ML320 vs. ML500
 

I thought I'd NEVER say this but I'm almost glad that my 2000 ML320 got totalled, it was worlds apart from my newly acquired 2003 ML500 sport edition....This ML500 is practically flawless!!!....I am extremely happy with this vehicle!...I'm even shocked at the fuel economy, as I was psychologically prepared to be the owner of a gas guzzler, my ML500 is averaging just over 18 mpg!!!...The PERFORMANCE is matchless!...When you get on it there should be a dashlight that comes on and says "BE PREPARED TO TRAVEL THROUGH TIME AT LIGHT SPEED!"....I swear to you guys, I just put the gas pedal down about halfway and BAM!!!! driving fantasies become realities!!!..Thank God that I have a thin blue line sticker next to my rear license plate! LOL!....I have to admit, it's becoming addictive...This vehicle has so many bells and whistles that I don't think I've even used them all yet...Rain sensing automatic windshield wipers, sportier bumpers with fender flares, power rear quarter windows, these really cool linear actuator type things that lift out of your front bumper about 6 inches and clean your headlights before retracting back into the bumper (This is my personal favorite compulsion, I've been through 4 gallons of washer fluid already and have the cleanest headlights on the eastern seaboard, and I don't rule out the need for psychological therapy to stop using them so much!)...the Parktronic is awesome, as well as the NAV system and XENON headlamps!!

ALL OF THIS IS TO SAY, that after having incredible disappointments with Mercedes Benz quality with my 1997 E320 and my 2000 ML320, I am here to tell you gentlemen that Mercedes Benz has redeemed themselves in spades with the ML500. Any of you ML fans that have other models that you are less than impressed with should consider trading them off for an ML500! My wife, who drives a mint 1995 E320 wagon and my 300SDL, is already trying to screw me out of this vehicle, literally! :-)....and we all know that it's their duty to insure that we are only so happy, right?...So, yet another confirmation on this vehicle's quality and prowess! LOL!

Never been a fan of MLs but I have heard fairly consistent good stories about the 430/500. If you want to really step back into quality check out a W164 one day. However even in that case I find the entry level 320s/350s to be rather sparse and uninspiring with the 500 being a MUCH better car.

Same Experience Here
 

This all sounds so familiar. I totalled my 02 ML320 and replaced it with an 03 ML500. Love that engine. I get about 16 in town and maybe 20-21 on the hwy depending on temperature.

Chris

Interesting. We typically get about 18-19 in our ML350. Can't ever recall seeing 20MPG, and this is with the six cylinder engine too. I'd have gone for the ML500 but the mileage and price on this one were right, plus (so I thought) better gas mileage.

Next time I'm going to give the 8cyl version a look.

...but I still hate the radios in these vehicles - utterly obsolete by now. It's very difficult to get adapters, etc. for non-stock radios. Anybody ever do a swap to an aftermarket system?

My 430 was just so... flawless. loved that truck.
drove it from NC to Chicago towing my 5x12 single axle trailer and brought back a 10K ag tractor with mowing deck, averaged 17mpg. never had ANY issues towing the load.
just loved that truck.