shash_bro

I find Mercedes ML 320, 430 used (yr 99-2k1) for around $5-7000. Ithink it's less. Can anyone tell me why?? I also want to know the maintenance cost on mercedes M-class, C-class, E-class (all models around say year 2000) per annum assuming there's no major problems. I'm not a rich guy and can't afford expensive maintenance. Please help! I'm very serious about buying but ppl arnd me scare me about the maintenance. Insurance is not a problem because I only buy liability only. Thanks.

tc1728

its cheap because its 10 years old and semi-expensive to maintain.

i_am_amused

do NOT buy a mercedes if you can't afford expensive maintenance, unless you are a mercedes mechanic with access to tools and cheap parts. it's extremely easy to wind up with huge repair bills.

if you can't find an affordable MB under (long-term) warranty then it would be wise to look elsewhere.

shash_bro

Thank you for the responses. But can anyone give an estimate of maintenance in dollars per year assuming there are no major repairs. Atleast, can you tell me the cost of regular service per visit and how many visits I need per year if I run 1k miles per year. Thanks.

mihir_d

Approx. $1500/year (including tires, brakes and misc. consumables) @ 15,000 miles/year.

If the ML has not been well maintained, included a $1,500-$3,000/major repair estimate.

i_am_amused

+1

at *least* $1,500/year PLUS gas. I've had my S55 for just over a year and repairs have passed $4,000 (all warranty!) and service has been $700, tires $820, and gas $1.2 billion.

OK, the gas just feels like $1.2 billion, it's really only about $3,000: 15,000 miles at 15 mpg overall average with $3.00 gas.

shash_bro

Sorry I meant 10000 miles / yr but I guess you guys answered it right anyway.
But thanks everyone that responded esp. Mihir and 'I'm amused' .. thanks very much. You guys have enabled me to make a good decision and I think I will not own a Mercedes as yet. If I do in future I will post back.

Have a great week.

PS: I own a Camry 97 and I spend about $400 per year on service and minor repairs (excluding gas). I have consistently driven about 10k-12k miles for the past 3 years. Insurance is liability only. Thanks.

ChicagoBenz

I have a '99 ML430. The maintenance is fairly inexpensive I feel although I do most of it myself. I put on new tires last year. I used Hankook tires and they were a little more than $400. Oil changes at the dealership are $65. The gas mileage is not that great about 15 miles per gallon. The price of $5-7K is about right for that year and model. I hope this helps.

Stiggs

I wouldn't say its inexpensive to maintain.
Oil changes at my dealership run from $85 (when they have a special) to about $100.
But it seems like when anything ever goes it costs at least $500 to fix. I try to avoid the dealership as much as possible.

shash_bro

Thanks ChicagoBenz and Stiggs but, I'm going hold it off for sometime.

DrewZ9266

wow.. oil changes at my local MB dealer is... $185 bucks.. (when my mom had it, do it myself now). I'm not sure on the 430.. but the 320 isn't to bad. Just be prepared for the worst. Any used car will need some kind of work. MB dealers will rape you. If you can do it yourself.. it's not THAT expensive.

LMA1973

Not too bad really. Change the oil myself and do the brakes as well. Thats really about all ive HAD to do to mine. The other stuff (tranny drain and fill, transfer case drain and fill, differentials drain and fill) were all just preventive stuff. 112K miles on m,ine and this thing drives SO FREAKING WELL....engine is smooth as butter....no complaints here.

Oh yeah gas mileage (after installing the Yakima roof rack with wind deflector) is right at 18.8 MPG.

Kurths

Add $5~7000 (dealer) for a transmission at 80~120k miles. OR explain the trans problem to the seller and try to get the price down. Diy the tranny for $3000.

shash_bro

Finally, I own a ML 320 1998 and paid $4500.
On my third day the steering got locked and the ignition would not turn when I came back from a club with a girl. Got it towed with flat bed towing and paid $40. At the auto shop paid $200.

-After 1 week had delayed starting problem ... spent $600 for Fuel filter and pressure and some fuel hoses that were replaced.

-Now I noticed oil is leaking from underneath the hood. No idea if it was from the beginning.

- The A/C blows hot air and I knew this from the start. (I forgot to mention to mechanic on my two visits).

I need help to fix the leak underneath the hood and also my A/C. I want to do it myself .. so if ppl here can give me some pointers .. I'd appreciate it.

Thanks much.

Stiggs

Didn't go for a 430? I liked the V8 alot better than the V6 when I test drove mine.
Any chance you got a pic of the girl from the club?