2005 Mercedes-Benz M-class Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
On a whim I bought my 2003 ML 350 as a second car since I needed an SUV. My other car is a brand new 2015 Hyundai Sonata sport. Since owning this car, I actually drive the Mercedes more than the Hyundai. The ML is well designed and even though it is 13 years old, the build quality is so high I actually feel like I am driving a brand new car. The gas mileage is horrible due to it being an AWD vehicle. When it snows however, the AWD drive system is absolutely amazing. We recently received two feet of snow and I did not even have to shovel before I drove away. While others were snowed in or waiting for the snow plows to come, I was able to get out of the space I parked in and made it to work with no problems. Repairs are very expensive at the dealer but I was lucky enough to find an amazing local mechanic who only uses OEM Mercedes-Benz parts and does the repairs for significantly less. After I first bought the ML, I did take it to a Mercedes-Benz dealer to have a full inspection and service "A" completed. They did find a host of things wrong, that the dealership I bought it from neglected to mention (I'm not surprised). The estimate from the Mercedes dealer to fix everything was $8,700.00, the actual price I paid my local mechanic to fix everything was about $5,000.00. The labor rates at my Mercedes dealer were $150.00 p/hr. oil changes are expensive regardless where you go. The dealer charges $150.00, my mechanic $125.00. The plus side though, if you properly maintain a Mercedes, it will last you forever. The service manager at the Mercedes dealership told me an M-Class came in with 275,000 miles on it and he bought it without any reservation because it was properly maintained. He also told me that they have a customer who regularly comes in for routine maintenance and that ML320 has 475,000 miles on it and is still going strong. There a few things that are wonky such as the cup holders being made of thin plastic, or the fabric skirts that go around the back legs of the rear seats which are pointless or the fact a replacement fob is $200.00. If you ever need a replacement fob you better have proof of ownership, identity and all of your paperwork in order or the dealership will not allow you to buy a new one. You also better keep your address updated with Mercedes-Benz Customer Care, because if there is a different address in their system from what is on your license, you will be denied. If you give the car to someone else or buying used, change the ownership information with Mercedes Customer Care. This goes for all Mercedes Benz not purchased at a Mercedes-Benz dealer. I would highly recommend one of these to anyone who wants a high quality, superbly built SUV. If however you cannot afford the repair bills and you cannot afford to use premium unleaded gasoline, do not buy this vehicle or any German car for that matter. These cars will last but you need to take good care of them. if you are handy and or love to work on cars, this Mercedes actually is perfect for you since parts are cheap. If you are handy but have limited experience working on a car, there are many things you can do yourself with the help of You Tube. I changed my air filter and cabin filter as well as a few other little ticky tack things.
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Critical Review
Where do I start? I got this car used from my mom who then purchased a ML350. I tried to get her to buy a Lexus RX350, which by all accounts is a more reliable car. But she sticks to her Mercedes regardless of information. While she owned what is now my ML320, every flaw that this car is known for came to pass. And, as has been the case with many other ML owners, the dealerships did not back up the part failures. Many people have sued their dealerships and MB for this reason (check out the blogs). Right from the outset, the fuel gauge sending unit did not work properly. The dealership was able to talk her out of getting this repaired as it is so expensive to do. So I inherited that problem. All 4 brake rotors had to be replaced along with pads before 25K miles. I understand this is usually the case as the rotors are very soft. Then the whole ac system had to be replaced before 40K miles. Another common problem. Then the door locks. Then some electronic fuel device failed leaving her stranded. Then she sold the car to me cheap at about 125000 miles. She got a ML350 and has already replaced the entire ac system and the brake rotors, all before 25K miles. Since I have owned the car the door locks have failed, the window switches have failed (front and rear). Mercedes should give away the window switches due to common failures, but they try to even get out of warranty service. I now have 230,000 miles on the car. I used it to commute 80 miles a day. Runs perfectly. Many cars would be worn out at this point. No rattles or squeaks. Motor very strong. I no longer off-road it because there is a loud clunk in the transfer case upon hard acceleration. It could be the beginning of the end, as I will not repair it. WE usually get about 300K out of our MBs. Mom has had several expensive issues with her ML350 such as worn out wheel bearings, AC, breaks. Needless to say, I think the ML series is one of the worst products MB ever made. My dad was a collector of MB, so I have seen more than my share, most of them being very long lasting and well built cars. MB missed the boat with this SUV, and sent them out to market in a hurry without outfitting them with quality parts.
2005 M-Class Reviews
Showing 8 of 419 reviews.
Quality drive, Safe for driver and passengers, well thought out vehicle for all purposes.
Getting older now, but that is part of its charm. Fuel economy will be 18 to 20 so expect that cost
I have two ML-350's and one ML-500 all 2004 . All drive really well, and handle any kind of roads or no roads if you do your part. Quiet with good suspensions and driving qualities. Repairs are about 20% more expensive than US vehicles but generally less frequent. At current pricing a steal. Buy one and enjoy.
Reliability, comfort, safety
Stereo quit working, cheap interior parts
I bought this 2002 ML320 used back in 2007 and this thing is ultra reliable, responsive, and drives like a tank in the snow. I can't get rid of it because it is just too fun to drive
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I. Still have the same car ,went to Canada few times in a Very bad weather .The Mercedes ml 430 is a fantastico. Very Very strong Vehicle 8v. No problem very efficient with gas, save tons of money
Hi guys, only the best you can get out of this car. These ml benz they are everything you are looking for in a car. Easy parking , carrying load is A breeze gas mileage is very good. Love these cars bro.
this small suv will get you anywhere in any condition. I’ve almost done everything with my car besides swim in the ocean with it ive taking it on rock climbing adventures, mudding, countless times through the mountain in storms and it just troopers through every time with no problems. This car has the best interior by far with big comfy leather seats and a really clean dash set up and bose speakers to make it feel like you’re in the movie theaters. Overall 0 problems with this car if you just take care of it, normal maintenance.
The car is very good working condition, but it has some cosmetic problems. Only 92,000 miles. I like this car.
Needs new engine
Excellent condition but needs a new engine. Exterior in excellent conditon as is interior. Fun and comfortable to drive.
Fun to drive, classy and trendy
gas consumption can be better.
I bought it brand new for my wife. Great performance from day one. Extreemly reliable. It served us for over 20 years. I highly recommend this brand of Mercedes. Sold a year ago only because we have two other Benz models. Great car, low maintenance, smooth ride with regular service and very reliable.
