Hi,

We currently have a 2002 ML 320 and we are looking at a 2003 ML 55 AMG. The 320 has 101000 miles and the 55 amg has 99500 miles. The 320 we have never has had problems and it has been a great car. The ML 55 has had 1 owner. If we trade in our 320 we would have to pay 8500 for the 55 AMG. Should we do it? How much more does it cost for parts then the 320? thanks for your help. For people who have had a 02 or 03 AMG what are you experiences?

MB 4 life

 

No, dont do it unless you have a lot of money for repairs on the AMG. The vehicle is very expensive to repair, and most likely has had a hard life since it is an AMG; it was made to be driven hard, and most likely was. With 100k on it, you are asking for problems.

 

My exact thoughts. A family member has a W163 ML270 and repairs are quite frequent and pricey. I could only imagine what you would go through with a used ML55 with that many miles. IMO you could do better

 

Doesn't necessarily follow the AMG was thrashed. Has considerably more power and torque than the 320 so would have delivered rapid performance with less stress. Even on the highway I rarely need to exceed 3500 rpm to dispose of virtually everything on the roads. In a 320 I would be running higher revs and stressing the vehicle more. I say, get an expert to have a look at both vehicles. Road test them and make up your mind. The AMG will cost significantly more to maintain but will entertain more with more power, more aggressive looks and the signature AMG rumble.
Brgds

 

If you can sell your car for a fair price I'd do it and then try to buy the ML55 outright. Market price should be well under $10k so $8500 plus your ML doesn't compute to me.
I don't know about maintenance issues. I've had my ML55 for several years now and it's just ticked over 100k. Solid as could be. The only major item I've replaced is the water pump. With all the space up front that was an easy job other than all the stupid bolts holding it in!
My wife loves it and tells me to sell the E55!

 

I have a 2000 ML55 with 87,500 on it. We bought ours in 2007 with 54000 on it and never had any problems... until last year. The power window switch went first (normal) when I was in Oregon. (of course). Next, the A/C went in June 2010 in Phoenix. (of course). I am pretty good at working on cars and changed the complete system (compressor, expansion valve, receiver drier, condenser, and all the o-rings. I also added the aux fans from an ml320 to the front and this all cost about 500 dollars. Next, the brake light switch went (normal). Three months later, the brake light switch broke again. I changed it on a Tuesday and two days later, I got the dreaded P0715 code with the accompanying CEL light. So I replaced the electric board and connector in the trans and had to drive the vehicle in second gear (limp mode) to a shop to reset the etc code. Because I also did this work all myself it cost me 450 dollars including code reset. During the reset, the mechanic found a c1000 code. This is the esp control board, which is a specific P/N 1635454432 to the 55.. Cost, 2000. I found the correct one in Sweden for 400 but will have to get the esp computer reprogrammed upon install. The left motor mount is also broken providing the notorious 'clunk' that ML's are also famous for. I plan to tackle that project tomorrow... I also changed the crank position sensor (normal), the power steering reservoir o-ring (normal), the MAF sensor, the spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, coolant, transfer case fluid, front and rear axle fluid, all four rotors and brake pads, tires, rocker arm cover gaskets, washer fluid reservoir and the front windshield. So the first three years were carefree and the last year has been pricey (mainly for parts). All of these repairs I have done at home saved me THOUSANDS of dealer (stealer) dollars. I drive the vehicle very conservatively and cannot believe the amount of service it has needed. I have owned Ford's, Mopar's, Pontiac's, Toyota's, and Nissan's and never had to shell out so much cash for maintenance on such a low mileage vehicle. Since you are buying a 2003 model, you may get lucky for awhile, but you will eventually experience all the classic ML 'problems' and more even if you keep your 320. I would save the 8500 for upcoming repairs on the 320... you're gonna need it my friend. Good luck.