PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - How I spent my day off...

Well, today I decided that I would go out and find out how trail worthy is my 1998 ML320...

Well, I go out and start playing around in the mud, and decide, I'll try some trails. Well one thing led to another, and I ended up beating out my friend matt in his Jeep Cherokee. We went to Prarie City, just outside of Folsom, north of Sacramento, CA. It was fairly muddy, and I went out with a few friends just to see what they could do. I decided to take the ML, because what the hell, I can go through some mud. Well, I took her out onto some trails, and only managed to get stuck once. It was a stupid decision on my part, as I thought it was a shallow pond, as it was only 6 feet in diameter. Well, it started to come over the hood, and I backed off. Threw it into revery, and got it just below the grille. Well, I climbed to the back, popped the hatch and attached the tow rope from my friends Jeep to the hitch and got pulled out.

That was the only tiome I got stuck. The suspension has a little bit of flex, but not too much. It was able to make it up many of the steep ass hills with ease. I was in low range just about the whole time, except the time I flew through the mud puddle. Overall, this truck is a worthy competitor to just about all of the other stock 4 wheel drive trucks. It was a fun learning expierience, as this was my first time that I had taken this baby off road. And it wasnt too bad, as I was able to just about do all of the stuff that my friends in their Jeeps were able to.

I know wolfgang takes his ML off road, and I do have to say, he does some pretty awesome stuff. However, I do have to say that I thought I got into some pretty hairy stuff out there, so I have to learn that this isnt a lifted 4 wheel drive vehicle. It is a street truck with all wheel drive. Oh yes, the 4 wheel drive was in full effect today. I could feel it the first time I started to slow through the mud puddle. The traction control light was on alot, but it was because I was sliding across some mud. It was a good time had by all, and I wish more of you could come join us.

I will get the pics up a little later, as I am putting them onto my photobucket.

Oh yes, one of the ATV guys pulled me over and said "Woohoo, a Benz going 4 wheelin!!! That is badass that you are showing everyone that they are able to go where other 4 wheel drive trucks can!"