New Member, New ML, and Im off ...
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New Member, New ML, and Im off ...
Hallo all. Took delivery of a "99 ML 320 on sat lastand first impressions are so,so. Car has 79K miles and is unmarked inside and out. Drive is OK but for a car with 200HP it wouldn't pull the socks off a dead man ! To try and get power to overtake is just impossible. From reading some of the posts on here it would be suggested the first item to replace would be the air flow meter. The car has been driven from new by an elderly lady who has assured me the car never saw more than 60mph. Is it possible that the cat couldbe blocked as well. Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions.
Thanks
rose
Thanks
rose
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
CAT should not be blocked. That happens either by it coming apart internally and would rattle or by using the wrong fuel and running very rich. As far as performance what do you expect from a 8 or 9 year old vehicle with that amount of miles. Your vehicle should not be used to rate the ML
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From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
You bought an 8 year old car with 70k miles on it that comes with a 6 cylinder to haul that heavy *** car around. What did you expect? Perhaps a simple test drive would have done the trick.
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First of all when you get offered an ML in this condition for $5K you can't be too fussy because its a nice old bus for the missus to drive. I bought it sight unseen and would have thought that the age and the milage should have no effect on the cars performance if it was maintained OK. The power output should be almost the same as when the car was new. I have a 30 year old 911 turbo which drives and looks exactly the same as it did in 1976. I actually went and drove another ML320 today just to see if the power thing was a figment of my immagination and it was almost the same story. It was marginally better, just.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
First of all when you get offered an ML in this condition for $5K you can't be too fussy because its a nice old bus for the missus to drive. I bought it sight unseen and would have thought that the age and the milage should have no effect on the cars performance if it was maintained OK. The power output should be almost the same as when the car was new. I have a 30 year old 911 turbo which drives and looks exactly the same as it did in 1976. I actually went and drove another ML320 today just to see if the power thing was a figment of my immagination and it was almost the same story. It was marginally better, just.
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Rose, Don't let these two bother you. They obviously have little ones, if you know what I mean. The ML320 isn't the fastest car on the road, but you got a fantastic deal on a very good vehicle for your wife to use.
Now, onto some helpful tips. You may or may not know that the transmission has the ability to learn. It is adaptive, and it probably drives like the old lady who owned it because it "learned" to drive that way. You can go to the dealer and have the transmission reset, or in time it will "learn" to drive like you want it to. In other words by driving it "hard" ( fast starts etc.) it will be a little more responsive. There are other factors that may be affecting your performance, ie. change the oil, change the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, proper air pressure in the tires, clean or replace the MAF and or O2 sensors, etc.
Always use at least the minimum octane rating, as the engine has a knock sensor, which when using lower octane fuel might retard the timing, thus reducing the engines power.
Give it some time and read from these and other forums. Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel bad for buying a 320. Take care of it and it will last a very long time. I regularly take my MBZ and my BMW's into the 170K mile range before I get new vehicles. Others run them until 250K+ miles, so don't let anyone make you think that 70K miles is the reason your vehicle has no power! At 70K miles you vehicle is still a pup.
Now, onto some helpful tips. You may or may not know that the transmission has the ability to learn. It is adaptive, and it probably drives like the old lady who owned it because it "learned" to drive that way. You can go to the dealer and have the transmission reset, or in time it will "learn" to drive like you want it to. In other words by driving it "hard" ( fast starts etc.) it will be a little more responsive. There are other factors that may be affecting your performance, ie. change the oil, change the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, proper air pressure in the tires, clean or replace the MAF and or O2 sensors, etc.
Always use at least the minimum octane rating, as the engine has a knock sensor, which when using lower octane fuel might retard the timing, thus reducing the engines power.
Give it some time and read from these and other forums. Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel bad for buying a 320. Take care of it and it will last a very long time. I regularly take my MBZ and my BMW's into the 170K mile range before I get new vehicles. Others run them until 250K+ miles, so don't let anyone make you think that 70K miles is the reason your vehicle has no power! At 70K miles you vehicle is still a pup.
