hinchcliffe

I'm looking to sell my 528 and move in on an early ML. Is one motor prone to more problems then the other? What tpe of options come from the 320 to the 430? Looks like the '98's have unpainted bumpers but 1999+ are painted? What are key areas to look at? I'm looking to keep the price around $15000ish and under 100k miles.

Whatcha think?

StapleGun

I think you can find a reasonable deal on ML's. My pop's has the first year and he has not had any major problems...the petty problems were: windshield fluid bottle cracked, fuel level indicator malfunction, odometer lights burnt out ($145 to fix at Brumos - shocked at that price), cracked exhaust (right at the mount with trans) this was fixed at local muffler shop - small tack weld ($5.00 fix) Although his is a 1998 - his mileage is low (45K) . It however has traveled to AZ and back two times.

I would try to find the newest model I could afford though..the first couple years looked crappy inside...plasticky and cheap. They're not German made you know - quality akin to Buick or Olds. This 'issue' was addressed with the newer model ones and they upgraded the looks inside with chrome bezels for the AC controls, nice wood on doors as well, etc...

I contemplated one too...I however could not pass up the deal I got on my C43 in San Antonio...it was a steal quite literally.

ml350

Hi,

everything that he list is true,

the newer model did get those upgrades,

if you want a newer model go for an 02 model, like a 500 or 5.5

Militant-Grunt

I would go for a 430 or 500, 320's/ 350s can be very problematic.. Look at the common problems thread on top of this page, it will give you an idea of what to expect. Since you have a bimmer, why dont you look into a X5 3.0? I think the reliablity was better than the ML on the starting year.. or as problematic.

AsianML

320/350 doesn't have more problems then the 430/500. You are just discriminating agianst us V6ers.

goozer

I would'nt buy an ML if it came with a winning lottery ticket. I own a 1999 ML 320 and and 2003 C240. Unless you feel there's a psychological benefit that comes along with driving a Benz, then I'd look at something else. The ROI on Mercedes across the board, is horrible. An ML will cost you 20+% more to maintain than a comparable car from the far east. I'd look at a Toyota if you a durable sport utility. It amazes me MB is still in business.....their cars ride and handle well but ironically, they don't know how to engineer parts. These are last two Benz's I'll ever own.

goozer

Yeah...I've heard the BMW's are better than the Benz from a maintenance perspective. That would explain why in a recent interview the chairman of BMW , when asked what companies he fears in terms of competition, he stated Toyota in particular. When asked about Mercedes, he chuckled.

Stiggs

Haters gonna hate!

I love my ML

Darkmann

OK, Goozer, like most of us you had issues with your ML but you're stretching the imagination here. I came from a problem free Nissan Pathfinder to a 2002 ML320. My Nissan had zero issues but the ML had all kinds of issues. However, I never lost a second of sleep because every time she went to the shop I had a loaner vehicle to get me through my day - Nissan didn't offer me that "luxury." When the ML warranty came due in 2005 I went to Nissan and drove the new 05 Pathy - NO, not even close to my problematic MY02 in every practical way. I did the Toyota Sequoia and it was a scary ride. The ML does two things that the others don't - stable driving dynamics (i.e, the vehicle just inspires confidence at any speed up to its governed velocity) and excellent emergency dynamics. For me, the ultimate test is how a vehicle handles in an emergency situation and the ML definitely delivers there, better than most, period! I got a 2005 ML500 and for 70K miles to date it's way better than the MY320 I had and it's been relatively unproblematic - it's had issues but I still haven't lost sleep over those issues. Meanwhile, after several Nissans (I still have my 1996 Twin Turbo), I still have to look for a ride every time I go in for an oil change! I wouldn't advice not to get an ML. Just do your research and get a good one - 2003-2005, maybe!

hawgwild1

did i get a good one? model and year i mean. because i am hopeful but need a machine that will perform. if i got the bad one, it will be gone quick and i'll buy another beamer. never had problems with BMW and parts are cheap for 3 series. not sure i like the X5, but if it is not better than the other early ML's i will be disappointed. strategic personell need performers to respond adequately. i think the one i got is beautiful, what is the sport edition equipped with differently?

Darkmann

Hard to tell. In MY02 MB did a ton of changes to the W163 - in fact, some can say that MB did a redesign of the vehicle keeping the platform the same. In my case, my 02 320 had all kinds of electronic issues. It's a 50/50 proposition, if you ask me. The best years, definitely are 04 and 05s. The question I have for you is this: did you get the vehicle service info b4 buying (that's in addition to CarFax and making sure a MB/indie tech looked at the vehicle prior to putting $$ down)? If you didn't, shame on you and hope you hit a good one - one that wasn't built on a Monday or Friday (don't car much for Tuesday builds either). I also have a 3 series but I still prefer the ML for long hauls requiring cargo space.
As for the SPORTS designation, unlike BMW, up to MY05, anything "SPORT" that MB made (including their cars) was simply body cladding. No suspension/motor/anything upgrade except for prettier than non-sport body panels. For the W163, the exterior design of the Sport model didn't change over the years except for the headlight update. The interior is a different story, though only subtle interior changes were made from 02 through 05. I have the sport MY05 ML500 and I have to say, it's a beautiful truck. I also have OEM brochures for 02, 04 and 05 W163 if you need any info on options or whatever.

Hope that helps.

hawgwild1

it was thoroughly checked out and was great till, thursday. check engine flashing, new wires, MAF replaced, compression checked, or injectors, not the coils, need star scanner repair to get resolution. dealer said they will take care of check engine issue, i just want it found, any clues!!! new motor mounts were installed and exhaust crack fixed. as i said OMG, clean carfax too and all service records. shop said they NEVER seen a ml500 with this issue, their star scanner went down and now i am waiting for them to find the problem. it is BEAUTIFUL truck, but MCS unit won't reboot after you make a stop and rear A/C is not cold enough with proper charge. i love the looks but am very disappointed.

benzml350

I have a friend's Crossfire (made in a German MB plant) stored on my lift. When you look underneath, my US made ML blows it away in craftsmanship and engineering execution. I used to want a Benz roadster but not if they're as sloppy as the Crossfire.

hawgwild1

i need reliable transport for my wife who is essential personnel for the Federal govt., and i pray they find it. all ml's are made in USA!

Darkmann

Calm down a bit. You didn't necessarily buy a lemon. The shop will find the problem and fix it. My first Bimmer was a 03 325i. One late November Sunday coming from DC, at near 2:00AM the thing kicked into limp mode in the middle of no where. It eventually died!!!!!!!!! It was me, wifey and three kids. Freezing out and tow trucks difficult to find, even with roadside. Three hours later a tow truck arrives, but the cab could only hold three people! I was about to put my finger through BMW's whatever. Turned out it was a bad alternator. Never had an issue since. So, give them a chance to locate and fix the problem.

hawgwild1

i have been a loyal BMW owner for years, do all own work until this beast. but never had an issue so hidden on any vehicle. shop has never seen this either. they are good, he told me the ML500 is less problematic than the other ML's of this type, so i have to wait i know, but the wife is chewing on my ear and not for fun, lol! besides she is getting too comfortable in my car, 02 325iT wagon, i only bought the ML because her 96 318ti turned 200000 miles and i wanted to get her an upgrade that i could drive too as the Ti is too low for me to get into easily after back surgery. am having major heart surgery done and want her taken care of in case the worst happens. i like to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but not seeing too much BEST lately, ya know!

benzml350

I've seen it claimed they were 62% US content - probably higher than some GM, Ford, and Chrysler models.

Darkmann

For the last time, calm down! You just had back surgery, you're on the way to major heart surgery and you're all bent out of shape because one shop told you the ML500 is less problematic? Guess what - they lied to you, period! Now take a deep breath and listen. I have a ML500 sport and have had a CEL show up. I'm sure others can testify to this also. My MB shop diagnosed it easily to a computer thingy and it was resolved. Your problem will be diagnosed and fixed. Meanwhile, if you're using a MB shop ask them to give you a loaner vehicle while you wait for your 500 to be fixed. I don't have anything against indies, but in your case if you're using an indie, make it easy on yourself and find a MB shop.

hawgwild1

okay daddy

Darkmann

Ha!Ha!!, very funny. Just looking out for you my brother.

hawgwild1

thanks for the support
read so much negative about the vehicle it is hard to believe that i wont get burned. prefer positivity nut not much on here along those lines. i actually have talked to a couple people who have good luck with their ml, nice to know everyone is not expensive scrap iron. time will tell.

Marshall_K

So what was the problem? Was the truck ever fixed?

Planethill

"Assembled in the USA" is a far cry from "Made in the USA". The engines & drive train are still manufactured in Germany as I understand it. It's still a German designed & engineered vehicle.

...and lovin' my ML350.

hawgwild1

just got it back yesterday, nephew is master mercedes mechanic and i hated to ask, but he found numerous issues, had bosch iridium plugs, they dont like them, new wires, 56 vacuum leaks, broken intake air tube, corroded o2 sensor and fuel pump relay, reset mixture and advance rotor module, cracked exhaust, broken motor mounts, and more i will add later i have to go