Faults:

Mass air flow sensor needed replacement.

Catalytic converter got plugged and had to be replaced.

Fuel leak.

Outside of that, normal stuff - oil changes, spark plug change (there are 12!) etc. I did have the tie rods changed at about 150K.

General Comments:

This was the first year for the ML320 and we got the base model. It was quirky to say the least. On a trip through a blizzard, it drove through like a champ. Other cars, trucks etc were on the side of the road and the w163 plowed though with ease. Of course, the BAS/ESP light went on the next time I started it up, but went away soon after.

The drive was rough. This is really a light truck. The newer models are more refined. I liked this vehicle so much I bought a newer ML320 when I sold it.

Overall, great vehicle. OUTSTANDING in the winter. I sold it before the prices bottomed out on them.

Would I buy another -yes, I did. Would I buy a 1998 again... only if there was not a newer model available at a good price.

Faults:

The only thing that happened that I can complain about was the my rear view mirror melted off in the heat after sitting outside.

General Comments:

Nothing! I have had a great experience with the ML320.

Faults:

I bought this vehicle from the second owner with FULL service records since new. It has had the usual P/S and Cats replaced and brakes every 50,000KM. Other than routine maintenance in the last year the vehicle has been flawless.

I tow a 4000 LB Travel trailer at 100 KM/H and it returns me 18 L/100KM, not bad for towing! Usual economy is 12L/100KM city and 10L/100KM Hwy. 75% of the time I run REGULAR fuel and when gas is cheap I run Premium, it makes no difference in economy or power on this vehicle.

General Comments:

I had reservations about purchasing one of these so called "Lemons" especially with 200,000 KM but we drive it everywhere. We tow from Canada to the USA and around home for vacations. It is roomy, comfortable and almost second to none in cargo room. Our 100Lb dog and kennel ride with us everywhere and it just can't be beat.

Fuel Economy is fantastic for a large SUV

Handling is wonderful.

Brakes stop this freight train with authority!!

I was going to sell this one and get an ML430 but since this one has been flawless she's a keeper.

My last vehicle 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2L Limited made an easy 300,000 KM and I don't see why the ML won't either.

Faults:

I've not experienced many problems. Since I've had it, the biggest has been the fuel pump needing to be replaced at about 80,000 miles. No other problems.

General Comments:

Great interior, options, performance, acceleration, gas mileage, looks. I love it!! If you get one, don't be afraid to use it like it's meant to be used. So what if it's a Mercedes. It's born to work and play. That's what they designed it for. To do so in comfort and it does it's job well.

Faults:

Dashboard electronics failed at about 65,000 miles.

Driver window switch failed at 100,300 miles.

Turn signal switch failed at 100,300 miles.

Sealed transmission leaked at 100,300 miles.

General Comments:

I found this car to be very comfortable, reliable and capable of handling both high speed highway driving and hilly country roads with equal ease.

The interior is very roomy, and has a spacious cargo area. Back seats accommodate riders for long trips without comfort complaints.

Although the overall interior quality does not seem to at all match the European Mercedes quality, it is a light truck and performs beautifully as such.

I was disappointed to find all the above mentioned items failing only shortly after the extended warranty expired, but I have enjoyed a relatively trouble free time with this vehicle. It has been maintained as per the prescribed schedule which can be costly, but absolutely necessary.

0-60 speed is a little lacking, especially when merging in high speeds, but it takes off after that.

Faults:

Fuel level sending unit.

Drivers lumbar seat heater.

The idle pulley bearing.

Mass air flow sensor failed.

Squeaky suspension had to be re-greased.

General Comments:

Great car, handles well and comfortable to drive.

Adequate power from engine with great gas consumption, for its size and weight (18/22 mpg).

Not as luxurious as other Mercedes, but it is a truck nonetheless, and one of the first true luxury trucks to come out.

The car is great it has simple enough technology for the average "do-it-yourself", with sufficient safety and convenience gadgets (i.e. four or more airbags, seatbelt retractors, stability control, traction control, off-road ABS, low range).

Faults:

Nothing, it has been perfect.

General Comments:

I waited 11 months for delivery, driving a Chevy Blazer with over 200,000 miles on it - waiting for it to totally break down on me; and the Benz was still worth the wait. It handles like a dream, is really easy to park, and the most fun to drive of any thing I have ever had. It is so comfortable, accelerates as smooth as silk, and just seems to glide over the road. True perfection in a SUV, I just adore it.