They are options. On MY05 500 it goes like this (this is copied directly from MBUSA's options page for the ML500:

2005 Packages
317 Comfort Package

Interior features include three-position memory system for each front seat and exterior mirror memory stored with driver seat settings.

Exterior features include power fold-in for outside mirrors and rain-sensing intermittent front wipers with a sensor that adjusts the windshield wiper delay for you.

324 Sunroof Package

The optional Sunroof Package includes a power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof and power rear-quarter vent windows with dash-mounted remote controls.

The heated seat is standard in the 500. Go to MBUSA.com and configure one to see al the options and accessories.

Ok, I'm a little slow so it took me ten minutes to navigate their site but that's the info I need, Thanks.

It's funny how you get addicted to the little things.

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Current Crop:
2002 ML500
1997 SL600
1969 Corvette (for sale, perfect shape)
1984 RX7 GSLSE

Wanted:
a diesel MB!
Looking for a new SL.

I think I've settled on a 2002 ML500. The prices I see are wild. From 22k to 44k. I also saw one on autotrader that was a light front hit for 13k but I'm not into that kind of thing anymore. I should check to see if it's salvaged.

What's the deal with the filler neck? I haven't had any problems on my loaner but I see a lot of people complaining about it.

__________________
Current Crop:
2002 ML500
1997 SL600
1969 Corvette (for sale, perfect shape)
1984 RX7 GSLSE

Wanted:
a diesel MB!
Looking for a new SL.

That's a large price range. Be carefull. First off, get one with a Starmak label. Then, when you chose one, make sure to get the vehicle history from the dealer before buying - they should give this to you with no hassle. You'll tell from the history what's been done to the truck - updates to steering hose, radiator hose, door switches, sunroof, steering rack, ETS/ABS/ESP issues, and some other small things that a lot of people have complained about. You'll like the ML500. Also, 500 specific is the rate of wear of the brake pads. Check to make sure you'll not be coming back a couple of months later to have the brakes redone.

About the fuel filler neck: on my MY02, the angle was so steep that it was very difficult to insert the fuel nozzle when filing up. It was even more difficult to take it out - very odd. On my MY05, it's not like that at all - it's normal. My guess is that the cnahged something between 02 and 05 to fix this annoyance.

I plan on getting a Starmark. The warranty I have now has saved my butt bigtime.

This list worries me: steering hose, radiator hose, door switches, sunroof, steering rack, ETS/ABS/ESP Yikes.

__________________
Current Crop:
2002 ML500
1997 SL600
1969 Corvette (for sale, perfect shape)
1984 RX7 GSLSE

Wanted:
a diesel MB!
Looking for a new SL.

I agree. My previous experience with my E300 drove me to the Lexus dealer (pun intended)!!

I love MB and want to have one again.

Has anyone seen the latest Consumer Report?

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction

Yea! We bought a 2002 ML500, sweet!

__________________
Current Crop:
2002 ML500
1997 SL600
1969 Corvette (for sale, perfect shape)
1984 RX7 GSLSE

Wanted:
a diesel MB!
Looking for a new SL.

Before I bought my 05 500, consumer reports ranked the 04 very well. Everything on their graph except or electrical had the red dot thickly circled. Electricals had just above average rating. However, due to past history they couldn't rate is as Best Buy though. Now, based on the 5K miles I've put on my 500, and recalling my experience with my 02 320, I'd say they've made a huge leap in quality - or, maybe I got a lucky 500!!!.

Did you get the history and the brakes? Regarding the items I listed in my earlier post, don't let that worry you - they most likely have been taken care of in your vehicle and if they didn't occur by now, they may not even be an issue. The one thing you'll come back to this forum and complain - I'm sure of this - is the squealing brakes and how fast they wear. The 500 brakes are known to squeal in cold weather and they wear out very quickly in general. Expect mid 20K miles on the pads. Now, go drive your 500.

My advice for squeeling ML brakes; The new pads have to be "bedded" or broken in (first few miles of driving) by VERY heavy brake applications. Almost like repeated panic stops, extremely hard braking. What you would normally consider to be "a hard stop" is not enough for these huge brakes and you'll glaze the pads during the bedding process. squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllll

Gilly

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