Anybody change from an E to a new ML?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
2005 E500 AMG pkg
Anybody change from an E to a new ML?
Anybody change from an E to a new ML? I am curious as to your longer-term perception of ride quality and how much you are giving up (stability, body roll in cornering, ride feel over big bumps, road feel/feedback). For example, could I take an ML fast through 90 degree corner and feel confident or scared relative to the E class? I guess you would have to specify if you have airmatic as that would impact it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
I had a 2004 E500, and now have an ML500. The E had Airmatic, my ML does not. To tell you the truth, I never felt that the E had that great handling. In fact, I also felt it had a rough ride in general. But I don't feel that I gave up much making the switch. In fact, I got rid of the problems with the W211 to what seems to be a much more reliable car.
Handling is competent on the ML. You really won't get scared, but it is an SUV. Physics are still in play, and the higher center of gravity will impact the handling. Ride is a little rough, but once again, it is an SUV, so I expect it to be a little rough. I will say that off the line, the ML feels a lot faster than the E, and doesn't feel as weighted down.
I have no regrets making the switch.
Handling is competent on the ML. You really won't get scared, but it is an SUV. Physics are still in play, and the higher center of gravity will impact the handling. Ride is a little rough, but once again, it is an SUV, so I expect it to be a little rough. I will say that off the line, the ML feels a lot faster than the E, and doesn't feel as weighted down.
I have no regrets making the switch.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Hertfordshire, UK
ML 320 CDI
I just picked up my new ML320 CDI last week http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=29978 and sold my W211 E320 CDI. I haven't driven the ML much yet but it feels very solid and suprisingly stable at speed and on the bendy bits.
I just fancied a change and I think I've made the right decision as everyone reckons it's very comfortable and good looking. Bit like me really
I just fancied a change and I think I've made the right decision as everyone reckons it's very comfortable and good looking. Bit like me really
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I have an 05 E 4 Matic in addition to my 06 ML500 airmatic. I feel both ride acceptably well and I would have no qualms taking either thru any normal driving situation at the same speeds. The E definitly has a lower center of gravity but the ML, at least with the airmatic does very well also.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: NJ
ML 350-Black=Sold. New 08 C300 4Matic, Black/Black, P1, Ipod, Auto7speed, 10/10 hit 100,000 miles
I have an 06' ML350 w/airmatic and was surorised one day when a motor cycle ran a stop sign and drove out in front of me. I was driving at about 40MPH when I had to slam on the brakes and jerked my wheel to the left. The ML handled perfectly. No skid marks and no flip over. Thank you MB
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
2011 E-class coupe, 2012 C-class
Hi
I have the E-class and a ML320 CDI, both without the airmatic. Both cars are very comfortable but as alewifebp points out, the ML is a SUV and a much heavier car. I feel that taking corners at high speeds isnt as much fun in the ML as in the E-class, nevertheless ML handles superbly.
I have the E-class and a ML320 CDI, both without the airmatic. Both cars are very comfortable but as alewifebp points out, the ML is a SUV and a much heavier car. I feel that taking corners at high speeds isnt as much fun in the ML as in the E-class, nevertheless ML handles superbly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I have an E class and an ML. I prefer sedans over SUVs. I don't like the seating position in the ML or the ride. I have airmatic on both vehicles.
If given the choice, I would have bought an E500 4matic instead of the ML... but SWMBO likes and drives the ML.
If given the choice, I would have bought an E500 4matic instead of the ML... but SWMBO likes and drives the ML.
