Would you buy a 98 ML320? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

richard28 · #16 02-01-2006, 11:02 PM

Justin, I'm the original owner of a 98 ml320, now with 128,200 miles. I too have found it to be a wonderful, reliable car once the known issues were taken care of. BTW, do you have to add any oil between oil changes? Lately I've had to add one quart every 2,500 miles.

iwrock · #17 02-11-2006, 01:59 PM

The most oil I have ever put into it was about a quart at the 2500 mile mark. Other than that, just regular oil change intervals. However, this I feel is normal with MBs, as they are known to like oil. Just stick in a quart of sythetic oil, and away we go once again.

jr6700 · #18 02-11-2006, 06:44 PM

No, the 01 and up and somewhat better, but the early ones were POS.

iwrock · #19 02-11-2006, 07:59 PM

jr6700, please retract that statement of the early ML320's being POS's. They were indeed decent cars, as my ML has proven itself. It has just about 135,000 miles, and the interior is in pristine condition. All of the power accessories still work, and all of it is original. (Well except for the window switches.) I do not know what you are talking about, as this is probibally one of the better Mercedes-Benz's I have owned.

If you do hoose to make statements about the ML320 being a POS, please back up your statement using real data. I am tired of people saying that ML's are junk because they have a lemon car.

timf · #20 02-12-2006, 11:11 PM

but far more are than might be expected from a 'premier' manufacturer like MB.

As for back up data a simple google of MB ML and lemon should give you an insight - alternatively visit w w w. troublebenz . com

Note the most evenly balanced site - but interesting none the less.

As for my ML - it's still a POS, but I've learned to live with it and learnt my lesson about MB's generally - albeit a $50k lesson....

robert marchica · #21 03-24-2006, 04:51 PM

im the new owner of this 99 with 80.000 on her she a race horse and gets good gas mileage only high test and syn oil i also bought the stick to ck trany perfect. little things like a dash lite big deal every basic thing is easyly service i paid 14,000 in almost new cond. every happy thanks bob

Ian · #22 05-25-2006, 01:05 PM

Nothing wrong with my Polar WHite 1998 ML320 with 83k on it - just did a major overhaul, plugs, wires, fuel filter and lines, timing belt, flushes, brakes, etc...

I wouldn't sell it FOR ANYTHING (excpet, of course, the fact that da wifey is making me get a volvo.)

I'm asking $13,500, and I'm going to get damn close.

I even have an extended warranty thru December...

-Ian

Jim B. · #23 05-25-2006, 06:42 PM

My personal opinion, based on what I heard, is that many of these were problem prone in the early years, such as 1998

Some were good but some were bad. If this particular example was good, then maybe. Many of the early examples had bugs that needed to be worked out.

Pretty Annette Bening playing a realtor, drove one in "American Beauty" a wonderful and unforgettable film. Kevin Spacey was pitch perfect....

iwrock · #24 05-25-2006, 07:15 PM

[QUOTE=Jim B.]My personal opinion, based on what I heard, is that many of these were problem prone in the early years, such as 1998

Some were good but some were bad. If this particular example was good, then maybe. Many of the early examples had bugs that needed to be worked out.[QUOTE]

I have a 1998 ML320, and it is a rock solid lil truck. I wouldnt trade mine, unless I found a mint Volvo 240, or a 500E. They are super capable lil trucks, and I love mine to death....

Plus, they are offraod warriors. Mine is going to go camping with me this weekend. I will try and get some cool pics when I am up there.

springerfever · #25 05-25-2006, 08:48 PM

Ian

Doubt seriously if you will get anywhere close to the 13,500 you're asking.The ML's are notorious for their rapid depreciation. A 98 with low miles, in your case, 83,000 should fetch somewhere in the 10-12,000 range IF its in good shape. I hope you get you're asking price, but if you really want to sell it, I'm afraid you'll have to come down quite a bit.

Personally, I'm planning on driving my 99 ML430 till the wheels fall off. I bought it new and currently have 253,000 miles on her and she still runs like a top. Your ML is pretty much fully depreciated, why don't you hold on to her, continue doing the maintainence yourself and enjoy the fact you have no car payments ?

#26 05-26-2006, 09:19 AM

I have a 99 ML320 with 150,000 highway miles. Only minor, normal issues and all updates have been done. Runs great, good mileage (around 21 at 85-90mph), is powerful enough to tow mid size loads with no problem. Get oil changes about every 8-10,000 (only because my driving is mostly highway) and would love to have another.

Ian · #27 06-08-2006, 12:19 AM

Springfever,

It's kind of a simple decision for me - I have only one garage spot, and live in the city. It is an UNBEARABLE PITA to deal with two cars, and I've already bought a V70R to replace the truck.

Perfect world, I'd keep it until it until the wheels fell off. It's exactly how I wanted it, and is running perfectly. But its not worth it to me to keep moving it (and *gasp* park it outside!!!

), insure it, and watch it get creamed by the people in my neighborhood who think parking is a contact sport. White bumpers, and all....

I disagree that it's worth less than what I've asked, although I've lowered my price to $12k to insure a quick sale. It's worth what the market will pay, not what KBB arbitrarily sets. That said, I appreciate your opinion (not meant sarcastically at all - seriously.)

I love my ML, but it's time for it to go to someone else who will love it, too.

-Ian

springerfever · #28 06-08-2006, 01:57 AM

Ian

No offense taken..I sincerely hope you get your $12,000.00 asking price. Someone will be getting a well built, comfortable and safe vehicle. Heck, when I give my 16 year old son my ML, I would be interested in it except for the fact I've kinda' got an urge to buy a used black one for myself !

Its unfortunate that the overall output of the ML's, particularly early models, had so many serious and niggling problems that drove owners crazy. With that being said, there are a few of us out there that purchased a ML that has been dependable, relatively maintenance free and thoroughly enjoyable to own.

Good luck with the sale.......you're in the ballpark for an excellent example with faily low miles and a good documented service history.