I ( once again ) am confused, I see that my car in 1992 sold for $60,400.00 a 300CE, and as you know the new MB's go for around $80-120k, but then I see the new ML320's going for around $32,000.00 ?-why and how can a MB SUV be so inexpensive, I dont want one but the wife sure does-translated- I quess Im getting one...but I cant see why their so cheap in price, no wonder I see so many of them on the road, please, can someone answer this, thanks.

They ain't buildin' em like they used to.

so that's it? quality, are they junk compaired to a true MB?

This sounds like another old vs. new thread. First of all, a brand new ML starts at around 35k. The new C-class is even more affordable at around 30k. Of course this is without the neat little options which make it a true luxo car.

The ML is a truck, plain and simple. If you think of it as a truck you'll be fine. In fact, you might even be asking yourself why the hell you paid so much $$$ for a truck. But take a look around you. I doubt you will find a safer truck with ESP, 4ETS+, front/rear/side-curtain airbags, and teleaid.

For some people the gleam of the three pointed star overides the fact that the ML is a rough and tumble vehicle which will get you through most limited traction conditions. It's a compromise between a Gelandewagen and a C-Class, with the balance tilted heavily toward the C-Class. If the ML makes your wife happy then I guess you have no choice. Don't listen to what the salesman tells you, read up on the truck, and make sure you practice due diligence :)

Kuan

Thank you for your reply, looks like she's getting one due to the simple fact that she sez " there cute !!!" and no-I would never dream of trying to stir up any trouble on this or any other MB board-they mean to much to me-these boards are my #1 source of info, I most likely will get a used one from a private seller rather than pay the price and have to deal with a salesman-no, once again, I'm not trying to make trouble, I know allot of sales ppl out there, all very nice-just trying to make my life a little easier and have a little more $$$ for my wallet, thanks for responding to my question.

If you get into one for $32k-$35k, I will kiss your grits. Try $42k+ out the door. My wife LOVES hers. I think it's just the fact that she has a subwoofer under her seat.

Well I am not considering a brand new one, I have just spent the last hour or so pricing them on AutoTrader.com and they seem well within my budget, anywere from $28k to $35k but I always do my homework and shop around, I live in Michigan and I found my 300CE in Atlanta so we are willing to travel for the right deal.

Ed,
First of all, the ML is not cheap. You may get a used one rather "inexpensive". I own a '98 ML and its my wife daily driver, she loves it and will not part with it. Not even with my '95 SL. No doubt, the newer model is built much like a MB whereas the older model is a little subpar. But rememer, it was designed as a truck, not a sedan. If you go in thinking you are getting a MB sedan, you will be disappointed. Many people have problems with their earlier model ML, but mine has been trouble free. My only suggestion is to make sure you buy one with Starmark warranty, as an insurance. I think it is the best looking SUV on the road, very distinctive and full of class. You may have to pay a little more to get the ML than a Eddie Bauer or the others, but the ML has the better re-sell value at the end being with the association of the 3-point star. Good luck with your search.

95 R129
98 W163

You prooo-bab-ly don't want to get an early build ML without a Starmark warranty. I know of at least one harmonic balancer failure on the 112 engine. Bear in mind that the warranty does not mean new. A Starmarked car only means that the car underwent inspection. You will still have to cough up the cash for brake pads/disks, new shocks, wiper blades, lightbulbs, cabin air filter, air filter, tires, perhaps new bushings. All these things cost a lot if you take it to the dealer. Depending on the wear items, especially if you're planning to spend 35k, it might be more economical to purchase a new ML. Also, if you're planning to take the truck in for A or B service, it's going to cost you in the ballpark of $1200 in scheduled maintenance for 48k. The maintenance on a new Mercedes is free.

There are lots of plusses and minuses with regard to the ML. The earlier models had horrible underdash vents which made it cold to drive in the winter. There is a hack for this but apparently the improvement is not significant. Early build problems include poor sound insulation due to single weatherstrip, rattling backseat, noisy rear wiper, groaning transfer case, poor stereo quality, door insulation adhesive rubbing off on windows, sunroof seals coming off, C pillar cracks, and a few other things.

