thinking about a ML55 what to look for
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
thinking about a ML55 what to look for
I've been eyeing some ML55 lately.
mostly they are higher mileage about 75-110K miles. 2000 or 2001 MY
Am I stepping into a nightmare or are they pretty reliable cars.
They are usually cars from a dealer so I'm dont think there is service history on them.
are all ML55 equipped with NAV?
why are some brake black and some red?
Advice would be deeply appreciated. TIA
mostly they are higher mileage about 75-110K miles. 2000 or 2001 MY
Am I stepping into a nightmare or are they pretty reliable cars.
They are usually cars from a dealer so I'm dont think there is service history on them.
are all ML55 equipped with NAV?
why are some brake black and some red?
Advice would be deeply appreciated. TIA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
Everest green ML55's had black calipers, all the rest had red, and yes, they all come fully loaded. I'd go with an '02+ though. We have an '03 ML55, and the biggest problem with it is all of the creaking and rattling of the interior. We've taken it in 3 times for a loud engine rattle on cold start up, and it goes through brake pads and rotors like no other, although that could be from the heavy rims we have on it. Other than that, it's been a good car,no major problems, although it definitely does not feel or act like a $65k Mercedes should.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 784
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From: Ga.
All of them!
I've serviced my 01 ML55 like a older Benz instead of the newer don't hardly maintain style suggested by M.B. and as a result other than maintenance I've had a few problems only in 114K. miles.
The battery, the side seat trim panels, the a pillar trim covers, the cats and the front window switch crapped out. i just had a brake light switch go bad. About on par woth my 2000 F150 pickup.
This list pales in comparison to my 500E or 300E's which were still better than my wifes old 90 Maxima or or My Jaguar.
I'll keep the ML55, Thank you.
Rich
The battery, the side seat trim panels, the a pillar trim covers, the cats and the front window switch crapped out. i just had a brake light switch go bad. About on par woth my 2000 F150 pickup.
This list pales in comparison to my 500E or 300E's which were still better than my wifes old 90 Maxima or or My Jaguar.
I'll keep the ML55, Thank you.
Rich
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
My concern for reliability is that did you call road side assistance? Did the ML leave you stuck somewhere?
I understand that ML55 is heavy wear on brakes and rotors. That's not a problem for me.. I'm a DIY guy that can handle brakes and usual jobs that doesn't require a lift. broken switch and little trims are expected of a used car.
I understand that ML55 is heavy wear on brakes and rotors. That's not a problem for me.. I'm a DIY guy that can handle brakes and usual jobs that doesn't require a lift. broken switch and little trims are expected of a used car.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: Cali
ML 63
our 01 55 has been nothing but trouble. Its used as a daily driver going to and from work... 5 miles each way and only has 59K miles... so its had a pretty easy life.
It has a ton a squeaks and rattles... got a new tranny, new heads on one cylinder bank, all sorts of interior issues, and now it feels like the the shocks are totally shot but they were just replaced under warranty (dealer can't figure it out)....
so to make a long story short... ML63 will be here in 3 weeks... and good ridance.
It has a ton a squeaks and rattles... got a new tranny, new heads on one cylinder bank, all sorts of interior issues, and now it feels like the the shocks are totally shot but they were just replaced under warranty (dealer can't figure it out)....
so to make a long story short... ML63 will be here in 3 weeks... and good ridance.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From: Guelph, Ont. CA.
2014 ML350 BlueTec.
Hey "F".......
I've been eyeing some ML55 lately.
mostly they are higher mileage about 75-110K miles. 2000 or 2001 MY
Am I stepping into a nightmare or are they pretty reliable cars.
They are usually cars from a dealer so I'm dont think there is service history on them.
are all ML55 equipped with NAV?
why are some brake black and some red?
Advice would be deeply appreciated. TIA
mostly they are higher mileage about 75-110K miles. 2000 or 2001 MY
Am I stepping into a nightmare or are they pretty reliable cars.
They are usually cars from a dealer so I'm dont think there is service history on them.
are all ML55 equipped with NAV?
why are some brake black and some red?