Last edited by Sanpareil; Nov 14, 2006 at 04:11 PM.
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From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
First of all when you get offered an ML in this condition for $5K you can't be too fussy because its a nice old bus for the missus to drive. I bought it sight unseen and would have thought that the age and the milage should have no effect on the cars performance if it was maintained OK. The power output should be almost the same as when the car was new. I have a 30 year old 911 turbo which drives and looks exactly the same as it did in 1976. I actually went and drove another ML320 today just to see if the power thing was a figment of my immagination and it was almost the same story. It was marginally better, just.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Rose, Don't let these two bother you. They obviously have little ones, if you know what I mean. The ML320 isn't the fastest car on the road, but you got a fantastic deal on a very good vehicle for your wife to use.
Now, onto some helpful tips. You may or may not know that the transmission has the ability to learn. It is adaptive, and it probably drives like the old lady who owned it because it "learned" to drive that way. You can go to the dealer and have the transmission reset, or in time it will "learn" to drive like you want it to. In other words by driving it "hard" ( fast starts etc.) it will be a little more responsive. There are other factors that may be affecting your performance, ie. change the oil, change the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, proper air pressure in the tires, clean or replace the MAF and or O2 sensors, etc.
Always use at least the minimum octane rating, as the engine has a knock sensor, which when using lower octane fuel might retard the timing, thus reducing the engines power.
Give it some time and read from these and other forums. Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel bad for buying a 320. Take care of it and it will last a very long time. I regularly take my MBZ and my BMW's into the 170K mile range before I get new vehicles. Others run them until 250K+ miles, so don't let anyone make you think that 70K miles is the reason your vehicle has no power! At 70K miles you vehicle is still a pup.
Now, onto some helpful tips. You may or may not know that the transmission has the ability to learn. It is adaptive, and it probably drives like the old lady who owned it because it "learned" to drive that way. You can go to the dealer and have the transmission reset, or in time it will "learn" to drive like you want it to. In other words by driving it "hard" ( fast starts etc.) it will be a little more responsive. There are other factors that may be affecting your performance, ie. change the oil, change the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, proper air pressure in the tires, clean or replace the MAF and or O2 sensors, etc.
Always use at least the minimum octane rating, as the engine has a knock sensor, which when using lower octane fuel might retard the timing, thus reducing the engines power.
Give it some time and read from these and other forums. Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel bad for buying a 320. Take care of it and it will last a very long time. I regularly take my MBZ and my BMW's into the 170K mile range before I get new vehicles. Others run them until 250K+ miles, so don't let anyone make you think that 70K miles is the reason your vehicle has no power! At 70K miles you vehicle is still a pup.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
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Thanks for that. Its just that after getting out of my daily transport ( X5 Diesel) the ML just feels way too big for the engine. I ran a diagnostic test on it this evening and absolutely no fault whatsoever showed up. Maybe on a MB OEM machine it might be a different story.You are probably right in what you said about the usage, it really needs a good hard few weeks on the open road to loosen it up a bit. The lady who drove it over the years is in her late seventies and Im fairly certain the 79K miles were religious ones !
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
ECU reset!! I'm in love with doing this.....but I'm questioning the long term affects of doing it every month. 
1. Turn key to ON position, but don't start the car.
2. Depress accelerater pedal all the way down, even to kickdown switch for around 10-15 seconds.
3. Release gas pedal, and turn key all the back to off, but don't take it out.
4. After a few minutes you can the key out.
This should reset the adaptive tranny, so to speak.
