Overview & Reviews
The ML430 is replaced by the ML500, which has a 5.0-liter V8 packing 288 horsepower. Over 1,100 parts of the truck have been modified, but the ML's exterior remains largely the same. New bumpers, clear-lens headlights and revised side mirrors are the most noticeable exterior changes. Inside, the center console sports a new look, and wood grain trim becomes standard on all models. A new automatic climate control system is now standard, and rear-seat passengers get dual cupholders and separate ventilation controls.
- Safe, comfortable, car-like ride and handling, surefooted in bad weather.
- Reputation for poor build quality, looks like a minivan from some angles, confounding COMAND navigation system.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 148.00-
Cant believe made such a costly mistake - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By dontuknome - April 2 - 1:10 pmWell when we took it for a test drive before buying was kind of impressed. Probably the feeling of "Mercedes" took over. But after about a month since we bought it, started hearing squeaky sounds from the back. Cant even pinpoint where they are coming from but surely while driving can here them. It has just about 800 miles. Cant imagine what it would be after few thousand miles... If I had the extra dough would have preferred BMW..
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needs redesign - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By CRhooff - December 19 - 10:00 amThe use of a spacesaver spare moves this car to a nonreliable vehicle status. The tire used for this vehicle is not readily available from a tire dealer, and must be ordered. Delivery: 2 to 7 days. If you trash a tire on your vaction trip across the USA you wont be able to pick up a replacement along the way, and you cant drive an extended time on the toy tire. Bad move on the part of the manufacturer. Also the location of the spare: under the vehicle has problems. Can be damaged, and hard to get to except in ideal conditions.
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Big Hassle - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By lousy - August 15 - 2:00 amWhen our ML 320 works, it drives great. The problem is we have had about eighteen separate malfunctions in a little over two years. The power seats continually come unplugged and dont work; the CD changer is not reliable; the window washer container cracked; the rear view mirror fell off while driving. I would never purchase a car like this. It is terrible.
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Beware of the brake! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By David Tsuei - February 27 - 6:26 amThis ML55 was meant for my wife, and she does love this SUV. But the biggest problem with it, is the braking system. It was a nightmare! The disc only lasted less than 10k, over the 4yrs of ownership. We have spend over $4k on the brake job alone! As I have found out that MB has one of the worst braking systems in the world, and the worst part is that they insisted there are nothing wrong with it! I strongly suggest all consumers not to purchase MB, until they resolve the problems. Most of the other problems are minimum, as it comes with all luxory cars. We drive BMWs now, its a step down. But at the least, we dont have to worry about the maintenance!
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2002 ML 500 - great to drive awful to maintain - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By jleneveu - January 14 - 1:52 pmSafety, performance (fun to drive), all weather drving capability - wonderful vehicle. Maintenance costs on the other hand are unacceptable for a vehicle of the this class. Problems, you bet - 4 rear main engine seals in 96,000 miles at $1,300 per repair, front lower ball joints at 25,000 miles, engine oil leaks, interior plastic trim pieces breaking, $775 for brakes every 22,000-25,000 miles, three door panels repainted - rust problems, $1100 to repair ventilation system, and many more.
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I wish I never wasted my time - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By Maria - September 25 - 2:00 amThis car really sucks,.The radio gets louder and lower on its own,windows make noises,sunroof button isnt automatic,front ligther went on fire,radio controls are really far away from your seat so you have to move foward to change the station & Im preety tall61 so you cant blame it on my height,when I start it, it makes noises,coolent tube fixed twice after 5 months of buying the car, I had to fix it 2x, my brake pads wore out after 7months,Check engine light is always on, Gas Gas Gas need I say more? The gas is soo horrible I would I could curse at it. I can keep on going but I would hope you get the message that the car really sucks bad
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Think Twice Before Buying a BENZ!! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By bekri - July 21 - 2:00 amThe truck was billed as Top of the Line with Mercedes Quality-While the engine performed well it was a PIG on as consumption!! The brakes went out after 11000 miles-unheard of for an American car let all the "top line" Mercedes truck- Also a number of minor problems such as a cracked storage bottle for washer fluid easy to break cup holders. Moreover, the service stinks-Mercedes was unwilling to assume any responsibilty for the brakes and wrote a letter saying in essence I was lucky to be driving a Mercedes. An underwhelming experience - Never again will I buy a Mercedes!!!!
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Resting on their laurels - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By duped - October 23 - 6:00 amFour years with this car and Im very relieved to be done. I know the service people like family. In and out of service>4- 6/yrX4yrs. Rack and pinion replaced 2Xin four years! $900 break jobs are a semiannual event. Plastic parts keep breaking (seat moldings,cup holders glove compart) Frequent lighting electrical problems, Fan, Mirror motors fixed. Rode great when bought, very bumpy after 4mos. A lemon. Maybe new model better. In the shop as I speak. Rely on Benz Quality?nevermore
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DISAPPOINTING - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By NJFL - July 19 - 2:00 amThis is the second SUV I have owned, and my first MErcedes Benz. Unless I can afford the S500, it will be my last Mercedes Benz. It is a very unreliable as parts that I have never even heard of break down with minimal notice. I have been at the repair shop so often that I know every service agent by first name. THis is a very disappointing car for the mercedes benz logo. It has destroyed almost every degree of respect I have for the brand. This comes close to being the worst item I have ever owned.
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WHY CANT THEY FIX THE SMALL STUFF - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
By VeryVeryDisappointed - May 4 - 2:00 amSqueaks abound and other noises appear from no where. There is not even 1,500 miles on the vehicle yet! Several electerical problems and MB Doesnt even respond! ITS A LEMON!
