thinking about getting an ML - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stcbenz83 · #1 06-25-2006, 01:39 PM

hey all. i currently have a classic 240D euro. and i was thinking about getting somthing for the winter and as a second car, now i have heard some good things about the ML's but i have also heared more that the ML's are crap. or at least the earlier ones, can u guys tell me the pro's and cons of the ML's?

thank you

iwrock · #2 06-25-2006, 06:40 PM

I love the ML. It is a pretty versatile vehicle. The all wheel drive makes it an excellnt winter warrior, as it seemlessy transfers power away from slipping wheels to those that have the grip.

I have an early one, and most people say the early ones are crap. Mine has had most/all of the bug worked out, so it is fairly trouble free. I would look for one that has a good history that comes with it. Mine has a fully documented history, and it even has on it when the keys were reprogrammed.

Anyways, good luck. Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge regaurding the ML can help..

rrodz · #3 06-25-2006, 07:17 PM

Hi there!,

I also have an early one, '99. After taking care of those few bugs at the beginning, it is being a great vehicle afterwards. It is very strong and mine today feels just like when I've got it. I plan to have mine until there is absolutely no choice but to scrap it. So far I just hit 100K miles today and very happy with it.

Do a search for those few things, which are not really a big deal. Most of them are re-calls now. Examples are the original fuel pump was replaced, problems with the harmonic balancer and the recent cat re-call. There are some other minor things.

Also this site is a world of information on this vehicle.

Rene

snp8990 · #4 06-25-2006, 11:50 PM

I think you should go for a 2002+ ML.I just bought a 2003 ML500 and love it.The dealer that I got it from was an outstanding dealer who has the best prices (even lower than trade-in value).If you are willing to buy the car "sight unseen" you should check him out.He just sold a 2002 ML500 with 3rd row seat and entertainment package with 48,000 miles for under $20,000 on Ebay.He has 100% positive feedback.His ebay username is Phila_express_auto_sales.Look him up and give him a call.Hes a great guy and has the best prices.Tell him that Nilesh recommended you.

blueeagle289 · #5 06-26-2006, 06:01 AM

This is my daily driver and I love the car. It has been dependable and performs very well in lots of different situations. I bought it coming off lease with 51K; it now has 69K -- after 3 years of driving. Only repairs have been replacing the window control switch module (easy to DIY), the MAF sensor. brake pads etc etc. Mercedes replaced the cats and the balancer hub in their recalls ..... otherwise, no problems. I use AmsOil synthetic in the engine.

mbdoc · #6 06-26-2006, 08:14 AM

The 2000 & later ML's are very good trucks..

The earlier ones weren't THAT bad BUT the later ones are MUCH better!

OF course the 2 MOST inportant factors are.....service history & PRE-PURCHASE inspection.

iwrock · #7 06-26-2006, 01:35 PM

Hehe... And an ASR/ESP off switch.

Mine doesnt have it.

Melcher · #8 06-27-2006, 01:24 AM

I always respect M.B.Doc's posts. You can learn a lot from him.
But the early ML's ARE THAT BAD. They're total crap! You may hear from three or four people who say, I love this car, I drive it every day, Blah blah blah. Disregard all that.
The only thing in common with your 240d and any ML is the star. Don't waste your money. Have you driven one? And if you have, have you driven anything comparable? The ML's drive like crap. They have a great traction system, but that's where it ends. They're ugly. They corner like crap. The interior/exterior is cheap. And they are flat out unreliable.

iwrock · #9 06-27-2006, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melcher

I always respect M.B.Doc's posts. You can learn a lot from him.
But the early ML's ARE THAT BAD. They're total crap! You may hear from three or four people who say, I love this car, I drive it every day, Blah blah blah. Disregard all that.
The only thing in common with your 240d and any ML is the star. Don't waste your money. Have you driven one? And if you have, have you driven anything comparable? The ML's drive like crap. They have a great traction system, but that's where it ends. They're ugly. They corner like crap. The interior/exterior is cheap. And they are flat out unreliable.

Hey buddy, my ML has been a dream to own. I have had one problem, and it was my fault. I broke the window switch by pressing it past the stop. It is awesome to drive, as it is a very nimble little truck. The cornering is great, and for being a truck, it stays fairly flat and planted through the corners. Yes, it may feel cheap to you, but for a truck it has some of the best fit and finishes of any automobile. The leather has stood up to 140000 miles of abuse, and the exterior is still in great shape. Not to mention that this is a daily driver, but it is also the trailer puller. It has enough power to get the trailer going, and the engine is small enough where it can get excellent MPG. Yes, an ML isnt going to be a tank like the W123, but it is still a great cruiser. I put some Toyo Open Countrys on it, and it handles, rides, and stays quiet on any surface. Not to mention that the MB all wheel drive system works wonders in snow, and offroad.

