Seriously considering ML320

[md21722]

Hello everyone,

I am seriously considering buying a ML320 (used). My decision may be much sooner than I wanted because my '87 300D was hit by a deer on Sat. and today oil testing revealed trace elements of glycol in the oil. So, that will be a long term project, if at all.

I'm impressed with the way the ML rides on the interstate and local rodes. It doesn't toss me around like a Ford Explorer (yuk). I like the looks - particularly brilliant silver with leather interior (though I wish it had MB Tex!)

I'm interested in knowing how well it is suited for paved gravel roads in Montana to get to some of the trailheads. From what I understand the suspension is very tough like a traditional Benz and the all wheel drive works great. Is this true?

What kind of fuel economy can I expect? Going 75-80 MPH on the interstate?

Is any model year better than the others? I would like to get 2001-02 w/ as low miles as possible and change all fluids once I get it.

I tend to drive 60,000-80,000 miles / year. So fuel economy and reliability are important. I will probably try to split the miles between this and another car. hat kinds of problems are some of the higher miles ML's having? My mechanic has a '99 with 83Kmi and he has done nothing except change fluids. Still has original brakes, he is quite happy and wants a newer one with DVD player and more air bags to keep his children safe.

Thanks for your comments.

[tabo]

You will go poor with the ml320!

01. Gas Guzzler
02. Problematic (4matic)
03. Tempting Mods!

[Gilly]

To answer to the original posters questions and tabo's comments:
First, i haven't really found the "4MATIC" (ETS4 actually) to be THAT much of a problem. It relies more on electronics and less on mechanically complex components to operate, much better than the old 4MATIC option from the early 90's sedans and wagons.
Not saying it's perfect, it's more of an asset than a liability, lets put it that way.

Gas guzzler? Well, it's not a gas sipper, I've seen alot worse. in general our service trucks have all gotten in the low 20's. If driven as you say, 75-80 mph, I'd expect an even 20 or slightly lower. Our service trucks have all been ML320's. Most of us have somewhat of a lead foot, I feel the fuel mileage I've posted you can realistically expect to achieve, if not a little bit better if you baby it.

Buy the newest you can afford. The biggest changes came in 2000 and again in 2002.
The interior is alot nicer in the 2000, and that's when the MCS radio was introduced (the big screen radio).
In 2002 the somewhat inaccurate climate control was replaced by a fancier looking somewhat inaccurate climate control, and the troublesome power window switch design was changed, which so far (knock on circuit board) has been problem-free.
I'd avoid the "Sky Roof" models, unless the big sunroof like that really trips your trigger. The main problems with the Sky Roof is rattles.
The 2000 and newer ML320's had the body color bumpers and outside mirrors, the 98-99's had black mirrors and gray painted bumpers, which of course you could always update yourself with the aid of a paint shop.
Now the 2000's and newer also had the "maintenance commitment plan" which means MB paid for the FSS services. Much is listed here in regards to the FSS system, you may want to learn the pro's and con's of this system. In short, there have been some problems associated with the extended oil change intervals when coupled with non-synthetic oil. MB pays to have synthetic oil used on the maintenance commitment plan, so this is a plus on the 2000 and newer trucks.
If you plan on replacing "all" the fluids, be aware there is special trans fluid and a special filling procedure for the trans, so proceed with due caution on the trans oil change, the fluid is about $15/liter, and takes upwards of 7 liters.
If you are good at DIY work, I wouldn't neccesarily count out the 98-99 models, as most everything that goes wrong with the early ones MB has a cure for.

Gilly

[md21722]

Thanks for your comments.

My mechanic said one of his customers came in with that big sun roof problem. The mechanic knew enough not to mess with it and took it to the dealer who quoted $7000 to fix. Customer said no thanks, I'll sell it.

What are the major changes in 2002 vs 2000 models?? That would help narrow my search. I see some have the M1 or M5 lux pkgs, etc. Besides steering clear of the SkyRoof, are there other options that make ownership considerably nicer?

Why oh why do they offer these in 'cloth'

Thanks,
Brian

[Gilly]

2002 vs 2000-2001 models. The differences as I said is the climate control went to an automatic design and also the window switch design was changed and also it has express up AND down on all 4 windows. The front and rear bumpers were restyled and also the grill has a different look, the 02 also has cooler looking headlights on all models, they have projector lens headlights. 02 is also when they put the turn signal lights in the front of the rear view mirror. I also believe they made the rear 1/4 windows power fold-out on all models in 02. The whole center console was updated in 2002 also, not just the switch design; the ash tray moved to the front of the console, it has a double-bin storage area, different mirror control switch, different type of a/c conrol for the rear seat passengers (including a seperate blower motor for the rear seat). The wheels available where all different, I like them better. They went to a different engine control system, I believe this was in 02, it went from ME2.0 to ME2.8, but I don't believe you'd notice the difference as the driver.

