I will be in the market for an SUV in the next 8 weeks. Since the primary driver for this vehicle will be my wife, I do want a SUV safe, easy to drive and reliable. I know the new ML is coming out in 2006 but I think I may get a 2002 or 2003 certified vehicles to avoid the depreciation
I test drove both vehicles yesterday. They were both '05's. I hate to admit but, the BMW ride was better than the ML. The ML finish looked better than the BMW. The ML since bigger than the BMW. I know the problems with the ML's but I do not know much about the BMW. Any personal advice or any internet sites similar to this one to get some advice?
One more thing. What are forum members paying for their NEW ML's and what would be a good out the door price?
I already did some search in this site and I did not get much info.
Thanks in advance!

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E

You looked at the Acura MDX yet?

test drove the Cadillac STX, the Lexus ES330. They are at a different level.
I'd seen and read about the Acura MDX (and its cousin the Honda Pilot) and the VW Touareg? but, I did not test drive them yet. They are NOT out of the race but, I still have 8 weeks or so to make my final decision. In my book, that is it. Hence, the need for an educated advice.
Any inside info on the Acura MDX?
Thanks!

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E

Based on my experience alone with the ML, I cannot recommend that vehicle to anyone. It has been a real turd. I'm sure the newer ones are better than the 2000. I'm just bitter about being a beta tester. Honestly, I can't really blame MB. I think they got the raw end of the deal on poor quality of their third party components. Window switches, door actuators, fuel pressure regulators, brake switches, etc... I think MB had a hand in a few design flaws too. As in...transfer cases, under-sized wiring harness, harmonic balancer construction.

Comparing a 7 year ownership experience of a Nissan Maxima to this vehicle...I had 2 repairs in 7 years on the Maxima and more like 7 repairs in 2 years with this one. 9 at 3 years, 10-11 at 4 years and counting. Wife said the traction control lights came on again the other day, so back it goes. Maybe we won't get a Kia for a loaner this time.

l work at the Toyota/Lexus plant in Canada.....l would highly recommend the 04 Lexus RX 330.............The lowest defects per vehicle of any auto manufacturer....No one comes close to the reliability and dependability of a Lexus......l owned two of them prior to my ML..no comparsion!!!!!l would even look at a 02 or 03 RX 300, the model prior to the RX 330....a very reliable SUV as well.....remember though..it is a uni-body frame..not a box-ladder frame as a truck...a big difference in ride quality...

As an owner of a 2002 ML I must say there is no comparison; for sheer handling and driving experience, the X5 will win hands down especially with the sports handling package option. However the ML has the option of 7 seats, low range and more interior space.
As far as the engine is concerned, you can't go past the 3 litre 6 cylinder common rail direct injection diesel in the X5 - what a performer. It is a better (and cheaper) package than the petrol motors (not to mention fuel economy which is staggering) and with 480-500 Nm of torque it leaves my 2.7 litre common rail direct injection engine (400 Nm) for dead and the MB unit was state of the art 5 years ago.
Worth considering as well is the new Land Rover Discovery 3 which has just been released. It is a giant step forward with 7 adult seats but weighs in at 2.7 tonne. It has a single turbo version of the Peugeot / Jaguar 2.7 litre V6 common rail direct injection diesel motor producing 440 Nm of torque. Haven't driven it yet but it certainly looks the goods.
The most amazing thing is that none of these trucks will use more than 10 litres of diesel per 100 km. And that's with seriously spirited performance.
I'd say we were spoiled for choice at the moment which should keep the manufacturers honest.
Just out of interest, the MDX middle seat just has to be sat in to rule it out. A good first attempt but they have a long way to go.
Should you buy an ML, buy the upgraded (2002 or later) version as the earlier model had serious problems.

I tried ALL make and model SUVs before deciding on a ML. Simple put in my case size counts. I'm 6'4" tall and the ML was the only SUV having both comfortable seating and decent performance/features. The ML is big on the inside and compact on the outside, a perfect combo. The BMW, Lexus, etc... were all too small on the inside, cramped seating. The ML is a truck. The BMW is woman's SUV, more like a car or minivan. I found the Lexus a bit over rated. I have had my share of problems with the ML (all covered under warranty) but I would still buy another one given my priorities.

I think the X5 is a great vehicle based on my previous experience with BMW on cars before. But I think the ML is a better vehicle all around. It is almost 1/2-1/2 traction on the 4 wheels vs. 1/3-2/3 on the X5, not to mention the low range feature.

The ML is the most balanced vehicle I ever had, for instance it is the only vehicle I had that requires the same amount of tire pressure front and rear, and at least on mine, it wears evenly on all 81K miles I've driven it. It is the first vehicle I ever had that at this milage it feels and runs just as on day one regarding all respects. I normally keep cars very long and this one is one of those keepers.

Regarding the high tech automobile design features, I think they are very similar.

Yes, I had my share of problems, which I also had with my previous BMWs before. Basically the 1) harmonic balancer which was covered under goodwill while out of warranty, power steering line issue covered by recall, and the window switch covered under warranty. I still think the ML is a rock solid vehicle that don't deteriorate easily with time and use.

On the Japanese, I have my reservations. They may look great in paper, but in my opinion, when I drive them, I am bored in a short period of time. Safetywise, most Japanese vehicles are built to comply with the specific parameters set by the US to pass a safety test, but the ML, X90 and X5 are built for much more, and they happen to pass the safety tests. In other words, if the US changes the safety parameters to pass a test the Japanese may have to go back to the drawing board, while the european SUVs may pass the new parameters just the way they are. Also, they test crash results features, they do not test those features on a vehicle to avoid the crash in the first place.

On US SUVs, yes, they drive and go. They'll take you to your destination.

I have an ML and a C class, my next 2 cars are likely to be 2 MLs.

Just my opinion...

Rene

P.S. Also, by having a forums like this, it helps a lot to understand your vehicle and keep it in top shape. Thanks to Gilly and others.

As I read more, SUV are not safe, high risk of rollover. Lots of damage with minor bumper to bumper hit at fairly low speed. I have a ML 320. I would concur that I would not recommend this MBZ truck. Too many problem with its short lifetime. Having said that I wouldn't mind a Porsche Cayenne or Acura MDX/Honda Pilot as a daily driver.

John

MDXs are suffering from high numbers of transmission failures. There is a forum specifically for this issue. MDX Transmissions failures

I agree about the RX330 being overrated as it is really a Toyota Camry in disguise. And in Japan it is simply known as the Toyota Harrier. I would not want to pay Mercedes prices for a Toyota. Not in the same league as the ML at all.

Land Rovers have always been plagued with big problems and I am not sure that Ford Motor company has added anything positive to it.

The BMW does look good but it is too small for my tastes and it lacks a decent off-roading system.

VW continues to have high relibility and quality issues with its high end vehicles including the Toureg. This is compounded by the fact that most of its dealers are used to dealing with Jettas and Beetles, and not ones in the $40K-65K range.

I have a 2001 ML and still enjoy driving it every day. I haven't had any issues with it other than a few cosmetic things.

I bought the Honda Pilot . I had a deal that I could not passed up.
I know it is not a MB but, the reliability from the present ML's turned me off. The transmission issues with the Pilot and MDX are supposely fixed. We will see...
My wife still wants a MB product so I will have to wait until the "new" ML comes out in 2006. I have seen some spy pictures but, I do not have many details on it. Anybody has more info on it?
P.S. I still have my 300e as a daily driver.

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E