The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, particularly the 2003 ML350 model, holds a significant place in automotive history as Mercedes-Benz’s first foray into the American SUV market and their first vehicle manufactured in the United States. While initially lauded for bringing Mercedes luxury and technology to the SUV segment, the early ML models, including the 2003 ML350, also became associated with reliability issues that challenged the brand’s long-standing reputation.
The story of the ML-Class began with an unexpected partnership. In the early 1990s, Mercedes-Benz, seeking to expand beyond their established G-Wagen, explored a joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors in 1991 to develop a new SUV platform. The plan was to create two versions, one for each brand, both based on the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero platform. However, this collaboration was abruptly cancelled in May 1992, reportedly due to “technical problems.” Speculation suggests that conflicts of interest with Mitsubishi’s own Montero or differing market positioning strategies may have played a role in the project’s termination.
Undeterred, Mercedes-Benz decided to proceed independently, recognizing the burgeoning SUV market, especially in the United States. To mitigate currency exchange risks and cater to the primarily American demand, they made the strategic decision to build their first U.S. manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This plant, still operational today and producing models like the GL-Class and C-Class, was initially conceived solely for the production of the new SUV, the ML-Class.
Development in Germany progressed, and Mercedes-Benz previewed their vision with the Vision AA concept at the 1996 Detroit Auto Show, hinting at the design direction of the upcoming ML-Class. In 1997, the Mercedes-Benz ML320, the first of the ML series, rolled off the Tuscaloosa production line, to considerable acclaim. The vehicle garnered the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award in 1998, a testament to its initial appeal. The ML320 offered a blend of Mercedes-Benz refinement, advanced technology like stability control and a sophisticated traction control system mimicking locking differentials, packaged in a more road-friendly SUV form compared to the rugged G-Class.
However, beneath the surface of innovation and stylish design, the early ML-Class, including later models like the 2003 Benz Ml350, harbored significant quality and reliability issues. Early testers and owners reported a range of problems. Jeremy Clarkson famously highlighted issues like exposed screws, poor panel fitment, and detached weather stripping during his initial test drive. Owner reports detailed power steering fluid leaks, oil sludge accumulation (particularly with extended oil change intervals), and widespread problems with door locks and electrical systems. The “sealed for life” gearbox also became a source of concern, along with fuel pump and sender failures, and premature catalytic converter issues.
The 2003 Benz ML350, while benefiting from some mid-cycleRefreshments implemented around 2002 to address initial quality concerns, still carried some of the first-generation ML’s legacy of unreliability. While improvements were made, issues like problematic window switches and the 5G-Tronic transmission’s potential for slippage after higher mileage persisted. It was a step forward from the initial launch models, but not yet the paragon of reliability expected from Mercedes-Benz, especially when compared to legendary models like the W123, W124, and W126.
Mercedes-Benz eventually addressed these issues more comprehensively with the introduction of the second-generation ML-Class (W164) in 2005. The W164 generation was significantly more reliable from the outset. Online Mercedes-Benz forums, while acknowledging the W163 generation’s shortcomings, generally reflect far fewer reliability complaints about its successor, with minor issues like taillight bulb replacements being among the most common concerns.
While the 2003 Benz ML350 represented an improvement over the very first ML models, it still embodies a period where Mercedes-Benz arguably deviated from its unwavering commitment to “the best or nothing.” The first generation ML-Class, born from ambitious expansion and a new manufacturing location, faced teething problems that tarnished its initial shine. This era served as a crucial lesson for Mercedes-Benz, prompting a return to core values and a renewed focus on quality in subsequent models. The 2003 ML350, therefore, remains a fascinating, if imperfect, chapter in the history of Mercedes-Benz and the luxury SUV segment.
