...I'm looking at buying my wife one of these with between 30k to 45k miles on it but looked on consumer reports and it's pretty ugly. I figured I'd check in here to see what you all think, are they pretty reliable? How much do you guys like yours? Anything I should know about them? What kind of fuel mileage are you getting? Thanks!!

-Sly

 

I have a 2002 ML500. Mine had 46000 when purchased in 2004, now has 57000. I have had no problems with mine. As far as mileage has varied from 13 to 19 mpg depending on driving habits and road and load conditions. Very tight and solid with no rattles and interior fit and finish good. Have has several family members state they were surprised by the ride quality was great and how road noise was very quite. I have driven a 2005 ML didnt care for it at all. Ride quality and road noise below that of 2002.

 

We bought our 2002 ML 500 2 years ago. We had some minor issues. CPU fan, brakes suck,radiator overflow tank had a hole,glovebox latch broke,small rust spots in paint.

Long story is, its a safe reliable vehicle that has lots of benefits. All vehicles have issues, at least no big ones have shown up yet. The brakes I solved myself. I buy my own brake parts and have them installed by a brake installer in my town.275 total per axel vs 790.00 at the Mecedes shop.

We just returned from a trip to South carolina from Rhode Island. 4 people, loads of luggage. 21.7 mpg at 85 plus MPH. No suspension sag, great ride. I was laughing at the Rav4's and other small SUV's loaded the same way, but dragging thier bumpers from the weight.My wife and kids safety is worth the extra money I may pay in the long run.

Good Luck with your choice.

 

Thanks for the responses. I just wanted to make sure there were no major problems with them, tranny or engine issues etc. I'm mechanically inclined, I build a 1000hp WS6 in the past but I don't really want to have to be under the hood every day fixing something. Sounds like it's only minor things, I can live with that. The fuel mileage is way better than I would have expected. Thanks again!

-Sly

 

I have an 02 ML500 with just under 94,000 on it, and I am having all sorts of problems. Many, many electrical problems, a few mecanical. I am getting random rust spots on the door panels. I really hope to sell it soon and get into a few year old CL or S. That being said, if you get a low mile ML, it is still a great car. Just expect problems in another 30 or 40k miles.