I find that "Big Red" (my 1984 G Wagen) is on the blocks getting fixed more and more. So I am looking to get a used ML for light off roading but mostly on the road use. I have a 300D sedan but the ML would hold more cargo (for my business). I have heard that there are some "not so great" models and years. Knowing nothing about the ML as I am mostly a early 80's diesel kind of guy. Please give me your thoughts on which would be the better model and years to go after? Thanks Chris.
I do not have experience first-hand with the first model but probably have read enough reviews to be representative of what there is to know about the ML line and its history.
I think the first were the closest to the what at that time was the achetype SUV but an improvement on the old paradigm in many notable respects:
- it had no push rod V8, nor a relatively crappy V6 or cast iron block straight 6s,
- the first MLs had a modestly higher compression, precision German-engineered low displacement, long stroke, high torque, V6 coupled to the same transmission and drive train that was and still is used in MB's most prestigeous offerings,
- the first MLs were lighter than the current models (not as much insulation),
- with their introduction brought the first attention to truck safety and performance in the form of better crash protection, ABS brakes and the first SUV with independent suspension.
Even so, the first MLs still were pretty basic, e.g., no options like headlights that come on at night, auto-up windows. I do not think they could have been built much better than they were at that time, but MB gets no breaks and a lot of small things were held against it, e.g., squeaks and rattles, odd sized-tires, more expensive brake pad replacement costs because they wore more quickly (because the German pads are softer and because the ML could be driven like a car but was much heavier).
Non-SUV peoples expectations contributed to a lot of disinformation about the build quality of the vehicle. All models have some problems, and there are always some problem cars in any model line. Overall, however, I think there will be a much higher percentage of '98 MLs on the road in '08 than '98 Jeep Cherokees or Ford Explorers, which were the biggest sellers back then. The more expensive SUVs offerd then would have been either the LC or Jeep's big momma and the ML was far superior to these vehicles, even though you would never have read gripes and rants about them and they would have cost a lot more at that time.
MLs have gotten even better over time as far as more luxury appointments, V8 option, fewer squeaks and because various problems that only become known over time have been addressed, e.g., fuel pump design, p/s clamps, window switches. I think there were about 10,000 changes incorporated into the '00 ML.
The definition of what a SUV is has changed after the RX300 and the many crossovers that followed, so MLs have low US sales numbers now--their product life cycle is nearly over--but, there is still a legacy and value there, no matter what the year. But MLs are a more complex auto and I'd want one that had been maintained well by an original owner that broke it in properly (there's not much to that but the amount of oil consumption will let you know if the owner cared to do what little was required).
And, I wouldn't want one that had been drug all over the outback, even if it is a very competent all road, all condition vehicle that runs well in the Paris to Dakar race every year. I think it may be possible that some people that complain about their MLs probably have beat the crap out of it. They're built well and I rather be in a ML than any other SUV if I was out to hit bumps and dirt berms at 40 mph but I wouldn't want to be the second owner of ML that had been treated like that.
As the original owner of a low mileage 98 I have to agree that it was by far the best choice on the market in 98. Plus, I still enjoy driving it around, especially when I pull up to the pump.
You could try to get an ML270 from overseas into the country... The newest you can afford is always a good idea, there were major changes and quality improvements in 2000 and 2002.
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