The Godfather

Well I'm in the market for an SUV once again. I sold the Lexus LX470 3 months ago,...but I miss it. I'm thinking about buying another one again,b ut this time I'm looking at the ML. A 320 is kinda weak....a 430...whatever...but an AMg, would be sweet So yeah... I don't know.. I wanna spend about $25k. What do you guys think of the ML55? Honestly?

Jakpro1

You ever think of going Escalade??

This one is not half bad...even semi-blingy. Bout 25K



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The Godfather

That's pretty cheapf or an ESV!! But I want a smaller one though. And no black as it will most likely be daily driven. I'd rather have a light color

aintME

Family has two and a 500. No major problems....yet. Could use bigger brakes IMO. It is not as roomy as the lex or caddy. But, it is more fun. the look on peoples faces when you smoke 'em in a truck is priceless.

55fanatic

mike sent you an IM

alboogiee

i have to throw my opinion in this...

i almost bought a ML55, but ended up with the V8 touareg, both are very nice cars, the touareg V8 (2004) was the same price as an equaly optioned (2001-3) ML55 and performance (sort of)

the touarge has alittle more rear room and definatly more cargo room then the ML b/c of the spare tire

i guess i am just biased

below is a compare from www.vehix.com

55fanatic

the toureg has similar performance at highway speeds but that launch of the ML55 from rest isnt comparable

MJ1133

Super gay

vraa

Whatever you do, don't get an X5.
The X5 is almost at the end of it's life cycle and you'll find a big hit in price soon.

MJ1133

What are you doing with yours?

vraa

I didn't say this -- but I want a Cayman.

The Godfather

really no X5? I was thinking about getting one...

vraa

X5 is going to be redone I think year after next. Are you sure you want a car that'll be outstyled soon?

Wait for the redesign and get the X5 4.8is. It's a ****in' wicked car man.

hanniep

If power is what you want and the MB thing ,yes, a ML55 is the one I got mine used for about $31,000 with 31,000 miles on it,...get in a ML55 and feel the launch, then try the rest,...

MJ1133

A Porsche!?!?!?! Have you gone mad!

Militant-Grunt

If you go with an ML55, you'll have something pretty unique, not something you see daily on the streets, on top of that you get awesome luxary, comfort and power. Tho you'll have to slightly deal with the maintenance cost.

55fanatic

here isthe low down...

Comfort, your a big guy like me, you will find the front seats to have ample room for you, and the front seats are very comfortable with a pretty soft leather they are supportive yet still plush, if that makes sense.

Controls, well for something with an $80k original price tag, you would be kinda suprised you get knobs for your heater controls... Everything else is pretty good except cruise control, kinda in a ****ty spot, youll think your hitting your blinker and all of a sudden the car just takes off from setting and accelerating the cruise control.

Standard goodies include power folding mirrors, headlight washers, standard Navi and Xenons. Has auto dimming rear view mirror and drivers side mirror. Comes with 6 Disc changer in the rear hatch area and a cheap *** 18" donut that I am amazed can keep the car off the ground. Now the issue with this is that it is in the hatch area so takes up quite a bit of space. I took mine out and replaced it with a can of fix a flat for a while...

Tunability, not much going for this thing... for a normal priced exhuast your gonna need to have one custom made, as far as easy cheap performance modding... suspension rear springs and shock front shocks and torsion bar. Underdrive pulleys, intake(gruppe M makes one) and ECU tuning other than going major(kleeman etc), then wheels... pretty big wheel wells if you wanted to go ghetto fabulous

Cons- not really spacious in the back seats but I have fit 4 people in there with out issues and as many as 8 other people in it, Spair tire mounted in the hatch, brakes pads are done every 15k miles(depending on your driving a little bit less or a little bit more, not by much) and like all MLs are prone to stupid little annoyances

Pros- Its AMG(only 12,200 are roaming this earth, 8k in this country), launches very hard, in first and second I have kept up with a number of 12sec quarter mile cars, then they leave you behind, it has a low range gear box if you wanted to off road it(you would need to lift it a bit and lose the performance tires), Most years had Red Brake Calipers from the factory, is prone to LESS issues then other W163 MLs and it can beat heavily modded cars, such as black W210 E55s, in web forum calendar competitions

If I missed anything else will one of the other owners fill in

alroumi

Get an ML55 its really nice , Ive driven one and i was impressed with everything compared to my ML320! especially speed and interior quality

SL BRABUS

You a Godfather.........you should be driving G class.......now that gangster.......

King320

ML is ok, but isnt my favorite. I'd go G wagen or Range Rover.

AsianML

How many forums can this kid handle/join?!

SL BRABUS

now that sig....is gay.........lol.....just kidding.......

55fanatic

Guys he said 25K... no Gwagon or X5 worth peeing on is gonna be in that 25 thou range... F range rover... its in the shop more then the benz will be...

For 25K there arent many SUVs out there that will offer pimp status that will be FUN to drive, you ever try high speed maneuvers in and escalade?

BoBcanada

HAD ML55 for 2.5 years i didnt like the brakes and suspension. 4.6 or 4.8 BMW > ML55! It also had some bad interrior noise.

Toog4me

Even more of an incentive to get it. Cheap price.

To me, the X5 is a really sexy SUV. The 4.6 and the 4.8 are amazing, and I'd pick one over the ML anyday.

If your limited at around 25k, go for the X5. If you like the current styling, you won't mind "not having" the new.