Franko9217

I'm looking for a comfortable daily driver that can carry my dirtbike as well with no problems.

http://www.motorcyclecarrier.net/mot...lt_a_rack.html

How are the '99's? My buddy works for Acura and he "says" he gets alot of people trading them in for MDX's because of problems with the ML. They are sooo cheap and thats what has me concerned. heh heh

Is there anything i should look out for inparticular for a 1999? Or should i just go for a Pathfinder/4runner.

Thanks in advance,

Frank

pointman

once you work out the kinks, its great. remember, you are only reading the about the bad stuff. no one posts to say how great it is. but it is exactly that... great. and the motor and tranny are rock solid, with a few exceptions. if you find a clean car with good history... go for it. good luck.

Swiss Nick

Whats a pathfinder......who cares, it ain't a ML!!!!!!

pointman

a path what?

Franko9217

I understand that the ML is mostly a great car, it looks nice and comfortable. Do you think it can handle the dirtbike stand that i mentioned in my original post?

I think i'm going to have to go for the ML430 in fear that the 320 won't have enough power for me.

Thanks in advance,

Frank

akbro93704

If you do decide to get an ML, get a year 2000 or newer

Franko9217

What is the difference from a '00 from a '99?

I'm assuming http://www.motorcyclecarrier.net/mo...ilt_a_rack.html

this won't be a problem?

pointman

99 to 00, alot of updates and alot less issues. and the carrier shouldnt be an issue. but then again, i didnt click the link...sorry, i dont do that. where are you located?

Franko9217

I'm orginally from NY but relocated to San Diego about 3 years ago.

Thanks for the info about updates, this is going to be my daily driver. I have a '02 Corvette with alot of performance upgades but i don't like dealing with the shake of my cam on a daily basis. I also have a '04 GX470 but it's to nice for me to go dirtbike riding.

A new ML is really nice but a new one is alittle to nice for what i'm going to be using it for so i want to go with a older less expensive one.

So as of now i'll look for a 2000ML430?

That should have no problem carring my dirt bike carrier i hope.

Thanks guys and any additional advice is appreciated!

Frank

Swiss Nick

One thing to consider is the "nose weight". I am not sure how the bike carrier attaches to the truck, I assume on the trailer hitch? If this is the case, check how much down force weight the hitch can take. Normally the hitch can only take a max weight of around 50kg, so in this case the bike may be too heavy? I know that the US models differ from the eurpean model ML on the trailer hitch, so I cannot say for sure, best check it out, otherwise the hitch may not be able to take the weight.

Nick.

gshock

hhhmm from what i've been reading the 00 owners don't seem any happier. Anyhow, just make sure you look for a vehicle that has the updated harmonic balancer, updated ps line and good maint. records. You can pretty much count on any model yr maf up to 02' on going out. I wonder if a larger maf would help?

pointman

ive owned several ml's. and my 2000 is considerably more reliable than my 98 320 or 99 430 ever were. and supposedly the mas is a problem not just in the ml... or just til 02.

saturnstyl

Just about any mass air flow sensor on a 104, 111, 112, or 113 motor will need to be replaced at some point. Change the air filter often enough, and you may prolong its life. Check the O-ring seal from the airmass to the intake tube, and always replace the seal from the tube to the throttle body as they dry out and crack. Check all the rubber hoses while your back there.
I know of no permanent fix, its just a part that wears out.

gshock

I looked up the MAF for the ML320s and the 112 is the most recent version I could find at least for the 99's.