amolak

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

akbro93704

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.

GDawgC220

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.

sosh

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

amolak

Hi,
There are plenty of ML's for sale in the UK from 11k-15k.

thanks
Amolak
1998 S280

jtaleric

I got mine for 20K. its a 99 ML430, in awesome condition. LOVE IT!! I dunno the difference in gas milage between the ML's but i get 15city 20Highway..

sosh

Perhaps but what I said was "not much of an ML" I stand by that!! Maybe a 98 with higher miles and thats a 7 almost 8 year old vehicle! By my standards thats not much!!

rizwan

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

mrkbbd

not true, 1999

amb9800

I believe that's true (MY99 M7), but for some reason MBUSA shows M7 being available from MY2000 onwards only...

'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

mrkbbd

well, I have a 1999 Ml430 w/ 3rd row seats, that came with it when I took delivery in December of 1998.

amb9800

Yeah, and M7 must have available before 2000 because the new interior colors were introduced in MY00, and I recall seeing the seats in the old colors... Hmm...