Stiggs

Well I just purchased the used 1999 ML430 Black opal I was looking at. Dealer wanted $32,900 (non-starmarked). I told him my limit was $28K. I finally got it for $29K Flat. This is what he "threw" in for me......He starmarked the truck...so I now have 14 months of waranty(2 original....12 starmark). Four new tires...since tread was a little thin (I said I didn't feel safe driving on these tires). And a CD changer in the trunk that it didn't have before (don't know why he threw this in).
It was advertised on the net with 25K mi, but when he showed it to me it had 31Kmi. Dealer said his boss was using the truck. This helped me get him down in price. I know there are people who are going to think I spent too much...but I shopped around and this was the best truck for the money. So my next question is.....what do I do now??? Any advice for a new ML owner??? Should I run out and get a K+N air filter or something?? Anything I need to know?? You guys are always full of good info!! Thanks

Kar don

I hope you like the truck! And good luck! We have a 99 ML320, it has had some problems but nothing major. I personally would get the 100,000 mile warranty if you can, parts and labor are expensive on these cars!

amb9800

Congratulations on your ML! I would also recommend that you try to get the extended warranty in case any minor problems arise, etc. later on in the car's life. If you want, you can start looking for accessories and addons for your ML. I got my '02 ML320 about 2 months ago, and here's what I'm going to add to it soon:

1) Mercedes windshield decal (see the attached picture)
-Makes the ML look more authentic - every MB but the ML has this label, plus it only costs about $0.99 - $2 on eBay.
2) '02 ML55 Grille - silver with chrome strips
3) Lighted '02 running boards
4) Chrome door handles (ML500 has these)
5) Chrome trunk handles (again, from the ML500)
6) Assorted wood pieces for interior (not sure which ones yet)
7) Wood/Leather or Wood shift knob
8) '03 DVD Navigation module
9) v60 phone and kit, along with VCS voice control (not sure about this though)
10) All-season floor mats
11) Spoiler (still deciding which one to get)

And a few other things I can't remember right now.

Anyway, so look around and see which accessories you want. Personally I am going for a more sophisticated look versus a rugged look. If you want a rugged look, you can get the grill guard, bumper guard, skid plate, side step bars, etc.

Hope it helps - good luck with your ML!

amb9800

I forgot to post the picture. Thanks to JimB for the pic. Here it is:

pocholin

stiggs, congratulations on your ML, please post some pics. it sound like you got a good deal from the dealer.

alanmn

Congratulations! I got a '99 430 about a year ago and have enjoyed it ever since. Mine was star marked and I got the extended warranty. My dealer has been great at taking care of things and noted a couple things that I had not noticed. While they do a great job, the cost is higher than I would like to have to pay, so having it done under warranty is the way to go. I added a trailer hitch (had a boat at the time) and roof racks. I'm thinking about some mud flaps because the tires are big enough that they kick up alot along the sides. I also added a cargo area mat to dress it up a bit (see picture) and all weather mats for winter (sort of needed in Minnesota). What tires did the dealer put on? I am going to need some soon. Beyond that, I would just say enjoy!

Darkmann

You got a great deal and I'm happy for you. The 99's were known to have problems but I'd think that at 31K, most problems probably had been taken care of. if you can afford it, get the xtended warranty for peace of mind. There are a host of things you can do to the truck. Look around here and also at othe ML boards -benzworld.org, formymercedes.com, etc.

eziggy3

alanmn, Where did you get that MB cargo area Mat?

Stiggs

I haven't picked up the truck yet....been too busy this week. Hoping to get it tomorrow. I will try to post pics...give me time with that. I ordered a 2002ML55 grill from the dealership. Total including installation was $260. I know it was on the high side but they did everything and that was well worth it.
As far as the tires go...I will post that after the weekend....I guess I was assuming they were going to put standard factory tires on for me. Come to think of it...I never asked what kind of tires I was getting. This should be interesting.:

Oh yeah the truck also comes with running boards...makes the truck look nice. I think the next thing I want is that cargo mat!!! Where did you get it Alanmn?

Drew_ML

Ouch! Not to rub it in, but that's very very expensive. You can buy the grill here (which I did) for only $199!!:
http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ML55+AMG+Grill

Installation takes only 5 minutes! Remove 10 screws, remove the grill, and replace it. Did they charge you an hour of labour for that?

You may want to see if you can knock that price down significantly or return the grill.

alanmn

Sorry I'm slow to respond. I make them for my local dealership. They are made to fit the ML (currently in 3 colors -black, charcoal & brown - to match the interior). The emblem is inlaid & carved and the carpet is backed and bound. I could ship them if you are interested.

Stiggs

how much for the cargo mat??

Drew....the grill ended up costing me $160(they installed it for free)!!!! Only one problem it is a ML500 grill and not the 2002 ML55 grill I wanted.
I like it though so I think I'll keep it...its very subtle...maybe ML55 grill would be too silver?

eziggy3

email me the details.

alanmn

eziggy3 - The mats are made of a high quality carpet, bound & backed, with the emblem inlaid and carved. They currently come in black, tan & charcoal to match the interior colors available but can be done in any color. They are $210 and I need to know what year ML you have as there is a minor variation between years.

Chris Gillio

I would be interested in the cargo mat but do you have any pictures of it in tan.

Thanks Chris

alanmn

I will get one and post it for you. It may take a couple days so please bear with me.

Chris Gillio

Ok that is fine.