MBZ12

My wife and I will be heading out this week to take a look at only Starmarked 2000-2003 ML's. What does everyone here recommend or NOT recommend? I've done a search here and have some basic info. Seems like the consensus is that the ML's are "cheaply-made" by MB standards. Does this apply to the cosmetic aspects of the ML? Any issues on the driveline that I should be aware of?
I don't really know the differences between the years? I own an 2002 E320 and know these got a facelift in 2003. What are the differences??? Any information would be much appreciated....!

saturnstyl

Dearest MB owner, Heed this warning or you may be in the service department of your local dealer a lot more than you would like to be.
Buy a 2003 or later model. They have by far the fewest problems out of any ML. 98-01 is a mistake. '02 was substantially improved but still not as good as later models. I posted somewhere about things to watch and the list got really long. Look at the truck carefully before you buy it. Get it on a lift and inspect the undercarriage for rust and abuse. Starmark does not cover a lot of things.... Basically powertrain and electrical, but not audio. Maybe you could find a loaner vehicle that is out of service and up for sale, those usually were taken decent care of while in service. Inspiration editions look nice, but the black wood will fade over a few years.
Have fun with your new truck! Any accessories you may want can be added after the sale, so don't let those things sway your decision.

amb9800

Just a little correction - facelift was for 2002, not 2003. Only notable changes after that were the availability of the DVD nav module in 2003 and the switch (mid-03) from the 320 (3.2L V6) to the 350 (3.7L V6). And, of course, different 'special editions,' etc.

sosh

If you find a 2002 that the issues were corrected it would be a good value. the problems with the 02 were mostly in the new for 02 electronic features. On mine, I perservered and with my dealer's cooperation it has been trouble free for over 2 years. I also had a 98 and did not experience any of the 98 problems except window switch and a few creaks and rattles. My dealer has been excellent with all of the MB's I have owned.

GregW / Oregon

After first year minor problems (turn signal stalks, etc), all well-handled by the dealer, I've only had a couple problems in the next 5 years and 60,000 mi. Generally speaking, later models are better, but there are exceptions. If you don't need luxury, '98s are fine and saddled with about 400 lb less weight.

Tim5

Cheaply built? Not! This vehicle is a real truck, not a luxury sedan. Look where Mercedes put their money in the ML. Compare this to cute-uties out there built on car chassis with just a unitized body, no frame.

Any ML after 1999 is going to be a decent vehicle. Keep in mind there was a facelift in 2002 which added additional airbags, rear AC & controls, and a number of other items.

LVDell

GregW...what is the "high beam" mod in your signature?

GregW / Oregon

This is a simple wiring mod that turns on the halogen "flash to pass" beams with the xenon high beams. Basically, you wire the halogen into the high beam wiring so they activate together. I will try to look up a link to the instructions. I think it may have come from Drew?