M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Tips on Buying a 1998 ML320???

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Old Jan 17, 2003 | 02:18 AM
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sLickfITY's Avatar
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Question Tips on Buying a 1998 ML320???

I am in the process of buying a 1998 ML320 w/75,000 miles. i checked out the car and i could tell it needs a valve adjustment, they ran a Carfax report for me and it all checked out good but you cant really trust that report alone. How much does this valve adjustment service run for at a certified MBZ mechanic? They are asking $17,900 which fairly reasonable but i am kinda iffy about the engine. they are offering a 3yr/35k mi. warranty for 2k extra on top of the sticker. Can any of you guys tell me what i should look out for next time i check out the car? Thanks this would be greatly appreciated.

Brandon
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Old Jan 17, 2003 | 02:35 AM
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1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
The ML320 has self-adjusting valves that never need adjustment. What kind of noise are you hearing?
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Old Jan 17, 2003 | 03:16 AM
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im hearing a constant ticking noise when i start the engine up. what could this be?
BTW:thanks for your reply
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Old Jan 17, 2003 | 10:03 AM
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All of the SOHC V6's and V8's have some degree of a "tick-tick-tick" at idle, which is the sound of the fuel injectors clicking open and closing. This may be all you're hearing, though I'd have to hear it to be sure.
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Old Jan 19, 2003 | 02:53 PM
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ML320, C230k Coupe, C240 4MATIC
Sounds reasonable, but take the warrenty.

Haven't looked at prices on the 98. Check out the blue book price to see if its a deal or not. Don't even think about a 98 though without a good warrenty.
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Old Jan 19, 2003 | 10:09 PM
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Kelly Blue Books shows this to be 13,900-14,000 as a private party sale and 17,900-18,900 retail. The 98's had a lot of problems, rear tail gates that rattled, fuel pumps that just stopped working without notice. Keys that failed, and a host of other problems. You might be better off looking at a 1999 or later when a lot of these problems were solved. I have a 99 and have had the fuel pump problem and door locks that failed.

Doug W.
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Old Jan 19, 2003 | 10:27 PM
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well i am going to buy the 3 yr 35k mi warrenty for it. i may just keep my options open and still look. Everything seems to work fine when i check it out (knock on wood).
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