Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems

There are lots of reports about wear on the balance shaft and the timing chain. It is an issue and anyone contemplating buying a 2004-2006 model should be warned.

As you say Mercedes generally cost more to service and repair, particularly if you have a dealer do the work.

They're not as expensive if you use an independent Mercedes specialist, and there are plenty around who can do that for you. They not only charge less for their labour, they usually have access to cheaper parts. Most of those parts are full factory parts, just sourced from overseas, instead of locally, so you don't miss out on quality or reliability by using them.

Jeep owners generally swear by the cars, but they have had issues over the years that should make you wary about signing on to the brand.

There's not much to split them, perhaps I would prefer the 'Benz.

The BMW GT has a brilliant boot but, if I were doing what you're doing, I'd get a Hyundai Genesis. Perhaps not as prestigious, but the same interior and boot space as the Benz. And there is a five-year free service deal and a five-year warranty, as well as talk of a guaranteed future value scheme.

I agree it's a problem. Unfortunately Mercedes-Benz didn't respond to our request for information on how to solve your issue, so I would suggest you contact a sat-nav specialist outlet and enlist their help.

Approach them head on! Take it back to your dealer and insist the problem be sorted out. If they feel they can't solve the issue request they get a Mercedes technician in to check the car. There's no other way to do it, other than directly.

You're correct in thinking the Mercedes would cost more to service and repair, particularly if you use a dealer. Going to an independent service mechanic with experience of Mercedes-Benz cars would save you plenty. The Jeep would be the cheaper of the two in terms of servicing, and of the two you are looking at that's the one I would opt for.

No, I don’t believe it would be some sort of trick to get more business. Have you been servicing it at a Mercedes-Benz dealership, or perhaps a regular mechanic? It could be a reset glitch after the last service.

It sounds as if you want a sporty SUV and, with that budget, I’d be advising a late-model BMW X5.