I have 84970 miles on my 98 ml 320. Here are a list of problems I have encountered during the last 3 years:
1. left front seat heater quit
2.rear windshield wiper assembly and motor replaced
3. transfer case seal replaced
4. air flow value replaced
5. front belt tensioner replaced
6.fuel pump replaced
7. sending unit replaced
8.new fuel filter replaced
9. pinion seal and rear axle seals replaced
10. shut off switch replaced ( near driveshaft )
11.window switch panel replaced
12. harmonic balancer replaced

All of this in the last 45,000 miles. I bought the ml used, at 41000 miles and had the signal light assembly replaced and the blower motor. I purchased an extended warranty( not mercedes)) and my dealer has been great fixing some problems outside of the 4 year 48000 warranty. ( light switch 70000,harmonic balancer 60000). My "restoration" is almost complete( the only way I keep my sanity ) but the other question is what use would you buy ?