any planning to keep there ml for a long time - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

phillip · #1 07-28-2003, 11:36 PM

i was planning to keep it till 2010 but am worried about

reliabilty and cost of repairs , anyone else in the same situtation.

regards

2000ml430

BenzBob · #2 07-29-2003, 09:27 AM

I own a 2000 ML 320 and plan to keep it for a looooooong time. Not sure how long yet, but at least 10 years (2010). So far mine has been trouble-free, but I have considered reliability and repair cost issues just as yourself. I know some posters on this forum have over 100K miles on their ML's already with no major issues. With depreciation costs as high as they are these days, I would think it would be cheaper to repair than replace.
Also, to me Mercedes styling is classic and an old Mercedes that is in pristine condition has more appeal to me than a new one that anyone can go out and buy.
If you have owned Mercedes before you will know that any new Mercedes has some issues that arise. If they do occur, Mercedes is known to effect a updated part to resolve the issue and it is fixed permanently. To me, a Mercedes is "built to last" and is something I would not consider trading in every several years. If this is what you want to do I would definitely consider leasing over buying and only lease it while it is still covered by the factory warranty.
My 2000 ML 320 still looks and drives like new and would not even consider getting rid of it. Any repair that would be necessary would most likely be less than the sales tax I would have to pay on a new one.

G-Benz · #3 07-29-2003, 11:41 AM

I feel that my fleet of MBs is about as complex as I plan to get tech-wise...want to be able to work on them without the aid of an expensive dedicated computer or years of MB certification.

I am also fed up with the cycle of endless car notes, so I plan on keeping them all until the wheels fall off.

I have also exhausted my desire to obtain the latest "dream car", as my priorities have now shifted to improving the quality of life for my family...

ML Dude · #4 07-29-2003, 12:56 PM

I would have to agree with the points made by the previous gentlemen. The modern car is getting too complex for home maintenance and an MBZ is still worth keeping.

I'm known among my friends and family for keeping my cars for a very long time. Then when I sell them, it is usually to family or friends.... I say all this simply to add that an important factor is pride of ownership. If you care for your cars both internally and externally, 10 years of good service from them is very likely. My average length of ownership is 7-8yrs and I've had the diesel in the family for 18yrs(it still knocks the socks off techs when they see it's condition).

All corporations, sadly DC now also, build with shorter planned obselecence cycles. It is more profitable in the short term to get us to buy again sooner, in the longterm they lose lifelong customers like myself(nothing but Mercedes for 17yrs).

My next car, my step up car, will be Porsche but that's just because a Turbo Carerra has always been my dream. I however think the new SL500 is just perfect and would own one of those if I could afford 100K+ for a car. And, if I had to own only one car, of all choices it would be the E55.

So, I'm not giving up on MBZ, but then again, I care for my cars and pay no attention to FSS except to get some free maintenance!

itb76 · #5 07-29-2003, 10:56 PM

Well, if our Nissan Pathfinder went 215,000 miles without any major problems, I fully expect the Benz to go at least 300K. It's built like a tank, rides pretty much like new at 114K, and holds over eight quarts of oil for Pete's sake! On the other hand, reliability has not been stellar (not as good as the Nissan), but not as bad as some others have posted. (Reliability and longevity are not exactly the same thing, if you keep up with the repairs.) Running Mobil 1 and sticking to the factory service schedule should keep it going a long time.

Besides, what else could we get to get to replace it? The BMW X5 and VW Touraeg tow more than the Benz, but are smaller inside. Anything else that seats seven is too big or dull to drive every day.

phillip · #6 10-03-2003, 01:19 PM

i have decieded to buy the three year extended warrenty

from benz ,so i will be keeping it till 2007 .

#7 10-23-2003, 11:33 PM

Hi!

I'm going to keep my ML320E for ever.
If you use good Oil in the engine, transm, Differentials no problem
I have 190D - 1984 - all original 700 000 ml.
And running perfect.
I use Amsoil.The best Oil what we can have.
Don’t be too sensitive for small things. I repaired all not important think on the Sumer, evry year. Many think you can due yours self.
Don’t need to go to professionals.
ML is made by People - do we are so perfect, no.

Regards.

tcpgv · #8 11-26-2003, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by phillip
... worried about reliabilty and cost of repairs ...

I would like to replace my ML soon. I am also worried about reliabilty and cost of repairs. I would like Mercedes to repurchase my ML before buying a new one due to 50 problems in 4 years.

ML320Truck · #9 11-26-2003, 01:32 PM

Would you just stop whining? With a list of your ML troubles, you’ve spent all the extra time registering on all popular MB sites and posting your jerky list. You made a decision to buy a ML. It is your call to trade it in for something else. There are plenty of people don’t think those things on your list are big problems and enjoy their MLs everyday. Give me a break, crying baby! Don’t make yourself look even worse than a leaky water bottle in the ML!

Fast Robert · #10 11-26-2003, 02:51 PM

until it dies.

PowersJQ · #11 04-07-2007, 08:25 PM

I had a couple sensor problems but it has settled down and I plan on keeping this early '99 ML320 with 150,000. I use mineral oil and internet $5 oil filters every 5000 miles. I was heartened to find out that domestic rebuilders are doing the transmissions for $2000 as I figured I would have to bury it if the tranny failed. Many parts are available on Ebay including the MAS. My mileage was at 24.5 coming back from the Pass on 89 octane. Look at new ones and you find they no longer have frames, no low range, weigh more, have bigger engines to compensate, get lousy mileage, have absurdly complex transmissions (6 or 7 gears) as if it had the narrow power curve of a crotch rocket, and cost a lot. Also, the sales people don't like me because it is difficult to find a question they can answer truthfully.

onesixthree · #12 04-08-2007, 06:46 AM

I have clocked 115k miles, and I think my ml will reach 300k. So far, I havent had a single electrical problem. OTOH, I replaced a few mechanical parts starting from around 80k miles. No surprises. Quite typical. Shocks f+r, belt tensioner, idler pully, water pump, plugs + wires, driver window regulator. Now with fresh alternator and battery, she's good for another 100k. Uh wait.. the fuel pump will probably die in the next year or so. It's definitely not worth selling, and maintaining it is still alot cheaper than buying a new car.