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Mercedes-Benz ML320 Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz ML320

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Mercedes-Benz ML320 Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes 1998 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 180

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Questions and Answers

Chai, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320, La Quinta, CA

i changed battery and need to reset navigation. can I get the security code?
Thank you very much.

Rev1980, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Findlay, OH

My AM radio has continual static, some times and can only tune in local stations. The radius for good reception is about 20 miles. Somethimes when I encounter rough roads I lose the station complet...

caution, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Livermore, CA

i have 82,000 miles . How do you know if it was changed?

caution, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Livermore, CA

i have 82,000 miles . How do you know if it was changed?

caution, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Livermore, CA

how do i find out when to change it

caution, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Livermore, CA

How big of a deal is it to drive with the double blinking wrenches that appear when i start my car? thank you

snoopy14, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Rutledge, TN

I have a 1999 ML 320 which if at a complete standstill I accelerate there is a noise from the rearend. Kind of sounds like it is skipping gears.

abouamir, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Toa Alta, PR

hi. how can i open the code of radio .i dont have the code#....thank you

taylorized, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Rockville, MD

How much will this repair cost - motor mount - including parts, labor, taxes, etc.

wilson, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Kodiak, AK

why dose my car squeak going over bumps

dy239, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Laurel, MD

I SEE A WRENCH ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION ON. IS MY VEHICLE DUE FOR A TUNE-UP?

btbenz, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Houston, TX

I have a caution light on my abs that comes up.How much to repair this? Also when driving during summer months only i have a brake code that comes up.

mehran, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Fountain Valley, CA

I am loosing my radiator fluid. I have also noticed a leak coming from the hose connected to the passenger side firewall. a have clamped it shut , did i do the right repair

mehran, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Anaheim, CA

mercedes ml 320

mehran, 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Anaheim, CA

My navigation system is working extremely slow. When I type the address it takes a few minutes before each alaphabets will appear on the screen. I also have to push the start knob few times befor...

njtcpa, 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Ballwin, MO

Are there any special tools or equipment neede to change the brake pad in this vehicle? My son is a mechanic and I was hoping to save $ by having him do it but I wasn't sure if there were special ...

mhassel, 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Ballwin, MO

I'm installing new shoes...having fits - biggest spring is very difficult to install as are retaining clips - not sure if I'm catching the cable either and not sure how to adjust - any suggestions?...

mizuno, 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Anaheim, CA

It blows heat when ac is on or off,take note even the ac is off ac prion is full.

wilson, 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Kodiak, AK

why do my brake lights come on when I start my car
and stay on until I turn the car off

garras, 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Lakeland, FL

how can i reach the light bulbs at the license plates and if i need to change fuses, where is the fuse box. Thanks much

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Car Reviews (4)

Crazy Canuck 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Aspen, CO January 17, 2010 16:23

I live Winnipeg.Manitoba, Canada and own an ML320 and love it. There are a couple of bugs like the overhead console lights don't come on anymore. Not sure if there is a master switch for them. Still getting to know the vehicle. I have made a couple of highway trips and at 68 mph I was still getting approximately 25 mpg with the Canadian gallon. For a vehicle as heavy as this and it being AWD that is actually great. The leather interior is great. It is a softer leather which is much nicer than my '93 Olds Cutlass Convertible. The seats are very comfortable too. I am 6'5" tall and have great legroom.

M. Kauzlarich 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Kansas City, MO January 07, 2010 15:07

I've had this car for 8 years. 7 years longer than any other car I've ever owned. I've put over 100K on it with minimal problems during that time.. I had an electronic motor go out of the 4 wheel drive components twice, both times it was covered under warranty. I also had a piece of plastic trim crack on the rear like another review had mentioned. All in all, it's a great car and I'd even think about owning another one.

Msousa 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Oakland, CA November 04, 2008 08:39

Car drives really well. It's great on snow and ice. Mine has 100,000 miles on it now and it's running strong. I would definitely buy another one. My nit-picky comments are that the brakes wear down quickly, the AC vent has always had a slight rattle in it that they can't seem to fix, and a plastic trim piece on the rear corner of the car has cracked twice. The engine runs well, but it does burn a quart of oil every 5-7,000 miles. Apparently this is not unusual for this model.

Tiresidedown 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bonita, CA October 16, 2008 09:53

Great vehicle. Tenacious grip on ice and snow - durable and rock solid. Tows fine too despite it's weight. (It's a lot heavier than its size would indicate.)

We drove a newer one while this was getting a repair @ Benz and we liked ours better. The newer one had touch screen for navi, radio, phone & HVAC and it didn't work very well and was impossible to read in the sun.

Sometimes progress isn't - I prefer 'regular' controls for hvac, like a big knob for the temp and a big knob for the selection - it always works, anyone can use it whether it's hot or cold and with or without gloves, night or day, etc. Automakers used to think digital gauges were cool too - see any now? It's all back to analog, in all cars.

