ML55 AMG, ML63 AMG (W163, W164) 1999 - 2011 Two Generations

ML 63 - A Workhorse

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 06:52 PM
  #1  
sl55dude's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
ML 63 - A Workhorse

I just bought a 34' travel trailer to pull behind my GL450.
Weighs about 7100 pounds before gear, about 8000 after.

Long story short, when the travel trailer store tried to wire up the gl450 with a brake control adjustment (to allow for adjustment of how hard the trailer brakes) they completely fried the entire electrical system.

The GL was towed to the MB shop, and I was left stranded with the trailerabout 250 miles from home.

I made a call to my wife who was driving the ML 63 at the time and she came to pick me up. I was going to leave the trailer there, but was a little mad at the guys and wanted to get my trailer home.

Being the daredevil I am, I hooked the trailer up to the ML63.

The ML performed PERFECT in every aspect.

It accelerated with ease (most of the time faster then the other cars on the road)

I tested the brakes a few times and the AMG brakes brought the whole rig to a stop FASTER then I ever expected. I used to own a truck, and it outbraked even a truck with a trailer.

On the road the ML was very stable once it was put in sport mode.

It got about 8.7 MPG, and might have gotten better but I left it in 4th gear to help.

I am actually considering using the ML instead of the GL to tow the trailer because it performed so great.

Just a little information for those owning and considering a ML 63. Enjoy.


Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 07:12 PM
  #2  
BoBcanada's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,ON
AMG
Nice! Isnt it weird to see such a nice truck towing
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 09:35 PM
  #3  
EX-BEEMER's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
Ditto with my boat!!

Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 09:41 PM
  #4  
MidniteBluBenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
540 6spd
What is the factory tow rating for the ML? 8000lbs is a lot of weight. What kind of hitch are you using?
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 09:47 PM
  #5  
sl55dude's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MidniteBluBenz
What is the factory tow rating for the ML? 8000lbs is a lot of weight. What kind of hitch are you using?
The book said 5000 was the max for the ML350 or something (and did not list the AMG model). I assumes that was for an unbraked trailer.

I am using a 2 5/8 ball with a sway bar that zeros the tongue weight.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:57 AM
  #6  
Can Drive 55's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 3
From: Texas
2005 E55
AMG
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 06:55 PM
  #7  
MrBenz55's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Unfortunatly Not A Silver Star
Thats Great to hear, but its a shame that We cant even get a towbar for the ML63 yet in australia !
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2007 | 08:15 AM
  #8  
manunitedfc's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: manchester, uk
jaguar xkr
I'm picking up my new ML63 next week. Have got myself a set of Brabus monoblock V1 wheels (22"), anyone know how this set of wheels are likely to perform?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 29, 2007 | 02:28 PM
  #9  
elijah's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 4
From: EURO Style
Euro Cars Only
Originally Posted by manunitedfc
I'm picking up my new ML63 next week. Have got myself a set of Brabus monoblock V1 wheels (22"), anyone know how this set of wheels are likely to perform?
Whats the weight difference between those and the stock 20'??
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2007 | 04:55 PM
  #10  
AsianML's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Originally Posted by MidniteBluBenz
What is the factory tow rating for the ML? 8000lbs is a lot of weight. What kind of hitch are you using?
I think the books have it listed at 5,000lb. But theoretically (and from this posting) it can tow much more than that. The E53 X5 which was also a unibody chassis was capable of, I believe, 6,000lb. Now you've also got the AMG motor in the ML63 to pull all that weight.

I love it.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2007 | 05:05 PM
  #11  
Blue_Monster's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 1
From: OC, CA
215
Thumbs up

Way to put the Beast to work.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 05:28 AM
  #12  
manunitedfc's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: manchester, uk
jaguar xkr
Originally Posted by elijah
Whats the weight difference between those and the stock 20'??
hav'nt a clue
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 07:02 PM
  #13  
brt3's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
2012 C63 Black Series Coupe
Originally Posted by sl55dude
I just bought a 34' travel trailer to pull behind my GL450. Weighs about 7100 pounds before gear, about 8000 after... Being the daredevil I am, I hooked the trailer up to the ML63.

The ML performed PERFECT in every aspect.
Though I admire anyone who uses these amazing vehicles for everything they are capable of, you may want to fly a little lower under the radar and take some identifying characteristics out of your signature. Sorry if that sounds paranoid, but there are people having warranties "cancelled" by mfrs who figure out the vehicles were used at track events. Given the ease of Googling anything, it might be reasonably easy for a dealer or mfr to find your post and -- given that the trailer weight was in excess of manufacturer's limits -- decline to pay for a brake or transmission claim under warranty. Just a thought...
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2009 | 06:23 PM
  #14  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by EX-BEEMER
Ditto with my boat!!

