etxa

Hello, I've been seduced by a ML 270CDi '01 with 65k, but I have no experience at all on this model.
Can anyone give some advice if it is actually a good option?

Thank you

marcelc

You don't say much about it, if it is an automatic, probably it is a good option, I've got an automatic 2002 ML270 and am very pleased with it. I would not want a manual, it uses more fuel on short journeys than the automatic and the engine torque is reduced from 400 to 370nm as the manual gearbox cannot take the strain.

The pre-facelift (before 2002) ML's were lighter but there were more complaints about the build quality.

The ML has been trashed by lots of journalists and others, some with bitter experiences, and others because they simply repeat anything they hear.

The ML is not a car, it is a truck and is bit more 'bouncy' than a car, it is mostly very well designed and great fun to drive both on fast roads and off-road, it is very robust indeed, but it will not do a lot better than 28mpg (UK) or 23mpg (US) or 10l/100Km unless you cruise for long distances on motorways at 60mph (and what's the fun in that?).

etxa

Thank you Marcelc,

Indeed the ML I saw is automatic and I'm going to test it next week. Is there any particular thing I have to check when testing (besides the usual stuff)?. I am worry about having difficulties in selling it afterwards if no happy. Have you have any particular problem with yours?

mhm001

Hello, I have been driving a silver 2001 ML 270 for the past 3 years and the car has now 57000Kms on the clock.

Mechanically I cannot grumble and compared to other vehicles of its size, fuel consumption is also very reasonable. As regards maintenance costs, you will have to change the brake pads quite often as they literally wear out.

Body wise, I was very unlucky because of corrosion problem but the dealer sorted all the problems out without hesitation.

I was not happy with the stsndard Dunlop tyres from the very beginning for various reasons and after doing some research changed them to Toyo Proxes. The Toyos improved handling and reduced cabin noise drastically.

mhm001

Sorry forget to mention that it is an automatic.

marcelc

You can do a search on ML and "known problems", I haven't had anything very much wrong with mine.

For technical information the following web site is very good:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/

etxa

Thank you very much for your imputs,
I'm gonna test the car on wenesday, have a good week.

etxa

I really like it... now I understand why you consider the ML a truck.
It has two electrical problems... the CD (GPS) is stuck and the alarm hits without any reason, the old owner desconected it to avoid the problem... What do you think?

marcelc

Difficult to say, the alarm might be to do with the trip computer (which is integrated with some of the alarm functions), these have been to known to give problems. Best to get a quote from a reputable dealer

Stuck CD will be expensive to get Mercedes to fix, you could always buy a stolen one (just joking) on Ebay.