taranch

Hello to All,

I'm in the market to replace the wife's w124. I'm currently looking at either a 03 ML320 or an 03 ML350.

Which one is better? What are the differences (except for price)?

Thanks in advance!

sosh

320 became the 350 with a larger displacement engine in 03. From what I remember all 03's were 350's. Both are very good and other than engine displacement there are really no differences in the engine.

mihir_d

I would think, there would be...

Sorry, I own a 2000 ML320, so am not close to those model years...when that switch to the 350 engine happened....

I like the 2000-2001 exterior styling (which included the color keyed bumpers and mirrors) better than the post 2002 face lift...just a personal opinion..

The interior is another story..1998-1999 (poor)...2000-2001 (fair)...2002-2005 (good)...2006+ (awesome)....again just a personal opinion.

MJ50

go w/ ml350, not much gas mileage difference between the two...

taranch

Thanks for all your replies. Here is my dilemma, the 320 is like $75 cheaper per month versus the 350 on a 3 year lease. Also, I've heard that the 3.7 from the 350 is the same block as the one found in the JEEP/CHRYSLER products such as the Liberty. Both MLs are in good shape, one has 54K Km (ML320) the other one has 26k Km (ML350).

Let me hear your comments.

Thanks

sosh

Go with the 350 as it has half the miles than the 320. There are no MB engines that are used in Chrysler Jeep products. You heard wrong. $75 per month is next to nothing. Would not let that deter me.

AndrewAZ

How much are you going to be paying on the lease? usually you can get a new car leased cheaper than a used one.

OttoBon100

Not true. I own a 2003 ML320 and love it. I only have a tad over 24,000 miles on mine and so far nothing major. Sorry, can't comment on the 350 since I haven't owned one.

MJ50

i'd spend $75/month and save 28k km...

taranch

2003 ML320 3 yrs $0 down $450 + tax 54k KM
2003 ML350 3 yrs $0 down $525 + tax 28k Km
2006 ML350 3 yrs $0 down $775 + tax 10k Km
2006 ML350 3 yrs $0 down $890 + tax brand new

I don't know about you guys, but I'm already paying $800 per month for my 06 G35 coupe for the next 4 yrs. So, I'm on a budget for the wife's new car.

Cheers

taranch

My wife test drove the 2003 ML320 today and she liked the feel. Her only complaint, or rather, negative comment, was that it didn't take off as quickly as our 16 year old 300E. Any comments on the power of the ML320? I'm going to test drive it as well, maybe tomorrow and give you my verdict.

Cheers

OttoBon100

It is a truck AND weighs a LOT more than her sedan! If you want a "racing" ML you need to be looking at an ML55.

taranch

I didn't mean to offend. She REALLY liked the ML320, but just expected a little more oomph? We're not looking at speed, just looking at was is our best all around option. Roominess (2 kids, and the Mrs hates the idea of a minivan), safety & comfort (heck, it's a Merc!) and dependability (we'll make sure to get the extended warranty from MB Canada).

Cheers

mihir_d

downshift and lock the tranny in 1 at start and you will get oomph...but its a 5000 lb truck, so don't expect the feel of a sedan...

I doub't if the 350 will feel any significantly better than the 320....

About all that not wanting a minivan, wanting all the room, luxury and safety...you certainly have come to the right place...the M class will give you all that...

BTW, what part of Montreal are you from? I am an ex-Montrealer...PM me, if you want to....

are those lease prices in CAN $??? If so, they certainly look good...(except the +tax part though, GST + PST = 15%, eh??)

taranch

I live in Laval. Grew up in Park-ex. How about you? How's California treating you?

The prices are in Cdn. Btw, GST 6%, PST 7.5%. It sucks, but heh, if you compare to European VAT taxes, it's nothing.

What kind of mileage are you getting from your ML320? Do you drive hard?

Take care

ML500 5.0L V-8

Actually Chrysler uses the same 3.5L V-6 MB uses in all their 350 models, it just has a slight change in power with 250 hp and 250 Lb-ft. The MB one has 268hp and 258 Lb-ft.

The 3.7L V-6 for the ML350 is based on the 3.7L Jeep engine, the Jeep has 12 Valves with 210hp and 235 Lb-ft. and the ML has 24 Valves and quite a bit more power at 232hp and 254 Lb-ft.

All in all the 3.7L is a great engine, my dad had an 03 ML350 and loved it, but sold it for the new 06 and he feels that it was a mistake because that car was really reliable.

If you want an ML320 its great too, we kept our 2000 up to 70,000+ miles until we got the 03 ML350. Both great choices, but I would side with the ML350 do to resale, power, and overall reliability.

W163's are my thing, was practically brought on them. Since around 2002 we have always had 2 ML's, personally one of the best MB inventions ever.

Whatever your choice, you will enjoy it.

ML500 5.0L V-8

sosh

Its not the same engine with no interchangable parts.

roberthelfrick

Chrysler Crossfire has same engine as ML320, I believe.

mihir_d

I lived in Park-ex and attended Concordia University....still remember my bus numbers (they probably have changed now) and subway routes(blue, green and then orange...yellow goes to laval, right?)..to get to downtown...

California is great! bright and sunny! much higher cost of living though....but no GST/PST crap...that really sucks....that's way too much sales tax..

I actually test drove the ML for the very first time in Montreal. Back in 2000, I was just days from the move to California and I already had my eyes set on the ML as my next ride, even while I was still packing stuff for the move. Couldn't resist a test drive so walked into the dealer and test drove the ML...boy! what an experience that was, considering that my ride till than had always been a used Accord..

I am at 95K miles on the ML (which would roughly translate to 130K kms for you) and recently changed my spark plugs since my mileage had dropped in the last year or so...with the new spark plugs I get 19 mpg city which would be I guess, about 9 km/liter in your terms..

sosh

Wrong!! This rumor I believe was started by Chrysler/Jeep sales people. Different engine, different block, no interchangable parts and mfg in different factories.

straightSIX

This is very wrong. MB M112/113 engines arent used in any jeeps. They are 3 valve designs and totally different. By the way, your v8 is the same.

straightSIX

cross-fires are shipped with m112 engines.

taranch

So you bought your ML in Montreal? What do you do out in Cali? Btw, 95k miles is closer to 155k Km. If you get 19 mpg, that's not terribly bad. That's about 8km/l or 12.5 litres/100 km. Mind you, I get that kind of mileage from my G35 coupe, which is a 6-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive. However, I'm a lead foot.

Take care

taranch

I can attest to this. I seriously considered the crossfire prior to getting my G35. So, I researched the crossfire and found out that the crossfire uses the same V6 used in the E, SLK, W164, and CLK.

Cheers

mihir_d

No, I just test drove it in Montreal...so to say honeymooned with it :-) for the first time there..Since I was already packing up to move, I finally made the purchase here in California after the move.

My mileage numbers are so good because its got a full intake/fuel/ignition tune up by way of a new MAF, new fuel filter and new spark plugs just last month...the mileage will come down a bit after the first 15K miles or so..

Good luck..and let us know, what you settle for...I can tell you one thing...except for a few quirks, you will certainly enjoy the ML ownership experience....since you would be leasing a used vehicle either way, I suggest you negotiate extended warranty coverage on it through the lease period.

I might be visiting Montreal next July 1st-July 4th holidays....still can't give up my attachment to it....such a wonderful city! I must say...barring some of the language feud...I would have stayed there for ever, if it was not for that...