Buying dilemma - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mino Erhan · #1 11-25-2007, 07:11 PM

Looking at buying either one of below:
1) '99 ML430 72K mls. Very clean. Must travel far to get it. $12.5K on Ebay.
2) '01 ML320 89K mls. Very clean. Locally owned since new. $12.5K Local indy dealer.
3) '01 ML430 Sport pkg. & Skyview roof 99K mls. Must travel far to get it. $12.5K on Ebay.

Other than travel (cost + time) here are my concerns:
1) '99 model year. Usually it takes MB the second generation to get it right, especially on a brand new model. The engine should be OK I imagine. No experience with W163 at all.
2) Will test drive it on monday. No experience with W163 at all.
3) Car looks great! I love the sport pkg, and the skyview roof. But concerned about rust, roof leaks, air suspension? and the other usual MB sport pkg options and again no experience with W163 at all.

I need advice, prices being equal, and flights to pick them up is free.
What is there to really look for?
Is there a way to test the drive train by driving?
And is one better than the other as far as model year and engine combination.
Much appreciated.

lkchris · #2 11-27-2007, 11:31 AM

Most sources recommend ignoring pre-2000 MLs. Too many small problems.

I'd get the V6 over the V8, too. Or at least I'd wait for a V8 to become available locally, as the hassle factor of traveling is not overcome by any advantage to having a V8.

They're all the same engine/transmission, the V8 just having two more cylinders.

'01s look more like today's models as regards telephone installations and possibly even have a NAV system.

al76slc · #3 11-27-2007, 01:50 PM

You're not mentioning servicing and how many prior owners.

We have a 99 ML430 with 66K. We had a lot of small problems in the early years. Now pretty much solved (knock wood). All of our servicing was done by dealer, and since we expected long term ownership, we overdid it.

I think you'd prefer the V8, all things considered. When new, it cost about $10K more.

Skid Row Joe · #4 11-27-2007, 02:16 PM

I wouldn't want any of them, with those kind of miles on them. --None of the above.

Why travel a jillion miles to buy one, anyway??
If you can't find an ML with lower miles to buy in Dallas, Texas.......you're not looking too hard for one......

Best Regards,

azinn · #5 11-27-2007, 03:05 PM

Stay away from the Skyview Roof, big $$$$ trouble. My 2 cents.

Mino Erhan · #6 11-27-2007, 10:42 PM

Yes, you all are right..... Thank you for the responses. Truely....

I have had too many MB's over the years and they all have their problems. Although I think, once armed with the factory shop manual and advice from the shop forum, they are the best value out there.

I was part of the development of the sky roof made by Webasto. I also participated in the vehicle test evaluation at the proving grounds of the initial ML series. While I think the idea of the roof is good (like so many ideas that MB has), knowing that MB stopped offering it, tells me to stay away.

I also think the first initial models of MB are always WAAAY too over done, it usually takes them the next model update (~3 years) to get it better. Hence the 01-02 models.

Anyways, what I really want is a non 4-Matic clean E320 Wagon. They are either too worn out, or too expensive.

As it stands right now, I made an offer to the guy in Dallas. The car drives flawless, the 722.6 shifts perfectly and no drive train (knuckle) noise when put in low range. All local repair records and is not tampered with.
I offered him 11.5 out the door tonight. That is about 10.8 + TTL. I will let you guys know. His price dropped to 12.3 OTD. We'll see.
If I get it, I be part of this section too.

Mino Erhan · #7 12-01-2007, 12:08 AM

Well I got it.
Ended up the 01 ML320. Nice riding SUV. Just turned 90K today. Need to reset the service reminder tomorrow and start on my 90K service.
This car has NO options on it. Not even the front fog lights. This is the first MB I purchased without the fog lights. Strange enough, it has the rear one but the fronts do not come on. It was an option in those days.
Really nice to see how different the US MB was build at that time versus all my other MB's.
Thanks for the input... I will report more as I go.

G-Benz · #8 12-01-2007, 12:53 AM

Get the Hella fog light kit from Performance Products. Brackets and wiring harness are a bolt-on. Dash fog switch operates the pair and no worries about blowing fuses from improper wattage.