I'm looking to sell my 528 and move in on an early ML. Is one motor prone to more problems then the other? What tpe of options come from the 320 to the 430? Looks like the '98's have unpainted bumpers but 1999+ are painted? What are key areas to look at? I'm looking to keep the price around $15000ish and under 100k miles.

Whatcha think?

 

Our 99 model (bought in Sept 98) has unpainted bumper as well, what I like for easier maintenance and white bumper don't looks too well in my opinion.
Avoid 98 models, since they had poorer quality being starting year.

 

i agree with kajtek... try to avoid 1st year models...
if you don't like the gray bumpers (i personally don't), you can always change them

 

I disagree with kajtek and K1MOTORSPORT,

Just because the '98 was a first year vehicle does not mean it has poor quality.

I have a '98 and it's been one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I have never had all of the problems everyone else complains about. Cup holders falling off, window switches breaking, etc.. etc..

I would say there's more threads on this site for non-'98 MLs than there are for 99 and up.

Keep your options open..... ANY year vehicle can have poor quality.

 

Quality is one point for 98 models. Seems that all years require some luck to get trouble free vehicle.
But in 99 model the manufacturer fixed some known glitches, as well added some upgrades, like standard stabilization control.
They also get rid of so annoying automatic door locks.