Each new ML (or any MB for that matter) is followed with a customer satisfaction survey after a few months of ownership.

I truly believe MB really reads the responses, as I have noted specific deficiencies on my 99 that I saw immediately corrected on the 00 and 01 models!

I test drove an 03 last summer and was surprised at all of the changes...and the rear seats are actually comfortable (according to wifey).

One of the biggest changes you will note is that the interior looks far less "plasticy" than your 98...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car