Post
Research the Car Logo

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its blend of comfort, capability, and Mercedes-Benz prestige. The ML320 comes equipped with a 3.2L V6 engine producing 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle was also available with a 4.3L V8 and a 5.0L V8 in the ML430 and ML500 respectively. All engine options were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the ML320’s smooth ride, solid build quality (when new), and luxurious features. Common complaints revolve around the vehicle’s age, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential issues with aging components.

Engine

3.2L V6

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak).
  • Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine runs rough, stalls, poor acceleration, and the check engine light illuminates. Often accompanied by specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the MAF sensor.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty MAF sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, especially when warm; difficulty starting; intermittent misfires.
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300

4.3L V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 3.2L V6, the 4.3L V8 can experience oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Visible oil spots, burning smell, and low oil levels are common.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Can lead to timing chain jumping and severe engine damage if left unaddressed.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner, and potentially the timing chain and guides, depending on the severity of the wear.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

5.0L V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Visible oil spots, burning smell, and low oil levels are common.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Can lead to timing chain jumping and severe engine damage if left unaddressed.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner, and potentially the timing chain and guides, depending on the severity of the wear.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Transmission Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or complete loss of gear engagement. Can also trigger the check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission conductor plate, filter, and fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1500+

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, failure to maintain ride height, “Air Suspension Fault” warning light. Caused by leaks in the air struts, air lines, or a failing air compressor.
    • Solution: Replace leaking air struts, repair air lines, or replace the air compressor. Conversion to standard coil springs is a common alternative.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per air strut; $300 - $800 for air compressor; $800 - $1500 for coil spring conversion.
  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Loose or sloppy steering.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per ball joint.

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Pixelation
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels disappearing from the instrument cluster display, making it difficult to read information.
    • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster or have it repaired by a specialized repair shop.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window motor grinds and the window is slow to move, will not move, or falls down into the door.
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Sunroof Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof opens or closes erratically, or gets stuck in one position.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation, especially around the wheel wells, door panels, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the severity of the rust.

Interior

  • No Issues Found

Recalls

  • Recall Campaign No. 2004070005 - Concerning possible corrosion of the stop lamp switch. This could cause issues with the brake lights illuminating correctly, and could also affect the function of the cruise control and ESP systems.
  • Recall Campaign No. 2004070004 - Concerning possible corrosion of the stop lamp switch. This could cause issues with the brake lights illuminating correctly, and could also affect the function of the cruise control and ESP systems.

Summary

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, while a comfortable and capable SUV in its time, is now showing its age. The most common issues relate to oil leaks, transmission problems (especially the conductor plate), and suspension wear. Electrical problems such as instrument cluster pixelation and window regulator failure are also fairly common. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly depending on the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history, with some repairs potentially exceeding $1000. Prospective buyers should have a thorough inspection performed by a qualified mechanic before purchasing, paying close attention to potential leaks, transmission performance, and suspension condition. Air suspension equipped models are more prone to expensive failures than those with standard springs.

Mercedes-Benz, ML320
Mercedes-Benz ML320 2002
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.