Driver55er

Greetings fellow MBenzers,
I have been overwhelmingly happy with my 99 e55 the past years. So, I am considering a used ML purchase Since getting hitched, I have the need for a vehicle my other half can drive on ice and snow that wont put her on the curb (like yesterday). I want to spend in the mid to high 20's for one of these vehicles with miles in the high 20's or low 30's.

How do you like the MLs. Anything I should worry about in this year range. Is it worth to go into a newer 350 vs an older 430? Any option advantages between 01 and 02 etc. Also,
I expect alot of you have compared to Lexus. Any pros and cons now that you have owned you mls a while?

A dealer has a 01 430 w 36k sport and navi asking 33900 starmarked. I still think this is high as the trade in value comes up 24,700. And, the last time I got an trade in offer on my e it was 5k less than what was listed on line.

Thanks in advance for your responses and time.
All the best.

GDawgC220

That 01 ML430 seems a little high, as a new one back then was about 48000. I would try and talk it down if you are interested in that one. As far as 01 vs 02...there was over 1200 changes in the 02 models. The newer ones are better in quality overall, less problems.

350 vs 430...depends on what you need for power...the 350 sports 232 hp/247tq I believe and the 430's sport 268hp/288tq. I personally love our 99 430, even though it was the first year for the 430 introduced to the ML line up, ours has been great so far. Few minor quirks here and there, but none the less, a great car to haul stuff and winter truck. I think you would be happy overall with the 430 as it also has the starmark warranty, so you shouldn't have to worry about paying out of pocket expenses for anything that goes wrong.

The ML handling is great, IMO. Handles and rides like a MB sedan, doesn't feel like a truck ride, not rough at all. Leg space is great, can fit a family of 5 comfortably. Trunk space, can store lots of stuff, especially with the rear seats down. I moved an entire dorm room full of stuff (my self only in the car) and it was packed pretty tight

I have not driven a 02+ ML yet, but have sat in them at the dealerships and they seem much better in overall material use (plastics before 01 vs not as much platic in the interior).

Safety wise, it is a VERY safe SUV. Roof structure is very strong and won't crumble in (I believe someone on this forum had a rollover in his ML and the roof integrity was awsome). It was ranked #1 in safest SUV on the road in 99. So safety is great as well as 02+ have 8 airbags, so don't worry

Um...overall a great car IMHO. Good luck man, I hope this helps.

-G-

ViKTORiOUS

RX300 has no power

ML430 is all the power you'll need.

The price they are asking is a bit high, but im sure you can find one cheaper else where, but the ML blows the RX out the water if you are comparing the V8 to Lexus' V6... RX has nice interior materials, but the exterior is too much for me, plus i see so many on the road, I have the ML320 and I think it handles better than my uncle's RX300 (now has an RX330) now his new RX blows mine out of the water, its just so technogically advanced, its amazing, it puts my ML to shame, with all of its electronics, interior features, and exterior features, you truly get the most bang for the buck in the new RX, but seriously get the ML!! Especially the sport, now that is a sweet model.

theboogers

had a lexus rx and got rid of it. sloppy and scary in turns handling. got 2001 ml 430 w/ 10k and have loved it for bad weather. wife likes it because of mercedes similarity to other models. price can be negotiated down.

amb9800

Yeah - IMO go for the ML over the RX. Just be sure to get as new model year as possible.

Try to get an '02 or newer if possible because the ML was facelifted in 2002 model year (over 1200 new parts) - better interior quality, overall build quality, separate heat/AC unit for the rear in the center console, revised exterior styling, more airbags (added curtain airbags), etc.

The ML is of course a very safe and capable car - credit is usually not given, but the ML is actually also pretty off-road capable - a number of people have gone through some nice off-road tracks, etc. in ML's, just FYI. The ESP will help out for road conditions, and in the event of an accident, the superb structure really does help out a ton.

Have you guys seen the "Stayin' Alive" commercial for the ML (it's a few years old)? The multiple side-roll test is pretty cool IMO. Here's a link I found to it if you haven't seen it:

http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/Staying_Alive.avi

Right-click on the link and click "Save Target As..." - you can open with Windows Media Player, or some other program if you want.

sosh

No question about it. ML is the way to go unless you wish to purchase a cross over vehicle and not a truck. ML is much beefier, better in adverse conditions and has more safety features

SEXYBEEST

I must agree I just bought a 99ml430 and abosoulutly love it, a few minor querks but awesome.
Drove it just a few days ago in 50 mile an hour winds and terential down fall of rain and it worked great, great leg room, good power and safe!

roadsession

Hi.
I had an RX. It is TRULY a tin can. I jettisoned this POS after I witnessed a buick T-bone the RX in the parking lot and the entire b pillar was pushed in at parking speeds.

The RX design took design cues from the ML - but that's where the similarity ends. the RX is literally the Toyota Camry with a raised suspension.

In my opinion, the camry and RX are the same CAR.

GET THE ML despite it's quirks.

theboogers

too bad you are in chicago. i would sell you my 2001 ml430 w/ 11k miles on it for 30,000. silver, gray leather, navi, cd changer, bose system better wheels.

