Would you buy a 98 ML320? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sobrbiker883 · #1 11-09-2005, 11:36 PM

My wife and I were at the shop, dropping of my 450SL for a new steering coupler and a gearbox adjustment when she eyed the car she wants next-
a 1998 ML320 for $12.5K
She test drove it and liked it alot.
My concern is that its high mileage for a US made Benz (88K), and in perusing this forum I see lots of nagging problems.

She is a Realtor, and I'm concerned about this vehicle's reliability. She wants to get the ML and get rid of her '03 Camry and I'm just kinda concerned about the reliability of this model.

What other than the fuel filter upgrade, should I look for/ask about on this before buying?

mbdoc · #2 11-10-2005, 07:53 AM

NO! that should be priced around $8500.

augusta · #3 11-10-2005, 08:03 AM

I sold my ML one year ago for $12k it had 70kt and was very well maintained.
It had all the upgrades ie. new harmonic balancer, fuel filter and air conditioner wire harness. I felt very fortunate to sell it at that price.

I would not have bought it for $12k. maybe $8-9k

If your wife really wants a ML buy a 2001 or newer.

Paul Barnhart · #4 11-14-2005, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobrbiker883

My wife and I were at the shop, dropping of my 450SL for a new steering coupler and a gearbox adjustment when she eyed the car she wants next-
a 1998 ML320 for $12.5K
She test drove it and liked it alot.
My concern is that its high mileage for a US made Benz (88K), and in perusing this forum I see lots of nagging problems.

She is a Realtor, and I'm concerned about this vehicle's reliability. She wants to get the ML and get rid of her '03 Camry and I'm just kinda concerned about the reliability of this model.

What other than the fuel filter upgrade, should I look for/ask about on this before buying?

Mucho squeaks and rattles in the 98-99 models, also, rattles from rear door latch, problems with the door locks, and the engine no-start feature with the alarm hanging up on occasion. 01 and newer is a best bet.

snp8990 · #5 11-14-2005, 08:42 PM

JUST WALK AWAY!Look for a slightly newer one. After 2000 or just avoid buying them. I had a ML320, the first year they were produced, I drove it out of the showroom doors. They are uncomfortable and bad. Dont buy them

azinn · #6 11-15-2005, 08:33 AM

NO!

Smouhanna · #7 12-05-2005, 03:14 PM

Nope

benzboy87 · #8 12-06-2005, 12:59 PM

Strange. My ML was one of the first off the assembly line in 1997 (1998 model year) and was owned by the dealer's wife - I have had almost no problems at all other than a few rattles. But, then again, if it was an early model AND owned by the dealer then it would stand to reason that it was quality controlled to death and maintained. I paid too much for it (I didn't know any better at the time - plus the dealer had me over a barrell over poor body work on my w202 and no one else would accept it as a trade).
Based on what everyone else has said - my experience is not typical for the '98 ML.

ljcml · #9 01-18-2006, 08:46 AM

The pre-2000 models had an eight-key limit; be sure that you have at least a spare key and also the valet key before you buy. Check with the service dept at that dealer or call another one with the VIN and have them check with MBUSA first to see how many keys can be purchased down the road. As rediculous as this sounds, the pre2000 models had a primitive antitheft computer that only accepted eight keys before the whole thing had to be replaced. Depending on how many people owned the car previously you can get in a bad spot. Check my other post and replies on this matter, particularly from Gilly.

B52 · #10 01-25-2006, 05:57 PM

Do not buy a 98 ML. It is the most miserable problem laden P.O.S. I have ever owned. The newer models have worked out some of the problems but the '98 is just bad.

waybomb · #11 01-25-2006, 08:23 PM

My 98 is just fine. SN 23619.

iwrock · #12 01-25-2006, 11:42 PM

I have a 1998 ML320, and drives like brand new. The P.O. did all of the required work on time, and had it all done by the book. He replaced every little thing that went wrong. Hell, he even replaced the broken handle just above the passanger door, because it would not spring up nice and tight.

He gave us all of the record since day one, and he has had all of the recalls and service campaigns done on it. It has 133k miles on it, but everything is pretty much new, so I am really not worried about it.

Oh yes, they rated the ML with 10,000 mile oil changes... He replaced the oil every 3,000 miles. And on a side note, it would be perfect for the real estate agent. The guy we bought it from was a real estate agent. He drove the car everyday when he owned it. I really wouldn't worry all that much, as long as everything has been done. On time that is.

richard28 · #13 02-01-2006, 11:02 PM

Justin, I'm the original owner of a 98 ml320, now with 128,200 miles. I too have found it to be a wonderful, reliable car once the known issues were taken care of. BTW, do you have to add any oil between oil changes? Lately I've had to add one quart every 2,500 miles.

iwrock · #14 02-11-2006, 01:59 PM

The most oil I have ever put into it was about a quart at the 2500 mile mark. Other than that, just regular oil change intervals. However, this I feel is normal with MBs, as they are known to like oil. Just stick in a quart of sythetic oil, and away we go once again.