Panorama roof ML430.... should I buy it?
#1
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Panorama roof ML430.... should I buy it?
I was looking at a '99 ML430 today (I have attached a pic) and it looked really good for a 99 (super clean). It has the panorama roof option which I hear is hit or miss on quality. Some have it and love it, some had a bad experience. Since this ML has been around a while and it still operates smoothly I dunno if there could be an issue with it or not in the future. it seems well used and very quiet and smooth. This thread seems to have hit or miss experiences.
Anyway I am thinking of swapping my CLK430 for it even trade..... is this a dumb idea?
Anyway I am thinking of swapping my CLK430 for it even trade..... is this a dumb idea?
Last edited by The Jury; 10-13-2007 at 06:38 PM.
#3
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Not really rare and not very good either. Most people that have them have experienced lots of troubles and very expensive repairs. Dealers generally do not like to sell them because of the grief that follows in fact used car dealers usually do not buy them for resale and if they do they pay lots less than market. If it has not yet broken it will and if it has broken and been repaired it will break again. Use lots of caution buying one with this roof.
#4
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I inspected this one very well. It is smooth as butter and zero noise. I think given it's age that is a plus. I had a few "don't buy a CLK" opinions also when I went looking for my 430 and I can say it has been the best car I have owned yet even above my Lexus IS300, and SC400. Seems like anything Mercedes is hit or miss.
I am concerned with the issues revolving around the roof gearing system, but this one shows no sign of concern at it's age and I am a bit more confident in it given how quiet and smooth it operates.
I am concerned with the issues revolving around the roof gearing system, but this one shows no sign of concern at it's age and I am a bit more confident in it given how quiet and smooth it operates.
#5
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I inspected this one very well. It is smooth as butter and zero noise. I think given it's age that is a plus. I had a few "don't buy a CLK" opinions also when I went looking for my 430 and I can say it has been the best car I have owned yet even above my Lexus IS300, and SC400. Seems like anything Mercedes is hit or miss.
I am concerned with the issues revolving around the roof gearing system, but this one shows no sign of concern at it's age and I am a bit more confident in it given how quiet and smooth it operates.
I am concerned with the issues revolving around the roof gearing system, but this one shows no sign of concern at it's age and I am a bit more confident in it given how quiet and smooth it operates.
#6
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Nope, haven't made my mind up at all. I understand the "mechanics" aspect of it. People think it works all perfectly then one day it doesn't. This is not how things work. If there is a stress point that eventually breaks then the stress point will show indication of stress if properly inspected and you'll know where the issue lies and how to counteract it. Age means everything. Wear and tear.
Since this is a heavy system and requires a lot of moving parts, the lubrication is the key to it's survival. It needs a nice clean track to slide on and it needs to do it with as little of friction as possible.
I was hoping someone with a broken one had some insight on exactly WHAT broke so I will know the stress points to inspect. Until I know WHAT it breaks I have no way to make up my mind. (not WHY it breaks because it is obviously a problem with friction stressing to the breaking point)
That's just the stubborn side of an Engineer If I know what fails I can design a plan around it.
....... and I'm not bending over like a sheep and replacing an entire system to repair one moving part. People who have no mechanical ability and a fat wallet do that. As an Engineer I'd have to retire if I did something that stupid. That's like replacing the whole car because the left headlight went out. There are hundreds of moving parts on that system and only one can fail at a time. A quick stop at the local machine shop and I can have a CNC replacement part to my specs in 24 hours at a cost of $50. Being an M.E.C.P. certified mobile installer and ex car audio and security store chain owner helps too. I've torn cars apart for a living all my life.
Now if it is a massive failure, then I wanna know before I decide.
Since this is a heavy system and requires a lot of moving parts, the lubrication is the key to it's survival. It needs a nice clean track to slide on and it needs to do it with as little of friction as possible.
I was hoping someone with a broken one had some insight on exactly WHAT broke so I will know the stress points to inspect. Until I know WHAT it breaks I have no way to make up my mind. (not WHY it breaks because it is obviously a problem with friction stressing to the breaking point)
That's just the stubborn side of an Engineer If I know what fails I can design a plan around it.
....... and I'm not bending over like a sheep and replacing an entire system to repair one moving part. People who have no mechanical ability and a fat wallet do that. As an Engineer I'd have to retire if I did something that stupid. That's like replacing the whole car because the left headlight went out. There are hundreds of moving parts on that system and only one can fail at a time. A quick stop at the local machine shop and I can have a CNC replacement part to my specs in 24 hours at a cost of $50. Being an M.E.C.P. certified mobile installer and ex car audio and security store chain owner helps too. I've torn cars apart for a living all my life.
Now if it is a massive failure, then I wanna know before I decide.
Last edited by The Jury; 10-13-2007 at 09:57 PM.
#7
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Go for it....
My 2000 ML320 has 106K miles on it....the skyview roof has never been a problem...its the single biggest thing I like about my ML...
By the way, we seem to share similar tastes...I too am a iPhone owner....
By the way, we seem to share similar tastes...I too am a iPhone owner....
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#9
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Totally agree with this. But like I said you have already decided. I should have figured you were an engineer after your first response. Only way for you to learn is to experience it. The prior poster seems to be the only lucky one I have seen here with no failures.
#11
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I'm extremely disappointed I passed this up based on it's reviews, but I did go and drive it today anyway just for kicks. This is one of the nicest ML's I've seen around here and it sucks I had to pass it up.
Took pics though so enjoy.......
Took pics though so enjoy.......
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Used to drive E55
I was looking at a '99 ML430 today (I have attached a pic) and it looked really good for a 99 (super clean). It has the panorama roof option which I hear is hit or miss on quality. Some have it and love it, some had a bad experience. Since this ML has been around a while and it still operates smoothly I dunno if there could be an issue with it or not in the future. it seems well used and very quiet and smooth. This thread seems to have hit or miss experiences.
Anyway I am thinking of swapping my CLK430 for it even trade..... is this a dumb idea?
Anyway I am thinking of swapping my CLK430 for it even trade..... is this a dumb idea?
#21
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2010 S550, '10 Road glide, '10 Sportster "48"
definitely a difference, if I didn't spend so much in the drivers seat and had a family I'd get the Pano as it is I hardly use the sun roof cause of the added noise makes my hearing worse
#23
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You may be correct, however I have heard the roof on the ML referred to as Skyroof and Pano roof. I am not that familiar with the sedans but a good friend just purchased a new S Class with the double roof. The sales person and the dealership referred to it as a rear sunroof as did the paperwork on the car. In any case the large roof on the ML is the problem one.
#24
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When this roof became available on the ML's the dealer I do business with had several vehicles with the roof that he had taken back or exchanged due to what he refered to as unrepairable rattles, leaks and wind noise on the large roof. But you are doing the smart thing by not using it at least very much as when it breaks it will break in the open position.
#25
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You may be correct, however I have heard the roof on the ML referred to as Skyroof and Pano roof. I am not that familiar with the sedans but a good friend just purchased a new S Class with the double roof. The sales person and the dealership referred to it as a rear sunroof as did the paperwork on the car. In any case the large roof on the ML is the problem one.