Drove the new ML...Very impressed, but...
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From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
Drove the new ML...Very impressed, but...
Hey everyone...
I used to own a 2003 ML500 that was HORRENDOUS!!!!! The thing tore through about 8 sets of brakes in 10,000 miles! Obviously, those of us who have owned the 500 are all aware that this is a well known problem on the pre-2006 ML500's. The dealer finally purchased the pile of junk back from me and we bought a C320 coupe for my wife and that car has been fantastic. I decided to drive up to the local MB dealership last week to test drive a new ML350. I must say that I came away quite impressed with the new ML. It is a COMPLETELY vehicle! The fact that it couldn't be more different than the old ML is probably a very good thing. I'm not sure how true it is but someone told me that MB didn't use a single one of the same parts it used on the older ML's in this new encarnation. If that's the case, maybe MB finally is admitting that the old ML was simply not up to standards. In any event, I just wanted to say that I was really very impressed with the new ML. In fact, it was only a 350 and really had some power. That said, I'm purchasing a Denali and waiting for a couple of years to see if MB has truly fixed what was a horrible vehicle to own for me. It definitely looks promising, but I simply don't dare purchase the first production year of any newly redesigned auto. Good luck to all the souls braver than I with your new ML's. I'll be checking back for feedback to see if most are pleased with their new ML's.
John from Boston
I used to own a 2003 ML500 that was HORRENDOUS!!!!! The thing tore through about 8 sets of brakes in 10,000 miles! Obviously, those of us who have owned the 500 are all aware that this is a well known problem on the pre-2006 ML500's. The dealer finally purchased the pile of junk back from me and we bought a C320 coupe for my wife and that car has been fantastic. I decided to drive up to the local MB dealership last week to test drive a new ML350. I must say that I came away quite impressed with the new ML. It is a COMPLETELY vehicle! The fact that it couldn't be more different than the old ML is probably a very good thing. I'm not sure how true it is but someone told me that MB didn't use a single one of the same parts it used on the older ML's in this new encarnation. If that's the case, maybe MB finally is admitting that the old ML was simply not up to standards. In any event, I just wanted to say that I was really very impressed with the new ML. In fact, it was only a 350 and really had some power. That said, I'm purchasing a Denali and waiting for a couple of years to see if MB has truly fixed what was a horrible vehicle to own for me. It definitely looks promising, but I simply don't dare purchase the first production year of any newly redesigned auto. Good luck to all the souls braver than I with your new ML's. I'll be checking back for feedback to see if most are pleased with their new ML's.
John from Boston
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I get my 06 ML500 in Aug, trading my 02 ML500. By the way I have 30000 miles and am on a set of brakes that were installed at 6000 miles due to squeal. You are correct stating that the W164 is an entirely different vehicle. That was and is my concern as after 2 W163's I like them and have not experienced any problems of any consequence. (My dealer is excellent!!). If I do not like the changes in the W164 I will just get rid of it but I have a feeling it will be fine. As far as no W163 parts in it how about the V8 engine?? Thats kind of a major part??
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
W164 vs. 163
I have an early '98 ML320 I purchased new, and while it did have teething problems, they were mostly minor and well-handled by my excellent dealer. For that reason, I am jumping in to an early 2006 (if it ever gets here) without too much fear, though I know the rational thing to do is to wait.
I don't understand why V8s have so many more brake issues than the sixes--they're not that much heavier. My '98 is on it's first replacement set at almost 80k!
I don't understand why V8s have so many more brake issues than the sixes--they're not that much heavier. My '98 is on it's first replacement set at almost 80k!
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From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
Just out of curiosity, have any of you been inside of the Denali? I've never been much of an American car guy, but, I was blown away by how nice the Denali was inside. In fact, I think it's far nicer and far more comfortable than my ML500 was. In fact, it has many more options (can you say dual climate control and rear buckets?). Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else had discovered an SUV I never really gave a look at, until I actually saw the interior.
John from Boston
John from Boston
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
I would check out the Volvo XC-90 V8. Great power and excellent fuel economy. This is something I would buy but we are waiting for the new R class to be released in the fall.
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From: The Earth
Mercedes all the way!
in my opinion the XC90 is really not in the same league. it is quite an over-rated car: 'mooing' engine, uninspiring ride and handling, and (relatively) poor quality cabin. i'd wait until volvo brings their new S40-style cabins into the entire range before thinking of buying one! 
if you're in the market for an R-class, i think that's the one you should go for!
if you're in the market for an R-class, i think that's the one you should go for!
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Thread Starter
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From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
Hey Ruykava...
I couldn't agree with you more on the Volvo. I think Volvo interiors are actually embarrassing! Although Volvo does build the safest car on the road, their interiors make them look like a $15K car. Volvos have never done it for me. I just picked up a 2003 Denali with very low miles at a steal of a price, so that's what I'm going to play around in. I will definitely give the new M class a second look if it proves to be a reliable vehicle. For the record, I also own a 2004 Lexus LX470, and I never thought I'd say this (gulp), but, this Denali interior rivals that of Lexus. Heck, even the back seats are heated!
