I'm about to part with my 124 92 300E (112k) that I've owned for eight years. I'm considering either a 2002 or 2003 ML320 that have in the mid 60k miles on. Both are one owners and a per service records have been well maintained at the prescribed times. Will I be disappointed from the comparison of the comfort and mpg that my 300E has provided me. I've read/heard that the ML rides like a truck and enjoys premium fuel. I consider myself a sensible driver and not one with a lead foot. Over the last 40 years I've owned MBs both gas and diesel. Since having owned a 92 Dodge Caravan I've been wanting to try the ML320. I would appreciate comments from current ML owners

Your 300E is supposed to use premium fuel, too.

The M112 V6 is a significantly better engine than your M103 and could return similar mileage even in the heavier, boxier vehicle.

Comparing trucks and cars is a bit like an apples/oranges comparison, but if you can use the ML's capabilities it will be worth it. Surely you'll get a test drive and ability to decide for yourself what you think about the ride.

If it hasn't had one yet, either ML will be due for a replacement MAF sensor soon. The originals just weren't very high quality.

If the MLs have navigation and/or built-in phone, just understand that anything prior to 2005 is ancient history in this area. The earlier stuff works, but when you find out about the newer stuff ... .

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Is the MAF sensor replacement an easy task? How expensive is the part?

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1985 300 D T - Rauchsilber (Smoke Sliver Metallic) with MB Tex Quartz 155 = Cream interior - 320K and counting!

1999 E300 TD - Silver - Just got her 3-13-15 !

the 2nd '83 300SD - Brown Metallic - traded away

1985 Limo Diesel aka "Stretchy" - Sliver - Blue Int - Sold but still in Athens

1983 300SD - Brown Metallic - Sold April 2008

1982 300 D T - Royal Blue with Tan interior - Sold

In lay mans terms what is the MAF sensor and what is its function. Is it a high ticket item and is it shop installed only part?
Yes I always use premium in the 300E even when it was $4.50 per gallon. In town driving I get 18-21mpg and on long highway trips I could get up to 28mpg at times.
Thanks for your response.

Tarheel75

As LKChris said these are two completely different vehicles. One is a nice smooth riding sedan and the other is an off road vehicle with a decent towing capacity. It's going to ride like a truck. A smooth truck, but a truck nonetheless. Even your Caravan is really just a large car in comparison.

MAF determines the air flow for the fuel mixture. They tend to need changing every 5-8 years. Price is (IIRC) around $150 and takes about 5 minutes to change. The hardest part is removing the air filter.

You'll also go through brake switches (around $25 and 5 minutes to change) and Crank Position Sensors (under $100 IIRC and about 1/2 an hour to change your first time.) All but the CPS are easy DIY jobs. The CPS isn't _that_ hard but it is kind of a pain to get to as it is in the back of the engine.

When (not if ) your catalytic converter weld splits just take it in and get it rewelded at any decent muffler shop. Less than $100 and a 10-15 minute job.

Most of the other problems the vehicles are subject to should have been fixed by now. Except for these items the vehicle is pretty dependable. When it gets closer to 100k miles you have the usual items you see on any vehicle (front end parts, accessories, plugs & wires, bushings, mounts, etc.) but just plan for them in advance and you'll be good for another 100k miles.

Originally the US marketing department sold the transmission as "sealed for life". Kind of true, if you mean "life = half what these transmissions should normally last". If the transmission fluid has not been changed get it changed. Germany has now reversed itself and recommends a change before 40k miles. It does not recommend subsequent changes, though. USA has kept quiet on this one, probably fearing another class action suit like they got for people following their oil change recommendations. Many of the US dealers will now quietly recommend changing this fluid but there are some that are holding firm, probably by the advice of their lawyers. One bit of warning, there are a few people that have no clue about anything mechanical who go around screaming that changing you fluid will damage the transmission because "their dealer told them so" and then spout the worst gobblygood you've ever heard. Just back quietly away and keep smiling. It is a religious argument to them.

Also change your transfer case fluid regularly (every 50k miles IIRC). Some people recommend changing the differential just as often. I don't, but I've seen no data on this particular item either way. It's cheap insurance, though, so I don't tell people not to do it.

The low gearing must be excercised at least once a month to keep things working problem. Remember, this is an off road vehicle. Otherwise the motor that engages the low gearing tends to seize. The repair won't break the bank but it is easy to avoid. Just drive it occasionally like it was designed for.

You won't get the same mileage. Figure more like 18-24 IIRC. You've got twice the air resistance of the "e".