Thinking of getting an ml350.
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From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
Likes: 75
From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
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2010 e550 coupe
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
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From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
Its relative and matter on dollars and sense. Are you buying it for pennies on the dollar, is it a gift, project, purpose of it, why that particular model, why 100k+ miles.
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2010 e550 coupe
Well it is really a point a to b vehicle I don’t have any cars with any storage so that’s a perk and I love the build quality of Benz both interior and out very nice and solid. I’ve heard good things about the ml in 2002-2003 I also like the build quality of Mercedes otherwise I’d opt for a Lexus rx300 which is also pretty nice. It would not be a project car although I would of course get it maintained as needed. The price I see them for is really attractive which draws me to them but I wouldn’t want to spend it twice in repairs as soon as I get one. I don’t mind general maintenance and have owned many Benz so I’m not new to the costs but if this particular model is known for being problematic (like a vw toureg or something) then I wouldnt be interested. Is the 320 a better model for longevity?
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
2002-2003 imo, is the last of the w163s built right.
If you can find one with service records, preferably a ML500 (personally not liking the 350s or smaller engines)
Our 2002 ML500 Sport is a beast. Only reason purchased was:
1) it was a $teal deal from a colleague whos mother (original owner) rarely drove it. (150K km)
2) couldnt find a decent priced ML55 with proper records at that time.
W163s are easy to maintain so long as you know what past issues of this suv to be aware of and be prepared for.
Cannot speak for 320s or 350s, but mileage of the ML500 is NOT that bad vs. 320 or 350 (but only if your not a lead foot driving it like you stole it)
I believe the 350s replaced the 500s.
If you can find one with service records, preferably a ML500 (personally not liking the 350s or smaller engines)
Our 2002 ML500 Sport is a beast. Only reason purchased was:
1) it was a $teal deal from a colleague whos mother (original owner) rarely drove it. (150K km)
2) couldnt find a decent priced ML55 with proper records at that time.
W163s are easy to maintain so long as you know what past issues of this suv to be aware of and be prepared for.
Cannot speak for 320s or 350s, but mileage of the ML500 is NOT that bad vs. 320 or 350 (but only if your not a lead foot driving it like you stole it)
I believe the 350s replaced the 500s.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 862
Likes: 28
2010 e550 coupe
2002-2003 imo, is the last of the w163s built right.
If you can find one with service records, preferably a ML500 (personally not liking the 350s or smaller engines)
Our 2002 ML500 Sport is a beast. Only reason purchased was:
1) it was a $teal deal from a colleague whos mother (original owner) rarely drove it. (150K km)
2) couldnt find a decent priced ML55 with proper records at that time.
W163s are easy to maintain so long as you know what past issues of this suv to be aware of and be prepared for.
Cannot speak for 320s or 350s, but mileage of the ML500 is NOT that bad vs. 320 or 350 (but only if your not a lead foot driving it like you stole it)
I believe the 350s replaced the 500s.
If you can find one with service records, preferably a ML500 (personally not liking the 350s or smaller engines)
Our 2002 ML500 Sport is a beast. Only reason purchased was:
1) it was a $teal deal from a colleague whos mother (original owner) rarely drove it. (150K km)
2) couldnt find a decent priced ML55 with proper records at that time.
W163s are easy to maintain so long as you know what past issues of this suv to be aware of and be prepared for.
Cannot speak for 320s or 350s, but mileage of the ML500 is NOT that bad vs. 320 or 350 (but only if your not a lead foot driving it like you stole it)
I believe the 350s replaced the 500s.
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
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From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
My father had the ML550. I drove it wasn't bad. I would get that or a ML63 if money is no issue.
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Posts: 1,456
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Yea the price is really good, I don't know much about the 320 or 350 engine. I know some of these engines had a balance shaft issue I am not sure if these particular cars were effected. I figured the smaller engines would be prone to less problems and cheaper repairs which is why I didn't consider the 500 but would not be opposed to that extra power. Do these cars make it up to 200k? I've been looking at primarily 2002-2003
I would recommend lots of read-up on the known issues of the ML320 /ML350, if that is what is presented on your plate now. Check the stickies out under the w163 section here and on the other forum too. USE the search button - it's your best friend next to all the good veteran members here. With these 2 weapons, you will learn lots - that's what I did, we all pretty much did. Not perfect, but waaay better than paying $$$ for a mechanics sometimes useless progno$i$
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 862
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2010 e550 coupe
Yes, with proper maintenance, they will last beyond 200k miles.
I would recommend lots of read-up on the known issues of the ML320 /ML350, if that is what is presented on your plate now. Check the stickies out under the w163 section here and on the other forum too. USE the search button - it's your best friend next to all the good veteran members here. With these 2 weapons, you will learn lots - that's what I did, we all pretty much did. Not perfect, but waaay better than paying $$$ for a mechanics sometimes useless progno$i$
I would recommend lots of read-up on the known issues of the ML320 /ML350, if that is what is presented on your plate now. Check the stickies out under the w163 section here and on the other forum too. USE the search button - it's your best friend next to all the good veteran members here. With these 2 weapons, you will learn lots - that's what I did, we all pretty much did. Not perfect, but waaay better than paying $$$ for a mechanics sometimes useless progno$i$
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 - 2000 Mercedes SLK
I had both ML320/350 a few years back - sold them when they hit 400K on the 320 and 340K on the 350 with just routine maintenance. I drove other SUV after - from Grand Cherokees, Lexus GX and Explorers. Missed the ML's solid feeling, decided to get a used on last July and haven't regretted it. Mind you, I spent another $3K on top of the purchase price of $3K that I paid for. Never regretted it. It runs great and have done a few long drives. I purchased it with 162K (kms) and is now over 170K (kms) - no issues or hiccups.
