Overview & Reviews

The M-Class' navigation system enters the 21st century by ditching the old CD-ROM-based design for a much more efficient DVD-based setup. This is the lone change as the MLs received numerous updates last year.

• Safe, comfortable, brisk performance, surefooted in bad weather.

• On-road handling eclipsed by newer crossover SUVs, gets pricey fast if buyer gets tempted by too many options.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 136.00

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  Ml 350 ??? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By R2r - August 8 - 6:00 am

  Bought this Suv new. after 4 years with 25000 miles i replaced front and rear brake pads and rotor and 4 tires.After 6 yrs with 35000 miles need a pair of ball joints and door assembly.

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  Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Inspiration - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By SUVdriver - June 28 - 10:00 am

  On my fourth day of ownership, I was on my way to work when the truck began leaking power steering fluid. Soon I found myself unable to steer and was forced to pull over to the side of the road. I had it towed back to the dealership. A recalled part (clamp) had failed and was replaced by the dealership. Three days later I was on my way to a business meeting when, once again, the power steering fluid began leaking and I was unable to steer the vehicle. Yet again I had to call to arrange for towing back to the dealership.

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  How could MB put their name on this SUV? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AidansDad - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My wifes ML320 has been in the shop over 6 times now for issues ranging from low engine oil warnings(HBL tells us that its normal for the ML to lose a few quarts of oil ) to electrical issues. e.g. power windows, sensors, strange sounds. Would never buy one again and have suggested to prospective buyers not to make the same mistake we did. Just read that over 60% of MLs have major issues. Thank GOD for the 4- year-50K warranty. Mercedes has probably lost ALL the money they saved by manufacturing the car in ALABAMA instead of Deutschland, on warrantied labor. If you have to have a Mercedes, avoid the M Class.

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  Ill stick to Lincolns - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jskeens - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The car is fine but nothing sets it apart from other luxury SUVs. My exp w/ the sales process was the only piece that went smoothly. Due to Linc, I am accustomed to receiving the model of loaner veh that I am having serviced. Mercs loaner car program consists of using the co-resident Enterprise office. That blows. The warranty has a couple nice perks but nothing worth dealing w/ their Service dept. After purchase, I received a letter for a recall that went out six months prior. Shouldve been fixed prior to sell of vehicle. Mercs Customer Service and Service depts could learn a lesson from Linc.

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  2003 ML 350 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By WLK - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Solid unbeatable safety features. Best snow vehicle you can buy. Typical poor fuel economy, SUV. Only average power from the 3.7 l motor. Limited color selections. The interior layout better than previous years. A womans vehicle unless you are only 150 lb. male. Narrow and short seats, too harsh a ride. Build quality below average for Mercedes.

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  My first and last MB - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By atria - August 25 - 10:00 am

  18m of problems.Many unscheduled visits due but not limited to: xenon lights (x2),cooling reservoir,brakes, brake lights,wipers,ashtray (x3),radio, trip computer. Nav. system/ heat/cool,flawed big time.MB too cheap to authorize a replecement with the DVD based system..If it aint broke (to pieces) dont fix it! Who pays for my wasted pers/profes time? Did not get my moneys worth.My wifes,same age,RX300 has not been back except for an oil change.Ill get rid of it soon and Ill never look back.

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  TOO LITTLE FOR TOO MUCH - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By SCENIC - October 20 - 10:00 am

  NOISY TAILGATE LATCH ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PURCHASE, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ANNOYING CREEKING SOUND DEVELOPED ON PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FRAME POST.DEALER KEPT VEHICLE 3 WEEKS. AFTER TAKING MOST OF THE FRONT END AND DASH APART THEY FOUND A SPOT WELD WHICH NEEDED TO BE RE WELDED. VISIT TO CAR WASH, THE WINDOW SWITCH WOULD NOT CLOSE WINDOW AND HAD TO RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT. POWER STEERING HOSE BROKE AND LEAKED ALL OVER DRIVEWAY BECAUSE OF FAULTY DESIGN. WOUND UP HAVING RECALL ON THIS FAULTY DESIGN.TOP HEAVY FEEL WHEN DRIVING ON WINDING ROADS.

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  Only MB not built in Germany! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AlexSeng - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ML320 for 6 months and its been at the shop for 4 times. The problems were 1. Gear shift Stuck, 2. Back seat could not unfolded. 3. Low range malfunction. 4. strange siren sound from under the foot well (MB dealer could not find the cause). I just got a letter from MB that there is a recall so I need to take my car in for the fifth time. The service advisor at the dealer told me shes seen a lot of ML320s with poor quality and said it might be because they are built in Alabama instead of Germany to cut cost. One of my friend bought a Acura MDX at around the same time and used to envy my MB, but now I regret that I bought my ML320.

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  MAINTENANCE NIGHTMARE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Orlo Dietrich - September 24 - 10:00 am

  First, mine ia a 2001 model. We have had electrical problems,cooling problems, power steering problems, air bag problems, and the car is now at the dealer to have the fuel pump replaced. All in only 18 months! We live in the mountains and the 4 wheel drive system is the worst I have ever used. The worst indictment of all is that MERCEDES does not seem to care.

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  ML350 Disappointment - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Alex Spielhagen - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My new ML 350 now has 1000 miles on the clock. 600 of those miles came from traveling to the dealer to have the " check engine" trouble light checked out. Apparently fuel management system and the emissions control system contains unreliable components.Presently I am waiting for new parts.A factory recall for exchange of power steering hose clamps was installed also. I very much looked forward to driving a Mercedes again. I owned a 230 for 15 years and a 280E for 3 years. They were great cars. Pity that the marque has fallen so much.I am afraid that I will not have any confidence that I can take this truck on a long distance trip.Bloody shame..