2006 ML350 Transmission, steering and numerous other issues
My 2006 ML350 had the Transmission, Steering and numerous issues. It was in the Penske Mercedes Service for 22 days for repair on the Steering issue and still has a steering problem. According to the Penske Service the following parts were replaced.
-Subframe Bushing Replaced
-Control Arm front axle replaced
-Tie Rod\Steering Joint replaced
-Steering Knuckle replaced
My 2006 ML350 has this engine\transmission problem; there is a harsh down shift\jerk intermittently. I brought it back to Penske Mercedes four times and flash the firm ware problem persist. Penske states that this is the nature of these new transmission technologies. “It is normal to have this problem”; what kind of answer it that? This problem started at 800 miles, the vehicle currently have only approximately 14,500 miles as of today 7/20/07, still very new.
Plus I have had my ML350 in for service with 12 different problems and have been in the dealer repair shop for 44 days all together. Three of the 12 problems are engine related. The most serious engine\transmission problem was it will not shift out the DRIVE Gear. The vehicle was stuck in Drive Gear, will not Park or Reverse with message warning “Drive to work shop immediately without changing gear”!!!
I have contacted MBUSA 3 times to request to have this vehicle replace or buy back due to the excess repair and down time. I was told by Penske Mercedes\MBUSA that this ML350 was not qualifying for their buy back or replacement program.
MBUSA do not even have an arbitration program for protection under the Lemon Law. Accordingly this vehicle have been in for service for 44 days combine and have had 12 different issues, with 1 issue repeated 4 times, less than 18 months period. According to the Lemon Law this ML350 is entitle to buy back or replacement.
What am I to do? Help…can anyone out there please give me some pointer.
My 2006 ML350 had the Transmission, Steering and numerous issues. It was in the Penske Mercedes Service for 22 days for repair on the Steering issue and still has a steering problem. According to the Penske Service the following parts were replaced.
-Subframe Bushing Replaced
-Control Arm front axle replaced
-Tie Rod\Steering Joint replaced
-Steering Knuckle replaced
My 2006 ML350 has this engine\transmission problem; there is a harsh down shift\jerk intermittently. I brought it back to Penske Mercedes four times and flash the firm ware problem persist. Penske states that this is the nature of these new transmission technologies. “It is normal to have this problem”; what kind of answer it that? This problem started at 800 miles, the vehicle currently have only approximately 14,500 miles as of today 7/20/07, still very new.
Plus I have had my ML350 in for service with 12 different problems and have been in the dealer repair shop for 44 days all together. Three of the 12 problems are engine related. The most serious engine\transmission problem was it will not shift out the DRIVE Gear. The vehicle was stuck in Drive Gear, will not Park or Reverse with message warning “Drive to work shop immediately without changing gear”!!!
I have contacted MBUSA 3 times to request to have this vehicle replace or buy back due to the excess repair and down time. I was told by Penske Mercedes\MBUSA that this ML350 was not qualifying for their buy back or replacement program.
MBUSA do not even have an arbitration program for protection under the Lemon Law. Accordingly this vehicle have been in for service for 44 days combine and have had 12 different issues, with 1 issue repeated 4 times, less than 18 months period. According to the Lemon Law this ML350 is entitle to buy back or replacement.
What am I to do? Help…can anyone out there please give me some pointer.
Welcom to ml fun...
seriously, all you need is a new transmission and you will be up and away.
Believe me, the tech is telling the truth about the transmission. Heck I surmised the same conclusion.
I am puzzled by the suspension problems. IIf I am a betting man, I would say it was involved in an accident and if the dealer fixed it for
you under warranty, that's cool.
Thank...Azinn for the Lemon Law America link. I will look into it.
mlfun, this ML have never been into any accident. I am sure if the dealer notice or suspect its been into any accident they would not even bother with the repair.
I have couple of reply from other ML user from other mb forums with the same steering problem and they mention that there is a TSB on the steering colunm.
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alewifebp
Funnily enough I have had both problems. Once with the limp home mode, which the dealer did some reprogramming of trans. And the clunk could not be replicated by the dealer, but I do hear it at very low speeds.