Advice would be deeply appreciated. TIA
Last edited by C-rod; Nov 24, 2006 at 05:36 AM.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
Test drove a 2000 ML55 today. 82000K miles This is the first one I test drove in 55 trim. drove a 2005 ML350 before as loaner. so here is my observation. Please tell me if it is normal.
Rattles. There seem to be a bunch of rattles in the rear area.. Some at the dash.
Brakes. It is a little weak. I suspect it need a brake job. Rotors looks a bit grooved.
Ride. bumpy.
Power. Good! More power than my S430. but in a rougher way.
All electronics works.
One fender flare is gapping in the from near the front bumper. No sign of bumper damage.
Should I move on and look for another?
ML is way different from a S-class in terms of feel and quality.
Rattles. There seem to be a bunch of rattles in the rear area.. Some at the dash.
Brakes. It is a little weak. I suspect it need a brake job. Rotors looks a bit grooved.
Ride. bumpy.
Power. Good! More power than my S430. but in a rougher way.
All electronics works.
One fender flare is gapping in the from near the front bumper. No sign of bumper damage.
Should I move on and look for another?
ML is way different from a S-class in terms of feel and quality.
Last edited by fkong777; Dec 19, 2006 at 10:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
Test drove my second ML55 tonight. It is almost the same yr and mileage. 2000 with 85K miles on it.
This one was way different. everything was tighter. no rattle in the dash area. There was some rattle in the rear but I think it is coming from the panels that attached to the rear seats and loose items in the Jack / tool compartment.
Engine was more quiet. seem faster.
Brakes seem to be in better condition - no groove rotors. also RED brakes..
Tires is in good condition plenty life left in it.
No leaks of any kind.
I think I'm buying this grocery getter.
This one was way different. everything was tighter. no rattle in the dash area. There was some rattle in the rear but I think it is coming from the panels that attached to the rear seats and loose items in the Jack / tool compartment.
Engine was more quiet. seem faster.
Brakes seem to be in better condition - no groove rotors. also RED brakes..
Tires is in good condition plenty life left in it.
No leaks of any kind.
I think I'm buying this grocery getter.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
Just joined the club. I bought the second ML55 I drove. chassis and interior is tight. Engine is smooth and shifts great. Black / Black with red brakes. No Chrome wheels which is what I want.
Funny.. getting some envious stares by other SUV drivers.
Couple of minor things need fixing. one of the rear head rest wont come down and I need the privacy roll cover for the rear compartment.
Funny.. getting some envious stares by other SUV drivers.
Couple of minor things need fixing. one of the rear head rest wont come down and I need the privacy roll cover for the rear compartment.
Last edited by fkong777; Dec 23, 2006 at 03:55 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Just joined the club. I bought the second ML55 I drove. it is chassis and interior is tight. Engine is smooth and shifts great. Black / Black with red brakes. No Chrome wheels which is what I want.
Funny.. getting some envious stares by other SUV drivers.
Couple of minor things need fixing. one of the rear head rest wont come down and I need the privacy roll cover for the rear compartment.
Funny.. getting some envious stares by other SUV drivers.
Couple of minor things need fixing. one of the rear head rest wont come down and I need the privacy roll cover for the rear compartment.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 687
Likes: 26
From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
Its a 2000 Ml55 black on black with red Brakes 85000 miles. I think all black ML55 come with red brakes tho. I think I paid a little more to save money in the long run. Brakes and Tires on this Truck was in good condition. That easily saves me $1000 or so. I PM'ed you my price.
Last edited by fkong777; Dec 24, 2006 at 12:22 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
could you PM me your price? Im thinking of selling my ML and mine is a 2000. While I have significantly more mileage then yours I would like to get an idea of pricing...
Dave you starting to shop for a 55?
Dave you starting to shop for a 55?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,744
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From: New York City
95 Audi urS6 Quattro
Ours is at 70k right some, heard a loud bang from the rear wheel. something went out I think its the wheel bearing due to the immense grinding noise.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I have an '01 55, and in the last year, I had a window regulator and the CPS changed. It never left me stranded, though I did have wait once for 20 min. for the CPS to get it's **** together. Not much at all in the area of squeaks or rattles. Consider the fact that you probably pay less for it than a loaded Subaru, I think it is fantastic. No worries about getting another one. It did help that I knew the previous owner, and he was **** about maintaining it
