what do you think?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
what do you think?
Here are the exact specs on the ml. 2000 model yr, 320 with 89000 miles. Immaculate interior, better than the interior on our 02 Jeep. Has the sunroof, bran new Michelin tires, Bose premium audio system with 6 disck changer, M1, M2, and M7 convenience packages. The dealer is replaceing the missing first aid kit for me with one from a BMW (it is a BMW dealer) It is showing 2 wrenches with a -2400 I am getting them to service it before I purchase. Only thing missing is the cargo net, which I really dont need and the rear cargo light doesnt light when on the auto position, works fine when in the on position though. They are asking $17,999 but I am waiting till they get the maintenance finished for me then we will haggle a bit on price. I am really feeling great about this, and even my VERY skeptical wife is feeling good as well. Any other opinions for me? good or bad please let me have it!! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
You are buying a moderatly high mileage ML. If you are prepared to spend what it will cost to maintain it should be fine. Also the previous owner apparently ran over the FSS service recommendation (B service) and I would question how often this occurred before. I also do not know how well a BMW dealer will do with the B service. The other stuff like the rear light is trivial and it did not come with a cargo net, that was a dealer supplied option but do you have the cargo cover which was standard.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
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thanks for the reply, the service will be done at a mercedes benz repair shop paid for by the BMW dealer, along with my extra remote/key and the headlight and cargo light. I think I have the cargo cover is it the things in the back of the third row seating? also do the third row seats come out or just fold up onto the bulkheads? thanks again
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
2000 ML430
Originally Posted by rongotti
thanks for the reply, the service will be done at a mercedes benz repair shop paid for by the BMW dealer, along with my extra remote/key and the headlight and cargo light. I think I have the cargo cover is it the things in the back of the third row seating? also do the third row seats come out or just fold up onto the bulkheads? thanks again
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Does it have any post factory dealer installed options on it??
Fender Flares
GPS
Grill Guard
Fog Ligths
Running boards/side steps
Spoiler
Mud flaps
etc.
They would all impact the price of the vehicle...you should consider those while haggling..
You want to check on two major things on this vehicle before you make the plunge.
1. At 89K its post the emissions warranty (8 years/80K miles)...were the catalytic converters (CATs)replaced on it? Most 00 MLs (like mine 00 Ml320 -76K so far) have had their CATs replaced because of a faulty weld on them. If the CATs haven't been replaced...be preapred for up to $2400-$3000 to have them fixed, if they crack.
2. What's the state of the harmonic balancer...if its wobbly or showing signs of wear, I would insist on having it replaced. That's another potential $2-3K repair item, if it breaks while running.
Apart from that, be prepared for the following things.
1. Aux Fan wiring harness (if it hasn't been replaced so far) ($300)
2. A couple of window switches/locks($200-500)
3. Motor mounts - subjective to driving...my lasted for about 60K..before needing to be replaced...I am an occassional off roader though..($300)
4. Mass Air Flow Sensor ($550)
etc.
Good luck with your purchase. I am still more than satisfied with my 00 320, inspite of all these glitches that I went through, some under warranty, some post warranty.
I too would advice on buying the warranty...
GPS
Grill Guard
Fog Ligths
Running boards/side steps
Spoiler
Mud flaps
etc.
They would all impact the price of the vehicle...you should consider those while haggling..
You want to check on two major things on this vehicle before you make the plunge.
1. At 89K its post the emissions warranty (8 years/80K miles)...were the catalytic converters (CATs)replaced on it? Most 00 MLs (like mine 00 Ml320 -76K so far) have had their CATs replaced because of a faulty weld on them. If the CATs haven't been replaced...be preapred for up to $2400-$3000 to have them fixed, if they crack.
2. What's the state of the harmonic balancer...if its wobbly or showing signs of wear, I would insist on having it replaced. That's another potential $2-3K repair item, if it breaks while running.
Apart from that, be prepared for the following things.
1. Aux Fan wiring harness (if it hasn't been replaced so far) ($300)
2. A couple of window switches/locks($200-500)
3. Motor mounts - subjective to driving...my lasted for about 60K..before needing to be replaced...I am an occassional off roader though..($300)
4. Mass Air Flow Sensor ($550)
etc.
Good luck with your purchase. I am still more than satisfied with my 00 320, inspite of all these glitches that I went through, some under warranty, some post warranty.
I too would advice on buying the warranty...
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
My dealer quoted me $350 for the MAF & $150 labor..
They said, they had to reset the ECU after changing the MAF which would make the self adaptation cycle run all over again.
That said, I too managed to take the MAF off in just 5 minutes, clean the sensor wire and plug it back in. My symptoms were all gone.
Its been 15K miles since I cleaned the MAF, its been working like a charm. I read at a website, that it was not a bad idea to clean the MAF every 20K-30K miles...just need to be careful about not damaging the sensor wire, otherwise its toast..
That said, I too managed to take the MAF off in just 5 minutes, clean the sensor wire and plug it back in. My symptoms were all gone.
Its been 15K miles since I cleaned the MAF, its been working like a charm. I read at a website, that it was not a bad idea to clean the MAF every 20K-30K miles...just need to be careful about not damaging the sensor wire, otherwise its toast..
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Saturnstyl - is right...
and he should know.
As I said on the other forum - too old, too many miles, too many problems too much $$$
But going by your posts you seeem to have convinced yourself it's a good deal - so on that basis, keep your fingers crossed and enjoy your ML.
BTW I'd willingly sell you my '00 ML430 with only 68,000 miles, unmarked condx, new tires / brakes all round and practically all known problems areas fixed / replaced for sub $15,000.
Much better private deals to be had.
As I said on the other forum - too old, too many miles, too many problems too much $$$
But going by your posts you seeem to have convinced yourself it's a good deal - so on that basis, keep your fingers crossed and enjoy your ML.
BTW I'd willingly sell you my '00 ML430 with only 68,000 miles, unmarked condx, new tires / brakes all round and practically all known problems areas fixed / replaced for sub $15,000.
Much better private deals to be had.