1. Turn key to ON position, but don't start the car.
2. Depress accelerater pedal all the way down, even to kickdown switch for around 10-15 seconds.
3. Release gas pedal, and turn key all the back to off, but don't take it out.
4. After a few minutes you can the key out.
This should reset the adaptive tranny, so to speak.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: UK
2002 ML270
Hallo all. Took delivery of a "99 ML 320 on sat lastand first impressions are so,so. Car has 79K miles and is unmarked inside and out. Drive is OK but for a car with 200HP it wouldn't pull the socks off a dead man ! To try and get power to overtake is just impossible. From reading some of the posts on here it would be suggested the first item to replace would be the air flow meter. The car has been driven from new by an elderly lady who has assured me the car never saw more than 60mph. Is it possible that the cat couldbe blocked as well. Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions.
Thanks
rose
Thanks
rose
And why is it easier to take socks off a dead man than a live one?
Last edited by marcelc; Nov 14, 2006 at 05:43 PM. Reason: correct a mistake
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
I would certainly recommend doing 3 things that could directly improve power output..
At 79K miles
1. You certainly want your catalytic converters (CATS) inspected. The CATS are warranted by the manufacturer upto 80K miles (under emissions warranty) and if they have cracked, you will get a free replacement (It is huuuge freebee to miss out on...they cost about $2400 to replace)
2. I would recommend replacing spark plugs...again improves low end torque and power output significantly.
3. I would inspect and clean (if not replace) the mass air flow sensor (MAF).
Finally reset the ECU...
All of that should bring the engine's performance in terms of power output, torque and mileage back to new....
1. You certainly want your catalytic converters (CATS) inspected. The CATS are warranted by the manufacturer upto 80K miles (under emissions warranty) and if they have cracked, you will get a free replacement (It is huuuge freebee to miss out on...they cost about $2400 to replace)
2. I would recommend replacing spark plugs...again improves low end torque and power output significantly.
3. I would inspect and clean (if not replace) the mass air flow sensor (MAF).
Finally reset the ECU...
All of that should bring the engine's performance in terms of power output, torque and mileage back to new....
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From: Arizona
BMW FTW
LOL the ML320 is ridiculously fast for an SUV, it will beat more normal cars on the road in a drag race. Its as fast as a BMW 325CI convertible, it will hold off most older V6 mustangs from a roll, I could keep going on and on but really the ML320 is a quick SUV. Especially the older ones since they weight so much less than the 00 and 02 ML's.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
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From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
You can't be serious ?
LOL the ML320 is ridiculously fast for an SUV, it will beat more normal cars on the road in a drag race. Its as fast as a BMW 325CI convertible, it will hold off most older V6 mustangs from a roll, I could keep going on and on but really the ML320 is a quick SUV. Especially the older ones since they weight so much less than the 00 and 02 ML's.
It's a porky SUV with a wheezy under powered 3.2l V6 engine.
Only when you get into ML500 above do you get something like acceptable performance.
Maybe you've got an ML500 and don't realize ? ;-)
Just my opinion - based on comparing our ML430 to our little 1.6L mini cooper S.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
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From: Houston, TX
Q & R
You said you paid $5k??? I would too - sight unseen (of course I am a bit biased)
Thread Starter
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Job Done,
Changed MAF sensor, plugs,air, oil & fuel filter and reset the ECU as suggested above and I now have a totally different car to drive. It no longer goes into a nose dive when you press the gas pedal. It does feel like a new car (despite some people thinking it was beyond it best at 79K )and " her indoors " is very happy with her new drive.
Thanks again for all the input.
Changed MAF sensor, plugs,air, oil & fuel filter and reset the ECU as suggested above and I now have a totally different car to drive. It no longer goes into a nose dive when you press the gas pedal. It does feel like a new car (despite some people thinking it was beyond it best at 79K )and " her indoors " is very happy with her new drive.
Thanks again for all the input.
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Posts: 2,767
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From: Arizona
BMW FTW
The ML320 is a sloth - no way is it as fast as a BMW 325CI or many similar auto's.
It's a porky SUV with a wheezy under powered 3.2l V6 engine.
Only when you get into ML500 above do you get something like acceptable performance.
Maybe you've got an ML500 and don't realize ? ;-)
Just my opinion - based on comparing our ML430 to our little 1.6L mini cooper S.
