Hey all,

Mercedes no longer makes their cars like they used to! The M-class is the prime example. However, most, if not all, of Mercedes models are under criticisms!

Here is a link to articles on this: (too many articles to copy & paste!)

http://mbspy.bacosys.be/mbquality.htm

Here is the homepage to "Mercedes-Lemon.com":

http://www.mercedes-lemon.com/pages...e=1031616309002

Have fun reading! Personally, i will never buy anything from Mercedes...Lexus and BMW are my favorites for luxury vehicles.

Thanks.

www.mercedesproblems.com

Hey all,

Here is a pic of the new ML in 2004:


Sadly, i kinda like the old rear end better....

Here is an active thread on Lemon Lawsuits against Mercedes ML:

ML Lemon lawsuits

Mercedes-Benz ML350 replaces ML320

Toronto, Ontario - Mercedes-Benz has replaced the ML320 sport utility vehicle with the ML350. The primary difference between the two models is a new 232-horsepower 3.7-litre V6 engine (replacing the 215-hp 3.2-litre V6), adding 16 additional horses and 21 lb-ft of torque. The new ML350 Classic has a suggested price of $50,600 only $1,100 more than the outgoing ML320 Classic.

For 2003, the M-Class offers a new optional DVD-based navigation system. The new DVD system is integrated into the Modular Control System that includes a 13cm TFT display screen and the ability to play cassette tapes and audio CDs and DVDs. Now, the mapping for Canada and the United States fits on one DVD compared to nine CDs needed previously. Owners of older M-Class models equipped with the MCS can upgrade to the DVD system - it's simply a matter of an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership switching the new drive for the old one.

For model-year 2003, Mercedes-Benz is also producing an Inspiration Package available for the ML350 Elegance and the ML500. Visual enhancements inside and out exclusive to the Inspiration Package cost $2,175 for the ML350 Elegance. In addition to sport seats and hand-polished Charcoal poplar wood trim, the interior will be appointed with silver cross-stitched Anthracite leather and unique floormats. For exterior individuality, these models will receive six-spoke 17" wheels and a silver-painted chrome grille.

M-Class SUV probed for leaks
Possible fluid leaks could cause engine fires

The Associated Press
February 23, 2003

VANCE | Federal officials are investigating the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport-utility vehicle made in Vance after drivers complained of power steering fluid leaks that could cause engine fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began its probe Feb. 13 following seven complaints that steering fluid leaked because hose clamps failed, The Birmingham News reported.

The agency has not received reports of accidents, injuries or fires from the leaks. Past government investigations into leaky power steering hoses have led to safety recalls for other manufacturers because the fluid is combustible and can cause engine fires.

The probe covers 1999 to 2001 models of the ML 320 made by Mercedes, which employs 2,000 people who make the M-Class in Alabama. The company made 133,000 ML 320 models during that span. The least expensive M-Class now sells for about $37,500.

“Although not included in the complaint allegations, power steering fluid leakage can also result in engine compartment fire if an ignition source, such as the exhaust manifold, is present," said the agency’s document that describes the problem.

Michelle Murad, a spokeswoman for the company’s North American sales unit in New Jersey, acknowledged the investigation, a first for the M-Class.

Auto parts makers build many of the M-Class’ components and ship them to the Vance plant, where workers put them on the vehicle. Murad declined to say whether the hose clamps were made by Mercedes or a supplier, but said, “We feel product issues are our responsibility."

The government has looked into two similar complaints in recent years.

Last year, the NHTSA ordered Maserati, a unit of Italian auto maker Fiat SpA, to recall 350 cars that were leaking power steering fluid from faulty hoses. The agency cited increased risk of engine fires.

In 2001, the agency required Mitsubishi to recall Galant and Eclipse models built in an 18-month period because a power steering tube had contact with the exhaust manifold. The resulting fluid leak increased the risk of engine fire, the agency said.

I got a copy of the April issue of Consumer Reports 2003 Cars today. I was shocked to see the reliability was much worse than average on all Mercedes except one and that was worse than average. Two models were not rated since they were new. I thought maybe it was just the M-Class built in the States, but it seems all of them are affected. I guess in you own the S-Class you don't worry about being much worse than average in reliabilty.

Here is a link to the Mercedes ML's features & how it works:

http://www.mbusi.com/gtour/

Interesting....

Link:

Forbes Review of ML500

HIGHS:
Excellent V-8, upgraded dash, switches.

LOWS:
Trucklike handling in a class now filled with swankier, sportier handling machines.

Excerpt:

Should You Buy This Car?

One way to enjoy the ML is to shift it manually. There's a side-to-side manual mode to the five-speed shift knob, and we find this setup to be both the most intuitive of all so-called manumatics and especially useful in larger vehicles like this. When you're descending a hill toward a light, it's really nice to know you can use the engine to slow down. Also smart: If you just pull the shifter toward you and hold it for a second, the transmission automatically downshifts to the lowest gear feasible.

If only the rest of this vehicle were as smart and functional as the drivetrain.

Besides those back seats we dislike, there's the CD changer, which, thanks to the navigation system hogging the center console, gets stuffed behind a small door next to the third-row seats. You have to first remove a plastic cover that requires turning two large wing nuts, then another wing nut to get the entire changer to swivel out. Who on earth would pay extra for this? Would you even think about changing discs more than once a month?

In all, we find the ML500 a disappointment. After driving so many good Mercedes products of late, it's almost shocking to see them continue to lag in a segment that's so clearly hugely important to their number one market buyer--Americans.

And given the price range, we'd have to recommend the X5 if you want better performance, the Acura if you want more room, and the Volvo if you want a little bit of each. And, if you really have your heart set on a Mercedes family car, get the E-Class wagon, which is far superior in every way and you can get it with all-wheel drive.