Driver55er

Hey boogers,
If you make it worth my while. I can pick it up.
Email me pics if you are interested.
Thanks,
Adam

Stiggs

I think that video that mbakshi posted says it all. Just look at the Ml when it hits the wall......the structure holds up very well!
I really love my 1999 ML430......this truck goes through everything.
Let me tell you some bad things about it....
- the radio sucks, but there's an easy yet costly fix....replace the whole system!
- the starmark warranty is nice, but once it runs out...holy expensive(but hey..same with lexus)



I bought my truck in Sept 2002 with 32K miles on it. The dealership had it listed as $31K....I looked it up in some price guide here at work and they said it was worth $27K. I was able to talk my dealer into $28K plus....
- one year starmark
- 4 new tires (Michellin cross terrains)
- all weather floor mats

doesn't sound like much, but it was good for me.
Now I have 44K miles on it and Love it!!!

Oh yeah...another plus...if you like to Mod, there are a bunch of things you can do to it...just do a search in this forum!!
Good luck...and remember....the test drive says it all !!!!

Driver55er

Test drove a 430 sport w navi and starmarked. I liked it. I like the feel, turning radius and spunk. It was pretty clean in general. I offered 25 vs their 34 ask. No deal. I will see if I get a follow up call tomorrow. Anything I should look for as far as trouble spots? Leak points, wear points, etc.
Thanks again.

O/T Wow!They had a Maybach, an 03 cl55 and a SL6, that is an sl600 w rentech. Pretty sweet! Gotta keep saving my pennies!

Stiggs

Do a search in this forum on trouble points with the ML..that should tell you what to look for. Also, I didn't like my accelerator pedal feel...too stiff..do a search on that as well!!

1SICKLEX

I am sure if u go to the RX forum at www.clublexus.com, ex-ML owners will say the exact opposite things.

I suggest going to both forums before making a decision.

alanmn

I appreciate what you are going through. My wife also likes the RX.
I got a 99 430 a couple years ago and she liked it so well that she now has a 01 320. Interesting tribute to the ML safety - we went from 97 Suburban to the 01 320 and our insurance cost dropped! How often does that happen? I love my 430, however, in some ways the 320 is a better driver. It does not have quite the torque yet still performs very well. As someone mentioned, the RX is built on a Camry frame so will not be anywhere near as strong.
Good luck.

m500

Prestige/safety/offroad = ML
Reliability/lowMaintenance/comfort = RX

Driver55er

Thanks for all the input. I have put in an offer for the nice 01 430 sport but no taker yet. I don't expect the car for nothing but I do think the vehicle should have deprecitated more than 40% after three years. Isn't the residual on a lease 52% after 3 years?

Any way since making the offer I drove an 02 350 and an 03 350 inspriation. They seemed pretty similar other than the power boost in the 500. For you newer ml owners, do the 1200 new parts make a big difference. The main change I noticed was the climate control and the rear vent windows actually venting.

A

mihir_d

I chose the ML over the RX 3 years back because I wanted a real SUV...(the RX isn't)..and the 3 pointed star meant reliability and longitivity to me...the rX was just a SUV body on the camry frame to me...

3 years down the road...I am repenting...I got what I wanted in the ML in terms of it being a true SUV and the 3 pointed star and all that....but...

The reliability SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Almost 20 different things have broken down in my ML in the last 3 years.

It goes to the shop every 3 months for one thing or the other....good thing though, MB has been good with the after sales...they have been covering most the the repairs so far..although, I am out of warranty....but boy

1. Traction system failed (4x4 failure)
2. Exhaust system failed (engine failure)
3. Fuel Injection system failed (engine failure)
4. AC electricals failed (climate control failure)
5. Power steering failed (steering failure)
6. Skyview roof replaced (body failure)

All of these are major items to fail in a new vehicle....and I am not listing at least 15 other minor things they have replaced in it so far...and the saga continues...

am getting my motor mounts replaced this Saturday...

At least a Japanese car wouldn't do this..

GDawgC220

It all seems to be a car by car basis...some people don't have problems, if any, and some people have major issues. I guess we've been lucky as to just a few minor things taken care of (fuel sender unit and cluster computer). Other than that, nothing else wrong

Sorry for your ML man.

-G-

theboogers

i agree there are good ml's. a neighbor has a 98 with no problems from new and high mileage. this forum hears more of the problems to keep people informed.

lee

Anyone had a bad experience with the roof of a ml320 in a rollover? Know of a driver who came out with a broken neck and severe laceration on the head in a 3/4 turn roll over. Don't have pictures now but will soon. Roof on drivers side really caved in.

GDawgC220

i've seen pics of ML rollovers...structurally (sp?), the ML holds up pretty damn well. The roof was not caved in at all, still in-tact.

I've seen the rollover test video as well...it rolled a few times and the roof was fine just all the side windows kinda shattered :p

The ML is one of the safest SUV's out there on the road

sosh

I can assure you that the ML will come out of any accident like this in better condition and with less injuries than any competitor.

lee

When I have pictures available I will try to post them, I am new at this message board thing. I can't imagine any car being damaged more than this one was in a similar accident. Really a shock after hearing all the good things about the extra strength in the roof. Accidents happen, just don't think you or your family are protected because you are driving a MB instead of a Ford.

lee

These are photos of a 1998 ML 320 after a 3/4 rollover.