It's a porky SUV with a wheezy under powered 3.2l V6 engine.
Only when you get into ML500 above do you get something like acceptable performance.
Maybe you've got an ML500 and don't realize ? ;-)
Just my opinion - based on comparing our ML430 to our little 1.6L mini cooper S.
You just need to get used to flooring the car and using the kick down switch to get the power out of the motor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
The ML320 is a sloth - no way is it as fast as a BMW 325CI or many similar auto's.
It's a porky SUV with a wheezy under powered 3.2l V6 engine.
Only when you get into ML500 above do you get something like acceptable performance.
Maybe you've got an ML500 and don't realize ? ;-)
Just my opinion - based on comparing our ML430 to our little 1.6L mini cooper S.
It's a porky SUV with a wheezy under powered 3.2l V6 engine.
Only when you get into ML500 above do you get something like acceptable performance.
Maybe you've got an ML500 and don't realize ? ;-)
Just my opinion - based on comparing our ML430 to our little 1.6L mini cooper S.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
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From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
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I Presume you meant sight unseen. I normally reside over on the Porsche Turbo forums and we do get disturbed people like yourself visiting from time to time but they all eventually run out of steam.
For your information where I come from a new ML 320 costs $116K so when you get offered an exceptional ML from a solicitor as part of state disposal you don't ask questions. You yourself would have bought it in these circumstances. What is wrong with the " Do it yourself guy " I know for a fact that over on the porsche forums and probably here also over 80 % are DIY people all because of the exorbitant prices charged by the main dealers.
You should lighten up a bit, your not just having a go at me but at most DIY people on here !
Have a nice day.
For your information where I come from a new ML 320 costs $116K so when you get offered an exceptional ML from a solicitor as part of state disposal you don't ask questions. You yourself would have bought it in these circumstances. What is wrong with the " Do it yourself guy " I know for a fact that over on the porsche forums and probably here also over 80 % are DIY people all because of the exorbitant prices charged by the main dealers.
You should lighten up a bit, your not just having a go at me but at most DIY people on here !
Have a nice day.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
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From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Sosh, the forum is here for people to come together and ask questions, share ideas, and to interact with people with similar interest. Now that Rose clarified the circumstances of how he got the ML, doesn't that change your perspective a little? I would hope it does, because if it didn't, then your assessment of him would actually fit you more appropriately. One doesn't have to be poor, or opportunistic to be a bottom feeder...and conversely, a persons portfolio doesn't exclude he/she from being one either.
In the infamous spirit of one who had his *** whupped..."Can't we all just get along?"
Last edited by tromar1; Nov 23, 2006 at 12:18 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
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From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
I Presume you meant sight unseen. I normally reside over on the Porsche Turbo forums and we do get disturbed people like yourself visiting from time to time but they all eventually run out of steam.
For your information where I come from a new ML 320 costs $116K so when you get offered an exceptional ML from a solicitor as part of state disposal you don't ask questions. You yourself would have bought it in these circumstances. What is wrong with the " Do it yourself guy " I know for a fact that over on the porsche forums and probably here also over 80 % are DIY people all because of the exorbitant prices charged by the main dealers.
You should lighten up a bit, your not just having a go at me but at most DIY people on here !
Have a nice day.
For your information where I come from a new ML 320 costs $116K so when you get offered an exceptional ML from a solicitor as part of state disposal you don't ask questions. You yourself would have bought it in these circumstances. What is wrong with the " Do it yourself guy " I know for a fact that over on the porsche forums and probably here also over 80 % are DIY people all because of the exorbitant prices charged by the main dealers.
You should lighten up a bit, your not just having a go at me but at most DIY people on here !
Have a nice day.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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The board is www.911turbo.com and where the ML costs this amount is Ireland. 91K Euro to be exact. and the annual road tax for an ML over here is 1370 Euro and a gallon of petrol now costs 4.86 euro. Now you can see why $5K is good value >
