I am buying a 99 ML 320, used. What are they going for, with how many miles? Any major problems or hidden things I should be aware of when looking at one? Thanks, ARI 1991 300D 2.5 turbo diesel 165K and still kicking ass, very srtong I may add

Anyone?

Goto http://www.carpoint.msn.com

As for things to look for on a 98 M-class: I would take it to the dealer and have them do a thorough inspection. It might cost you, but make sure all the "recall" work has been done. I have a 99 ML430, and they are still working out the bugs on a couple of small things. Great engine, great engineering, cheap looking interior, but a great value. You will love it. I would say under $30k.


------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Thanks for he info. What recalls are you talking about. For under $30,000 what milage would be in that range. Would you buy this car again, what other cars did you consider when buying the ML 320?

My wife has a 98 ML320 with about 13k miles. We live about .75miles from the shop.

We have only had two warrantee events so far (we will have owned it for 2 years in May), they were an over sensitive alarm system and a jammed rear door latch assembly (I hear this is a common problem). We haven't had any trim problems except for the drivers seat switch knob broke off (they warranteed it although it was probably our fault).

We just had its first service about 4 months ago (I had changed the oil myself at 6,000mi). The dealer did over a thousand dollars worth of warrantee work (they found? no complaints from us) and kept the car a week.

I let them do the car as an experiment to see how we were handled and to see if they would find the tranfercase leak we have. It took two weeks to get an appointment. MB did cover a rental car and the labor for the service. They didn't find/fix the leak.

I normally drive a Porsche but I enjoy driving the ML. I have driven most SUVs and don't find any to compare. I have yet to drive the BMW or small Lexus. The large Lexus/Toyota drives like a truck by comparison as do most US vehicles.

MB wishes to call it a truck so maybe it should drive differently.

------------------
Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 04-21-2000).]

Thanks! )

I agree. I had a door lock problem on the passenger front side. I went their and they replaced it in 2 hours. I haven't had any other problems, and this comming Mother's Day, it will be a year old. We have 2500 miles on it. I love the ML430, and we were going to get one in october of 98, then found out that the pricing difference wasn't much for the V8, so we waited. We arranged it as a surprise for my Mother on Mother's Day and she cried. Me and my dad had told her that we are getting for my Dad's B-Day which is June 1st. But she was fooled.

We considered the 4runner and the RX300 as well as the Navigator and QX4. None can compare. Even though the QX4 was nice, It was really the only closest thing to the MB. The RX300 was all car like, and didn't even have functions a normal 4x4 would. The MB's is the most advanced, with a low range and ESP. The 4runner was a nice alternative, but it was too truck like. And the navigator was just to big.

I love the ML and wouldn't get another car if I were given the cance, except for maybe the X5, but only maybe. The only reason I say that is that the build would probably be a lot tighter on the X5 then the ML. However, the $10 cost over an ML430 just doesn't make sense to me. That is why I would get an ML over an X5. Even though the 3.0 X5 should start at about $40, I could get an ML430 for a little more.

All around, the ML makes best sense.

As for recalls. I would take the VIN number to your dealer, and they would be able to lookup the entire profile of the car. After that, let them inspect it, and have them try and transfer the warranty over to your name.

Good Luck.

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

My ML320 has been flawless since I bought it from Benson in Annapolis a year ago. It now clocks 27K miles. I have oil change every 5,000 miles by the dealer, and the only recall I have was the replacement of the seat belt buckle recently. I have nothing to complain about the vehicle, except I wish I have the ML430 instead (more hp :-}).

95 R129
98 ML320