Overview & Reviews

Besides the addition of a Special Edition package that bundles together desirable features, the M-Class is unchanged. The complimentary scheduled maintenance program has been dropped for 2005.

• Strong range of engines, extensive array of safety features, comfortable for five, surefooted in bad weather.

• On-road handling surpassed by newer crossover SUVs, expensive for what you get.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 56.00

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  Not as hot as you may think - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Thatdude - October 23 - 1:46 pm

  For the first year I owned this car, it was amazing. It was fun to drive, got decent gas mileage, and of course it performed well in all types of weather. However, it was all downhill after the first year. Brakes needed to be replaced after only ten thousand miles. The whole car rattles, and the car decides to jerk back and forth at a red light. The radio decides to turn off whenever it feels like. Please tell me how a Mercedes needs a new transmission after only 15 thousand miles? Since I owned this car, it has been in the shop over ten times. Good thing Mercedes has a good service plan, otherwise it would have been hell. It was such a pain to keep bringing the car in though, such a waste of time.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ML500 - August 21 - 12:43 pm

  This has been a wonderful car to own. Ive had it for 4 years. Ive taken good care of it, and in return its taken good care of me. Ive been looking to move on to my next purchase but have had a difficult time finding something that I like enough to give this one up. The 2005 model year ML was the best looking, particularly the special edition which I have. It was the most distinctive design. MB ruined the ML with the introduction of the 2006 model year that looked almost identical to every other middle sized SUV on the road. From 2006 on, they look like a Kia Sorento, A lexus RX, and every other round bubble SUV on the market. Had one small problem in year 1, a faulty battery.

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  So far so good - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By diegogarcia - January 25 - 12:30 pm

  Bought pre-owned in 2007 with 20,000 miles on it. Quite a bit cheaper than a comparable X5, hence the decision for the ML. Added another 20,000 miles to it since then and no problems so far. Paint is peeling off the black window trim in places however. Only real issue was rear seat blower valve which MB fixed at no charge. Service at MB dealer is expensive, but generally in line with BMW, Audi etc. Used to drive a 2001 Jeep GC and the ML is in another league entirely when it comes to handling, traction on snow etc.

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  Still alive - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Still alive - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I just replaced my 2003 ML500 with a used 2005 ML500 for one reason only...it fully prtected me, my and dog during a high speed T-bone accident which resulted in a rollover one and half times with a 180 degree spin on its roof. We all walked away with seat belt bruises which demonstrated the cockpit safety and protection worked well. The 45 MPH crash resulted ion less than 6 inches of body depression at impact. I was almost blind sided but had the instant acceleration to prevent her from hitting my door directly. We had many fine road trips on our 112,000 mile journey with it, reliable and well serviced. I"m happy we found a replacement to keep us safe and on the road.

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  Rock Solid SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By hotlayout - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My recent lease of an M350 SE was among the easiest decisions of my car buying life. The 3.5 liter engine is extremely responsive from 2500 to 4000 rpm, the range I normally utilize, giving the car a very nimble feeling. While I see many who criticise the Ms road manners I find the handling precise and responsive. There is almost no roll when hitting a curve a bit too fast, giving the driver tremendous confidence in the steering input. This vehicle simply has that great Mercedes rock solid feel and very little in the way of harsh feedback. Fuel milage is poor, but not any worse than the Envoy or Trailblazer (we also own the Envoy). Beautifully appointed, fun to drive.

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  Its still an SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ru2bsi2 - March 27 - 1:36 am

  I traded my BMW 528i for the 2005 ML350 Special Edition. If youre in the market for an SUV that drives like a sports car, that accelerates, responds & maneuvers nimbly - This is definitely it! Pinch me. Remind myself that this is an SUV. I wanted a car that had views of a truck + seats 4 adults + roomy cargo space. This is heaven! Knowing that I would give up a few things (i.e. sensible gas mileage and sports car bucket seats) - It is well worth it!

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  Excelllent SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Ricky74 - December 16 - 10:33 pm

  Own a silver 05 special edition. Absolutely love this SUV. Previously owned a 02 ML320 and this one is even better. FAST engine, luxurious, and very capable of off-roading. Fortunately, this is still a true SUV with body on frame chassis. Everybody complains of how this vehicle is "showing its age" because its not of unibody construction. They couldnt be further from the truth. This is an SUV, not one of those cross over, overly dressed up,soccer mom, fancy station wagons. Would recommend this vehicle ten times over. Would recommend buying from this dealer even if out of state.

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  I love my ML500 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By John - September 25 - 7:26 am

  I have 12,000 miles on my ML500SE and like it better than any other I have owned including BMW X5-4.4, Landcruiser, and Range Rover 4.6HSE. Fast, quiet and comfortable. Love the Sirius radio and Nav system. Fit and finish are great and have not had it any for any type of service.

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  ML gets bad rap by reviewers - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Robert - September 12 - 7:50 am

  Great performance...this is my third ML...first one bought in 1998.. second in 1999....great improvements since first introduced...I get better gas mileage than listed by ratings... 350 engine is great.. great highway vehicle...I have put over 350000 miles on three MLs since 1998

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  I Love my ML350 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ch6168 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my SUV. Its roomy, comfortable, sits high. I test drove the car also, but the SUV seemed to fit better. The heated seats are great. Im looking forward to driving it in our New England winters.