Happy owners?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
1986 560SEL, 97 BMW 740iL
Happy owners?
I know when the first ML came out, it was rated poor for quality control and lot of problems. However it has been around for quite some years now. I am now considering a ML500 for the future, what is your opinion on this model? Any input would be helpful and appreciate. Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: NH
2011 GL540
Rock solid for us... we're on our second one. We had a 2000 ML320 which worked flawlessly...
Traded that last Christmas for a used MB-exec 2003 ML500 -- had all the goodies and we love the V8. Again, no problems.
Martin in NH
-----------
2003 ML500 Orion Blue
2002 E55 AMG Brilliant Silver
Traded that last Christmas for a used MB-exec 2003 ML500 -- had all the goodies and we love the V8. Again, no problems.
Martin in NH
-----------
2003 ML500 Orion Blue
2002 E55 AMG Brilliant Silver
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
My 02 ML500 is my second ML after the 98 I had. Both were purchased new. I have had no major problems and only a few annoyances with both vehicles. The 500 is far superior in ride, features and power over the 98.Both vehicles provide occupants with lots of comfort and a great feeling of safety and security. Key to enjoying your ML experience is a good dealer with good service. The guys I believe on these forums that trash their ML's are those that hate dealerships and those that do not want to spend a nickle to maintain their vehicles along with those that mod their ML's with aftermarket stuff and junk.
Buy it, I think you will grow to love it!!
Buy it, I think you will grow to love it!!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: CT and FL
SL500 E320 ML350
Just traded an '03 ML 350 for the '05 ML 350 Special Edition (last of this body before it becomes a Lexus clone). I love the '05. As my Service manager said, "MB finally got it right!"
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
School bus
Originally Posted by benzboy
Just traded an '03 ML 350 for the '05 ML 350 Special Edition (last of this body before it becomes a Lexus clone). I love the '05. As my Service manager said, "MB finally got it right!"
:v Time to drive it like you STOLE it!! :v
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,784
Likes: 1,276
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
ML satisfaction
I still have one of the first MLs (12/97 production). The first year there were lots of minor issues, but nothing major, and the dealer service was great. It fits our needs very well--lots of space but not a behemoth, handles pretty well (w/ 18s and Bilsteins), a measure of off-road and towing ability, very good snow performance, etc. Undoubtedly they've improved greatly since then.
I just pre-ordered a W164 due next spring. From what has been leaked so far, it looks like a step up in all regards.
I just pre-ordered a W164 due next spring. From what has been leaked so far, it looks like a step up in all regards.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 630
Likes: 14
An ML500 should serve you quite well. I really enjoy mine! Few problems on this model, so visits to the dealer should only be for service and not repairs!
BTW ML500's are hell on brakes, don't say you weren't warned....
BTW ML500's are hell on brakes, don't say you weren't warned....
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA
'03 ML500 Sport
Very Happy!
I had a '98 430 with 34k, drowned it during a flood. Purchased an '03 500 loaded, with 29k I couldn't be happier!!! Yes, a few gripes like no mudflaps available for the Sport. Power and handling is impressive. And remember, tires and brakes go fast!!! 
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Still have my '02 ML500, four more months left on the lease. Only two problems so far: 1. PSE module malfunction 2. Leaky windshield washing fluid reservoir. All replaced under warranty. Really eats brakes though. 32K miles and I'm on third set of front pads and getting ready for third set of rear.
Getting ready for an '05 ML500 before they run out.
Getting ready for an '05 ML500 before they run out.
