Ml320 advice needed
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ml320
Ml320 advice needed
I'm considering getting a ml320 1999-2001 (I really like the body style) I live in oakland California so I don't have to deal with harsh weather or anything.
I've heard many different things about this truck more so good than bad. I'm a college student making 12$ and hour 40 hours a week. Realistically speaking based on you guys' experiences can I afford to keep this car on the road. I don't want to put myself in a hole
I've heard many different things about this truck more so good than bad. I'm a college student making 12$ and hour 40 hours a week. Realistically speaking based on you guys' experiences can I afford to keep this car on the road. I don't want to put myself in a hole
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 5
From: Brisbane, Australia
2002 ML320, 2003 A160
You'd be better off to find a 2002 model (or later), which had a significant upgrade over the 2001 and has proven to have superior reliability. Avoid the '99 and earlier ones, and make sure any car you buy comes with 2 keys. (Buying a spare key alone will cost around $300 - if you lose your only key it can cost a lot more.)
If the 2002s are out of your price range, it's better to wait another year than to buy an older one.
If the 2002s are out of your price range, it's better to wait another year than to buy an older one.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ml320
Can you tell me any specific reasons why I should I avoid them? Are they known to have a Lot of problems? I figure as long as I keep up with the maintenance there should be minimal to no problems?( this would be my first foreign car)
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 504
Likes: 7
From: Harare, Zimbabwe
2003 ML55,2007 ML63
As Dr.X explained starting from 2002 the ML's had an upgrade. A lot of things were improved & changed. 2002 onwards ML's are more reliable because of the upgrades.
We as members of this community DIY a lot of issues with our trucks. If you take the car to the dealers for each & every problem it will be VERY, VERY expensive to sustain these trucks. So if you are not a DIYer & finances are tight think twice before buying an old ML.
This is the reason to try to avoid 99 & earlier models & get a post 2002 models.
We as members of this community DIY a lot of issues with our trucks. If you take the car to the dealers for each & every problem it will be VERY, VERY expensive to sustain these trucks. So if you are not a DIYer & finances are tight think twice before buying an old ML.
This is the reason to try to avoid 99 & earlier models & get a post 2002 models.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
2000 ML270
I agree with these comments.
I have just purchased a ML270, which you dont get in the States.
I think you just have to remember that it will be a old car and as such things will need to be done. The more you can do yourself, the better you will be.
Parts are relativeley cheap for most things IMHO. The things that do go wrong are widely known and there are updates/fixes for most things.
I have a 99 Model and have had problems, still love/hate relationship. However I would feel the same with any car that is 14 years old. It has been a lot easier than I thought to fix most problems.
I have just purchased a ML270, which you dont get in the States.
I think you just have to remember that it will be a old car and as such things will need to be done. The more you can do yourself, the better you will be.
Parts are relativeley cheap for most things IMHO. The things that do go wrong are widely known and there are updates/fixes for most things.
I have a 99 Model and have had problems, still love/hate relationship. However I would feel the same with any car that is 14 years old. It has been a lot easier than I thought to fix most problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 5
From: Brisbane, Australia
2002 ML320, 2003 A160
The owner bought a 98 ML with one key, and when he lost it, the new key didn't work and the dealer claimed it needed a new computer system for $4800. So he effectively lost the use of his car. This particular module went bad for several owners.
After 1999, they improved the immobilizer system so that it if stops working, you can replace one smaller module for under $150.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
ML 320 '99
Hello
good question before purchasing this vehicle.
I will advise you to buy a car that is economical, like Honda, WV Jetta diesel, Nissan, etc, nothing like the Mercedes BMW or Audi.( these take premium gas wich is .30c more than regular gas price.) ML 320 runs about 14-16 mi/gal and premium gas again.
If you want the class and Comfort of German cars, look for diesel option, that will help a lot in fuel/mileage. Lots of Mercedes diesel, fewer Audi and BMW diesel, and more in WV diesel option.
ML 320 runs good, very rare gives some electrical/sensor brake malfunctions.
They had some recall on steering pump.
engine/transmission running for ever- i sold my Mercedes Sprinters 350k and 280 k, still running, engine and transmission.
