My '99 ML320 was killed two weeks ago -- replacing it? - Benzworld.org

digimark · 03-14-2006, 09:12 PM

My baby was killed two weeks ago in a devastating offset head-on collision. I'm healing from the injuries but even now I feel like crying anytime I think about it.

I could never afford to buy a new one as my finances wouldn't allow for it again, but I'm thinking about possibly buying a used one in the next year or two.

I'm up on the various problems people encountered with the '99 model year, but if anyone could offer some advice or experience with having also bought a used 2000 or 2001 ML 320 (when did they switch to ML350?) I'd be glad to hear it.

As painful as it is to show this, if you want to see what a great job the ML320 did to save my life, you'll want to see http://gallery.digimark.net/v/og/accident/ these pictures. I should warn you though that they are not pretty. They were taken within minutes of the crash -- I always carry a camera with me and it helped in this case. The fire trucks and ambulances were still on their way and the people were still stuck in the other car (a Lexus SUV) in the first few pictures. I highly recommend that you carry a camera with you whenever possible, although I hope you won't need it for something like this.

WhyteML · 03-14-2006, 09:20 PM

Damn, it's real ggood that your still alright. If you don't mind me asking, how fast were your going when you guys collided?

Noodles · 03-14-2006, 10:03 PM

OMG those pics tell a horrible story. I am so glad you made it out. Our first ML saved me from serious injuries or worse. I posted my pics in the forums.

What is amazing to me is that the amount of damage done was on a residential street with a low speed limit. So I am also curious as to the speeds involved. Two 4000lb+ vehicles is a massive amount of mometum and energy to dissipate. The clear winner in the pics was the ML. That Lexus/Toyota got it badly.

Glad you are okay. I am sorry about your ML. There are some good deals out there and I would look at something in model year 02 or newer. I think the 350 was out in 04.

willischou · 03-14-2006, 11:30 PM

Hi, Glad you made it. The other truck looks like a Lexus. Hope the driver made it as well. If I were you, I would get a 2002+ ML since you said you will get a used one a year or two from now. Less problem, better looking rear end and interior. If possible, get a ML350, that would be a 2003+

scoobydoo · 03-15-2006, 04:26 AM

And once again the ML proves it is a safe truck. One driver gets out and takes some photos, the others are still trapped in their vehicle...

Anyhow, I'm glad you were able to get out alright.

phoenix44 · 03-15-2006, 05:42 AM

Very nasty! Glad you are o.k. and hope that those in the other suv faired as well.

I am also a little surprised at the amount of damage, but if both of you were doing 30 miles an hour, that is the same as 60mph!

JimB · 03-15-2006, 06:50 AM

deng, that was ugly[:(] at first I said in the neigborhood? the other driver must be using the cellphone he went to your path. glad you are ok. 2 SUV really hate each other. j/k[:)]

kenyee · 03-15-2006, 06:53 AM

Looks like both vehicles did farely well (no cabin intrustion), but that's still a surprising amount of damage for street speeds.
Hope your injuries are just cuts and scratches...

Used MLs don't cost that much, so it wouldn't be hard to find a replacement...

uptown · 03-15-2006, 07:17 AM

wow.. [:0]

Are you going to sell anything off that ML? third row seats by any chance???

ABenzGuy · 03-15-2006, 08:37 AM

Glad to hear you made it through this! Says a lot about the W163! I had a '99 and now own an '03. Love both! Take care.