Hello all. I am the proud owner of a high mileage 1998 E320. My wife's 1997 Honda CR-V is nearing the end of it's useful life and I'm on the hunt for an ML to surprise her with. The CR-V has been great but at 200K on the clock, I would rather have her in something with a tad bit fewer miles if you know what I'm saying. With any luck I expect to get about $3500+ for her ride which has been very well maintained. That would be a wonderful down payment on a nice used ML...

Anyway, I am loosely familiar with the ML class. I don't need AMG or anything newer than 2005. (Last year of the GEN 1 body style). I can go with either a V6 or aV8. ML320, ML350, ML430 or even ML500 are all candidates at this point. I do need your help though.

What are the best years for the ML320, 350, 430 or 500 ? Are there some engines/ years that I want to avoid? I have heard that earlier modelshad quality issues. Would something like a 2003 ML430 be better than a 2001 ML320? Are the V8 generally regarded as better engines than the V6s? Any and all advice would be welcome. I would also be glad to answer any qualifiying questions if you require more info from me. Thanks in advance for your help. [8D]

 

Does she drive a lot? If so I would go with the ML320. Im kinda in the same boat as you becasue our winter SUV is about getting ready to die and Im looking at either a 4MATIC SUV or E CLass wagon or sedan. Im not sure at all. I have seen the 2005 for about $15,000. A doctor in my neighborhood has an 05 with about 20,000 miles on it. He said he likes it and its been good.(Better then his BMW).

http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mer...p;distance=any


http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mer...p;distance=any

Happy Holidays to her

 

C280, thanks for the input. I'm afraid that the boss only wants a SUV. I'd be happy with a W210 wagon in the driveway but she just doesn't get it. Maybe my next ride will be a wagon. They are so versatile. Anyway, I'm continuing to collect tons of data on year/model perference. In January, I'm going to hit it really hard and start dialing in my search for the next star to grace my driveway. Thanks again.

 

Scuddog, you as a professional mechanic should not be afraid of these machines?! There is a few places to get OEM parts a lot cheaper then dealer and in my opinion, 99,00 and 01 are less problematic then the newer MLs. You, as a proud owner of same 320 engine should know how much trouble you had to get it to 173K miles and I think you could double it with proper maintenance. Check trasmission fluid in ML you would like to buy, pull all code history with OBDII scanerand take the VIN to closest dealer to print out master inquiry sheet with all previeus repairs and service records. Good luck and Merry Christmas, Bernard

 

Bernard, thanks for the compliments but I am afraid that I'm not a professional mechanic. I do work on my cars but only at the amateur level. Again, thanks for the compliments. I will take your advice to heart. Thanks for the OBDII code check. It could prove invaluable. When I checked the service history on my E320, the printout was 4 pages long. Amazing! I think that most of the electrical stuff was repaired before I bought the car. Smooth sailing ever since. Thanks again.[8D]