I was at the dealer last week getting a new EHA (dripping fuel!!) for my 300E, and I had a chance to sit in some of the showroom cars. They had a 2000 ML430, and a used 1999 (or maybe 98) ML430. The difference in interior build quality and materials was amazing. I sat in the 2000 ML first, then I moved over to the 1999 and was shocked at the difference. Much more plastic in the '99, and everything from the doors to the turn signal felt lightweight and cheap - something I didn't find in the '00.

I don't know what the difference will be in terms of reliability, but from an apparent quality basis, the new ML's seem like they're a totally different beast.

anthony