Mercedes ML 500

[Instrument 41]

In my continuous search for something for my wife I stumbled across a 2002 ML 500 Benz. Has 119K miles for $9700. I know that the 320 is very reliable but this beast V8 AWD, am I asking for problems with this? Anyone out there have one of these? Most of the time I love "the hunt" for a new car..but this time, for some reason, its drudgery.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The ML from the Daimler-Chrysler era was known as one of their worst products. They don't have a very good reputation for reliability.

[Bamberg96]

I bought one for my boss for $49,998 out the door new in 2002. It now has 160,000 miles and he beats on it. Always outside in the Florida sun and it has held up exceptionally well. Tires and brakes were expensive but now that it is serviced by an independent shop it has been very reasonable. It is treated as a truck. It has never let him stranded and he expects to easily see 200,000 miles. Considering its resale value and condition he will simply run it into the ground. Original starter, alternator, water pump, window motors, a/c, transmission. Has had a few engine seals replaced, radiator and accelerator module. Service intervals have not always been followed, it uses no oil and is still quick.

[Nostril Cheese]

Run away screaming. Utter and complete garbage.

[ChemMan]

We are on our second ML 320. Total miles on both are about 300K miles. Great vehicles. Really great in the winter. When the time comes to replace our current ML 320, I was thinking about a ML 55 AMG. The 5.5L AMG engine in that is the same as the one in my wife's E55 AMG. Solid engine. I am not sure what they are going for but it is worth at least checking out the prices.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Run away screaming. Utter and complete garbage.

I don't think that is a fair comment.

Similar to Bamberg's experience, my cousin bought a gently used ML500 (30K on the clock at the time) and it also lives a fairly hard life, it is never garaged and sits out in the Texas heat and tropical downpours everyday. It is his grocery getter and Home Depot pick-up as he owns a business. He might wash and wax it a couple times per year at best and is always late on the service intervals. The truck still looks good (metallic silver with black leather) runs great and has never left him stranded and has hardly cost him a penny during his 4+ years of ownership.

Here is a funny story, recently he took his ML500 to the Benz dealership to replace a power steering hose that was starting to sweat (not leak) and he asked them to replace the broken driver's side power seat switch. They fixed / replaced the power steering hose (at no charge to him) and forgot to replace the power seat switch which he only realized after he got home. The next day, he called and complained to the Service Advisor at the dealership and within a day or two the dealership dispatched a mechanic to his house with the new seat switch in hand and replaced it in his driveway (again no cost). Now that is service, not sure how many dealerships or car companies would do that.

Yasin

[Weaver]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

I don't think that is a fair comment.
my cousin bought a gently used ML500 (30K on the clock at the time) The truck still looks good (metallic silver with black leather) runs great and has never left him stranded and has hardly cost him a penny during his 4+ years of ownership.

OH MY GOD! Your cousin found THE ONE! The one early 2K ML 500 that runs.

Here is my experience with our '02 ML500. To preface it, I grew up with 80's and 90's 420 & 560 SELs and 500 &560 SLs. Family always had at least 2 Benzs at a time. Bank vaults. As reliable and solid as billet steel. So of course I wanted to get rid of my wife's CRV for a ML.

Purchased with 35K miles from a Chicago area Benz dealer, certified, with full history for that dealer. Once we owned it we had 100% of all of its service at Benz dealer in Indy (World Wide Motors - Great guys)

40K: replaced cooler and water pump - dealer - warranty
42K: ESC failure, brake booster failure - dealer - warranty
50K: Brake switch, unable to get out of park, parking deck Indianapolis - dealer - warranty
55K: Power steering pressure fitting explosion. Not the line, but the fitting going into the pump blew off under pressure. This was t the hospital, trying to take home my wife and newborn son. I was not impressed. - dealer - out of warranty but dealer covered it.
62K: Overdrive failure. - dealer - out of warranty - dealer paid for g-box rebuild
63K: Air Con compressor failure - dealer - out of pocket

At the 65K miles the service manager called me to discuss trading it in on a 12K mile '08 ML 420. gave me a smoking deal. ECU failed within the week, stranding my wife in Richmond, Indiana. 80 mile tow to dealer. After replacement ECU never got out of the service bay they concluded it was a harness issue and gave us a C 280 as a long term loaner. We drove that C 280 straight across the street and bought our first Infiniti. Going on our third now with NO FAILURES of any sort.

Well thats not true. The rubber molding on the inside trunk handle has peeled up.

[silverc4s]

Bought a 99 ml320 new, it was a POS, always something going wrong, trip computer, fuel filter, air injection motor, power window switch, AWD electronics, etc. sold at a big loss after 4 years with CEL light on, dealer estimated over 5000 to fix

[silverc4s]

My advice: Toyota 4 Runner, Acura MDX

[Instrument 41]

Thanks for the replys. What extremes in comments. Taking all into consideration.