besides the engine help a newbie ou with the major differences??? is it worth the extra to have the 430??? how bad is the gas mileage compared to the six cyl?? any info would really help!!! happy holidays!!!!

 

I've got a 1999 ML430, and the Gas Mileage runs around 14 around town, and 18 on the Hwy, not bad for an 8 cyl. I had my choice btwn the 6 and the 8 back in 1999, and I'm glad I chose the 8 now, no problem with getting around the slower people on the hwy, and it really sounds so much better with the upgrade for the exhaust, Good Luck, and enjoy no matter which one you buy.<IMG src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0"></P>

 

I still cry for 12-cylinders BMW, but my wife couldn't take the acceleration [X(]
I use 320 for towing 5000+ lb trailers and even on the steepest passes in Sierra never complained about under-power.

 

IRRC, EPA mileage rating is slightly better (1mpg) for the ML430 than for ML320. My 430 does 20 on the road and 17 - 18 around town with careful driving. ML320 is probably slightly underpowered for the weight. ML 430 will cruise all day at 115 mph (where the computer cuts fuel supply), of course with mileage about 15mpg.