Tail gate rattles - TSB - have you done it?

[timf]

Hi Brian,
The ML is not a bad car / SUV, rather it's a case of poor execution and support on behalf of MB.
As you can see from my signature I'm less than impressed by MB, part of the problem might be that I expected more based on the other 'Premium' brand I own.
For comparison, my 911TT had a 12 month service and they reported a minor oil leak which I wasn't aware of - within 5 days they had switched out the whole engine, no drama , no hassle. (Gave me a Cayenne as a loaner) MB could learn a thing or two here.
I don't mind paying premium prices, but I do expect premium service in return. Sometimes MB treats ML owners more like a Ford owner - if you know what I mean.

In any event, enjoy your ML but expect some trivial problems from time to time. BTW did you wonder why it was traded just before it's warranty expired ? ;-)

[bjmkelly]

I felt yesterday like the poor guy at the Olds dealership in the movie FARGO where he is saying 'but I sat here in this chair and you told me...' and William H Macy is looking at him with a fixed patronizing smile saying 'alright, alright. I'm not saying I didn't'

I am lucky to have a good Porsche dealer where the transactions feel like respectable business deals, not this slimey underworld I have slipped into :)

Yes I did notice a lot of 2001's for sale with 49k miles or so and I bought one with 44k at a good price thinking I am good with cars, they never give me trouble, this is great. Ha Ha!

[harder]

Hi,

My BMW experience is the same. I have 3 Dealers, all with in a few miles of home and work and I would not trust one of them to change the oil in a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower let along touch my BMWs.

I have an independent mechanic who works on my Babies. He does the job right at a price that is fair. He also provides all his repairs with a 1 year /12,000 miles warranty which ever comes first.

I have been taking my Babies to him since 1997, especially my 1983 320i. I just paid him $2,000 to do a complete engine rebuild that included replacing all the fire wall insulation. So I am a happy camper.

I only wish I could fine a good Mercedes-Benz Mechanic in my area. I have visited a few independent MB mechanics but I was not impressed. They did the job right but some how I did feel too comfortable dealing with them. Like I had to watch everything they did just to make sure they weren’t going to pull a fast one on me.

Steven [V]

[BLACKML]

My ML500 has been a money pit since the day "go". I am not sure when it happened....or how it happened...but at some point "Mercedes" decided to skimp on customer service. It seems pretty obvious just by the fact that changing the oil is primarily a dealer issue...that the ML is designed to be returned to the dealer for the simplest of maintenance issues. Thus the "gotcha by the kuhanas service method" is in effect even more than at other dealerships. I love the look and drive (when it is not in the shop) of my ML500. I also understood the $$ aspect of maintenance....but I can only blame myself for not researching the dealership/customer service side of this vehicle. Whew!.. I feel better now :-)

Bad spellers of the world...UNTIE!!!!!

[mdezz]

ok I am a new ML 2002 320 owner- and I have the car just 2 months with 16000 miles on it- I bought the car from a MB dealership-

I now hear rear tailgate noise- ( I think that is what it is) the car shakes and rattles so badly over bumps that it feels cheap and not the heavy sturdy car Id expect- I do enjoy the car, looks and the brand new navi I had instaled by MB- BUT does the 2002 qualify under the TSB Rear Tailgate adjustment for the tailgate noise? (In addition I have that electronic noise coming from the fan in the fuse box) Since I have to have that fixed under warranty I am wondering if the dealership can fix any other KNOWN issues while its in for service-

Particulary the noisy tailgate


Kinda pissed I have to bring this in for service just 2months in

Comments appreciated

Thanks
Matt