aarkaah

All,

Please help. We (wife and I) are looking to purchase an ML this weekend, however, the 2002+ (re-designs) are too expensive and the ML320, ML430 of the earlier years are unstable on corners. Also, I have encountered quite a lot of Web Comments on the reliablity of the earlier year models.

That being said, please give me your opinions on purchasing a CPO 2000 ML55 with 36,000 miles. I own an E55 AMG currently and have dealt with Mercedes Dealership quite a lot in the past. What is your honest take on the 2000 ML55. Lemon or driving pleasure?

Double-A
E55 AMG

Pao Pao

We bought a 2000 ML55 a year ago with 32K miles on it. It now has about 38K miles and no major issues at all to speak of. Rides and performs great.

aarkaah

Pao Pao,

Is yours under warranty?

rbc55

i had a 2001 ml55 for a a little over a year and put 20,000 miles on it,awesome straight line accelleration, horrible handling.also pre 2002 models didn't have auto close function on windows and sunroof ,annoying when you're used to having it especially in a 70,000 dollar vehicle traded it for 2003 x5 4.6,superior vehicle, one of the best ever owned.

Militant-Grunt

Horrible handling? Im sorry, but I think your mistaken. I bought my 2001 Ml55 with 42400 miles on it last saturday. The handling is truly great for an suv. The fact i can take sharp turns at 50/60 mph with practically 0 body roll and keeping a perfect line is truly awesome. If I were you aarkaah, I would go for an 01 over an 00. The 00's were the first production year, and they did not include teleaid, and I believe a few other changes were done in a 01' (correct me if im mistaken) Atm the car is all driving pleasure for me. I love it. Ask 55Fanatic ( Pete ) he will tell you how awesome this car is.

Rbc - The 4.6is from 01 is around 44-47 grand.. They are really expensive. An X5 is also MUCH smaller on the inside, feels cramped. I think the driving position in the ML is better than the X5.. The x5 is more car than suv.. while the ML is a rocket on wheels.

rbc55

the x5 4.6 wasn't made in 2001,not until 2002,maybe horrible was a bit harsh but compared to the x5 it was,also the 4.6is is a dead even race with the ml55 to100mph the 4.6 edges it out until the ml runs out of steam and stability at 130mph the 4.6 continues on effortlessly to 150.

aarkaah

RBC,

Hate to say it but - YOUR RIGHT! I test drove an X5 4.4i yesterday. MB was not even close. Oh crap! did I just type that...

Pao Pao

No, the factory warranty ran out a few months back. The last day I had it under warranty though I had the MB Dealership go through absolutely everything. They didn't find much to do as the car is in great shape and we haven't had any issues with it. I've thought about extended coverage but I'm not sure if the aftermarket coverages are worth it.

Militant-Grunt

What about comfort? The X5 feels really cramped and small on the inside. And the new 04s-05s have really poor quality interiors.

///AMG55

The ML 55 is better hands down over the x5 4.6 even the 4.8 .
You have to remember what suits the driver.
All the comprasion tests that they did against those cars the Mercedes came out on top!!!! In every category. The bmw my feel like a better handler but that’s only because of its two inch bigger rims. The numbers speak for themselves and as for the x5 being some how faster than a 55 that’s complete bull!!! it comes down to displacement -> 5.5 litre to 4.6 . Do your research before you go say something stupid you retard. These cars are SUVS remember people. SPORT UTILITY VECHILE. The ml has the ability go off road I doubt anyone in there right mind would go off roading with 20" or bigger wheels and low profile tires. UNLESS YOU’RE LIKE ME AND YOU HAVE CAYENNE TURBO IN YOUR GARAGE WITH AIR SUSPENSION THEN YOU CAN DO SOME ROCK CRAWLING. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! LOVE IT!!!
I'll KILL ALL YOU ON ANY TERRIAN!!!!
I drive-
01' ML 55 AMG 420hp
05' Cayenne Turbo 500 hp

rbc55

i don't need to do research, i've owned both the ml55 and the x5 4.6,that gives me a little more insight into the comparison than someone who hasn't,as for your retard comments,you would sound a lot more credible if you learned to express yourself in a more mature and intelligent manner instead of throwing insults and trying to impose your beliefs as facts.

55fanatic

I have had no issues with power, handling or stability taking my ML up to the 147 mark... it never once seemed like a feet it couldnt handle. Having only done that speed once before in my Supra, it was quite the nervous rush doing it and Ill admit it wasnt quite as sturdy but that is a sportscar vs SUV. Not sure on the 4.8s capability but you are right the 4.6 vs 55 are almost a dead heat... 0-60 ML has the advantage in the quarter the 4.6 has the advantage both by tenths of a second. I find the ML has more room up front than the X5 butthe X5 has a larger back seat. Not sure how the spare is mounted in the X5 I think its built in to a floor holder for it... the ML55 has a spare in the cabin which eats up a lot of storage space... That is my unbiased, even as a 55 owner, opinion of the two cars... also the ML does have a low end transfer case where the X5 does not, ML55s are designed with the ability to do "light off roading"