Would you buy a 98 ML320?
 

My wife and I were at the shop, dropping of my 450SL for a new steering coupler and a gearbox adjustment when she eyed the car she wants next-
a 1998 ML320 for $12.5K
She test drove it and liked it alot.
My concern is that its high mileage for a US made Benz (88K), and in perusing this forum I see lots of nagging problems.


She is a Realtor, and I'm concerned about this vehicle's reliability. She wants to get the ML and get rid of her '03 Camry and I'm just kinda concerned about the reliability of this model.

What other than the fuel filter upgrade, should I look for/ask about on this before buying?

NO! that should be priced around $8500.

1998 Ml
 

I sold my ML one year ago for $12k it had 70kt and was very well maintained.
It had all the upgrades ie. new harmonic balancer, fuel filter and air conditioner wire harness. I felt very fortunate to sell it at that price.

I would not have bought it for $12k. maybe $8-9k

If your wife really wants a ML buy a 2001 or newer.

Mucho squeaks and rattles in the 98-99 models, also, rattles from rear door latch, problems with the door locks, and the engine no-start feature with the alarm hanging up on occasion. 01 and newer is a best bet.

JUST WALK AWAY!Look for a slightly newer one. After 2000 or just avoid buying them. I had a ML320, the first year they were produced, I drove it out of the showroom doors. They are uncomfortable and bad. Dont buy them

NO! :thumbsdow

Nope

Strange. My ML was one of the first off the assembly line in 1997 (1998 model year) and was owned by the dealer's wife - I have had almost no problems at all other than a few rattles. But, then again, if it was an early model AND owned by the dealer then it would stand to reason that it was quality controlled to death and maintained. I paid too much for it (I didn't know any better at the time - plus the dealer had me over a barrell over poor body work on my w202 and no one else would accept it as a trade).
Based on what everyone else has said - my experience is not typical for the '98 ML.

My 99 issues were solved during warranty. Not had any real problems with mine. I suppose owners of '00 models and up have heard the horror stories of the 98 and 99 models (which are probably 5% of the total 98/99 ML ownership experiences) and have concluded that it's best to stay away from them.

Not so. But I will add, that early model-year runs always have growing pains, and that it's typically best to target model years that have had a chance to work the bugs out.

My 98 ml had the usual teething problems, all fixed under warranty. The only things I recall doing at my expense were MAF, done by me, and front door window regulator done by dealer. Also the B-pillar trim on passenger side came off and I have to reattach it. Now have 125,00 miles and drives very well.

My folks have a '99 ML320 which they bought new and speaking from a mechanic's point of view, the problems they experienced are nothing unusual to any early Mercedes model. Anything "major" was covered under warranty, and to be honest there really wasn't anything that was too "major". Mostly electrical glitches. I've serviced it with synthetic every 5K miles and they have kept up on all of the services, slicing normal recommendations in half to prolong the life of the vehicle and it has really been a great car (my mother drives it). I've actually got it in my shop as we speak for a minor service and tune up as they are leaving for Florida next week.

Looking back at it, I do recall one major repair, covered under warranty. That was the transfer case, a common problem on early models. That was right at 50K miles and it now has 116K with no problems since.

I'd advise you to only buy an early model if all of the updates and fixes have been completed and documented (i.e. transfer case, harmonic balancer, fuel filter mod, trip computer, etc...). It's also a bonus to have documented 5K fully synthetic oil changes, as I seem to recall that when I was at the dealer (when the ML was introduced) we were putting a lot of engines in them (in particular, over the sedans) because of MB's goof on the FSS 10K oil changes with dino goop.

make sure you have all or most of the keys
 

The pre-2000 models had an eight-key limit; be sure that you have at least a spare key and also the valet key before you buy. Check with the service dept at that dealer or call another one with the VIN and have them check with MBUSA first to see how many keys can be purchased down the road. As rediculous as this sounds, the pre2000 models had a primitive antitheft computer that only accepted eight keys before the whole thing had to be replaced. Depending on how many people owned the car previously you can get in a bad spot. Check my other post and replies on this matter, particularly from Gilly.

Do not buy a 98 ML. It is the most miserable problem laden P.O.S. I have ever owned. The newer models have worked out some of the problems but the '98 is just bad.

My 98 is just fine. SN 23619.

I have a 1998 ML320, and drives like brand new. The P.O. did all of the required work on time, and had it all done by the book. He replaced every little thing that went wrong. Hell, he even replaced the broken handle just above the passanger door, because it would not spring up nice and tight.

He gave us all of the record since day one, and he has had all of the recalls and service campaigns done on it. It has 133k miles on it, but everything is pretty much new, so I am really not worried about it.

Oh yes, they rated the ML with 10,000 mile oil changes... He replaced the oil every 3,000 miles. And on a side note, it would be perfect for the real estate agent. The guy we bought it from was a real estate agent. He drove the car everyday when he owned it. I really wouldn't worry all that much, as long as everything has been done. On time that is.

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.

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.

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

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.

Not all ML's are POS's
 

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....

ml430
 

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:)

I have a GREAT '98!
 

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

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....

[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.

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 ?

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.

One garage spot -
 

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!!!:eek: ), 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

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.