2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is a mid-size luxury SUV offering a blend of comfort, performance, and utility. The ML500 came standard with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2004 ML-Class included a 3.2L V6 in the ML320 and a 2.3L inline-4 in the ML230. All engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the ML500 for its powerful engine, smooth ride, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include issues with electrical components, air suspension problems, and higher maintenance costs compared to other SUVs.

Engine

5.0L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, and/or a general lack of responsiveness. This can be caused by worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Transmission flush and filter change may alleviate minor issues. More serious cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $4,000+, depending on the severity of the issue. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits low or unevenly, air compressor runs constantly, “Visit Workshop” warning light. Often caused by leaks in the air struts or the air compressor failing.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut(s) or the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per strut, $400 - $800+ for the compressor. Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Window Regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows operate slowly, intermittently, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500 per window.
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster. Can include issues with the speedometer, tachometer, or other gauges.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight or over a few days.
  • Solution: Common culprits include faulty door control modules, seat control modules, or the alarm system. Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source and complexity of the issue.

Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is common around the wheel wells, door panels, and other lower body panels.
  • Solution: Cutting out the rust and welding in new panels, or using a rust converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the severity

Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Sunroof track lubrication, repair, or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, while a luxurious and powerful SUV for its time, is prone to several common issues as it ages. Engine oil leaks, transmission problems (slipping or harsh shifting), and air suspension failures (if equipped) can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins, such as faulty window regulators, instrument cluster issues, and battery drain, are also frequently reported. Rust can be a cosmetic concern, and sunroof malfunctions can also occur. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with potential costs varying widely depending on the specific problem. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing and maintenance budget.