ML "bugs" been ironed out for '03s?

[krasuskyp]

So the wife's '98 ML with 84k has yet to have any of the real 'failures' I'm reading about here. Knowing many are likely looming, we're thinking about replacing it with an '03 rather than spending $$$ on all of the maintenance items that have not yet been done and are overdue, then having a well maintained ticking time bomb waiting to blow.

Question: did MB finally get their act together by then? I know the '00 redesign addressed 'some' of the disasterous failure items (harmonic balancer, ring failure, etc.)... but did they finally get it right by '02 or '03? Also, what of that DaimlerChrysler 3.5L Jeep Liberty motor? I see '03s had both 3.2 and 3.5... which is better?

Basically, what would you all do? Pitch the '98 and get an '02 or '03 (and 3.2 vs. 3.5 if '03?), or pitch it and get out of MB altogether? Many fine alternatives out there.

Also, anyone here using a 3rd row seat in these? Curious to hear your feedback. Ease of ingress / egress for toddler? Amount of storage space in rear with say one seat folded and a kid seat in the other?

ANY insight here appreciated. This forum rules for info like this, looking forward to responses.

TIA.