Hi all,
I have been an MB owner for some time now, an 88 300E and a 87 560SEL. My wife currently has a Ford Explorer and is looking to get an ML430. She does not like the ride of the Explorer at all, she feels that it is very rough and hard on her back. We also have owned a GMC Jimmy and feel the same way about that truck. How is the ride on a 2000-2001 ML430, does it feel like a truck ride or more like a car ride. I just want to make sure that I don't get another truck that is going to be bad for her back. Thanks a lot guys

It seems to hinge alot on tire pressure. If you leave them down to 32 psi all the way around it rides pretty nice, and is still a good safe pressure. You don't want to go much lower than that and end up with the problems Ford had with those Firestones.
Big ride difference between 32 and over 35 psi.

Gilly

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I owned a 1998 ML320 and currently own a 2001 ML430. One of the main reasons we got those vehicles was that the ride seemed to be more car-like than the competition (Explorer/Tahoe/Suburban). We've been very happy with both vehicles.

It still does not compare with your MB sedans, however. We have a 1987 300E and, even with 160K miles on it, I would prefer it for a long highway drive as long as we don't need to tow or drive in snow.

I also prefer the ride of the G500. We looked hard at the ML500 and ML55 before settling on the G500. Keep in mind that my wife was going to be the primary driver and she was trading in a 2001 S600. The G is heavy, I think it rides a little trucklike but not bad, the solidity of the truck sold it. We both found the MLs to be a little on the "choppy" side for ride comfort, though worlds better than the BMW X5.

Go to a dealer and drive one. Bring your tire pressure gauge, set the tires at 32 as Gilly suggested. Drive it and decide, I think Dutch is right, everybody has a different threshold on ride comfort. I would also add that the ML is going to be inherently trucky, you may want to seriously consider a 4-matic wagon.

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1995 G320
1984 280GE
1971 Unimog 416

Gilly,

What are the differences between setting the tire pressure at 32 or ++ vs. the 29 in the specs (well at least the specs for my ’00)?

TIA

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...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

The "lower" tire pressures listed are the minimum pressures, which give the best comfort, but are intended for really light loads.
I recommend a slightly higher pressure to give a reasonable amount of weight capacity, but still feels comfortable, and also if driven at a minimum weight will give a little better tire wear and fuel economy.
Also for thoose of you who haven't had your truck serviced for a few months, it would be an excellent idea to have your pressure rechecked, assuming you live where it gets cold this time of year.

Gilly

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Thanks, Gilly!

I will have to give this a try. I noticed that on both cars when i have a lot of weight on the rear the car wanders more on the hiway. Will see if pushing up the rear press will make a change...

Regards

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...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

a v8 will have stiffer front springs/torsion bars than a v-6.

springs go from 100#/inch to 200#/inch (in genral) tires will be in the 500 to 700 range. tire pressures play a major role in ride quality. i go with the gas door sticker. no matter what.

if she can stand the v6 and no low range ,get a 4matic wagon the insurance will be half of an suv. the build quality is excellent from thr graz plant.

the kids did not like the first generation m. to much pitch and yaw. the newer models ride better.

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g-wagen

If you want a better ride, go with the ML320. The V6's ride a lot better than the V8 MLs. The V6 has plenty of power, unless you plan to tow a trailer. And, fuel economy is better. I get approx. 15 around town and 23 on a trip on my 2000. And, tire brand makes a BIG difference. In 2000 ,320's came with Dunlops or Generals. The Dunlops are great riding tires - the Generals made the ML320 ride like a truck. On the subject of tire pressure, I keep my tire pressure at 32 on all my vehicles, just like Gilly said. And as he also mentioned, check the tire pressure as it gets colder.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

If you are looking for a car ride get the Lexus RX300. I have a ML430 & a RX 300 . The ride of the Lexus is like sitting on your living room recliner. But it does not have the BRAWN of the 430.

I'd have to agree with your kids. OTOH, my wife's 99 ML320 is a superb highway cruiser...quiet at speed and unaffected by crosswinds.

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

I beg to differ.

I think the 430s, and especially the 55s, ride better than the 320s.

Pete, I don't know. I test drove 2 430's and they rode like commercial trucks! The 320's that I test drove(4 or 5) were much smoother and pliant(sp?). If the 320's had Generals on them, they rode harder. The Dunlops were sweet. Now my info is dated. Maybe things have changed. Either way,that's why different models and different colors are offered. We can make our own choices. Have a nice day.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback