Diffrences in newer mls?
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From: Taxachusetts
99 Ml 320
Diffrences in newer mls?
Hey all, i have a 99ML 320. I was just wondering what some of the diffrences besides the obvious cosmetic bumper upgrades and the speaker tv update.
Is there any performance updates? For some reason i noticed better off road handling on a lower mileage 01ML then my 99, did they change the 4ETS or any of those systems?
Finally is there anyways to update to new looks/systems? I just recently through a 01 bumper with the body matched color (as oppose to the ugly grey front bumper i had). I bought the bumper on Ebay and i actually made money back by selling the old bumper for more then i paid for the new one! I could never spend 1grand or more on a front bumper, that is absolutely ridculous. MB is charging way more then they should be.
Thanks,
Steve
Is there any performance updates? For some reason i noticed better off road handling on a lower mileage 01ML then my 99, did they change the 4ETS or any of those systems?
Finally is there anyways to update to new looks/systems? I just recently through a 01 bumper with the body matched color (as oppose to the ugly grey front bumper i had). I bought the bumper on Ebay and i actually made money back by selling the old bumper for more then i paid for the new one! I could never spend 1grand or more on a front bumper, that is absolutely ridculous. MB is charging way more then they should be.
Thanks,
Steve
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Waikoloa HI
1999 ML430
You didn't need to buy..........
a new bumper. All you have to do is have the existing ones painted. Along with the side strips and rocker panels. Lots of owners have had this done. Costs about $800.
Two items I would suggest are the 2002 headlights and the chrome grille strips. Looks really nice.
Two items I would suggest are the 2002 headlights and the chrome grille strips. Looks really nice.
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From: NYC
2002 ML320
Here's a rough outline of changes in the ML along the years
1998 - introduction of ML320
1999 - introduction of ML430, ESP added to all MLs
2000 - intro of ML55 AMG, new interior and exterior colors, other slight changes, ML320 gets painted bumpers
2001 - component changes mostly
2002 - facelift -> changes in outside look (projector headlights, more clear taillights, new bumper covers with integrated foglights, turn signal in side view mirrors instead of on fender, etc.), over 1200 new components, also new digital HVAC system, with separate rear unit
2003 - new 3.7L engine for new ML350, replacing the ML320
These are just some of the major changes - obviously many other parts were changed over the years, many small quality issues were fixed, etc.
That was for the 2002 model year, not '03.
1998 - introduction of ML320
1999 - introduction of ML430, ESP added to all MLs
2000 - intro of ML55 AMG, new interior and exterior colors, other slight changes, ML320 gets painted bumpers
2001 - component changes mostly
2002 - facelift -> changes in outside look (projector headlights, more clear taillights, new bumper covers with integrated foglights, turn signal in side view mirrors instead of on fender, etc.), over 1200 new components, also new digital HVAC system, with separate rear unit
2003 - new 3.7L engine for new ML350, replacing the ML320
These are just some of the major changes - obviously many other parts were changed over the years, many small quality issues were fixed, etc.
Originally posted by 03ML350
Also the HVAC system has been updated.
Also the HVAC system has been updated.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I think in '00 they changed the second row seats to be two fold-down sections (60-40), instead of three sections.
Wasn't MCS in '00, also? Before that it was a "normal" radio and no GPS (except anadd-on-the-dash one)
Interior quality went up in '00 also (that's one reason we finally bought ours)
2002 also added side air bags, compass in drive computer option, auto headlights, xenon headlight option.
Wasn't MCS in '00, also? Before that it was a "normal" radio and no GPS (except anadd-on-the-dash one)
Interior quality went up in '00 also (that's one reason we finally bought ours)
2002 also added side air bags, compass in drive computer option, auto headlights, xenon headlight option.
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From: NYC
2002 ML320
Yeah the MCS in 2000 plus thousands of over things that I didn't list - anyway it was either 2000 or 2001 IIRC that the ML got side airbags for the rear doors - previously the side airbags were only in the front IIRC.
As I mentioned, in '00 the interior was kinda redone - new materials, color scheme, new interior 'wavy' pieces for interior of door (to cover the side airbags), etc. And the MCS. Also in '01 the fiber optic system was installed iirc.
And actually the curtain airbags came in 2002 model year - that's also why the skyview roof was discontinued in 2002 - it was not compatible with the curtain airbags.
Just an OT comment - I remember talking to a relatively experienced MB rep at the NY Auto Show when the ML55 was released and he told me that the skyview was not available for the 55. I was curious as to why, and he replied that MB engineers did some computer simulations and found that at the 55's top speed, in the upper 100's, if u open the skyview, the air pressure difference will be enough to possible suck a child out the roof. So no skyviews existed for the ML55.
The interior quality has gradually increased, and if you place a '98 and an '02/'03 side-by-side, the difference is huge. I remember my first test drive of the ML - it was a '98 ML320 - the dealer's first ML. As soon as I got in the car, I tried to put the windows down - the switches just popped out. After that there was a tremendous trunk rattle and the rear seats seemed to also rattle/make loud noises over relatively small bumps.
As I mentioned, in '00 the interior was kinda redone - new materials, color scheme, new interior 'wavy' pieces for interior of door (to cover the side airbags), etc. And the MCS. Also in '01 the fiber optic system was installed iirc.
And actually the curtain airbags came in 2002 model year - that's also why the skyview roof was discontinued in 2002 - it was not compatible with the curtain airbags.
Just an OT comment - I remember talking to a relatively experienced MB rep at the NY Auto Show when the ML55 was released and he told me that the skyview was not available for the 55. I was curious as to why, and he replied that MB engineers did some computer simulations and found that at the 55's top speed, in the upper 100's, if u open the skyview, the air pressure difference will be enough to possible suck a child out the roof. So no skyviews existed for the ML55.
The interior quality has gradually increased, and if you place a '98 and an '02/'03 side-by-side, the difference is huge. I remember my first test drive of the ML - it was a '98 ML320 - the dealer's first ML. As soon as I got in the car, I tried to put the windows down - the switches just popped out. After that there was a tremendous trunk rattle and the rear seats seemed to also rattle/make loud noises over relatively small bumps.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 581
Likes: 4
From: Dallas
C32 AMG
The interior quality has gradually increased, and if you place a '98 and an '02/'03 side-by-side, the difference is huge.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Taxachusetts
99 Ml 320
Quote
"I agree - when I first looked at the '99 ML I was NOT impressed. The 2000 model was much better, so we bought one. The 2002s and up are even better."
Great.
-Steve
"I agree - when I first looked at the '99 ML I was NOT impressed. The 2000 model was much better, so we bought one. The 2002s and up are even better."
Great.
-Steve
