Hello all, my first post here. I am considering buying a 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 and was just wondering what experiences you guys had with one? I have to admit I never really thought of getting one until I saw this one, I seem too really like it, it’s sharp and drives great, but I do have some obvious concerns, i.e. reliability, long term costs, daily drivability, etc. It seems, the more research I do the more confused I get, and opinions are about 70/30 pro ML. All I need is a dependable SUV, and I know the ML might be a little overkill, but I do like it, I just can't get into something right now that's going to need new brakes every 14k @ $1300.00, (or so I've seen on line).

Some details:

66k
5.0L V-8
Black on Black
Sports package
MB Navigation System

All opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

J

 

Wow, slow down!

 

I've had an '01 ML 430 Designo Edition, it was pretty much the equivalent of an '03 ML500, since they stopped making the 320s and 430s... I've done brakes, they were more expensive than the standard ML320 brakes, but nowhere near $1300. By the by, ML320/350 brakes are rather sluggish, which is why I'm thinking of installing ML500 calipers, rotors/pads into my '05 ML350. Just buy the pads online, and have the work done by a local mechanic, you don't need to have the dealer doing your brakes, it's a waste of time and money. Labor on ML500 is pretty much the same as on any other car when it comes to changing the pads.

 

With 66k miles, the brake job is probably done for you and you will be Ok for another 60k before even looking at them. If you could do the brake job by yourself, you would knock the bill down to $200 or $400 including new rotors. Replacement of pads is much easier and faster then on ML320 since you don't have to unscrew calipers.
If the brakes are only concern you have and you like the ride, I would say GO FOR IT.
There is not many SUVs on the roads that will match it or dare to stop next to you!

 

Some issues I've encountered with my '03 ML500 with ~73,000 miles:

-power steering hose blew off and coverd engine with p/s fluid (twice)
-replaced p/s pump and reservoir- outside of warranty of course
-rear outside pillars peeled- one replaced and the other about to be
-eats brakes-could be me because Miami traffic and drivers s uck *****
-both rear window motors went within a week of each other
-machine gun door locks
-transfer case motor went
-limp mode encountered (twice)
-engine mounts broke
-passenger side floorboard would flood every time it rained from clogged sunroof drains
-covering on inside front pillars would loosen
-three batteries (MB only has 90 day warranty on them WTF?!?!)


Other than that, it's been a joy.

 

Power steering house & clamp has recall, they will be replaced for free by any dealer. I had to replace P/S reservoir also just because of faulty and leaking O-ring. Transmission fluid and filter should be changed as on any other car, it is not a "lifetime" fill, only "warranty over" fill ! Driveshaft support bearing replaced and rear wheel bearings should be checked around or before 100k miles.