John from Boston
I couldn't agree with you more on the Volvo. I think Volvo interiors are actually embarrassing! Although Volvo does build the safest car on the road, their interiors make them look like a $15K car. Volvos have never done it for me. I just picked up a 2003 Denali with very low miles at a steal of a price, so that's what I'm going to play around in. I will definitely give the new M class a second look if it proves to be a reliable vehicle. For the record, I also own a 2004 Lexus LX470, and I never thought I'd say this (gulp), but, this Denali interior rivals that of Lexus. Heck, even the back seats are heated!
John from Boston
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 394
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From: Pasadena, CA
C63 / ////AMG
I agree, the Denali interior is very luxurious compared to the W163 ML's. If you really want luxurious, take a look at the Range Rover's. Of course, driving my bro'-in-law's RR around was a different experience akin to driving a yacht...
I too am interested in the Volvo XC90 V8 as a replacement for our ML, but my wife is the main driver and she refuses to drive a Volvo--not enough "snob" appeal for her...
I too am interested in the Volvo XC90 V8 as a replacement for our ML, but my wife is the main driver and she refuses to drive a Volvo--not enough "snob" appeal for her...
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 672
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From: Northern California
MBs
Originally Posted by ml350
Hi,
has anybody taken look at the Cadillac Escalade,
they have the most comfortable seats,
has anybody taken look at the Cadillac Escalade,
they have the most comfortable seats,
http://www.beckerautodesign.com/158mb/
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 394
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From: Pasadena, CA
C63 / ////AMG
Originally Posted by ml350
Hi,
has anybody taken look at the Cadillac Escalade,
they have the most comfortable seats,
has anybody taken look at the Cadillac Escalade,
they have the most comfortable seats,
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,744
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From: New York City
95 Audi urS6 Quattro
Originally Posted by Enigma869
Hey everyone...
I used to own a 2003 ML500 that was HORRENDOUS!!!!! The thing tore through about 8 sets of brakes in 10,000 miles! Obviously, those of us who have owned the 500 are all aware that this is a well known problem on the pre-2006 ML500's. The dealer finally purchased the pile of junk back from me and we bought a C320 coupe for my wife and that car has been fantastic. I decided to drive up to the local MB dealership last week to test drive a new ML350. I must say that I came away quite impressed with the new ML. It is a COMPLETELY vehicle! The fact that it couldn't be more different than the old ML is probably a very good thing. I'm not sure how true it is but someone told me that MB didn't use a single one of the same parts it used on the older ML's in this new encarnation. If that's the case, maybe MB finally is admitting that the old ML was simply not up to standards. In any event, I just wanted to say that I was really very impressed with the new ML. In fact, it was only a 350 and really had some power. That said, I'm purchasing a Denali and waiting for a couple of years to see if MB has truly fixed what was a horrible vehicle to own for me. It definitely looks promising, but I simply don't dare purchase the first production year of any newly redesigned auto. Good luck to all the souls braver than I with your new ML's. I'll be checking back for feedback to see if most are pleased with their new ML's.
John from Boston
I used to own a 2003 ML500 that was HORRENDOUS!!!!! The thing tore through about 8 sets of brakes in 10,000 miles! Obviously, those of us who have owned the 500 are all aware that this is a well known problem on the pre-2006 ML500's. The dealer finally purchased the pile of junk back from me and we bought a C320 coupe for my wife and that car has been fantastic. I decided to drive up to the local MB dealership last week to test drive a new ML350. I must say that I came away quite impressed with the new ML. It is a COMPLETELY vehicle! The fact that it couldn't be more different than the old ML is probably a very good thing. I'm not sure how true it is but someone told me that MB didn't use a single one of the same parts it used on the older ML's in this new encarnation. If that's the case, maybe MB finally is admitting that the old ML was simply not up to standards. In any event, I just wanted to say that I was really very impressed with the new ML. In fact, it was only a 350 and really had some power. That said, I'm purchasing a Denali and waiting for a couple of years to see if MB has truly fixed what was a horrible vehicle to own for me. It definitely looks promising, but I simply don't dare purchase the first production year of any newly redesigned auto. Good luck to all the souls braver than I with your new ML's. I'll be checking back for feedback to see if most are pleased with their new ML's.
John from Boston
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
Thanks for the feedback. I actually have driven the ML55 and was very impressed with its power. That said, you couldn't give me an old M-Class for free after the horrendous experience I had owning one. In terms of the quality of GM, as I mentioned in my original posting, I'm not and really never have been one to purchase american automobiles. I have done a lot of research on the Denali and am quite comfortable with the quality of the truck. As for depreciation, I'm not overly concerned about that. I purchased a 2003 model with low miles and every conceivable option, including nav for a very good price. Most of the depreciation occurs when buying new. I learned that when I bought the 2003 ML500 new and my 2004 Lexus LX470 new. I have purchased my last new car and will stick to the slightly used ones
John from Boston
John from Boston