These are good trucks as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.
Link below is what I bought.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...003-ml320.html
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get it at a good price and don't go cheap on parts when it's time to replace them.
Something to add - I also have a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - within a year (2017 - 2018) - I spent more on maintenance ($3400) on the Corolla including a new engine rebuild (oil burning issue) Toyota Canada did it for free.
These are good trucks as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.
Link below is what I bought.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...003-ml320.html
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get it at a good price and don't go cheap on parts when it's time to replace them.
Something to add - I also have a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - within a year (2017 - 2018) - I spent more on maintenance ($3400) on the Corolla including a new engine rebuild (oil burning issue) Toyota Canada did it for free.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 862
Likes: 28
2010 e550 coupe
I had both ML320/350 a few years back - sold them when they hit 400K on the 320 and 340K on the 350 with just routine maintenance. I drove other SUV after - from Grand Cherokees, Lexus GX and Explorers. Missed the ML's solid feeling, decided to get a used on last July and haven't regretted it. Mind you, I spent another $3K on top of the purchase price of $3K that I paid for. Never regretted it. It runs great and have done a few long drives. I purchased it with 162K (kms) and is now over 170K (kms) - no issues or hiccups.
These are good trucks as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.
Link below is what I bought.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...003-ml320.html
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get it at a good price and don't go cheap on parts when it's time to replace them.
Something to add - I also have a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - within a year (2017 - 2018) - I spent more on maintenance ($3400) on the Corolla including a new engine rebuild (oil burning issue) Toyota Canada did it for free.
These are good trucks as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.
Link below is what I bought.
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...003-ml320.html
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get it at a good price and don't go cheap on parts when it's time to replace them.
Something to add - I also have a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - within a year (2017 - 2018) - I spent more on maintenance ($3400) on the Corolla including a new engine rebuild (oil burning issue) Toyota Canada did it for free.
Well that's definitely a good sign. I guess there's no high mileage ones out there because everyone's keeping em. What is the major difference between the 350 and 320 despite the minor increase in hp?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
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From: Toronto
2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 - 2000 Mercedes SLK
Never had any issues with the ML320 at -40 or -50 weather.
They both got me through bad snowstorms with no issue.
We once did a road trip back in January 2011 - I had the ML320, my friend drove a BMW X5 3.0 and another friend drove a BMW X5 4.6. Both BMW's had problems starting once it got down to -30 and had to wait until roadside assistance give them a boost.
You shouldn't have any issues with either the ML320/350/500. Just make sure you change the oil, transfer case fluid, differential fluids and transmission fluid once you get it - don't take the seller's word for it. Assume that it wasn't done unless he provides an invoice from a reputable dealer stating all fluids have been replaced.
Get your plugs done too if it hasn't been replaced - much easier on the V6 than the V8 and you need 12 of them for the V6 and 16 on the V8. Go with Bosch or NGK Platinums or Iridiums.
Last edited by The Sailor; Nov 11, 2018 at 06:38 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 38
From: East Idaho
2014 GL450, 2006 S500, 2003 ML350, 1996 C280 (Prev 1995 C220, 2002 CLK320, 1980 300SD Turbo)
It has entirely to do with the specific condition and the items that have been replaced and maintained. I bought my ML350 at 110k and its around 130k now. It's a Mercedes Benz, so the engine can last easily to 200k and beyond, transmission has more to do with maintenance and at that interval it depends if there has been fluid change and how the previous owner treated it or did anything stupid.
What I would really say is you need to drive it around for a bit. At least 10-20 minutes, the ride is stiffer and bumpier than other Mercedes and you don't realize it after a while sometimes, so make sure that's what you want. It IS a truck, not a Rav4. It has a frame, not a unibody.
What I would really say is you need to drive it around for a bit. At least 10-20 minutes, the ride is stiffer and bumpier than other Mercedes and you don't realize it after a while sometimes, so make sure that's what you want. It IS a truck, not a Rav4. It has a frame, not a unibody.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
From: Lathrop, Ca
2005 ML350 Sport
Thinking of getting a ML350
If your thinking of getting one I would try for a 2005 W163. I have one I bought it with 25k and it has roughly 135k with no major issues. It was the last year before MB went digital on many systems. They also went from two plugs per cylinder to one. Just keep up with the maintenance. The 280 hp on the 3.7 is more than enough to move at over 100mph. They are solid vehicles if the maintenance is done and use at least 91 octane not anything lower you'll start having valve train issues, Carbon buildup.
Last edited by 1stChendeng; Dec 3, 2018 at 01:49 PM.
