GeorgeF

I understand that my target vehicle should be a 2002 or later due to the myriad improvements made in that model year- my father had two pre-02 M classes that he put many miles on, but I was not very impressed with the build quality. Is the '02 really a completely different beast?

Third row seat:
Which models could have a factory 3rd row seat? I will have three kids under the age of 6 soon, and need the extra seats. I understand the ML55 would not allow for a 3rd row seat due to the inside spare tire, but what other models do/do not have a factory 3rd row seat?

ML350 vs 500?
I drive a '98 5.9L Jeep Grand Cherokee now, and it is barely quicker than the ML55 in terms of 0-60 and 1/4 mile times- as indicated above, I don't think the ML55 would be a good choice without the 3rd row seat. Will I be disappointed in the performance of the 350 or 500? I haven't driven one since my fathers, and his were both 320's if I remember correctly, so feedback from owners would help me narrow my search.

Thanks-

sosh

I am on my second one, 02 ML500. First was a 98 ML320. 3rd row seats were available in all except the ML55. In the early model years they could be retrofitted however on later (2002 up??) they had to be factory ordered as the center row fold for access was not there unless you ordered from the factory. In my estimation both the 320, 350 have adequate power. The 500 is close to the 55 on power and has all you will ever need. I had good experiences with my 98 but I have heard lots of complaints on this board. My 02 has many more bells and whistles than the early ones and is basically the same as the 05's. I have a W164 on order for August delivery subject to my seeing and driving one which will happen in March. My suggestion is 02 on up and the choice of 320/350 or 500 is yours.

russell

One thing I'd like to mention which is the brake. If you are considering 500, I believe you will be happy with 500 instead of 350 since you are driving 5.9L Jeep Grand Cherokee, make sure you inspect all four motors and all pads before you purchase it. 500 is known to eat brake rotors and pads like there is no tomorrow.

GeorgeF

Thanks for the replies- good information to digest.

Soooo... sosh, does yours have the 3rd row seat? If so, how much do you want for your 500? :p :p :p

In reference to brakes, does Stillen or another vendor make replacement rotor/pad kits?

russell

There are other brands of rotors and pads available for ML. This is one of the web site who sells them www.brakeworld.com.

sosh

This has not been my experience. I have 26000 on my 02 and the pads and rotors were changed last at 3500 miles. Three months ago at my State inspection I had 30% left on the rear and 25% on the front.

jwalther

Power in the 320/350 is adequate. Even the 500/55 models are "fast" only in comparison to other SUVs. Your deciding factor may the the relative rarity of MLs with the third row. When we bought last summer, there were only a handful on the market within a reasonable distance from me. I looked within a 300 mile radius from Lexington, KY, and ended up buying from MB Knoxville. Good luck with your search!

sosh

Sorry no third row. Actually the car is leased

benzboy

The 350 or 500 question. I have a new '05 ML350. Love the thing when I get to drive it (wife's ride). It's getting 17.4 mpg according to the computer on board. I took it in for it's initial service and got the service manager's ML500 as a loaner. Nice fast truck, fun to drive but when I checked the mileage on the computer it showed 12.2! I don't know if mileage is a factor for you but ~5 miles/gallon is a factor.

saffrontiger

check your PM please
Jay