I recently purchased an 86' 300e an my mom likes it so much that she wants to join the benz family and she wants to trade here 99 jeep grand cherokee for a same year ml320. I just wanted to know how everyone here likes the ml and any common problems there are with these truck

thanks in advanced,
adam

 

I suggest that she purchase a 2000 or later ML. She will have many improvements and features over the 99. If affordable for her perhaps a new 02 would be best.

 

Same here...try to get as late model year ML, because many of the earlier MY (model year) ML's were chock-full of quality problems, etc. So definitely try to stay away from '98 and '99. What is her budget range? I'm asking because unless you are thinking in the low-$20k range, it is not that much of a difference in price between a '99 and a decent '00 or later. You can get a good '00 for mid to high $20k's. If you are willing to spend high $20's to low $30's you can get very nice '00's or '01s. And for mid to high $30's you can even get an '02 with around 2000 miles - almost new car for thousands less than new.

Anyway, the ML's problems were slowly fixed from the '00 MY, and many more things were added for '01. In the 2002 MY, the ML was facelifted and most old minor problems were solved (i.e. popping window switches, excessive rattles, fuel pump, etc.).

So just look at the budget and decide based on that. For good car-finding sites, one of the biggest is autotrader.com. You can also check cars.com they are a little smaller. If you have some way of accessing the MBCC auctions that are held weekly, there are some fantastic deals there also.

The ML is very capable and has a lot of room but the downside is that the fit and finish are not even close to the levels of the MB's produced in the '80's and early '90's or before that. This topic was discussed in hundreds of posts before so you can check those if you want to - the idea is just that since the ML is made in the US, it does not have the build quality that the other (german-made) MB's did. My 300E had a fabulous build quality and no problems at all. The ML will not be as perfect but chances are if you get a later-model year, you will not have a problem.

Hope this helps.

 

My '98 has been very reliable over 86,000 miles (except for the sunroof problem I had today - see related post). I thought I had an engine stumbling problem a few weeks ago but it now appears to have been a bad tank of gas, not an engine problem.

Also, my '98 is supposedly about 400 pounds lighter than the 2001 and newer models due to added electronic control boxes, ESP hardware and such, and you can feel the extra weight in the handling. This may not be an issue for your mom though. All in all, having ESP is probably a worthwhile trade-off. Unfortunately I don't remember exactly which year they added it. I'd certainly go for ESP myself.

There's a comfort issue too - I think it was in 2001 that they added rear A/C outlets and rear temp control, which will be a big deal for people riding in the back seat in warm weather. Just ask my kids.

So I agree - I'd go for the newest one she can afford. She will be much happier. Good luck!

 

I appreciate your help in his matter I will tell her to go for an 00' or '01 model.

 

I'd say go for the latest MY. I have a '02 320 and it's really a great vehicle. Like the other posters pointed out, budget issues have to be considered. What you'll find out is that the difference between the late model, low mileage used ones and a new one is small. Also keep in mind that with the introduction of the ML350 later this year, the ML320's may be big bargains.

 

Actually this was added as part of the '02 facelift.

 

The budget will dicatate what year to buy. There may be a few more problems with the '98 & '99 models but they are minor. These problems are not a big deal especially if you get a warranty with the vehicle.
If you want to check out real problems, go to any Land Rover board and see what they have to deal with!
My 2 cents...