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DUTCH
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle I drive: 2000 G500 NMLE & 2007 ML320 CDI
Posts: 293
There's a TSB out on the steering column problem. May 17, 2007; T-B-46.10/32a
Revision: Applicable Models and Technical Content Updated
Model 164.122/175/177/186/871, Up to 12/06 Production
Model 251.122/165/175/177, Up to 12/06 Production
Groaning/Cracking Noise When Steering: install modified upper steering column bearing
__________________
1973 280SE4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE ("DEEP THROAT")
2007 ML320 CDI
join the club bud, ive taken my car to the dealer 14 times in the past 2 years, and all u need is a new valve body 4 the tranny, and the steering problem should be checked out by another dealer, try RUSNAK MBZ pasadena, they took care of everything for me.
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2008 GL450 Black/Macadamia, Premium 2 package, Full leather package, DVD entertainment system, Running boards, Voice Control, Trailer Hitch, 6 Disc CD-changer, Illuminated Door Sills, Ipod Integration, Keyless-Go, SLEEK TRUCK! HAULS ASS!
Thank...Azinn for the Lemon Law America link. I will look into it.
mlfun, this ML have never been into any accident. I am sure if the dealer notice or suspect its been into any accident they would not even bother with the repair.
I have couple of reply from other ML user from other mb forums with the same steering problem and they mention that there is a TSB on the steering colunm.
___________________________________
alewifebp
Funnily enough I have had both problems. Once with the limp home mode, which the dealer did some reprogramming of trans. And the clunk could not be replicated by the dealer, but I do hear it at very low speeds.
___________________________________
DUTCH
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle I drive: 2000 G500 NMLE & 2007 ML320 CDI
Posts: 293
There's a TSB out on the steering column problem. May 17, 2007; T-B-46.10/32a
Revision: Applicable Models and Technical Content Updated
Model 164.122/175/177/186/871, Up to 12/06 Production
Model 251.122/165/175/177, Up to 12/06 Production
Groaning/Cracking Noise When Steering: install modified upper steering column bearing
__________________
1973 280SE4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE ("DEEP THROAT")
2007 ML320 CDI
The TSB said steering column only. The dealer replaced more than that for you to help resolve the problem. The control arm, subframe stuff is part of the suspension not the steering.
Our 06 ML350 has had 3 problems since we got it: Noisy engine belt, faulty brake sensor and squeeky brake during slow stop. I know the above list will help me keep a close eye on the other problems that are SURE to pop up.
I must say my 02 Acura RSX has been and will be far more reliable than our ML350.
Finally MBUSA Refund/buyback my ML350 - My 2006 ML350 had the Transmission, Steering
MBUSA finally refund/buy back my ML350 lemon the beginning of this month. After numerous calls and two letters to MBUSA, they finally declare the vehicle has a transmission problem. It was a tough and time consuming fight with the dealership service manager and MBUSA. They refunded my down payment, monthly payment and payoff the amount owned to the bank, but they did deduct the mileage I have used on it. What a headache owning this vehicle have been.
MBUSA finally refund/buy back my ML350 lemon the beginning of this month. After numerous calls and two letters to MBUSA, they finally declare the vehicle has a transmission problem. It was a tough and time consuming fight with the dealership service manager and MBUSA. They refunded my down payment, monthly payment and payoff the amount owned to the bank, but they did deduct the mileage I have used on it. What a headache owning this vehicle have been.
If they don't make it a pain in the ass , a LOT more owners will be returning their vehicle after a few months.
Unfortunately, this is a case of the squaky wheel does get the grease.
Others, myself included, simply are too busy to go thru
this.
MBUSA finally refund/buy back my ML350 lemon the beginning of this month. After numerous calls and two letters to MBUSA, they finally declare the vehicle has a transmission problem. It was a tough and time consuming fight with the dealership service manager and MBUSA. They refunded my down payment, monthly payment and payoff the amount owned to the bank, but they did deduct the mileage I have used on it. What a headache owning this vehicle have been.
Good for you!
What are you getting next?
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2006 ML350, Pewter, Black Leather, Navi, Sunroof, Trim Package, Entertainment Package, BBE Maple Wood, Rear Side Airbags, Trailer Hitch, Heated Front Seats, Power Liftgate.
2006 ML350 Transmission, steering and numerous other issues 
This problem started at 800 miles, the vehicle currently have only approximately 14,500 miles as of today 7/20/07, still very new.
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