ML55 trade up from ML320??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Lewis · #1 01-26-2004, 01:31 PM

Now that I've worked thru all the bugs on my '99 ML320, I'm looking to grab a Starmarked ML55 my dealer has been sitting on a month or so. Any ML55 specific worries you guys know about ? (weak tranny or engine pieces, etc?) It's a 2001 with 53K on it. A bit high on the miles but it shows new.

ML320guy · #2 01-26-2004, 02:33 PM

The obvious change will be your gas mileage! Beyond that, the 2000+ models were much-improved over the earlier ones. How are the newer ML350's pricing out? The newer model you get, the more features & fewer defects will be included.

G-Benz · #3 01-27-2004, 01:38 PM

No qualms unless you use your ML for hauling large gear (which I do).

The spare is located in the cargo area...

MercedesBenzAMG · #4 01-28-2004, 02:38 PM

I would go for it. You do know that they are pulling the ML55 from the ML line up.

G-Benz · #5 01-30-2004, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MercedesBenzAMG
I would go for it. You do know that they are pulling the ML55 from the ML line up.

Thought they already have...with the ML500 Sport...not a direct replacement, but not much demand for the ML55 when that comes with nearly the same performance...

Lewis · #6 01-30-2004, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. I was hoping for some sort of show stopper. It looks and runs great and has a clean maintenance record, looks like I'm going to have to buy the darn thing. Wife's going to kill me! :p

Teacher · #7 02-06-2004, 10:16 PM

There is a ML 55 in my area.....it has been on the lot for a year. I spoke to someone at a club meeting who has one and said it "rides like a tank" you feel every bump in the road because of the tires and suspension. I suggust you take if for a "good ride before you buy it..........

#8 01-13-2005, 10:23 AM

I wouldnt say a "Tank", but more like a tight tuned suspension to hold the 380 hp to the road. ( 340 stcok, but i have a few upgrades) Trust me you will appreciate the AMG suspension when your cornering at 80 plus and its holds on solid. Love this thing!

Chevota · #9 02-05-2005, 02:50 AM

I had a '98 ML320 which is now my mothers, and my girlgriend bought an '01 ML55. The 55 is cooler looking and has a few more bells n whistles, but for the $$ I think it was a rip. Both are stock except for the expensive 295 tires on the 55. I wouldn't say the 55 handles much better either. The 320 is gutless but is fine for an suv. The 55 is certainly fast for an suv, but probably typical for v6 car, and the mileage sux. I guess if I had to do it all over again I would buy a 320, fender flares, tint, wheels/tires.
I paid 16K for the 320 w/75K miles. My girlfriend bought the 55 for $33k w/95k miles. The 320 runs smoother, makes less vibrations and noises, feels more like a new car where the 55 feels like a used car w/ 95k on it. Maybe it was abused, I don't know, but that's my 2 cents.

#10 02-07-2005, 10:41 AM

Chev - I have noth vehicles. I couldnt disagree with you more. 2 totally different cars that can even be compared. Perhaps your GF's 55 had the V6 in it!

#11 02-07-2005, 10:42 AM

Chev - I have both vehicles. I couldnt disagree with you more. 2 totally different cars that can even be compared. Perhaps your GF's 55 had the V6 in it!

Chevota · #12 02-07-2005, 03:24 PM

Maybe I've got a good 320 and a pos 55? I don't see how you can say they can't be compared, it's basically the same vehicle with a bigger motor and a GPS. This 55 can take my moms Toyota Avalon, but not the GF's bmw328, my clk320 or my old 180K miles '92 Acura Legend. So it's right on par with a V6 car. Sorry, cool n all, but too heavy.
I think the ML320 with a blower would be the way to go. Cheaper, faster, better mileage, better handling. If I could just get my mom to go for it...
The combined original price, maintenance, insurance, tires, gas, etc are double for the 55, so you are correct, they can't be compared.

#13 02-08-2005, 06:25 PM

I have blown away many 3 - Series with my ML55. Wasnt even close. And dont forget your now comapring light sedans to an SUV. Even if it was a tie thats pretty darn good. And it's still faster

ML320guy · #14 02-09-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentMethod

I have blown away many 3 - Series with my ML55. Wasnt even close. And dont forget your now comapring light sedans to an SUV. Even if it was a tie thats pretty darn good. And it's still faster

I took a look for some published statistics: The ML55 was rated at 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The BMW-3 with the 2.5 engine was 7.1 seconds and the bigger 2.8 engine was 6.6. So, its a close race with the 2.8.
But, racing the ML against a sports car is kind of silly. A car with as much engine as the ML would easily out run it because of the weight difference. But then, cars don't weigh 5000 pounds.

00ML430 Bulldog · #15 02-09-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ML320guy

I took a look for some published statistics: The ML55 was rated at 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The BMW-3 with the 2.5 engine was 7.1 seconds and the bigger 2.8 engine was 6.6. So, its a close race with the 2.8.
But, racing the ML against a sports car is kind of silly. A car with as much engine as the ML would easily out run it because of the weight difference. But then, cars don't weigh 5000 pounds.

Well HHMMMM I guess you have not seen this Video of this ML55 giving this WRX STI a run...Click here You might have to do a quick signup (free) to acess the vid but trust me its worth it....
Let me know what you think..... The vid is sick...