now i've done it... please help w/ advise
 

hello,

my wife likes my newly acquired mercedes and naturally she wants one also. since we just had our second kid, i thought a suv mercedes would be a good fit. i was hoping to get some opinions of which year to get, some of the problems, costly repairs, or anything that would help me make a decision.

i appreciate any and all help.

- fellow mercedes owner

just saw the suv lexus vs. mb post. lots of good info. would appreciate any other info though. thanks again.

Though we had a good experience with our 1998 ML320, it's probably advisable to got with a later model year. The 1999 models added ESP (skid control), slight changes to the front crash structure, and minor interior improvements (i.e. fabric on the roof pillars).

The 2000 MY added side airbags for the rear seats, an upgrade in the quality of interior materials, and a host of other changes.

The 2003 MY is basically the current ML. If you're concerned with safety, curtain airbags were added.

Go to www.mbusa.com and click on Starmark...they have a run down of models back to 1996.

Want to buy my ML430 ???
 

It's been quite a bit of trouble over the 4 years / 55k miles I've had it - but nothing too serious of late (touch wood).

I'm in San Diego.

Re: Want to buy my ML430 ???
 

i guess since you dislike it so much, you'll be willing to get rid of it for a small price, right :D

what's your asking???

if the price is...
 

RIGHT!, ML 430 from timf isn't a bad choice since most of the earlier problem has beed fixed under warranty, But if you want to take a look at some ML320 you should check out MY2000 or newer.
I'm in San Diego also:D

There you go - choice of two ML's for sale in SD.....
 

Actually my wife likes the ML - it's just me who dislikes it because of the crappy service I received at my previous dealership and I prefer my 911 TT.

As for price, the last time I considered trading it, about 6 months back, they offered me about $24k I think (that's all another MB dealer would buy it in at).

As for what it's worth now it's out of warranty who knows.

It's got all the usual ML430 toys and what's more they all work !

Suggest you shop round and look for a Starmarked ML from a dealer - if the prices are too rich for you, come back and talk !