morph860

I'm looking into buying a used ML320 or ML350. The few I've seen so far were 2003's with about 50,000 miles - certified from the dealer. What are the things I should be looking for when buying an ML? I'm trying to keep the cost under $25k. When I bought my C-class, it was also certified and I haven't had any problems since. Are ML's known to have serious issues when they get towards high mileage? Would you guys think it's a worthwhile purchase? I def. want something 4WD or AWD because of snow in the winter. Thanks in advance.

mkidd

I would recommend a bmw x5 over the ml. My wife has a 2002 Ml320 and has had some problems with it.

MercedesFTW

Well, my Ml320 from 2001 is around 50,000 miles. No major problems. Some minor stuff (in-dash light is broken, BAS ESP light turned on). My friend has a Ml430 from 2001 nearing 70k miles. He had to do something to his power steering (which...was our fault...we were doing donuts in the snow). So in my personaly experience Mls are pretty good. But that has been contradicted by MANY people...so I guess its luck and whether or not you get a good one.

Also, don't buy the cheapest one with the least amount of stuff. I have a really basic ML320 and I'm missing a lot of stuff (compared to my friend's ML430): nav, rear temperature, map reading lights, MPG reading (actually...a whole screen that is in mine...but isn't activated), power folding mirrors, etc. It might not seem like much...but it is.

Good luck with a purchase.

(oh...the Ml can handle itself off roading. At least...it hasn't failed me or my friend yet! I sometimes loose traction going up muddy hills but my friend's 430 never has a problem!)

Also, another one of my friends test-drove the X5 and says it has GREAT handling. It stuck to the road like glue. But that's not my personal account.

kevine310

Hi there, I'd really advise against buying an pre-06 ML, we have the 05 ML and even before we left the dealer, we had to make an appointment to fix the window seals. We subsquently had to go back maybe 5 or 6 times for other stuff, all of which within 1 year or delivery. So far we've had a airbag issue, transmission leak(on a hose), lock malfunctions, moisture in head lamps and the turn signals in the mirrors, inproperly fiited trim that's scrapping paint off of the body.. etc. Although everything was covered under warranty, I now really regret buying this vehicle. I think it's not worth spending 25K simply to buy an MB brand. You can get much better quality on some other brands. hope this helps.

AsianML

Hey Morph!

If you are going to go with the W163 and not the W164 or other, get the newest possible. Many will agree that the newer the better.

Militant-Grunt

Id stay away if you cannot afford the ludicrous maintenance.

morph860

cool, thanks for the input. I def. dont want the newer body style. I dont like how they look - too much like a minivan. My buddy at work just had an 06 ML500 and I didnt like how it drove either. He ended up trading it in for a new CLK. Lost a lot of money on it, but he wasn't happy with it at all. As for the X5 - ehh....i think i like the X3 better than the X5 but BMW isn't really a top choice. I think i'd take a Lexus SUV or an Infinity over BMW. Never had good experiences with BMW. Had a z3 and 5-series for a short period of time. I like the size/gas mileage of my C230, especially with gas at $3.20 a gallon. It's impossible to drive in the snow though. Thanks for the input - I'll keep you updated.

jwalther

You've got PM.

Jeff

MercedesFTW

I can reccomend the Lexus GX-470...

Great SUV. It is a bit big, but really isn't that much of a gas-guzzler. I don't have lots of personal experience with it, but from what little time I've had with it, I can say it is great. It has great re-sale also.