Considering a '99 ML430

[OBX884]

My Dad recently came across a '99 ML430 with about 100k miles and is in otherwise good condition. Any issues that we should be aware of with a ML with this number of miles? Are there any other main issues we would have to consider with this car or things we will have to spend money on in the near future?

I am also aware of a number of safety/general updates that happened to the MLs in 99. How would we know if this car was produced after the updates, or were all the 430s made after the changes were made?

[asianml]

Personally I would try to find a post-2002 ML. Many significant changes were made. As well as many safety changes. I beleive the side curtain airbags were put in. the 02+ models look better and are overall better than pre-2002. The '99 I consider a first year model although the '98 was. Since it was a first year model there may be problems with it that they haven't found out, usually happens with first years. IN 2002 the changes were made to improve it.

As for the the ML430 your talking about run a carfax and ask the dealer about it's service history by giving them the VIN they should be able to look it up.

[Darkmann]

At 100K, if the seller is doing it just to upgrade, my take is that most of the problems have been taken care of. I also believe that if the vehicle was problematic, the owner probably wouldn't have kept it this long. I think that high mileage MLs, believe it or not, may actually be the best built ones. Do a CarFax, check the VIN via a MB dealer and if you're comfortable with the maintenance record get it. But make sure to tell the seller that final buying depends on what an independent shop says. Definitely have it checked by an independent shop before signing on the dotted line.

Remember: at 100K, you'll need to have the spark plugs replaced.

Things to check, meanwhile:
Ball joints - they seem to go early
Steering hoses - leaky, there was a Tech Bulletin or recall on this
Coolant hoses - leaks aroung water pump or sheared hoses around radiator interface
Fuel pump - goes bad for no apparent reason
Power Sunroof dust cover - seems to come loose for unknown reasons
Catalytic Converter - there's a recall on that currently
Engine Pulley - just drew a blank here, but one of the drive belt pulleys is currently on recall
Breaks - they do go fast, so check to make sure they're OK
lights - check for condensation

There are lots more things to check and I'm sure others will chime in. But like I said earlier, at 100K, most of these have have probably been taken care of. If you want more info on what to check go to this somewhat over-exaggerated post:
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=88443

Take it all with a grain of salt, lots of it!!!

[asianml]

hey darkmann i'm gonna do my signature like yours ok?

[Darkmann]

hunt you down and bling you ML all over.

[asianml]

ROFL. I was just kidding.