Hey everyone, i'm going to be buying a ML in the next week or so, I want to buy a pre-owned starmarked one for the warranty, right now i drive a lexus GS300 but its almost out of warranty and i'm not willing to pay for repairs after they stop paying for them. Anyway, I want either a 1999 430 or a 2000-2001 320 because of price and i don't want to two tone paint seen on the 98-99 320. What are the advantages/disadvantages or getting the 430 over the 320? Does the 320 have enough power to be enjoyable to drive on the highway or is the 430 just better all around? I've always had audi's and lexus's so MB is new to me, could really use some advice. The 430 i foudn doesn't have a MCS so i'd have to buy one for it for like 1800 with nav and everything but i can get one already installed on a 320 . I guess what i'm asking is how much better is the 430?

thanks everyone!

-jon

AIM: SJJON

 

My advice is shell out the extra cash for an 02 model, much better than the rest. Plus you get all the updated features. You should probably be able to get an 02 320 for high 20s or low 30s. I am not really sure tho. I do know is that I have had less trouble with my 99 320 than some people I know with 00 ML's. My bottom line is get the 02 320 or don't get one at all. But if you really can't afford the 02 get the 01.. In my experience that is when build quality on these vehicles finally began to improve.

 

I have a 2000 ML 320 and have driven it about 5,000 miles so far (including a 2,200 mile road trip). I do not have any complaints about the 320s acceleration from 60 to 85 on the highway with the A/C running. It is not noticeable slower with the A/C on than with it off....which I found quite impressive since I'm used to cars where the A/C really drags down the horsepower.

I drove a 430 for 2 days (loaner from the dealer) and didn't notice much power difference...honestly. But I'm sure there is some, but it's not significant.

I like the 320 because it's better on gas (6 cyl vs. 8 cyl.) with not much noticeable power loss from the 430s engine.

Regarding problems with the 2000 MLs? Honestly, I haven't had mine that long so I can't really comment (only had it for about 4 months) but I haven't had any troubles with mine and it's a really really sweet ride....smooth acceleration, quick and nimble on the highway, and seats are SUPER comfortable.