Should I trade in My ML for a 430 or 500 or get a slk.

[blau]

Hay guys.

I am going to come across some extra money (the company where I work is being bought).

So, I was thinking about getting a slk. But I am also thinking about trading my 2000 ML-320 in for a ML 430 (I understand there are still new 2001 430 around), 500, or a 2001 55.

I want a ML 430, 500 because I go skiing a lot and I could use the extra power.

And the Slk speaks for it self.

what do you guys think.

blau

[Kuan]

You're just like me. Can't be happy with what you have. Anyway, all that money for two more cylinders and a few more horsepower, and you're only trading up by one year. I don't think much changed between MY00 and 01. Buy an SLK, especially since you're in the Bay Area, sheesh, if I were you I'd be driving top down right now!

Kuan

[G-Man]

Instead of the SLK or ML I would look at the C32 AMG. That car will give you most of the fun an SLK will and provide most of the utility of the ML.

[Lebenz]

I've skied over 30 days this season, and haven’t experienced any notable power shortage from my ML. Okay it doesn’t pass quite as well as my 400e does but, shoot, most of the time is in snow country. So maybe you have a mixed agenda? Yes?

A SLK would seriously suck as a ski transport for any number of reasons, lack of storage space being probably the least of them. The amenities of the ML 55 are definitely a step up from a 320, and if you waited a little while you could get both a good deal (such as what happens when shopping for SUVs late in spring) and a Starmark warranty in addition to any remaining factory warranty. Of course if you kept the ML you have you could probably still get a SLK…

Decisions, decisions….

[Gilly]

If you want to stay in an ML, I would opt for a ML500 Sport (or a new or used ML430 Sport) over the ML55. I dislike the interior spare tire on the 55, really eats up alot of rear interior space just to have dual exhaust and an additional fuel tank. Also the wheel/tire combination is more of a multi-purpose set-up rather than a road and track performance- type wheel and tire.
Gilly

[Lebenz]

Gilly,

I looked at a ML sport edition a while ago and remember only that it had some outside cladding but was otherwise the same. What else does it offer?

Also, did you hear that many auto manufacturers are abandoning the spare tire in favor of a flat fix kit and electric air pump? I can’t say that is a bad idea for most driving. Personally I’ve only used 2 spares in 30 years of driving

[Gilly]

Tracy:
In the 2001 book, it lists this:
Package M5-Mclass Sport Package: 17" EVO II wheels with 275/55R17 tires. Sculpted color-keyed bumpers, fender flares, side cladding and tailgate filler panel. Integrated halogen front foglamps. Polished stainless steel exhaust tip.

I'll try to bring some 2002 info home. In general if I had a choice I'd try going with a 2002, I like the changes to the truck in 2002, particularly the window switch with express up/down, and the climate control.
Gilly

[yhliem]

go for a G! go for a G!!

just my opinion

[blau]

G is $70+ out of my price range!

[yhliem]

heh...it's only $70k

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy blau,
Does the G have to be a new one?¿

[blau]

Honestly,

The G does not do much for me. The ML series is perfectly adquate for what I do.