klenbore

A few questions for all you fellows/gals that owned a 1st generation W163 before the new W164. Do you feel there was a significant improvement over the old model. I had a 2000 ML320 that Mercedes Benz should have been ashamed to put a 3-pointed star on. It was one thing after another with it. I had four MB sedans before the ML so I know quality I had come to expect, unfortunately the ML fell well short.
I also had a 2003 ML500 that I dumped the 320 on. I had reservations but was persuaded by better half that she wanted another SUV. This one was quite a bit better than the first but it was still plagued by some of the same old problems and the gas mileage was horrendous.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I traded the ML500 in on a 2004 E500 4matic. It’s been a great car and trouble free, only a couple of minor issues. But once again "we" want a SUV. Any opinions, good/bad, on the new W164 ML would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks......Bill

sosh

I had 2 W163's , a 98 320 and an 02 500. I now have an 06 ML500. No question about it, its the best of the lot and as good in most aspects as my 05 E320 4M or the 01 E320 that preceeded the 05. My 06 ML500 has been flawless and the comfort, ride and handling are excellent and superior to the W163. Get one, you will also see that there is no comparison.

deaguero

I had a W163 98" (first year) ML320. It was like a truck! I can imagine it would be like a F250 ford AWD! It for the most part was trouble free and We sold it and bought a 2006 Black/Black W164 ML350. WOW! what a difference! The W164 rides like a dream, and has been trouble free for the six months That I have had it now!
Test drive one and you will be convinced!!!

philtome

I agree with sosh and deaguero, the new is much better then the old. It is like night and day the differences between them, MB got it right this time. Our 06 is about a year old, 16k miles, not a single issue. The ride and performance cannot even compare to our E500 4matic, but is still much better then the old ML.

klenbore

Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences about the new ML. I will be test driving one this weekend or next.

AutoSaurus

I owned an '02 and now have a '06 350 and I agree 100% that it is like night and day. Do yourself and favor and at least test drive one before making a final decision. That is all it will take, I assure you.