1) after 3 months of waiting I finally got the replacement Catalytic
converter. But only after discussions with MB abou the time lag. Seems
they pushed by request to the front of the queue!!!!! (dealer charges
$1,500.00 to put in ONE new unit and each SUV has two.

There is a huge demand to CATS in part since there is also a 1999-2001
RECALL re bad build. But there is NO recall as yet on 1998 CATS. So
1998 owners must foot the BIll. Mine went 5K miles after warranty
finished at 80K miles (or eight years..I wqas under 8 years)

2) I had the harmoinic stabilzer replaced under a MB RECALL 3 months
ago.
But the car is now in a private shop and they note that the belt
tensioner is worn and rattling and was about to go with possible
catastrophic results. They (shop) told me the dealer MUST have ben able
to see this part was failing. I didn't hear any noise, because of the
noise from the CAT failing. Yikes this could have been very expensive
thanks MB dealer!!!!!

3) As a part of the major serice being dne right now my shop also
upgraded "fuel lines" apparently there has been a dealer advisory to
fix/change these but my dealer never bothered!!!!!!!!!

4) ABS/ETS light came on this week. I need a new "ABS Control Unit"
where this a Toyota or a GM car it would cost $350-400 at most. MB
charge $1,250.00 and they are in very very short supply. Seems there is
heavy demand for them. ANother MB unadvised issue?

5) I felt the SUV become "bouncy" at the rear so asked for new shocks.
ANother shock! Guess what? SHocks for a Jan 1999 ML320 and onwards
would cost say $100.00. But for a 1998 they are NOT available at ANY
PRICE. Not from Bilstein or other major shock suppliers. Nope you need
to buy a whole new rear Sprin/shock and all the ancilliary attachments.
These cost up to $500 EACH side. I need two plus labor.

Question: Has MB been keeping quiet re the problems on 1998 ML320s as
they now need so may new parts and theya re in short short supply and
expensive stuff with few if any alternatives?

So at 87K Miles my service is likely to be at, or perhaps even above
$5K.