2:29 pm)

Hi All,
 
Last week got the vehicle back from the dealer. They kept it for 3 days to fix multiple issues. The car has 25k miles. Here's the list of items addressed :
 
1) Intermittent Metal Grinding Noise when turning Steering Wheel - Dealer could not find any such problem. Claims to have inspected the Steering mechanism inside out. Asked me to bring back the car if noise comes back. I think its the Front Wheel or Drive Shaft Bearings. The noise comes (sometimes) when making full turns at low speeds like in a parking lot, driveway, etc. Can someone please tell me if its the bearings or something else ?
 
2) Sticky Gas Pedal - Replaced the whole Gas Pedal assembly. Pedal feels much smoother now.
 
3) Sunroof Rattles when driving with roof half open - The sunroof tray had a loose bolt. Tightened all tray bolts. No rattle anymore.
 
4) Rattle from the back seat area - The back seat had a loose rivet. They replaced the rivet. No rattle anymore.
 
5) Rough Ride with brand new Michelin Cross Terrain SUV Tires - Re balanced all 4 tires. Cost to me $100.00. Much better ride now - the tires cost me $900.00
 
6) Engine Vibrates when in Park - Found Bad Ignition coils and spark plugs for Cylinder 2 & 5. Replaced plugs and coils for cyl 2 & 5. Still feel some vibration - is it the Harmonic Balancer or the MAF Sensor etc ? Please advise.
 
7) Alarm goes off for no reason - Bad Glass Breakage Sensor causing alarm to go off. Replaced the sensor. Alarm hasn't gone off yet !!
 
8) Transmission Hesitation sometimes - Updated the ECM software to latest version. No more hesitation.
 
9) Dealer found acid leaking from Battery - Replaced Battery.
 
10) Bose Radio switches from Stereo to Mono at random when playing FM - They found the antenna to be loose. Tightened the antenna - so far so good.
 
Upgraded the NAV CD's to the latest version released in May 2004. Cost of all 10 CD's - $280.00. The new NAV CD's have a Firm ware Upgrade which has better NAV coverage. I have owned this vehicle for 14 mths with 18k miles driven (bought it used in May 03 with 7k miles). I have visited the dealer 10 times in the last year alone. Love the power and handling when there are no issues. Don't know what to do - keep it or sell it.
 
Regards,
Rahul

#7449 of 8197 Update - 2002 ML500 by tiger2doll by mercara

Jul 19, 2004 (9:09 am)

tiger2doll,
 
I've been participating on this forum for a couple of years now. I have noticed that some people are very happy with their cars and some people such as yourself have been unlucky to get the more badly built cars.
 
My 1999 ML320 which has about 65K miles on it has been mostly trouble free. I have had the usual M-Class problems like power-window switch and shift control module replacement. I want to get a Toyota Landcruiser, but have not had a good reason to sell my ML and take the hit on the depreciation. It has been very reliable all these years.
 
However, if I had the kind of problems you have been having, I would definitely sell it. Remember the longer you keep it, the more it depreciates and you take a bigger hit when you sell it. If you have a problem car, DO NOT KEEP IT beyond the warranty period, unless you own shares in Diamler Chrysler or their dealers.
 
I have decided that when I have the first major problem with my 99ML 320, it will be Landcruiser time .
The only gripe I have with Mercedes is their dealer network. Terrible dealers.. Arrogant to boot. They haven't realized that Lexus is the top selling luxury brand in North America.

#7450 of 8197 My 2002 ML500 by mark156

Jul 20, 2004 (2:07 pm)

I've had my ML500 for 32 months, 29,200 miles, and it has been relatively trouble free. If I remember correctly, I had to have a windshield washer box replaced (defective from supplier), the bi-xenons adjusted downward, a cup holder replace in the back, a light bulb behind the speedometer replaced, an arm rest cover on the console (started to ripple) and an adjustment on the gas peddle (sticky) and finally, the dashboard at the windshield squeaked. I find those to be trivial annoyances.
 
My ML is very powerful, strong air conditioning, excellent navigational system and my tires are wearing perfectly; looks like I could go to 40,000 pretty easy. The all wheel drive with traction control has gotten me though some rough icy conditions.
 
Just my .02 worth, Mark

#7451 of 8197 Highest Mileage on ML by c_j_gordon

Aug 04, 2004 (6:56 am)

Who here has the highest mileage on their ML320?

#7452 of 8197 Lock and Elect System by shadowu0083

Aug 05, 2004 (9:49 pm)

Hi All, just join this, and can't wait to post a message. I have a 2000 ML320 purchased in July 2003 with start mark warranty. Love the ride, however, had to visit dealer 5 times less than a year. 3 times now are the same problem, lock and elect system defective. I have contact a lemmon law att and will let them take a look if this SUV is a lemmon. Three times in a row the same problem came back. Anybody has a good advice or maybe having the same problem?
 
Thanks a lot,
 
shadowu0083

#7453 of 8197 Highest Mileage on ML by mercara

Aug 09, 2004 (12:11 pm)

67000 on my 1999 ML320.
 
Few minor issues. Never been stranded or towed in 6 years.

#7454 of 8197 Question for Markjenn by brown38

Aug 11, 2004 (8:18 am)

Mark,
 
You appear to be very knowledgeable about the ML430. I have a 2000 ML430 and I bought it used through a friend who delivered it to me with 57000 miles. The shift delay on the trans seems to last a long time in the morning. I know that this is a built in feature to heat up the cats, but I have to wait until full temperature is reached even in the SC summer time with overnight temps in the 80's? The book says road speed should override this feature but nothing makes it shift other than 6000 rpm and 200 degrees on the temperature gage..... about a 10 minute ride at 55 mph? Is yours this lazy?????? Once it shifts out then it is perfect all day long???? The dealer says it is normal.

Messages Page 746 of 821

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