M Class Opinions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-10-2002, 07:28 PM

Hi All.....

New to this list, but long time Benz owner. My wife is interested in an ML, but I am not familar with current quality. I know the early 320's had many problems.

Am interested in 2001-2002, but would like anyone's knowledge/experience with differences between ML320 and ML430 (which has been discontinued, I believe),

TIA for your responses.

Chuck

Gilly · #2 08-11-2002, 12:49 AM

Chuck:
The newer the better, the 2002 is alot nicer than the earlier ones as far as features. Quality has improved every year. Even the 98's can be fixed though, many have already been brought up to snuff with field modifications.
The 430 wasn't so much discontinued as replaced by the ML500 in 2002. I'd recommend having you and your wife try both a V6 and V8, it's a personal decision.
The 2000's had the deal where maintenance services were covered during the warranty period, I'd recommend at least a 2000 or newer, as the engines have had the synthetic oil used in them since new per the factory maintenance schedule, this is important in these engines to use synthetic oil.

Gilly

G-Man · #3 08-11-2002, 10:55 AM

Personally I have an ML quandry. I think it is the best in its class and it is a very good value. On the other hand I have a hard time loving the ML. It just doesn't "feel" like a Benz to me. Just a few days ago my wife and I decided to downsize our vehicle expenditures. It meant unloading our gorgeous S600 for something less expensive. We already had a G class and wanted an all weather vehicle. I narrowed it down to an ML, 55 or 500, and an E430 4-matic. Once we drove the 55 and 500 (for about the third time) I just couldn't do it. They do not have the feel we have become accustomed to in the G-class and S-class cars. No offense meant towards ML320 owners but, I personally find the powertrain laking in sophistication. I would definately go for the V8 model. I guess I just feel like I can tell it is built in Alabama and was desinged to fit into a "price point" rather than to be the best at any cost like I think Benz should be. We ended up with a second G. In the used market I would guess the price difference is not too large. I would definately go for the 430. The V8 does give the car a decidedly more Benzlike feel.

G-Man · #4 08-14-2002, 12:57 PM

Boy, my heart skipped a beat when I say your post Tracy

I thought I had opened another big ol can of worms.

The Starmark option is highly reccomended. In the event the PO screwed something up, or just plain old component failure, the warranty is very nice. I wouldn't buy a used BMW or MB without a bit of factory coverage, be it original or Starmark.

I did not mean to leave the impression that the ML was an inferior vehicle. But Lebenz is correct, it does not have the heavy feel MB used to be famous for. It is more modern, for better or worse. As an all around vehicle with MB cache it is hard to beat.

benz320 · #5 08-14-2002, 03:16 PM

get the 03, I hear they have DVD navigation in it. In any case, the 02's were significantly upgraded, and are pretty refined. I am sure most of the kinks have been ironed out by now.

I also heard of a ML350 or ML360 in 03. Maybe you want to wait for that!

Gilly · #6 08-14-2002, 05:31 PM

We have an 03 on the lot now, as a matter of fact I should be driving it all next week, it's our NEW service truck for roadside assistance! I just put the nifty stickers on it yeaterday, what a PITA! It's a 320, i haven't heard much about changes for 03, looks pretty unchanged to me from 02. The MCS unit looks unchanged, we'll have to see about the DVD nav system. I know we won't be getting it in the service truck anyways, we don't even get a factory phone

.

Darkmann · #7 08-15-2002, 09:18 AM

Go for the '02 or wait for the ML350 which is coming later this year. I have a '02 320 and it's a great truck. If I did it again, it'd have to be the V8 ML500. As far as options go, the '02 or better are really packed. It really depends on what you want the truck for. I took 3rd row for the kids, no NAV for me, thank you, but there's a trip computer with integrated compass. The convenience package - tilting mirror in R, auto dimming mirrors, etc. - is a must. As far as quality, I have had to take it in for a few minor things - both outside mirrors developed small leaks and were replaced yesterday. That's it. The truck feels solid and I agree with G-Man that they (the 320) are built for a specific price segment. The good news is that they are the best deal in that segment and more!!!

LeBenz you don't trust the FSS? It really works. I wish MB would publicize it more and provide data. But, as far as I know, there has not been any FSS related engine failure since MB went full synthetic. Gilly, can you shed some light on this, or is it a confidential issue.

benz320 · #8 08-15-2002, 12:20 PM

Darkmann,

do you know when exactly is the ML350 coming out?

Kuan · #9 08-15-2002, 05:42 PM

The 350 is available in Europe. Rumor is it will be here the end of this year. Look to jump on an M-Class real cheap at that point!

Kuan

Gilly · #10 08-15-2002, 07:08 PM

No confidential info on the FSS, I'd use it. Use the synthetic oil and you'll be fine.

Gilly

benz320 · #11 08-16-2002, 09:48 AM

so they are going to change the 03 ML from 320 to 350 in the middle of the model year! any idea about the price increase?

benz320 · #12 08-16-2002, 03:01 PM

I saw a post somewhere that said its a Gas engine, 229 HP, 258 ft-lb torque, 17/21 mpg rating (basically more power, and improved fuel economy compared to the existing 320, which is 15/19 on EPA ratings). Of course, nothing authentic, I am sure lots of people are just speculating. Someone here who works at a dealer might have access to some inside info. If the specs above are true, it sure would improve the ML's marketability.

ML320 · #13 08-16-2002, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by benz320
I saw a post somewhere that said its a Gas engine, 229 HP, 258 ft-lb torque, 17/21 mpg rating (basically more power, and improved fuel economy compared to the existing 320, which is 15/19 on EPA ratings).

It's even better. According to the latest info the US version ML 350 will have 240 hp, an increase of 25 hp over the predecessor!

To compare the Euro ML 350 has 245 hp and 350 Nm.

Wolfgang
1999 ML 320