Hello all,
I've been reading posts all night... so interesting! Well, yes, I've had lots of (mostly nitpicky) problems w/my ML but mostly straightened out now... I'd chalked them up to 1st model year but now I see I'm not the only one! I do love my car though... had it 10 years now (!!!!) and only 71K miles... in LA, a miracle. And all the repairs... still cheaper than car payments.
My question is this... noticed lots of oil spots on the driveway lately. First I thought it was the BF's 84 500 SEL but it caught on fire and burned up (elsewhere) 3 weeks ago... very sad. (no one hurt.) Took my ML to my independent guy who I've used for years. They couldn't find the leak so they cleaned it and I brought it back yesterday. They say it's the main seal. I asked how sure and they said 100%... that they can see bubbles, etc. So I'm going to take it back on Tues. They estimate in the $500 range.
Does that sound reasonable? A year ago it had a similar leak (but not so much) and it was the transmission cooling hose. Also, much as I hate to even consider a dealer, is this something okay for an independent place to do? It sounds like a big deal!!!! These guys have been good and reliable but I've never had anything that big done... just brakes and normal stuff.
The only other things going on with my chariot right now are the turn signal won't return by itself... very annoying... but they said that is about $250 so I've been living with it for about a year. Also the AC makes this really annoying clicking, and now the heater just started doing it too, a little quieter but faster. Other than that, after the first couple of years of annoying stuff, it's been a good car!
I've been reading about all the various problems people have had, but I was also wondering, is there anything else I should look for at this age/mileage, and is there anything else I should have them do once they're in there?
Thanks so much for any info! Are the new ML's more reliable? I can't afford another for a while but I have so loved this car. Also I turned the big Mercedes symbol on the front into a peace sign by adding another leg. (Funny, not that many people notice!) So, how could I drive anything else?
When you say the rear main seal, I'm assuming that you mean the engine rear main and that would require removing the transmission. Unless they are talking about the seal at the engine oil pan. See if you can get a clarification from your shop as to what seal and what has to be removed, then we can give you a better idea as to the cost.
In regards to your signal problem, you will have to replace the combination switch which costs apporx. $185. If the price of $250 includes the labor then it is a great price. If it doesn't then it is too much.
The clicking noise that you mention, does it only happen when you have the A/C on and does the noise come out of the center vents or does it happen whenever the blower motor is on?
Is it engine oil or transmission fluid leaking? Mine has a leak from rear beam seal (diagnosed by the dealer) and it is transmission fluid. I am sure it's going to cost a lot so I am living with it.
I have never done it but all you need to do to access the switch should be to remove the top cover.
As 43sqd said, you need to give more details about where the clicking is coming from and also how is the AC functioning? Is it blowing no air or inconsistent air from the center outlet? Is it incorrectly giving hot or cold air? And is it giving air to the rear seats?
Sorry... I do mean the engine rear main seal because they said they have to take off the transmission and that's what made me so nervous! So while they're in there, is there anything else I should have them do?
As for the AC... at first, if I had it on and didn't turn it off when I turned off the car, the clicking would start right away when I started up again. And sometimes it would stop if I turned the AC down, (not as cold.) Then after a while it would only stop if I turned that control a little into the heat. Now it's winter and when I just turn it on for a minute it doesn't make the noise and I'm too cold to leave it on. But the heater is making the noise. Except... when the AC made the noise, it was like a loud "tap tap tap", (and definitely from the center vents) and the heater is more like a clicking, not quite as loud, and faster. They said they can hear that noise from under the passenger side dash also. I don't think it's something in the fan because it happens whether or not the fan is on. Oh... don't know if it goes to the rear seats, I'll have to go out and check. And the heater did get strangely hot once and didn't cool off when I turned it down, only when I put on the AC all the way. But I haven't noticed it doing that again.
I don't think it's related, but in case it is, the right half of my dash control lights are out, and the light in the digital readout on the right (temp? can't remember which) was out until I hit the dash w/my hand and it's worked ever since! Haven't had the bulbs replaced (if that's what it is) because of the labor to get in there.
Thanks again for your help, sorry I wan't clear to begin with.
Last edited by belaroo : 01-13-2008 at 04:00 PM.
Reason: added a litlle bit
The ticking noise from your center vents is caused by a broken sleeve that the center vent actuator revolves in. Here are the instructions. If you need any further help, just ask.
You will need to remove the instrument cluster first. The actuator motor and sleeve for the center air outlet flap will be on your right side looking inside the instrument cluster hole.
BTW, while removing the instrument cluster, you can replace that turn signal switch too. So, $85 for the switch + $15 for the sleeve, and 1 hour of your time will fix your two most annoying problems.
Thank you so much!!! You guys are amazing. I'm not sure I can do this myself but maybe my friend who works on his Mercedes can help me... or if I take it in, at least they'll know what it is now. They truly are the two most annoying things...
Any comment on the engine seal? Or anything I should have them check when they're in there?
Thank you so much!!! You guys are amazing. I'm not sure I can do this myself but maybe my friend who works on his Mercedes can help me... or if I take it in, at least they'll know what it is now. They truly are the two most annoying things...
Any comment on the engine seal? Or anything I should have them check when they're in there?
Thank you again. What a great resource this is.
Have them also check the front transmission seal. Whatever parts you need make sure they are M/B parts.
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