Hello, I'm new here! :)
01-31-2006, 01:15 PM
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2004 ML500
Hello, I'm new here! :)
Hello, I am new here. I'll be taking delivery of a 2004 ML500 on Thursday 
with the following specifications:
Desert Silver outside and Java inside. Parktronic and CD Changer. Everything else is standard anyway (i.e. Bose audio). The car is Star certified, and only has 22000km on the odometer. I have the new-car warranty until March 2008 and the Star warranty until March 2010.
I'm in Toronto, Canada. My old car was a 2002 BMW X5 4.4i, which unfortunately racked up too many kilometeres (91000KM). That's why I'm switching.
From day 1, I'm having the 3M StoneGuard installed on the whole front bumper, 1/4 hood and mirrors. Also I'm having the Boomerang2 stolen-car tracking system installed.
So any comments on the 2004 ML500? Are these plagued with any known issues?
Thanks for reading; looking to contribute soon too.
with the following specifications:Desert Silver outside and Java inside. Parktronic and CD Changer. Everything else is standard anyway (i.e. Bose audio). The car is Star certified, and only has 22000km on the odometer. I have the new-car warranty until March 2008 and the Star warranty until March 2010.
I'm in Toronto, Canada. My old car was a 2002 BMW X5 4.4i, which unfortunately racked up too many kilometeres (91000KM). That's why I'm switching.
From day 1, I'm having the 3M StoneGuard installed on the whole front bumper, 1/4 hood and mirrors. Also I'm having the Boomerang2 stolen-car tracking system installed.
So any comments on the 2004 ML500? Are these plagued with any known issues?
Thanks for reading; looking to contribute soon too.
01-31-2006, 03:50 PM
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2002 ML 320, M1, M5, M7, Thanks to Arbonne International
Oh, not a 2002 ML500! You are in serious trouble, my friend. LOL Just enjoy the fact that in less than 48 hours you will be as close to heaven as you can get. Welcome to the family!
You have the warranty and nothing to worry about until March of 2010. Enjoy the ML and follow your American friends to the south by trading up to a GL (diesel!) when your warranty nearly expires. You might want to take your local MB service manager a Starbucks one morning...all ML owners know theirs on a first name basis. Mine's Mike!
You have the warranty and nothing to worry about until March of 2010. Enjoy the ML and follow your American friends to the south by trading up to a GL (diesel!) when your warranty nearly expires. You might want to take your local MB service manager a Starbucks one morning...all ML owners know theirs on a first name basis. Mine's Mike!
01-31-2006, 04:14 PM
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2004 ML500
LOL why would I be in serious trouble?
I very much doubt that the ML can surprise me in terms of reliability or problems down the road.
I've had enough visits to the service center with the X5, that I even know some technicians by name.
I'm really looking forward to the Bose audio in it. It sounds so much better than the 10-speaker stock setup I have in the X5. Even if you get the DSP audio in the X5, you get too much echo, and two small 6" subs. It actually doesn't sound any better than the stock one.
I very much doubt that the ML can surprise me in terms of reliability or problems down the road.
I've had enough visits to the service center with the X5, that I even know some technicians by name.
I'm really looking forward to the Bose audio in it. It sounds so much better than the 10-speaker stock setup I have in the X5. Even if you get the DSP audio in the X5, you get too much echo, and two small 6" subs. It actually doesn't sound any better than the stock one.
01-31-2006, 04:26 PM
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2002 ML 320, M1, M5, M7, Thanks to Arbonne International
you will definately enjoy the Bose system...my son enjoys cranking the bose while he shoots hoops out front. I have neighbors 2 and 3 blocks away complimenting my son on his choice of music.
On a serious note, I have truly enjoyed my ML! The sound system is cystal...unreal! Having the navigation system is huge...worth the investment. My wife digs the lady's voice telling her how to find new restaurants!
On a serious note, I have truly enjoyed my ML! The sound system is cystal...unreal! Having the navigation system is huge...worth the investment. My wife digs the lady's voice telling her how to find new restaurants!
01-31-2006, 04:37 PM
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2004 ML500
Originally Posted by jdeclue
you will definately enjoy the Bose system...my son enjoys cranking the bose while he shoots hoops out front. I have neighbors 2 and 3 blocks away complimenting my son on his choice of music.
On a serious note, I have truly enjoyed my ML! The sound system is cystal...unreal! Having the navigation system is huge...worth the investment. My wife digs the lady's voice telling her how to find new restaurants!
On a serious note, I have truly enjoyed my ML! The sound system is cystal...unreal! Having the navigation system is huge...worth the investment. My wife digs the lady's voice telling her how to find new restaurants!
