lesterm

Hello all,

Going off to college next year and need a car. I was thinking of several options, but after looking closely at the ML55, I think this is the car I want. First I was considering a CLK55, but I need to make a prudent decision. I am going to school in Pennsylvania, so the winters will be harsh and I doubt a coupe or a similar car will handle well in the snow. Naturally, being young, I am more into the 'sports cars' and not the family SUV's. Currently I drive my parents BMW X5, and find it to be an ok car, but I can't go stealing their car when I leave

Anyway, for those of you that have an ML55, how does it fair? Also, this car will be parked outside as, clearly, no universities have student garages (as far as I know).

Also, how is the factory installed entertainment system? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Goldeni245

If it snows alot in the winter, it would help if you buy a car with all wheel drive. But if you're going for a Mercedes, then yeah, the ML55 is a good for driving in excessively in snow. A CLK is a bit too conspicuous IMO.

man, you're going to college, why do you need such a nice AMG? Get a 330xi, or S4 Quattro, careful with nice cars in college, people get jealous very easily. Well, i guess it depends what college you're going to...University of Penn? undergrad or graduate?

lesterm

I'll be going to Bucknell University undergrad. When I went for orientation I saw A LOT of nice cars up there, such as CL600's an a few Range Rovers, etc. I figure if these kids parents are driving $100k+ cars, then the jealously factor will be decreased.

I might transfer to Brown University next year if I totally hate Bucknell. I'm only going there because my friend got in early decision and I'm not used to being in strange places alone! (oh yeah, and one of my friends got into Brown, and she is REALLY anoying, so I don't know if I could spend a year with her either!)

Goldeni245

and i was REJECTED...that was my first choice too. I got rejected by all the Ivy Leagues i applied to including Dartmouth and University of Penn. Oh well, Universitiy of California's are the next best thing!

In that case...then by all means get an ML55!!

99ML430

This is an opinion so take it for what its worth. THe ML55 is only marginally faster than the new ML500. ML55/342HP ML500/302, ML55 is only a half second quicker to sixty and in day to day driving the ML500 will have an edge in comfort. The bigger tires on the AMG will hamper all weather dirving but the ESP is extremely good so I wouldn't worry about either one. Most of the body cladding on the ML55 is available as a sport package on the ML500. Typically I would say without thinking step up to the AMG but the ML55 is not 20K more spectacular. Sorry AMG. I would also be much less concerned leaving the non AMG car sitting in the snow. If I were to spend the extra money I would probably get an X5 4.6i.

The Bose system in the ML is decent but not great.

lesterm

Hehe, Goldeni245... University of Cali is nice, which reminds me of a story...

My 'friend' (aka arrogant SOB) applied to ONE school, which was USC, and he got rejected (His so-so grades and sub 1300 SAT score didn't help him too much either), so guess what he decides to do?

He goes to USC (from New York, no less), and argues his case with the dean of admissions. Where is he going next year? USC of course, hehe. Maybe you should have done that with Brown University

Anyway, *shrug* I'm rethinking the ML55 idea. The ML500 is just as nice I guess. Then again, I am not allowed to have a car first year (despotic Bucknell administration), so I have plenty of time to decide!

woodyww

Get the G500. It's a better choice - it's sturdier and you won't see yourself going and coming like you would in an ML.

lesterm

I would get the G500, except for a few things:

1) It's too slow. The 0-60 times are something like 10 seconds. I probably don't want to go from thinking about a CLK55 to a G500. The ML55 is already sacrificing some of the power of a CLK55.

2) Personally, I think it's a little ugly. The inside is to die for, except the outside is a little too utilitarian for me.

3) It's slightly too expensive. Since I am a college student, I am not going to be paying for this car, so it has to be a reasonable amount to present to my mom, lol. That is, sub $80,000.

4) It's a TANK! Great for playing chicken though... although I drive like a granny, so I doubt i'll be barreling down one way streets in the wrong direction. Although I have been known to take it up a notch on the highways. I'm in Germany right now, and I am driving my godfather's E55, which I have gotten up to 130mph so far - I'm scared i'll get too used to the speed when I get back to New York, lol!

The G500 is nice and all, but I don't know...