M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Advices on purchasing ML500 Please!

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Old May 2, 2004 | 04:52 PM
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futureMB's Avatar
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From: Houston Texas
Advices on purchasing ML500 Please!

Hey, guys. This is my first time on this forum. I'm currently looking into purchasing a 2002 ML500 Silver/ash without xenon and 49,600 miles on the odo for $30,000. I did some research online and knowing that the extended warranty will cost me another $2,500. Is this a good deal??? For those owning the same year model, do you guys have a lot of problems? I really don't want to buy into something that will end up in the shop more than on the road. Thank you for your expert advices!
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Old May 2, 2004 | 08:32 PM
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Took delivery of my 02 ML500 in Aug 01. The first 4 monts were pure hell with numerous electronic problems mostly with the new stuff for 02. My dealer is teriffic and once each item was fixed it has worked perfectly. Now have 21000 miles on it and I do not think there is one item wrong. Recently had a B service and they installed a new battery and MAF sensor. The battery failed the load test and the MAF, while not setting off the check engine light was on the ragged edge of being out of limits. Be sure you see the service record for the vehicle and that all services were completed. The only recall items were the power steering hose clamps and a coolant host clamp. I love this vehicle and its performance
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Old May 2, 2004 | 09:43 PM
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GDawgC220's Avatar
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Problems seem to be on a case by case basis. It's not every single one that comes off the line that has a problem.

That being said, some people have more problems than other ML owners. Some major, some minor issues.

But it's a great vehicle for all your needs and a awsome winter vehicle as well
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Old May 3, 2004 | 02:12 PM
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2008 BMW 335xi Coupe
lol cars built on wednesdays are the best.. and cars built on monday and friday are the worst.. the workers dont try as hard on monday and friday cuz they either wanna go home for the weekend or are just lazy from the weekend lol

i dunno if thats true but i thot it was kinda funny when i heard it... i think i got a wednesday car lol
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Old May 3, 2004 | 06:41 PM
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From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
Well, if you read my earlier post, you know I wouldn't buy an ML again. I own a 2003 and have had some issues with it. The brakes had to be replaced after just 10K miles (this is a known problem with ML500's...your Mercedes dealership will be well aware of the problem). Also, I just think you can get a lot more for your money than the ML. Give Mercedes another 5 years, and hopefully by then they'll figure out how to build a luxury SUV. Incidentally, the one thing I do agree on is that the ML is a great winter vehicle (not much consolation if you live in Florida!)

John from Boston
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Old May 4, 2004 | 11:29 PM
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futureMB's Avatar
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From: Houston Texas
Thank you very much guys! I finally bid for the car and won on ebay. It is a 2002 ML500 for $29,000 and in great condition. The only problem is I think one of the air vent in the middle of the dash board is broken. Is this cover by warranty if not, do you know howmuch will it cost? Does anyone have the recall list for 2002 model ml as well as what kind of maintenance it needed at 49,000 miles since I don't have the service record from the previous owner. Anyway, you guys will see me here more often and thanks again for your advice.
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