Sorry to hear about you misfortune, and I feel your frustration. I live only
a couple of hours from you in Fernie, so similar climate, and own a 00 ML
and have to say it has been the best vehicle I have owned thus far. The only
time aside from oil changes, and scheduled tune ups that it has been in the
shop was to have the windshield replaced. I have read a number of posts on
line of similar experiences to yours. It seems these are really a hit or
miss model, and definitely makes me want to keep mine till it starts to fall
apart, rather than trade it in on a new one.

Scott