Dear all,
I'm planning to buy an ML320, either pre-owned reconditioned or a brand new car. If I were to buy a pre-owned car, what year is most suitable? Are there any faults I should look out for? When was the color-coded bumper introduced? Any other infomation is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Chung

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Regards,
Chung :D
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1995 E220
1989 280SE
1979 200
1970 280S
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ICQ UIN #7243516

[This message has been edited by Choo Chung Chieh (edited 06-23-2000).]

Which model are you considering buying?? ML430 has body color rear view mirrors and bumpers at the very beginning. While ML320 doesn't get that 'til MY'00, as an option.

ML-Class received update for MY'00, and if you really have to go for used. Get one that's after MY'98(preferably, late 1998 - 2000).

Early MLs have electronic problems. Mechnically, they are pretty tough. But interior may not be what you will be expected in a Mercedes.

Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

Yo Andy. Well, I was planning a '97-98 ML320. I have heard of the "not-up-to-standard" build quality of this car compared to other MB's. Are there any known problems of loose or rattling interior? Decided to get an ML because it's not as small as a RAV4 and it's not as big as a Pajero@Shogun, just the right size. Were there any interior trim updates? I know the door trim was changed... but not too sure which year. Does it come with the "plastic" triangular key or the rectangular flip key? Anyway, thanks in advance, take care.
Regards,
Chung
BTW... got the pics?

[This message has been edited by Choo Chung Chieh (edited 06-23-2000).]

Got those pics ya send me. Too bad they are too small....ya got bigger pics??

ML gets update for MY'00. Better interior, and better equipments. As for rattles, I would say 20% of the chance, you might have rattles. But most of the time, it's still a tight car as traditional MBs.

I believe they comes with the triangle keys.

Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

Hi! I had a look at a '00 Ruby Red ML320 this afternoon. The key's rectangular, but with the same few buttons as the plastic key. The only disappointment was the dash and the door trim. The amount of plastic used is atrocious! Hehehehehe... but the seats were comfortable. The interior's smaller than wut I though it'd be. Engine was quiet, but minute vibrations could be felt. Dealer had to start the car 3 times before it actually started. The one I had a look came with the additional third row seats. Rear legroom was pretty tight. The dealer quoted me USD$117,137 for it. Scary! And he quoted around USD$68,439 for a pre-owned reconditioned ML320. Despite the "exaggerated" usage of plastic, I still like the ML and I'll be getting one... takes 6 months. I'll prolly opt for a brand new car since the build quality itself isn't to MB's standards.
Regards,
Chung

[This message has been edited by Choo Chung Chieh (edited 06-24-2000).]

WOw, $100000++, pretty scary though, I had been in Singapore for 3 years during my high-school studies. The price of cars there is really really high, for that 100000++ you can get a brand new S500 or E55 with $20000 dollar to spend. :)

Prices of cars here are too expensive! An imported '00 E240 Elegance costs USD$117,414, while a '00 S280 costs a whopping USD$187,335! A '00 basic CLK200 Avantgarde costs USD$108,197. And wanna know the price of a CL600? It's USD$422,163!!!!!! The import duties and tax for imported cars are terrible! That's why most people opt for entry level or lower cc engines. :D
Chung :)

I bought a new '99 ML320 and saved $7000 over a '00 model. The difference was mostly interior trim - MB finally got around to replacing the fake wood and adding pleated leather facings to the doors. From what I've heard, stay away from the '98 models - there were too many quality control problems.

The ML320 has a bit of a choppy ride, but what do you expect with a short wheelbase truck? Our car club is planning a rallye to Alaska next year and this baby is my ticket ;)

Good luck with your purchase. I hope to add ML pics and info to my website in the near future.



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Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

www.need2speed.web.com

I bought a '00 ml 320 about a month ago and have driven it about a K mile. It's a nice truck. The choppy ride that Dean refers to, I would characterize more akin to the ride of a BMW - at least it's similar to the ride of our 528e. The ride feels active and kind of fun. It is a significantly different ride than my former 300 TE 4-matic. In most ways preferable. Only downside is that it's not quite as quiet as the 300.

As others have indicated the earlier model years had some problems. If you want an *exhaustive* review, spend some time looking at the several thousand postings on Edmunds.com. There the ML has been one of the highest posted topics for quite some time. If you do buy a used one, I'd suggest eather a '99 or '00. In those events, I strongly suggest getting one with a factory Starmark warranty.


...tracy