1998 Mercedes Benz ML320 electrical problems

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 131,459 miles · OK

My battery was low and unknown to me the ml320 for this year loses its transponder codes in the das security module when you try to start the vehicle with a low battery. This is evidentally the third key that has lost its programming on my vehicle due to low battery voltage. Cost so far is 499 for a key, weeks waiting for the key from germany, and 300 to program it once they recieve the key. Its a dealership only item so its very very costly. This is a known problem with mercades and checking the forums it seems that everyone that has 1998-2000 model mercades all lose their transponder codes between 129,000 and 132,000 miles no matter what.this is an obvious manufacturers defect and a known issue that should be paid for by mercades. I never had these issues with my two 2002 ml500's but I will never purchase another benz in my life.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 180,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that the vehicle was being repaired by an independent mechanic for unrelated issues when she was informed that the ignition key needed to be replaced because it no longer functioned properly. The contact was not informed as to why the failure occurred. The key was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that in order to remedy the failure, the vehicle would need an entire new ignition system. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000. The consumer discovered during research that merceds benz installed an inadequate computer system in her vehicle. The system would only allow eight keys to be made for the lifetime of the vehicle. The consumer felt it was a scam by mb to force their customers to purchase a new computer, ignition, etc, for the vehicle after the 8th key had been made. They claimed it was made that way for security reason. The consumer called two dealerships and was given a price of $4,000 to $5,000. The consumer finally had the key, computer and other parts replaced by a locksmith for $1,400. The radiator, air condition and two mirror also had to be replaced. Updated 07/11/12

Filed Mar 17, 2011 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · UT

Car fails to start. We had this car towed to a dealer 40 miles away from our daughter's school in mi. Needs new key system as chip not recognized and ignition system needs to be re-keyed. 8 keys have been issued to this car,(we bought it used). We only received 1 with our purchase! Everything that needs a key has to be changed. Cost estimated at $4000. We see this as a major design flaw, not a security benefit. Especiallly since their keys just quit working.

Filed Jul 29, 2008 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · MO

On my mercedes ml320, 1998 the key refuse to start the engine. I was told at plaza motors in st,. Louis mo. That the car did not recognize the key any more. Upon my research I found that it is common problem with the ml320 series which is an engineering problem on the part of the manufacturer especially the earlier once 1998-2000 and it will cause $6700.00 to fix. I will appreciate an investigation, it's so common that a lot of people are selling their cars because of this.

Filed May 6, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · TX

Instrument lights do not light up. Instruments cannot be seen at night including speedometer and gas gage. Potential consequences are running out of fuel or exceeding the safe speed limits because speedometer is not visible. The problem has gotten worst with time. This has been a problem since the car was new and dealers blame the problem on light bulb problems. Sometime rapping the instrument cluster cause the lights to come back on indicating that this is a problem with the connection and not the bulbs. This appears to be a defect with the bulb connections as the problem is recurring and the dealers are not truly fixing the source of the problem.

Filed Jan 6, 2006 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · UT

Car failed to start as key security chip not reconized. Needs new key. Towed to dealer who said 8 keys have already been issued to this car, must replace all locks, engine modules, etc cost $3600.00. Consider this major design flaw.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 145,000 miles · DE

Our 1998 mercedes m320 has been subject to unexpected stalling for some time. More recently this has increased in frequency and we have periods of loss (reduction) of power while driving. The dealer advises that we have deterioration of the catalytic converters and that there has been a recall for this problem on newer models of the m class - but not our year. We have the car at the dealer waiting for replacement parts. We are told it will be a number of weeks since the parts are in great demand. Repairs will cost over $2,000 - but the car is clearly unsafe. Most frequent stalls are starting at a light or stop sign. One concern is knowing this problem with model years just newer than ours are subject to recall while our year isn't. The other issue is how difficult it was for the dealer to identify the problem until it became very severe (or they learned of the solution due to the recall of other years.

Filed May 2, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 97,615 miles · MS · 1 injury

Laundry list of failures. Jack has almost killed me while changing tire. Vehicle fell, almost hitting me but catching side of vehicle before landing on me! Hood latch has failed on a few occasions, causing hood to open while vehicle was in motion. Air mass meter failed. Has required 5 (five!) alignments in two years. When brought to dealer's attention, was told nothing was wrong. A month later requires another alignment. Alignment problems causes wear on tires, which has caused hydroplaning and loss of control of vehicle. Vehicle swerves uncontrollably when hits anything other than flat road. Transfer case motor fixed by dealer without consulting. After repair, transfer case motor failed. Dealer states owner responsible for costs. Has had repair of harmonic balancer on front of engine due to excessive heat buildup leading to oil leak and failure of belt tensioner. Window switches have failed twice and fixed at expense of owner. Six different keys have failed @ the cost of $220/key. Rear window defroster causes loss of stereo reception. Rear window wiper motor has failed. Front end makes noise.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Electrical · TX

Consumer states vehicle stalled at highway speed. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealer stated that the electronic computer that controls the car was bad.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · NJ

Ignition lock failed, enabling key to be removed from ignition while in drive gear.