ML 320 Reliable car otherwise
good day.
DJ Oradea
good question before purchasing this vehicle.
I will advise you to buy a car that is economical, like Honda, WV Jetta diesel, Nissan, etc, nothing like the Mercedes BMW or Audi.( these take premium gas wich is .30c more than regular gas price.) ML 320 runs about 14-16 mi/gal and premium gas again.
If you want the class and Comfort of German cars, look for diesel option, that will help a lot in fuel/mileage. Lots of Mercedes diesel, fewer Audi and BMW diesel, and more in WV diesel option.
ML 320 runs good, very rare gives some electrical/sensor brake malfunctions.
They had some recall on steering pump.
engine/transmission running for ever- i sold my Mercedes Sprinters 350k and 280 k, still running, engine and transmission.
ML 320 Reliable car otherwise
good day.
DJ Oradea
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 11
From: Sedbergh, England
ML320 W163 2000
Running an ML320 on no money
Just wondering if you bought the ML in the end (Jocleynmoore21)?
I bought a 2000 ML320 a few months ago and really enjoy driving it. However, I'm on welfare (in the UK) so now it's food or petrol.... Usually the ML wins and I just buy petrol! At least you could live in the ML, that would save some rent (you'll need to spend the rent money on fixing it...). For any UK potential buyers, the older cars have lower car tax - I pay £225 a year, but if the car was just one year newer it would be nearly twice as much! Conversely, a small new diesel car might only be £20 or £30 (eg a Smart car), or even NIL, and do 60 to 70 mpg instead of what seems like several gallons per mile.... (Okay, it's not that bad, 19.5 mpg (uk gallons) on the last 3000 miles).
While for me, buying the ML was a bit crazy, I'd rather go hungry than sell it! I also like the older interior style of the W163, but if the facelift version are more reliable, then that is consideration. Still, an ML is a more practical option than an SL and the W163 a lot cheaper than the W196! Good luck!
I bought a 2000 ML320 a few months ago and really enjoy driving it. However, I'm on welfare (in the UK) so now it's food or petrol.... Usually the ML wins and I just buy petrol! At least you could live in the ML, that would save some rent (you'll need to spend the rent money on fixing it...). For any UK potential buyers, the older cars have lower car tax - I pay £225 a year, but if the car was just one year newer it would be nearly twice as much! Conversely, a small new diesel car might only be £20 or £30 (eg a Smart car), or even NIL, and do 60 to 70 mpg instead of what seems like several gallons per mile.... (Okay, it's not that bad, 19.5 mpg (uk gallons) on the last 3000 miles).
While for me, buying the ML was a bit crazy, I'd rather go hungry than sell it! I also like the older interior style of the W163, but if the facelift version are more reliable, then that is consideration. Still, an ML is a more practical option than an SL and the W163 a lot cheaper than the W196! Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
1998 Mercedes ML320
Theres good and bad...
I have a 1998 ML320 and I have a love/hate relationship with it. But of course my love wins out, because I don't see myself ever wanting to get rid of it. I have had to fix quite a few expensive things on it, but because my father does the repairs for me at his shop, I save a ton of $$$. Someone without connections though, I could see the ML being very expensive to maintain. So far, I have replaced the engine (which was way cheaper than what I thought it was gonna be), the radiator, the ball joints, and now I have to replace the transfer case. The thing with foreign cars is that you have to special order your parts and they are usually more expensive. Also, my windows, seats, and sunroof all quit working at the same time, and I have yet to find the answer to this electrical issue!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
MB ML270, MB ML320, MB 300D
I also have a '98 ML320. The costs of buying an ML could be a lot, but keeping it in good shape costs me about $20-40 a month, which isn't that much. Just make sure you buy the right ML and it can last for a long time.
P.S.: You should check out this website for details of the ML320:
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/ca...nz_ml_320.html
____________________________
'98 ML320 W163
'01 ML270 W163
'92 300D W124
P.S.: You should check out this website for details of the ML320:
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/ca...nz_ml_320.html
____________________________
'98 ML320 W163
'01 ML270 W163
'92 300D W124
Last edited by MB_ML270; Feb 27, 2014 at 10:21 AM.
