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!

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Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.

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.

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

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?

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Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

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.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!