Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
I'm not a tree hugger
Pros: Easy to drive
Cons: I have to pay for the Adblue. MB Service is a ripoff.
Blutec is the way to go. Quiet diesel, good power, no exhaust fumes destroying our lungs. Benz is a good looking classy SUV thatyour never ashamed to hand the keys to the valet at Bev Hills best eateries.Pros: I love the black with black leather interior and the wood grain
Cons: The black brake dust that constantly gets on my front rims
Advice: New or used I promise you
Actually I own a 2004 ML350 and I love it. It's spacious and sexy. My husband and I were on our way home when the tire blew we were moving at around 60 mph. The tire did $3000 damage to the driver rear end. It should have flipped or swerved but I'll tell you my ML handled it superbly and I am greatful. I don't want to drive anything else. Im spoiled rotten now!Pros: The interior.
Cons: Transmition problems which have not been corrected by Mercedes.
Advice: Do not purchase until hatch problems and transmition problems are resolved by MB.
Drove great initially. Then the hatch locking mechanism malfunctioned. Three weeks later earlier I had taken it in to the dealership for another reason and they corrected a different problem authorized by the manufacturer. Then the hatch malfunctioned. It would not unlock. Parts were replaced. Now the transmission problem exists on these models. Mercedes is aware of the problem but have been unable to correct. I was told at first it was a part in the transmition. The dealership called later and said that replacing the parts are not resolving the problem. They said Mercedes not believes it is a computer problem. That was over a month ago. I am still waiting for the dealership to get the computer disc in to hopefully resolve the issue. At this point, I have little faith in Mercedes vehicles, especially since my neighbor, too, purchased an identical model and has experienced similar difficulties.Pros: Styling and performance
Cons: Transmission problems
Advice: Don't buy one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my 2nd ML. Previously I owned a 2002 ML320. This ML 500 has presented us with numerous problems that should not appear in any car let alone a $60,000 ML500. At 17,000 mile, we have the benefit of a 3rd transmission. The Dealer service is fantastic. However, we have had to endure situations that should not be viasable on any car. MBZ/USA takes the position of 'So What'it is covered by the warranty. Lemon Laws were created for these exact situations.Pros: Low range
Cons: Very bumpy ride due to short wheel base
Advice: Don't! Buy a Pilot or a Highlander. Wait a year for the new ML to shake down
It's pretty peppy. I like the low range box which I actually use, which is why I chose this. Had one in UK too. Build quality is poor, particularly interior. Poor interior design considerably improved with the latest model. I would not buy another one.Pros: I like the look and the 7-passenger seating option (even though nobody could actually fit in rear seats)
Cons: The computerized accelerator and stall off the line. Dangerous.
Advice: I hear the new models are much better but be careful...if you have a problem, don't look to Mercedes. Mine was in the shop countless times the first year and MD could not have cared less. I was shocked at the lack of customer service.
Drove great as compared to Ford Expedition, which was previous car. Got excited about owning a Mercedes and should have done more homework.Pros: Design and comfort
Cons: Navigation System
Advice: If navigation is important
I have owned the ML500 for 2 months and 3000 miles. The fit and finish are excellent and it accelerates great. It disappoints in 3 areas: 1. the navigation system is so bad you must constantly refer to a paper map to find a location. It sends me south when I should go north and takes odd routes, even with the 8/06 DVD. 2. The 7 speed transmission is not smooth at low speeds and shifts too frequently. My service advisor said it will 'learn' my driving techniques, but my wife and I have different driving styles. 3. Finally, the low beam driver side headlight with the optional headlight package seem to project a black wall which I feel is dangerous at highway speeds. My service advisor said that the headlight aim is the MB spec.