Darkmann

positive spin on it. This is probably the best review I've read so far. For some reason, however, Mr. Heraud complains about "too much power" and slow wiper speed!!! That's weird. Anyway, the review is at the MSN site: Click here.

CRB

The ML has been hit hard by the automotive media and the trend continues in this review. To wit:

>The German auto maker cut corners with its 4-ETS+ system.

>...folding down the three rear seatbacks can quickly turn into a nightmare.

>...the materials and certain plastic trim pieces definitely look cheap.

>...some controls are either unusual or ill-placed.

>The ML320's General tires are terrible...

>Behind the prestige of the 5-pointed star, one quickly notices that the standard equipment, trims and accessories do not meet the make's usual standards,...

>It would seem that the North-American SUVs depreciate faster than those constructed in Germany.

Thanks for the link. Somehow I missed that review. Probably my natural pain-avoidance instincts kicking in.

Darkmann

I agree that the ML didn't get away totally free here, but to date, it's the best I have seen, especially in the "Overall Rating" category - that's why I posted that link to avoid the usual pain involved when reading the detailed review. I don't recall that MY03 uses any General tires. Thought they were all Dunlops Sport SP series. Also, I don't quite understand where MB cut corners with the 4ETS+ system. The trim stuff is true but the folding seat stuff is not quite correct. In some areas, Mr. Heraud sems to have been confusing things between MY03 and previous years.

CRB

You are right and my review of his review says:

>Danny Heraud cut corners with his 2003 reviews by recycling info from previous model years.

jswedberg

Three seatbacks? I don't think the ML has had three seatbacks since 1999. Or are we counting the third-row option?

I don't see what is meant by the 4ETS+ faults, either. What corners were cut? Perhaps because it does not have true locking differentials (a feature maybe 2% of owneres would use or need)?

I certainly agree an ML doesn't compare well to an S class or a G class, or even the E. It is one of the cheaper available MB models - it is going to be "cheaper feeling" to some degree.

woodyww

"Behind the prestige of the 5-pointed star,... ."

I always thought the M-B star had three points. (...in other words, I always have two fingers left over when I count it.) If this guy can't get this fact right, what else did he miss?

jc4511

that would be a Chrysler star.

woodyww

The PRESTIGE(?) of the CHRYSLER(!) 5-pointed star?! I still don't get it. Or maybe it explains the rattles in the ML.

timdf

and less trouble than my ML - in fact given the choice based on fit, finish and reliability my '97 Grand Voyager wins hands down over my ML.

Some Pete Guy

I had a AWD Grand Caravan that performed well, but didin't compare to the ML as far reliabilty, fit or finish. Lots of transmission problems with the Caravans.

"'02 Porsche 996 with 1 warranty repair in 14,000 miles - the MB manufactured transmission !"

Did you escape the gas cap recall campaign or is that too insignificant to list?

timdf

My caravan was great - in over 40,000 miles from new absolutely zero problems or rattles. Only brake pads and tires at circa 33,000 miles.

No engine or tranny problems - although I was led to believe they might happen around 60,000 miles, at least according to others.

Overall I was pleasently surprised by the quality of the minivan for $22,000 otr.

Unfortunately I haven't done quite so well with our ML and am thinking about changing it for an Audi Allroad 2.7t.

As for my 996 - only the tranny has failed so far (actually a porus casting leaking oil).

Other than that, it's been in for routine servicing, and as far as I'm aware nothing else has been done (have to check the detail of the service records to be sure though).