I don't know about everybody who owns an ML, but I just purchased a 2000 ML320 about a month ago. Well, here is what I think.

1. The ML handles great, very impressed. Comfortable seats and is fun to drive. Very stable driving past 80 mph
2. The ride is wonderful for a truck this size and weight
3. The pick up is great
4. The interior is very nice, tight no rattles or squeaks, leather is perfect
5. Great looking style, all the neighbors comments on the good looks, etc.
6. More than enough room all around inside
7. Bose radio with 6 CD changer plays and sounds wonderful
8. The headlights could be brighter
9. The fit and finish is very nice. When clean and waxed it looks brand new
10. Gas mileage is decent
11. Brakes are just fabulous
12. And of course the safety aspect is unquestionable

That's my opinion. I like ML a lot. I've owned and driven many, many cars, SUV's, etc. Both crap and high end. This vehicle ranks one of the best

__________________
Bruce Hat
2000 ML320 50K miles
1997 Jaquar XJ6 41K miles
1992 300SL 70K miles - Mint
1995 E320 Wagon 105K miles "Sold" - 10-6-04
1998 E320 "Totalled" - 1-14-04

If you want to know how crooked a stick is, just lay a straight one next to it.

It's not the tall sails that bring a ship to the port of destination, but the unseen wind.

Uncle's quote to me at 12 yrs old "Why walk when you can Bogaloo"

I have a 2000 ML320 with 38,700 miles. I bought it 5 months ago still under factory warranty which expired 10/28/04. I have had an estimated $2000 worth of warranty work done in the past 5 months based upon things I have read and been warned of in this forum. I am looking forward to seeing how it performs in the snow this winter. I baby this truck driving it only about 6000 miles a year. I just don't have the same faith in it as I do my 85 BMW 735i which has 160,000 miles on it and still going strong. As for the ML only time will tell now.

The ML is a great car, highly recommended to any DIYer because it is easy to maintain and out performs many other vehicles in its class. The only problem is that you will get the occasional problems new or old... But it is beautifully designed as let me give you an example. It will take you 25 mins to change an HVAC filter on a Honda whereas it will take you only 3-5 mins to change it on the ML. I suggest you buy the 2002 ML500 Bi-Xenons and install them into your ML if you find the headlights to be not bright. Believe me, I installed them on my vehicle and the vision is at least 6x brighter than before! If you need help on the installation, I can provide you with the harness that makes it possible. The cost for the bi-xenons is not cheap, but definitely worth every penny in my opinion. After that, than your 12 points will be all positive ones =))

I like mine!

Tabo, what was the cost for the light retro-fit?

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

I guess I did not know about a filter that is replaceable. Where is it located?
I read about all the quality issues on the ML. and wonder if I really goffed buying one.
Purchased this 2000 ML-320 new and now has 51K on it.

So far the washer fluid tank was replaced early one, and I just replaced the Mass Air Flow sensor. The only other outstanding problem is an intermitent seat belt buckle switch that will need replaced. Hope my lck holds.

It's fantastic in the snow, can't believe the computer controls on the driving system, you'll be impressed.

I am concerned about these 10,000 miles oil changes with Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic oil. From the old school of changing every 3000. (mind set I guess). Sure hope I'm not destrying the engine.

I have owned 8 MB's 240D's several; several 300D Turbo diesel, and a 300E

I love the way they ride and handle, however the ML has me a bit uneasy with all the quality issues.

Wish I had a diesel back!

I have a 99 ML320, as does my girl friend. Both cars have performed well; but had the same relatively minor problems of the MAF and window switch unit in one case. Any car has weaknesses; the MB is no exception. However, the prices the Mercedes garages charge to fix things is exorbitant in most cases. Fortunately, with our owner's group on line, places to get new parts cheaper and a little self maintenance and repair -- the cost of operation is not any greater than other cars .... I would recommend the ML to anyone, if they don't mind the initial cost. They are really a good buy coming off a lease; have been taken care of and most of the problems have been handled under warranty already.... just a thought to cut the cost and have a solid vehicle to start off with ?! I also have a 95 Corvette with 27K, like new -- and just bought an older (76) 450 SEL that I think will be a lot of fun. Obviously, I like cars and particularly like Mercedes.

__________________
Ben Harrison Carter
1999 Mercedes ML320 87K
1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K
1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09
1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08)
1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06))
1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06)
1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago)

I also have a 1999 ML320 I bought directly from the dealer and paid the sticker price. I had an illusion that MBZ is a good company with high quality cars... so I closed my eyes when we had numerous problems with ML. I thought - well, those are little things the great German engineers could not have probably thought of when they created M-class. I thought that at least the engine works fine and that's important... Now I was wrong about the engine - see my post on this thread "ML320 '99 engine failure".
Was it a good investment? Nope. The resell value of 1999 ML320 now is only $14,ooo (compared to $42,ooo new in 1999). I saw ads selling 2000 ML320 for $13,500 with 50K miles.

Do I recommend it? No, do not buy this truck. Check the following sites first:

http://www.troublebenz.com
http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com

I can tell more about troubles with fixing the ML etc., but this sites could tell you more.
Hope this helps.....

Hard to tell what went wrong with your engine ...... others drive the same year and model ML, with very few major problems..... I am sure you took care of your ML, but the engine failed for some unknown reason ...... ?????

__________________
Ben Harrison Carter
1999 Mercedes ML320 87K
1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K
1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09
1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08)
1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06))
1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06)
1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago)

Yes, I have the same question - never used other than MBZ services, changed oil as suggested even earlier, hoped to drive ML until 250,000 miles...
There is a procedure that MBZ must follow for each failed engine, and obviously, the dealer did not do that.. So we are waiting until the tests are done so they suppose to write the cause of engine death in writing.