Mercedes M-class
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Mercedes M-class
Hi,
I am seriously looking at buying a M class as I need 7 seats.
I have heard that the build quality is not very good. I have about 15k to spend which seems to be the W or X reg bracket.
1. Pls can some one advise what is the best engine?
2. What are the main problems or weak points?
3. Are there any good websites on the M class?
4. When did the facelift occur after the initial version in 98.
Pls help
tx
Amolak
I am seriously looking at buying a M class as I need 7 seats.
I have heard that the build quality is not very good. I have about 15k to spend which seems to be the W or X reg bracket.
1. Pls can some one advise what is the best engine?
2. What are the main problems or weak points?
3. Are there any good websites on the M class?
4. When did the facelift occur after the initial version in 98.
Pls help
tx
Amolak
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
The M-class became available with third-row seats in 2000, but they are very uncomfortable and cramped(for other than toddlers)...and probably very hard to find one with third-row seats, because it wasn't an extremely popular option.
Here are answers to your questions...
1. ML320- 3.2 liter V6(215 hp) (1998-2002)
ML350- 3.7 liter V6(232 hp) (2003-2005)
ML430- 4.3 liter V8(268 hp) (1999-2001)
ML500- 5.0 liter V8(288 hp) (2002-2005)
ML55 AMG- 5.4 liter V8(342 hp) (2000-2003)
ML320 would probably be the only model you could find for 15k.
2. The weak points of the M-class are probably the squeaks/rattles/creaks and bumpy ride(most other luxury SUV's have smoother rides). Also, build quality isn't up to true Mercedes standards, as you stated.
3. Search on google, many good websites.
4.The facelift was in 2002.
In 2000, the ML320 came standard with body-color bumpers(as opposed to gray) and interior upgrades. (if you were to buy one, go with a year 2000 of newer)
The M-class is a very good car, but if your going to be hauling a lot of people, other larger SUV's(Ford Expedition, Chevy Suburban/Tahoe) have more room and smoother rides. But if you really like this car, get it, you won't be disappointed.
Here are answers to your questions...
1. ML320- 3.2 liter V6(215 hp) (1998-2002)
ML350- 3.7 liter V6(232 hp) (2003-2005)
ML430- 4.3 liter V8(268 hp) (1999-2001)
ML500- 5.0 liter V8(288 hp) (2002-2005)
ML55 AMG- 5.4 liter V8(342 hp) (2000-2003)
ML320 would probably be the only model you could find for 15k.
2. The weak points of the M-class are probably the squeaks/rattles/creaks and bumpy ride(most other luxury SUV's have smoother rides). Also, build quality isn't up to true Mercedes standards, as you stated.
3. Search on google, many good websites.
4.The facelift was in 2002.
In 2000, the ML320 came standard with body-color bumpers(as opposed to gray) and interior upgrades. (if you were to buy one, go with a year 2000 of newer)
The M-class is a very good car, but if your going to be hauling a lot of people, other larger SUV's(Ford Expedition, Chevy Suburban/Tahoe) have more room and smoother rides. But if you really like this car, get it, you won't be disappointed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
All the engines made by MB are very durable and will last if it's well maintained.
I believe the 3.2 V6 did have a harmonic balancer problem, which could become costly if it did break while driving, as it would shred the oil pan and parts around it.
Weaker points on the ML are the squeeks/rattles but these were mainly on the earlier ML's, latest ones, 03-05 should be rock solid. Most dependable ML's are the 03-05 or 04-05 models, very little problems with them.
As for the third row seat, it will be cramped for adults, but children should be fine. Many of the ML's sold did not have the third row included, but you can pick them up at your dealership, as they are just "plug and play" type seats. They are expensive though.
I believe the 3.2 V6 did have a harmonic balancer problem, which could become costly if it did break while driving, as it would shred the oil pan and parts around it.
Weaker points on the ML are the squeeks/rattles but these were mainly on the earlier ML's, latest ones, 03-05 should be rock solid. Most dependable ML's are the 03-05 or 04-05 models, very little problems with them.
As for the third row seat, it will be cramped for adults, but children should be fine. Many of the ML's sold did not have the third row included, but you can pick them up at your dealership, as they are just "plug and play" type seats. They are expensive though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
15K will not buy you much of a ML. If the budget is that low I assume that maintaining it will become a problem for you also. The most expensive thing you can do is to buy a cheap Benz. My suggestion is to look towards an economy vehicle mfg by someone else
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Originally Posted by amolak
Hi,
There are plenty of ML's for sale in the UK from 11k-15k.
thanks
Amolak
1998 S280
There are plenty of ML's for sale in the UK from 11k-15k.
thanks
Amolak
1998 S280
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 SL55 AMG
Amolak,
you're talking 15k pounds right? Not dollars? Given the exchange rate I'd say you could find yourself a rather good benz for that price... I bought my 2000 ML 430 for $20k (no 3rd row, though) at the beginning of 2004, and I'm loving it!
riz
you're talking 15k pounds right? Not dollars? Given the exchange rate I'd say you could find yourself a rather good benz for that price... I bought my 2000 ML 430 for $20k (no 3rd row, though) at the beginning of 2004, and I'm loving it!
riz
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 0
From: NYC
2002 ML320
Originally Posted by mrkbbd
not true, 1999
'99 - no M7:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...c=0&category=8
'00 - M7:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...c=0&category=8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 0
From: NYC
2002 ML320
Originally Posted by mrkbbd
well, I have a 1999 Ml430 w/ 3rd row seats, that came with it when I took delivery in December of 1998.