Love the car. 100%.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Problems

Brakes Pad life varies and is dependent upon driving style and terrain. One common problem our technicians report is that motorists will drive with the parking brake applied; this burns up the parking brake lining and wears out the brake rotors.
Engine
  • Oil leaks can develop around the oil filter housing.
  • Oil leaks from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
  • Motor mounts fail, causing engine vibrations to transfer to the body. The motor mounts should be replaced or the transmission mount may fail.
  • The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
  • The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail.
Exhaust & Emissions
  • The welds tend to crack on the front catalytic converter. Replacement of the catalyst is required; re-welding of the catalyst is discouraged because it is an emissions device.
  • The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tends to fail. The engine air filter should be replaced when the mass air flow sensor is replaced; a dirty filter can allow debris to damage the new sensor.
  • As the spark plug wires age and are exposed to heat cycling, they start to develop micro cracks in the insulation around the resistors, which causes misfires and poor fuel economy.
  • Up to model year 2000, a low-volume fuel filter was used. An updated fuel filter must be retrofitted to prevent premature fuel pump failure.
Suspension & Steering
  • These vehicles have torsion bar-type springs for the front suspension. If the vehicle appears to be lower on one side (in front), the hard plastic insulator for the torsion bar may have cracked and split. There may also be a squeaking noise (when driving over bumps) from below the front seats if this insulator has broken.
  • The power steering return hose leaks at the radiator cooler fitting. If the clamp is not properly tightened, the hose can blow off, causing high steering effort and a mess under the hood.
  • The power steering rack develops fluid leaks.
Drive Train
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The wire connector on the transmission leaks fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. A new harness and control module are required to fix the problem.
  • Due to slipping clutches in the transfer case, a shudder or rumbling from the center of the vehicle may occur, especially when turning at slow speeds. If the clutches are not too badly worn, changing the fluid will fix this problem. Otherwise, the transfer case will need to be disassembled to change the clutches.
Electrical & Lights
  • Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
  • The power window switches tend to fail and the windows will not raise. The main switch at the front center console should be replaced.
  • Drive authorization fails to recognize the keys, causing a "no start" condition. A new module and keys will be needed.
  • The "all activity module" can cause multiple electrical malfunctions.
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • The heater blower motor can become abnormally noisy.
  • AC system leaks and bad evaporator temperature sensors can cause poor AC cooling. The bad sensors can prevent the AC compressor from coming on and leaks cause a low refrigerant level, which lowers the ability to cool.

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign Number: 98V090000
Dates Manufactured: 04/1998 to 04/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 42
Model Years Affected: 1998
Date Owner Notified: 06/1998

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."

Consequence Summary: THE REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING WAS LISTED AS 3257 LB. INSTEAD OF 3527 LB. AND THE TIRE SIZE WAS LISTED AS 276 RATHER THAN 275. A CONSUMER COULD INCORRECTLY INFLATE THE TIRES OR IMPROPERLY LOAD THE VEHICLE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE OWNER'S HOME AND REMOVE THE NON-COMPLIANCE LABEL AND REPLACE THIS WITH A LABEL WHICH IS IN COMPLIANCE.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPLACEMENT LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS
Campaign Number: 00V352000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 01/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 16,246
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 10/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR IN THE REAR FOLDING MIDDLE SEATING POSITION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH OUT-OF-TOLERANCE HARDWARE.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS IS THE CASE, THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Campaign Number: 99V328000
Dates Manufactured: 01/1997 to 11/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 85,970
Model Years Affected: 1998, 1999
Date Owner Notified: 12/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS LOOSE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE BUCKLE TONGUE TO THE LATCH MECHANISM, THE BUCKLE COULD UNLATCH.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 29, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Campaign Number: 02V203000
Dates Manufactured: 05/2002 to 06/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 3,603
Model Years Affected: 2002
Date Owner Notified: 09/2002

Defect Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, S7.3, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE SEAT BELT CHIMES MAY NOT FUNCTION AS DESIGNED AND IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence Summary: IF THE DRIVER BUCKLES HIS SEAT BELT PRIOR TO STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHIME WILL NOT SOUND AT ALL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THE SEAT BELT CHIME OPERATES AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-201-573-0117.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Campaign Number: 00V203000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 10/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,354
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 11/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." AN AUDIBLE SEAT BELT BUZZER WARNING SOUNDS FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION IS TURNED TO THE ON OR START POSITION AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. THIS BUZZER ACTIVATION EXCEEDS THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THE STANDARD.

Consequence Summary: DRIVERS MAY BECOME CONFUSED REGARDING THE PURPOSE OF THE CHIME.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME SYSTEM.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Drive Train: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Campaign Number: 02V058000
Dates Manufactured: 12/2001 to 01/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 172
Model Years Affected: 2002
Date Owner Notified: 02/2002

Defect Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP SP5000 TIRES. SOME OF THESE TIRES HAVE A SEPARATION AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE IN THE AREA OF THE SIDE WALL AND TREAD.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE DUNLOP TIRES WHICH EXHIBIT THIS DEFECT WHEN VISUALLY INSPECTED. ONLY DUNLOP TIRES IN WEEK 4901 WITH TIRE CODES 4909 OR 4917 ARE INVOLVED AND WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BY TELEPHONE BEGAN FEBUARY 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Campaign Number: 01V061000
Dates Manufactured: 01/2001 to 02/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 377
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 02/2001

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN ALL ACTIVITY MODULE II (AAM II) COULD HAVE A SUB-COMPONENT THAT COULD CAUSE THE MODULE TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE AAM II CONTROLS A NUMBER OF SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DOOR LOCKS, AND WIPER SYSTEMS.

Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE AN INTERMITTENT NON-FUNCTIONING OF THESE SYSTEMS.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AAM II. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 16, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Campaign Number: 03V121000
Dates Manufactured: 05/1998 to 12/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 211,000
Model Years Affected: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Date Owner Notified: 06/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.

Consequence Summary: THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003-040005.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
Campaign Number: 01V290000
Dates Manufactured: 08/2001 to 08/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 870
Model Years Affected: 2002
Date Owner Notified: 09/2001

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence Summary: THE CONTROL ARM COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service B
$317 - $614
Maintenance Service A
$192 - $276