2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Introduction

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. It comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 232 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission option. The ML350 has a spacious cabin and plenty of cargo room, making it a good choice for families and those who need a versatile SUV.

Despite its many positive qualities, the ML350 has also been known to experience some common issues. These issues can range in severity from minor annoyances to major repairs.

Engine

3.7L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run poorly. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, misfiring, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to leak out of the engine. Symptoms include an oil leak from the top of the engine, a burning oil smell, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission pan or lines. Symptoms include a lack of transmission fluid, slipping gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to fix the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift gears erratically or not at all. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to lose power or overheat. Symptoms include a lack of power, shuddering, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure: The strut mount bearing can fail, causing a rattling noise from the suspension. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the front of the vehicle, especially over bumps. The solution is to replace the strut mount bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
• Control Arm Bushing Wear: The control arm bushings can wear out, causing the suspension to feel loose or shaky. Symptoms include a loose or shaky feeling in the suspension, especially over bumps. The solution is to replace the control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Air Suspension Compressor Failure: The air suspension compressor can fail, causing the vehicle to sag or ride low. Symptoms include a sagging or low ride height, a compressor noise, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the air suspension compressor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery can drain quickly, especially when the vehicle is not in use. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, and a check battery light. The solution is to find and fix the source of the battery drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, and a check battery light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, a clicking noise from the starter, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation: The headlights can develop condensation, causing the lenses to fog up. Symptoms include fogged-up headlights, reduced visibility at night, and a check headlight light. The solution is to replace the headlight assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Tail Light Corrosion: The tail lights can develop corrosion, causing the lights to not work properly. Symptoms include dim or flickering tail lights, a check tail light light, and a failed safety inspection. The solution is to replace the tail light assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Sunroof Drain Plugs Clogging: The sunroof drain plugs can clog, causing water to leak into the cabin. Symptoms include water leaking into the cabin, a musty smell, and a check sunroof light. The solution is to clean the sunroof drain plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Mirror Switch Failure: The mirror switch can fail, causing the mirrors to not adjust properly. Symptoms include mirrors that do not adjust, a check mirror light, and a failed safety inspection. The solution is to replace the mirror switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Rear Differential Seal Leak: The rear differential seal can leak, causing oil to leak out of the rear differential. Symptoms include an oil leak from the rear of the vehicle, a whining or growling noise from the rear differential, and a check differential light. The solution is to replace the rear differential seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Interior

• Climate Control Failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the air conditioning or heating to not work properly. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the temperature, a lack of air flow, and a check climate control light. The solution is to repair or replace the climate control system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear Seat Heater Failure: The rear seat heaters can fail, preventing the rear seats from being heated. Symptoms include cold rear seats, a check seat heater light, and a failed safety inspection. The solution is to replace the rear seat heater elements. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Instrument Cluster Failure: The instrument cluster can fail, causing the gauges to not work properly. Symptoms include inaccurate or flickering gauges, a check instrument cluster light, and a failed safety inspection. The solution is to replace the instrument cluster. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a generally reliable SUV, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems seem to be with the engine, transmission, and suspension, but there are also some electrical, exterior, and interior issues that can occur. The severity of the issues can range from minor annoyances to major repairs, and the cost to fix them can be significant. Overall, the ML350 is a good SUV, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can occur before purchasing one.