ML320 Do you like it?
 

Mom's looking to replace her 90'190E 2.3L. Looking at the ML320.
Would like some feedback on used or new 320's. She lives in Eagle Idaho near Boise and hates to have snow tires swapped twice a year. Feedback appreciated. Tks BOBB

It's probably the perfect vehicle for her. The only thing I don't like about it is it's image...mini-vanish. I'd go with a Jeep Grand Cherokee if I were at all serious about doing much four-wheeling however.
The salesman at Walters MB (Riverside) told me that Mercedes will finally begin direct importing the G-Wagon next year. Now, THAT"S a four wheel drive!!:D

I like 'em and nearly bought a 2001. I would definitely go for the 2002. It is more refined, has auto. climate control and some other nice features. Stay away from '98 and '99 -- lots of problems. Additionally, some of the early ones had the Flexible Service System but did not receive synthetic oil, leading to very early engine failures (e.g. needing ring jobs at 50,000 miles.)

For what it's worth, I like the looks; they do somewhat resemble a minivan from the back but who cares?

Also, for some reason they have a reputation (underserved) of not being as capable off road as other SUVs. In head-to-head comparisons, they tend to do BETTER than their competitors in hill climbing, etc.

AWD does NOT preclude you from using snow tires. Guess what? Even SUV's use tires for things like braking and turning, as well as acceleration.

Don't think for a minute your SUV will work well in real winter conditions on it's all-season tires. You're really shortchanging the potential all-weather ability of your vehicle.

Buy another set of wheels to hold your snow tires, and swaps are painless and quick.

Mercedes will finally begin direct importing the G-Wagon next year...
 

Isn't that the 2002 G500 that's out right now; lists for $73,145. Everything is standard; no factory options except for some special order metallic paints. Plenty of accessories, though...

The dealer in Macon had a brand new G500 that they recently sold. Neat looking vehicle that would probably be pretty good to own if you live in a jungle, rain forest or desert.

After we seel the house and move into town close to the kids school, we will be buying an ML320. Used. Who can afford a new one????

I would have to look at high milage '98 or '99s. I've heard that most of the bugs had been worked out of the '98 during the production year.

I know that the '02 model is a much nicer vehicle, but I'd have to wait another 5 years for that one!:D

Michael,
After spending half of yesterday with my tech, who spent 14 years at our local dealership, I again heard horror stories about early-model MLs with serious internal engine problems at relatively low miles. He really believes this is due to the FSS being followed (and thus oil changes at 10kmi).

If I were seriously thinking about a '98 or '99, I would not even consider one which did not have FREQUENT oil changes documented, and I would still insist on a leakdown test.

ML-320 ---I like it!
 

My 1998 ML-320 was built near the end of the model year. I had a defective air conditioner (leak); the ignition system and one key fob door lock remote was replaced; the fuel gauge sending unit was replaced (but still not accurate); and there are more rattles and wind noise than there should be. This said, I still am happy with the purchase. The engine and drive train are excellent. It uses no oil between the 6000 mile oil changes. Over the 40,000 miles I have averaged 20.73MPG.

The vehicle is comfortable; gets around the rural Wisconsin winter roads well; is easy to park; has a lot of room for a "small" vehicle (only about as long as a Chrysler PT Cruser); and is safe. My wife and I also enjoy the various activities of the local MB Club.

I am very disappointed MB does not provide for the purchase of a repair manual (either paper or CD). This is the only new vehicle I purchased in over 30 years that I could not buy a "Shop Manual" for.

I have a 98 model and my wife uses it as a daily driver. As I have mentioned in other similar posts before, I love the vehicle. I may be one of the lucky ones because my ML has given me no problem whatsoever. I have not encountered any of the problems that a lot of people mentioned. I still think the ML is a fine vehicle and the best looking SUV on the road. I went to the Washington Auto Show yesterday and I saw plenty of interests on the ML. I overheard one lady asking why she should buy a ML instead of a Jeep or other similar SUV, and the MB guy told her there are only 3 SUVs on the market that can pull itself out of any situation as long as one of the wheels is resting on something solid. ML, G-Wagon and the Humvee are the ones. She then said "you mean my Rodeo can't do that?" I just had to shook my head and walked off. There are some people just don't get it -- you get what you pay.

Bought my 99 new in Nov 98.

Turned 35555 mi. this month.

Service records indicate that synthetic was used from the get-go, so not too worried about following the FSS service intervals early on.

No real problems to report, mostly because techs did fixes to any reported service bulletins while in the shop for routine A/B servicing.

I brought the ML320 in twice for non-routine attention, and that was for sound deadening panels that had come unglued...first the door panels, then above the headliner.

Otherwise, very happy with it and almost trouble free...:)