M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

'02 & '03 ML500 Differences?

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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 08:53 PM
  #1  
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'02 & '03 ML500 Differences?

Hello, I'm the one that started the thread about the ML500 v the Cayenne V6. On my way home, my local dealership called me to let me know that they just got a 2002 ML500.

So now my question to the experts is: Is there any significant difference between the '02 & '03 ML500??

I was told by a mechanic that I should only consider the 2003+ ML500 because they supposedly made some design changes to the vehicle for 2003. Is this true? If so, what are they? Any interior differences such as controls, etc?

Thanks for any info.

Antony
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 09:28 PM
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I moved from a MY02 to an 05, and YES, there's some changes. I believe that between MY02 and 03, there were some subtle changes, most not visible on the sheet metal. For example, they changed the fuel fille neck angle on my 05, but who knows when between 02 and 05 they decided to get smart. I'd stick with the 03 simply becasue they really did try to address MY02 problems. Did get some but not most, but you're still better off with the 03 because the ML has been a dynamic system as far as changes with the years are concerned.

Last edited by Darkmann; Apr 7, 2005 at 09:35 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 01:33 PM
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There are NO significant changes between 02 and 05. Some very minor and not of any consequence. The only one that may affect you was the nav system went from CD to DVD. Other than that I don't think you would notice anything. The big change was from 01 to 02.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 03:17 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
window switches moved. ac/heat are not auto.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 04:07 PM
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Sosh is correct. Now major changes between 02 and 05. The big changes (including ac/heat ) were made in between 01 and 02. (exception is the 3.7L motor on the V6's)
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by pointman
window switches moved. ac/heat are not auto.
Those were for MY02. Only real changes for '03 were the availability of the DVD nav module and, mid-way through MY03, the enlarged V6 (3.7L) for the ML350. Through '05, there are mostly only extra package changes (e.g. special editions), likely in addition to some minor parts adjustments here and there.

Last edited by amb9800; Apr 9, 2005 at 01:06 AM.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 09:16 PM
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in 2003 you could have the fog lights on when in the "auto" mode. Also DVD NAV replaced the CD based version. I believe the auto up/down windows glitch was fixed too.
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Old Apr 10, 2005 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by pointman
window switches moved. ac/heat are not auto.
Wrong!!
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Old Apr 10, 2005 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by AlBoston
in 2003 you could have the fog lights on when in the "auto" mode. Also DVD NAV replaced the CD based version. I believe the auto up/down windows glitch was fixed too.
Yes, the fogs will work in the auto position 03 and up, The window up down problem was resolved mid to late 02.
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