Joselynmoore21

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

DrX

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.

Joselynmoore21

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)

art_arev

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.

Joselynmoore21

Thanks guys

outbackjackinoz

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.

DrX

Have a read of this story: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...le-starts.html

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.

dmj6151

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

Bezalel

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!

aspkharris

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!

MB_ML270

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
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'98 ML320 W163
'01 ML270 W163
'92 300D W124