I've never had a car with the nav, and have relied on a compass instead. However if there is a way to install the nav for like $1000 seeing as how I already have some sort of LCD screen on there, I'd consider it.
But for the meantime, I gotta get the 3M StoneGuard installed, and the Boomerang2 stolen car tracking thing. Next "mod": winter mats. LOL
01-31-2006, 06:15 PM
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2002 ML 320, M1, M5, M7, Thanks to Arbonne International
just search for Navigation in the 163 forum and you will find everything from buying the needed unit and install instructions. You should be able to get the CD MCS with a 2004 CD for Canada well under the $1000 budget. The DVD MCS will put you at $1000 or just over. I have the 2004.1 CD and the neighbor has the DVD...not a huge difference that we can see here in Denver.
Just curious...what size investment to get the stoneguard and boomerang2?
Just curious...what size investment to get the stoneguard and boomerang2?
01-31-2006, 09:12 PM
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2004 ML500
Thanks for the information - I'm gonna look in that issue.
I'm getting the StoneGuard done for $800 Canadian. If one just wanted the bumper, that would be $400.
The Boomerang2 device + installation + 1 year subscription is $1000 from the dealer. But I'm going straight through an authorized Boomerang2 dealer, and getting the same for $725 instead.
It's $175 per year after that.
I'm getting the StoneGuard done for $800 Canadian. If one just wanted the bumper, that would be $400.
The Boomerang2 device + installation + 1 year subscription is $1000 from the dealer. But I'm going straight through an authorized Boomerang2 dealer, and getting the same for $725 instead.
It's $175 per year after that.
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01-31-2006, 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Yazovets!
LOL why would I be in serious trouble?
I very much doubt that the ML can surprise me in terms of reliability or problems down the road.
I've had enough visits to the service center with the X5, that I even know some technicians by name.
I'm really looking forward to the Bose audio in it. It sounds so much better than the 10-speaker stock setup I have in the X5. Even if you get the DSP audio in the X5, you get too much echo, and two small 6" subs. It actually doesn't sound any better than the stock one.
I very much doubt that the ML can surprise me in terms of reliability or problems down the road.
I've had enough visits to the service center with the X5, that I even know some technicians by name.
I'm really looking forward to the Bose audio in it. It sounds so much better than the 10-speaker stock setup I have in the X5. Even if you get the DSP audio in the X5, you get too much echo, and two small 6" subs. It actually doesn't sound any better than the stock one.
02-01-2006, 12:27 AM
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Congratulations on the car, and welcome! The Desert Silver and Java is a nice combination.
My first ML will be an upcoming ML63 - but I am sure that you will not have too many problems with your ML500, especially since the prior owner already took it on the 'shakedown cruise' for you.
Be sure to share your impressions, ownership experience, and your navigation modification quest with us here on the forums.
(...and we always want pics...
).
My first ML will be an upcoming ML63 - but I am sure that you will not have too many problems with your ML500, especially since the prior owner already took it on the 'shakedown cruise' for you.
Be sure to share your impressions, ownership experience, and your navigation modification quest with us here on the forums.
(...and we always want pics...
).
02-01-2006, 08:53 AM
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2004 ML500
I appreciate the welcome party!
Picking up the vehicle tonight at around 6PM. Probably it will be too dark to take pics, however I shall arm myself with the camera for tomorrow's daylight.
FYI, being an X5 4.4i driver now, I am actually impressed with the way these things drive. The ML is slower in 1st gear, but puts out visibly more power in 2nd and 3rd.
Plus the ride is nice and comfortable - softer than the BMW. Even with the standard 18" rims and no Sport Package, you could still feel the texture of the road in the BMW. Granted - you can corner better with it, but if I wanted to take corners hard, I would have gone with a Bimmer sedan.
I'll also take pics of the ML at my cottage if we get snow up there for this weekend.
Picking up the vehicle tonight at around 6PM. Probably it will be too dark to take pics, however I shall arm myself with the camera for tomorrow's daylight.
FYI, being an X5 4.4i driver now, I am actually impressed with the way these things drive. The ML is slower in 1st gear, but puts out visibly more power in 2nd and 3rd.
Plus the ride is nice and comfortable - softer than the BMW. Even with the standard 18" rims and no Sport Package, you could still feel the texture of the road in the BMW. Granted - you can corner better with it, but if I wanted to take corners hard, I would have gone with a Bimmer sedan.
I'll also take pics of the ML at my cottage if we get snow up there for this weekend.