So please sir, I know that it is your personal opinion, but I think that you are a little harsh. Please enlighten us on your vehicle of choice.

mbdoc · #10 06-27-2006, 08:44 AM

Just like the 1984-85 190E's the 1998-99 ML's had their problems..BUT many of them were still very reliable AFTER the start-up problems were taken care of.. TO condemn all of them for 5% of them having issues is not fair to the product!

blueeagle289 · #11 06-27-2006, 09:31 AM

It always amazes me that people get an SUV and expect to drive it like a race car! .. My Ml is great to drive, looks good, and does everything I expect of it. I have four other cars that have their good points and I can drive them at any time to have a different ride experience. The ML is a quality car that gets a lot of attention because there have been over a million sold and most people like them. It is true, as it is with other Mercedes, that repairs are expensive when they occur -- but overall, considering the safety of the ML and its attributes, it is a great vehicle.

DCF · #12 06-27-2006, 11:11 AM

I am also going to support old MLs, based on my early 430 (99 built in late 98). Yes, it had a few minor problems, which were fixed under starmark, and now, going on 8 years old, it runs great. People need to rememebr it is a body on frame truck, not an oversized car (a la the Lexus RX and the BMW x series). Thus it rides like a truck. But, that means it also HAULS like a truck, and takes abuse like a truck. People need to remeber what they are buying. If you want a sports car, buy a sports car. If you want a luxed out sedan, buy that. But, if you want a durable, all weather machine that can haul, is reliable, and has some luxury features to boot, the ML is great. Also, for the DIYer, there is a lot you can do without special equipment, to keep it running great for a long time.

The ML is not the perfect car for everyone and everything, but if it suits your needs, it is a great vehicle.

iwrock · #13 06-27-2006, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueeagle289

It always amazes me that people get an SUV and expect to drive it like a race car! .. My Ml is great to drive, looks good, and does everything I expect of it. I have four other cars that have their good points and I can drive them at any time to have a different ride experience. The ML is a quality car that gets a lot of attention because there have been over a million sold and most people like them. It is true, as it is with other Mercedes, that repairs are expensive when they occur -- but overall, considering the safety of the ML and its attributes, it is a great vehicle.

Awesome...

There was a guy over on another forum that got into a 50 (25+25) mph frontal collision that I believe was offset. The truck took all the abuse, and the driver was unharmed. And to me, that speaks volumes about the ML. It deployed the drivers airbag, and fired the belt tensioner. Yes, all cars would have fired the airbag and tensioner, but the ML performed different. It performed better. Not only that, but all the doors, and the rear hatch still opened and closed- no problems. Yes, the drivers side doors rubbed when opening and closing, but they opened and closed and the driver was able to get out. That just tells you that someone was thinking when they built this thing. They put more thought into this whole truck, then GM put into their whole line. And not to mention it is the first generation, so it is built like a rock. Yes, they do have their faults, but I would rather take an ML over a Chevy SUV anyday.

Jim W. · #14 06-28-2006, 12:25 PM

The M-Class was designed as an off and on road vehicle, it is not going to handle or ride like a sedan. We have owned the M-Class since 1998 and traded our first one on our current one. Our 2000 ML320 has been a good vehicle and the ride is what I expected; firm, predictable, stable and solid. We had to deal with a few problems but our final free service at 50,000 miles was a very thorough service and we have had no problems since (now at 97,000+). We got 84,000 miles on the original tires. The factors that we liked over other SUV's were the M-Class's size, reasonable fuel economy, it is purpose built as an SUV (not like the converted pickups and cars of other manufacturers) and it's towing capacity. It is a serious SUV.

Through 2005 the M-Class was built on a frame, beginning with '06 it is a unibody. The reasoning for the change was that they were used mostly as a road vehicle and the unibody will give a more refined ride. I have driven the '06 and they are very nice. I would not hesitate to buy one except that I would like to have a diesel engine in it.

MY's 2000 and 2003 were major upgrade years. If you drive vehicles from each of the groups you will notice the difference in fit, finish and driving. My personal feelings are that if I wanted to stay with the frame chassis I would buy a 2005.

Assuming you research and find a good vehicle, I feel confident in saying you would enjoy the M-Class experience.

Jim W.