2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Now in its eighth year, the M-Class provides solid on-road performance along with excellent all-weather capability and a safe, feature-laden cabin. Drive it back to back with newer car-based competitors, though, and it's obvious that its road manners no longer set the standard among luxury SUVs.
Pros
Strong range of engines, extensive array of safety features, comfortable for five, surefooted in bad weather.
Cons
On-road handling surpassed by newer crossover SUVs, expensive for what you get.
What's New for 2005
Besides the addition of a Special Edition package that bundles together desirable features, the M-Class is unchanged. The complimentary scheduled maintenance program has been dropped for 2005.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Ho-hum
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I'd have to say that overall I am not that happy with this MB product. It is my first and probably last. The cost cutting features become obvious after the cache of driving a Mercedes wears off. Too many typical MB luxury features were cut out of the "special edition" which would have been more aptly named the "lower class" edition. More enjoyable to own and drive that the comparable ford explorer, but I have also experienced the quick wear of dunlop oem tires and the 25k mile brake job. Should not have to replace ball joint and drive train bearings/valve in under 50k miles. Reliability very disappointing for a $40K plus vehicle. Handling better than expected for a virtual road tank!
Favorite Features
Overall package, exterior aesthetics, handling and ride comfort
Suggested Improvements
Driver's seat lacks lumbar support leading to driver fatigue and back pain after about an hour in the drivers seat, so more supportive and comfortable seats. Reliability, reliability, reliability. It doesn't much matter if covered under warranty, still inconvenient and warranties expire eventually!
No Luxury Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This was my first MB purchase, and I bought it for the "reliability" and craftsmanship - HA! At 26K, needed to replace all 4 tires (get rid of Dunlop!), had leaking rear differential and the low-range light kept flashing. At 52k, entire front end had to be rebuilt (just off warranty, thank you very much), needed new front brake rotors and brake pads all around, front headlight "leaking". At 72K, had to replace radiator (cracked extrusion joint), and rear differential again had to be fixed. I can't wait to get rid of this crappy car.
Favorite Features
Lots of interior room.
Suggested Improvements
Try improving the overall quality of this "wanna-be" luxury SUV - otherwise, stop making this model.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
It's still an SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I traded my BMW 528i for the 2005 ML350 Special Edition. If you're in the market for an SUV that drives like a sports car, that accelerates, responds & maneuvers nimbly - This is definitely it! Pinch me. Remind myself that this is an SUV. I wanted a car that had views of a truck + seats 4 adults + roomy cargo space. This is heaven! Knowing that I would give up a few things (i.e. sensible gas mileage and sports car bucket seats) - It is well worth it!
Favorite Features
Sporty and yet classy! Comfortable, nimble and responsive! Easy ride!
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage
ML 350 Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We have the car 2 years now, so far no technical problems. This is second Mercedes, the first one being an E320 4Matic. We came into the dealer to buy a C240 4Matic, but when my wife saw the 350, she was attracted to it. The price was very attractive so after a short test drive we decided to go for it. In retrospect, I kick myself for making such a spontaneous decision. The car is no comparision to the smoothness of the E320. This one feels really like a truck. But my main issues with the car are the engine and the fuel economy. The engine does not feel and sound like a Mercedes engine, it is underpowered and noisy, awful. Fuel consumption is horrible. Never will buy again.
Favorite Features
Seats, road handling, design
Suggested Improvements
Less engine noise, more power. Better steering mechanism (it feels flimsy). Instrumentation on par w other MB models. Better fuel economy.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Very Good SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The '05 ML500 is the last MB suv I will be buying unless MB improves on the '06 ML and GL. MB cannot afford to build the '05 ML500 at today's material prices, hence the cost cutting measures on the '06 models. My main concern is safety. My wife drives the vechile on the interstate 40 miles each way and if I have to put a little extra money into maitenace in the '05ML its well worth it. A little noise and rattle is small price to safety of a loved one.
Favorite Features
Sturdy body construction, no unibody.
Suggested Improvements
Longer brake pad life.
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