As far as nice options, they're pretty well equipped. In 02 I believe you could get either "regular" Xenon or Bi-Xenon headlamps, those are a nice feature and have automatic levelling for the headlight beam (keeps the headlight beam at a set distance when hitting bumps, or to adjsut for load in the truck). You can get a nav system added to the radio(MCS or Modular Control System), or you can put a single-disc CD player in that spot instead. MB is now offering a DVD nav system for the MCS unit, which means just one CD for the U instead of a set of ten or so to get the same coverage as 1 dvd. The CD changer in the back of the truck is a common option. On a 2002, you can get a Motorola Timeport or V60 phone installed, the older the truck, the more outdated the phone offering from MB.

I'm not sure if cloth is still an option, but yes, back in 98-99 there are some out there without the M1 luxury package, ie cloth seats, no power seat adjustment, no sunroof, real strippers. I occasionally will see one without the M1 luxury package, but with a sunroof ordered as a seperate option.

Gilly

[md21722]

That clears up the differences between years for me. Thanks.

What is it like to add a MP3 custom stereo to these trucks, is it something MB has tried to make impossible or very expensive?

[tabo]

I have aiwa mp3 player, its sweet I can play 100+ songs on one cd, throw away the cd changer.. just a regular install you can do it yourself.. but the only difficult part is the mercedes benz radio connector is different from regular cars.. its a din one.. so you have to cut it and solder a straight one on.. any install shop can do that for you. shouldn't cost u more than $30 US for install

[BenzBob]

I own a 2000 ML320 and purchased it over the 1999 model due to the significant upgrade for the interior which made it more "Mercedes" like. In addition, significant sound insulation materials were added in the 2000 model year to make the cabin much quieter. Would still choose this SUV over any other one out there due to its active and passive safety features that are not available on other SUV's.

Contrary to some others experiences, my ML320 has been absolutely trouble-free during its 33,500 miles showing on the odometer. During this time all that I have had to replace are the two front headlamp bulbs (probably because I believe in daytime driving lamps), the drivers side brake lamp and the odometer illumination lamp. Still have the original Dunlop tires (which look like they will need refreshing around 50-55K miles) and brake pads. I drive the vehicle conservatively which returns 21-22 mpg in mixed driving. The vehicle is driven to and from my mountain house in the Appalachians regularly and I am able to get there and back on a single tank of fuel, returning 25-26 mpg during this drive cycle.

The vehicle has been absolutely wonderful and is probably one of the most comfortable vehicles Mercedes produces. Quality is comparable to my 1995 C280 and 2003 C230K sport coupe. I plan to keep it for some time, but when it comes time to replace I will be looking at another ML since Mercedes seems to keep tweeking and improving them from year-to-year.

My recommendation ... buy the latest model year that you can afford and ENJOY-ENJOY-ENJOY!!!

[elau]

I have a 98 ML320 and experienced no problem mentioned by many members and press. The only thing I needed to replace was the window switch. The other thing I have to do is to update my fuel filter.

Like Gillybenztech mentioned earlier, do not rule out the earlier model. Since MB lost the class action suite last year, all owners of model years 1998-2000 received a transferable extended warranty to 150,000 miles from the date you purchase the vehicle. As for me, that means an additional 7 years of warranty on my engine plus two vouchers for free service. That is a sweet deal.

[Gilly]

Like Gillybenztech mentioned earlier

Please, it's just "Gilly".

Since MB lost the class action suite last year, all owners of model years 1998-2000 received a transferable extended warranty to 150,000 miles from the date you purchase the vehicle.

I don't believe there has been a final decision on this case yet.
My understanding is that MB has sent out a voucher to do an oil change using synthetic oil, and if the owner switches over to synthetic, and agrees to continue using synthetic (and I assume keeps the receipts to prove it), then MB will extend the engine warranty out to 150,000 miles, unsure if there is a time limit on this extendd warranty.

Gilly

[need2speed]

I'd agree the ML is an outstanding vehicle and actually good value for the money! Our 99 ML320 has seen almost 90,000 hassle-free kms.

Even the dealer's service department says to stay away from the 98 but the 99 can be had for a great price and, if you aren't looking for obvious luxury, is a good deal. Ours hauls kids, furniture, garden supplies and skis - then practically cleans up with a hose. Frankly, I'd be afraid to really "use" the newer models with the upgraded interiors.

A surprising asset of the ML is great highway manners...very quiet and steady in high winds or bad weather. Just last weekend we drove through a near white-out that had semi-trailers in the ditch and a two-lane highway down to one faint path. From inside the ML you'd wonder what the fuss was about.

[md21722]

Thanks for the info!