The price on a new ML is increasing by 1-2k for the upcoming model year. Right now because of the facelift we can expect a push to get the current version out the door.

Kuan

QUESTION # 27, WHAT YEARS HAD THESE PROBLEMS? I DONT KNOW WHEN THEY STARTED BUILDING THEM.

Ed,
MLs started in 1998. I would avoid 98 and 99, and try and get a 2000 or newer. Of course, if you have the extra bucks, I would definitly wait for the new 2002 that is supposed to come out early this fall. It looks like a great car!

Thank you all for the information, I have some thinking to do now...

Ed,

Good name and good choice of SUV! :)

I would add that most of the build quality issues were gone in 99'. If your budget only allows for slightly older, than you could take a chance on the 99 ML320. I would wait for the 2000 if you're thinking V8, no real reason. Some of the improvements to the 2001 were cosmetic except for the engine management system and minor improvements to the traction system.
The 2002 is going to be largely creature comfort changes if you can believe another spy post by one of the brothers.

If money were no object then, can you say ML55 dood?

Good luck and keep us posted!

If you can, get the ___/// roof. They took that away from us in 2002 because of side curtain airbags. I would second Ed's recommendation about the later 99's. The most significant change is the soundproofing due to the addition of extra weatherstripping. This though is a good retro for the semi-able DIY'er.

Kuan

Because it's made in America.

The new C-Class is even more affordable than the ML, yet it's not made in America. Furthermore, the ML is not solely made in America anymore. The plant in Graz pops out quite a few of these babies! :)

I stand corrected.

But the ones sold in the US are all made in the US. The ones made is Graz are not sold here, and are probably more expensive.

Consider that the vehicle was targeted to lure buyers that normally would be considering Explorers and 4Runners...in that respect, they targeted the price to that niche of buyers.

I was a former Honda Passport owner and I traded up to the 99 ML320. Never regretted the decision.

I will attest to the liberal use of plastic interior panels...that may also be a factor in the reduced cost. It's a bit unnerving to die-hard MB afficiandos, but to the average joe, it still looks quite upscale.

I have found loose weatherstripping, seals, etc., nothing that couldn't be replaced/repaired at home in a few minutes.

It is still a fine SUV, and I get many compliments about its smooth ride (especially from other SUV owners), and it has great curb appeal!

They have improved the ML over the years, and with the incentives offered in light of the slow economy, you can negotiate a deal with low interest rates that should make you consider new over used!

True, most MB dealers don't have "base" MLs in stock ($38K) as their experience tells them that the potential MB owner will opt for at least one option package, putting the price at the low $40Ks.

The harmonic balancer went out in the '98 ML320 at 65 K miles, a day before I started on a 3 week 4000 mile vacation in it.

My local MB shop says that it is a known MB problem but MB has no recalls, or as they call them 'Campaigns' or service bulletins on it. I subscribe to ALLDATA and have access to all recalls and service bulletins on the vehicle. I believe what my local MB shop told me because when I went to the dealer to get a replacement, they only have 80 of them in stock!!!!

I replaced the balancer my self, took about 3 hours including an hour or so modifying some tools to do the job. Should take the dealer 2 hours max to replace it. The balancer is only $80.

I was lucky when my wife called me that she was at the drive in at the bank and the vehicle stalled and made a loud noise. It sounded similar to a ideler bearing going bad. If allowed to totally come apart, they are known to do such thing as do much damage to the radiator and other things under the hood.

I had the vehicle carried to my local MB shop who helped me identify the problem and gave me some tips on replacing it.

The balancer is basically two pulleys, an outer and an inner, with a rubber sandwich between. What goes bad is that the rubber deteriates. My was so bad that the outer pulley was rotating seperately from the inner.

I believe that the problem was fixed in the 98 model year. I have one made in 11/97, one of the first ones.