What hitch is that and did it come from the dealer? My dealer says the ML63 doesn't have a trailer hitch available!
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 12:00 AM
  #15  
EX-BEEMER's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
The hitch and power plug was the factory installed unit. I had to buy the receiver and ball seperatly but that's no big deal.

The hitch was an option in 2007, but may no longer be offered in the '09. (I have Distronic on my '07 but I'm told it's no longer available on the ML)

Good Luck!
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 08:55 AM
  #16  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Dealer wants 2100 installed for the trailer hitch. 3 parts, plus labor..
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 11:11 PM
  #17  
EX-BEEMER's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
WOW!! Talk about robbery! Find a good welder and auto electrician. (remember that your MB dealer will not weld on the hitch himself, he'll sub it out to a welding shop.)
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2009 | 12:26 PM
  #18  
transferred's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 0
From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
Post

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/usa/inde...om/models/ml63

Here's the hitch. It's $530 and IS still available for the ML63. Only a class 3 though..

-Rob
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2009 | 02:05 PM
  #19  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by EX-BEEMER
WOW!! Talk about robbery! Find a good welder and auto electrician. (remember that your MB dealer will not weld on the hitch himself, he'll sub it out to a welding shop.)
Originally Posted by transferred
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/usa/inde...om/models/ml63

Here's the hitch. It's $530 and IS still available for the ML63. Only a class 3 though..

-Rob
Just got off the phone with my original dealer, and NOW they said the truck is not equipped nor capable of carrying a load with a trailer hitch.

Wait...wait.. it gets better. Called another dealer, he says let me look. Yep, there is an updated trailer for that vehicle. 850 for the hitch and I am waiting for a call back from service about cost on installation.

Last edited by ldangeli; Apr 27, 2009 at 02:07 PM.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 06:14 AM
  #20  
kip's Avatar
kip
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
E55
Evo Mag tested the G55 pulling power a few years back and it was incredible.

It was I 8.0 sec to 60 while pulling a trailer with a fiat panda on top of it !!! Quarter mile was15.97.


Stock 0-60 was 5.0 and quarter mile 13.57

Reply
Old May 4, 2009 | 10:51 AM
  #21  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by kip
Evo Mag tested the G55 pulling power a few years back and it was incredible.

It was I 8.0 sec to 60 while pulling a trailer with a fiat panda on top of it !!! Quarter mile was15.97.


Stock 0-60 was 5.0 and quarter mile 13.57


Damn, that is impressive. Well I am on vacation starting tomorrow and plan on getting it installed prior to the end of May. Need it to pull my M up to Devens for another Autox..
Reply
Old May 6, 2009 | 11:22 PM
  #22  
AMG1's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, Chevrolet
I'm amazed that the ML63 can be used to perform such tasks. Not only is it fast but very practical, just another reason why we all love AMGs so much!
Reply
Old May 18, 2009 | 02:28 PM
  #23  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
So getting the trailer hitch this week. Dealer says car is only setup to pull 5K lbs. Online it says the 09 is capable of 7200 lbs. Is it possible there is that much of a discrepancy from 08-09?
Reply
Old May 18, 2009 | 02:56 PM
  #24  
transferred's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 0
From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
Originally Posted by ldangeli
So getting the trailer hitch this week. Dealer says car is only setup to pull 5K lbs. Online it says the 09 is capable of 7200 lbs. Is it possible there is that much of a discrepancy from 08-09?
Dealer will be wrong...as usual...it'll still be 7200lbs

That being said, not really a tow rig so wouldn't do it too often

btw, nice pic of your E92 and Interlagos is THE color...you got the cf roof, 19s, prem audio? good choice sir

-Rob
Reply
Old May 19, 2009 | 01:47 PM
  #25  
ldangeli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by transferred
Dealer will be wrong...as usual...it'll still be 7200lbs

That being said, not really a tow rig so wouldn't do it too often

btw, nice pic of your E92 and Interlagos is THE color...you got the cf roof, 19s, prem audio? good choice sir

-Rob
I was going to use the ML to tow the M3...

I did get the 19's and premium, however the car is being gutted and setup for the track. Already replaced the 19's with 18's and stickies, short shifter, race exhaust, air intake, front CF splitter, rear CF diffuser, waiting for a new static brake setup, CF Trunk with race wing, 5-point harness on the way, seats to be replaced, etc, etc..
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:45 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE