Glorik

I'm very interested in buying a 2001-2004 ML320 or 430 but unfortunately I'm new to Mercedes cars and don't know much about them. I have read mixed reviews on their reliability (electrical problems). What are the
most reliable, less problematic model years for this line of SUVs?
Thanks!

BiTurboV12 AMG

The newer the better on the ML. i have both a 00 and 02 ML320 and both of them run great and one isnt more reliable than the other they share most of the same parts expt for a few thousand improvements on the 02ML, when the 02 ML came out some reviewers said "this isn't a face lift but a whole new car". But i will say this buy 02+ due to tons of advances its a whole different car and you will be better off. as for what year 02-05 would i buy? i would buy the newest one i could afford with lowest milage.

ml350

Hi,

if your going to go with an 02-05, then go for a 350 or 500,

you are going to like your ml more then with the 320,

the newest on the w163 or the 05 350 or 500,

you feel a lot more power with them then the 320,

it all depends on you what you want and need out of a car,

this last saturday we took our ml to simi valley ca to see the presidental regan and museum, and the 350 handle very well on the long trip, and handle very well when it was windy during the night when we came home,

pointman

2010

Evil Duffman

all i can say is def NOT the 00' or '01 ML 320. the 00' Design of the radiator was totally flawed, In a front end collision on a '00 model ML the car leaked fluid all over the engine and was totalled. The '01 which we purchased after has been in the shop numerous times, total cost at this point probably around 8grand to fix, all after warranty. Not to mention the numerous recalls.

if you had to choose go '03 or '04.

N1PRJ

I wonder if it is as simple as - "this year is better than that year". I have a 01 430 and it has given me plenty of problems. Almost all of which are thuroughly covered on these forums. But I'll tell you this, Mercedes has come through on all of them. Sometimes it takes some arguing with the SA over it, but you can usually get them to cover the common, documented defects.

Now that all of that is over, since about 40K miles, the car has been basically flawless. If I wrecked this one, yes, I would consider getting another '01 - even more so if the previous owner could tell me what 'issues' have turned up and been taken care of. You can't do that with a dealer usually, so you are bound by statistics alone as far as the best year. In that case the newer ones might be a better choice, but will likely carry a higher price tag to go along (even though almost any used ML is a bargain IMHO, they do not carry value well).

BiTurboV12 AMG

how would it be totaled for fluid on the engine? i cant tell you how many MAS sensors ive destroyed from running through big puddles of water then having to wait for the belts to try off so i could continue to drive. and i can assure you my engine was steaming. I also cracked a cat converter in very very cold water.