I had this problem on our 2000 ML320 at 38K miles in 12/03. Dealer did an oil consumption test revealing loss of 1/2 quart in 1000 miles, followed by a boroscopic examination of cylinders revealing scoring on cylinder walls. Dealer then replaced "shortblock" which is essentially new crankcase, pistons, rings, bearings, etc.
i have posted many times on this issue. My 01 320 drinks about 3/4qt every 1K mi. Have had it in for consumption tests many many times but always the same "within spec". Yeah a spec that was designed to cover up a problem. My warranty is to expire in 1mo.
If it gets worse i will have a fight on my hands, but the info about a dealer checking a car, that is within use spec, with a borescope is something i will have to remember.
At 1/2 quart per 1,000 miles and you got a rebuild? Okay, you can wake up now. What dealer did this? If word gets out, he'll have a line around the block.
Hey Scuba, you're absolutly right. I'm warming up the ML right now to go there. I went out for a loaf of bread last night and I'm down a 1/2 qt already.
Scuba and Geebrewger--
It might be worth it for you to take a drive down the Eastern Shore to Phillips Mercedes in Va Beach.
They did the B service on the vehicle at about 36K miles. Shortly after that, the oil low indicator came on intermittently. Returned it to Phillips, they topped off crankcase. At about 38K miles, the oil low indicator was on again and the vehicle was returned to Phillips. At that point, they noted on the invoice "Performed oil consumption test. Found oil was about a half quart low since last visit (1006 miles). Removed spark plugs and inspected, found plugs oil fouled. Performed cylinder compression test. Cyl 1-136, 2-121, 3-150, 4-155, 5-152, 6-156. Performed inspection of cylinder bores with aid of borescope. Found scoring in right cylinder bank."
I'm not a techie, but I think this means that the compression was low on at least two cylinders. I don't know what the compression specs are supposed to be for this engine.
This was a lenghthy stay at the dealer for the vehicle, and my wife drove the loaner C240 for about 2 weeks while they sorted this out.
Hope this helps and good luck before your warranty is out....
I'm not sure about getting it fixed - I kind of like my "automatic oil changes" as I've lovingly called them. My FSS has never went below about 8,000 miles since it always thinks I've got fresh oil. At least it makes me keep better documentation, since I can't tell by the FSS when I should change the oil.
Roger
Scuba, well put. I just had it in for the 50K service @49K miles. The FSS showed that an oil change wasn't due for 4,700 mi. (always changed @ 10K)They however are going to do one under warrany next week before the warranty expires. while it was there the did change the radiator hoses, changed a trans seal, fixed something in the sunroof, repaird a malfunctioning heated seat, and a cracked part in the front wheel drive system. All under warranty of course.
Thanks for all the feedback...this seems like a common issue. I will update this thread on my outcome with the oil consumpsion test at the dealership...or should I say Stealership!
I've got a 2000 ML55 w/50k that gets driven like it should be. No oil consumtion issues, but do notice a foamy, sluggy buildup under the oil filler cap. The dealer tells me this is "normal". that sounds suspect!, but as long as there is no oil consumption and no smoke I won't sweat it. Although I shutter to think what a new AMG 5.5 would cost when I'm out of the Starmark warranty!!
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