jamusa

I am in the process of purchasing a 1999 ML320 with 102k mls and a aftermakket amg package (amg big wheels and tires,front ,sides and rear skirts.........how much hp/tq did this year truck made,also what are some of the plagues surrounding these vehicles?
Vehicle is being sold for $11K,is this a good price?

Benzlova

In my opinion, I wouldnt buy a car with anything over 60,000 mileage. You may run into problems, cause you dont know how long the cars going to last and how much the previous owners have abused the car. I just bought a 2002 Mercedes ML320 with Video Entertainment (Loaded Car of ML320 Model). It has 38,000 mileage, no history of accidents, very clean, I paid $27,000 and I got a few other warranty such as Used Dealer Warranty, Life time Mercedes Warranty (They replace broken ashtray and parts in the car), and some other stuff like towing, and warranty on anything in the engine or mechanical. If my transmission, AC or anything goes back, it gets replaced. If I brake down, or have a flat tire, they tow, repair, and fix under warranty. I still think I could of have gotten a better deal too, but it was still good and satisfying.


100,000 mileage, and you never might know it may go bad at 150,000, just a thought and my opinion.

Edit: BTW 1999? You can do alot better than that, iv been reading around and read that the 98-99 ML's have the most problems?

Edit 2: You may want to compare these prices to the one your currently looking at.

99 ML320, 62310 miles - $12,977:: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem


98 ML320, 74570 miles - $10,500: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem


00 ML320, 66950 miles - $14,995: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem

55fanatic

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/88443-list-stuff-watch-out-163-a.html

this is a sticky... shoulda checked it out...

As far as price is concerned check out kbb.com or even ebay. I dont know where your from buy prices vary drastically...

Also did it come with the same 18" AMG wheels as found on the ML55?

55fanatic

I seriously doubt the engine might go bad at 150k, any modern day engine should go to 200k miles EASILY as far as Mercedes Engines... they are all pretty strong, 100k is a baby, its just breaking in.

Other drivetrain components may be begining to wear out at this mileage though

AC_ML

Personally after what I have learned all over these years on my ML and other people's ML, I would not buy any ML earlier than 2002.. I traded my problematic 2001 ML 320, with 108K miles, to the dealer for $9000.00 and the dealer would not give much for any ML over 100K miles since there are too many issues with various component's design and quality.. Transmission life expectancy on earlier ML's is less than 120K and they have failed even from reaching only 30,000 miles...

The dealer will crucify you on any repairs and it's difficult to find qualified people that are honest and competent on the ML's..

Check the 5+ year vehicle industry quality and reliability statistics..

AC

Benzlova

I'll have to agree, hope its not too late in turning back in purchasing it.

HLG600

To answer your question, the ML320's 3.2 Litre V6 generates 215 horsepower. The ML350's 3.7 Litre V6 generates 241 horspower and the 430 generates (forgive me if I'm wrong) 268 horspower. The 500 I am sure is 288 horsepower and the 55 AMG makes 342 horsepower.

pleubner

Life expectancy of the MY98/99 ML320 Transmission is approx 100K!.

...... So be prepared to spend another 2/3k on a new transmission. The transmissions in those early ML's were only built to take 300NM (far too weak!). The later transmissions (even my 270CDI) take up to 580NM!. Also the frequent failures of those transmissions led to a number of design changes in an attempt prolong the life expectancy. If it doesn't already have a new transmission, it's going to fail soon! .....

ML400CDI, ML500, ML55 AMG all share the same transmission!.

If there are any ML's to avoid , then it is definately the MY98/99 ones!..... Let's not start on a discussion of the problems of the first 2 years , .... the list is endless!

There is essentially this guideline
------------
Group 1 (original):
98,99 NO GO!!!!!!
European Price Range: 10-16k Euro
---------------------------------
Group 2 (major design changes to correct failings):
00,01 OK, But if your wallet allows for it take a facelift version
European Price Range: 21-26k Euro
---------------------------------
Group 3 (facelift, modernization):
02-03 Good
04 Best
European Price Range: 28-36k Euro
---------------------------------
Group 4: (best buy , loads of features for free) Final Edtion, Not a HUGE difference in price to a W164
05 Perfection!
European Price Range: 40-42k Euro
-----------------------------------

jamusa

Thanks for the feed back.I have not yet committed,although i have told the seller that i was seriously thinking about purchasing it.It was taken to the MB dealer and they went over it with a fine tooth comb.The service mechanic that performed the work said the vehicle was in excellent condition,but with all the problem i have been reading about that they have been experiencing with the tranny among other things.