I have had older MBs (190E, E320) and have been very satisfied with them.
I am now looking at buying a used ML and would be intersted in any suggestions
as to getting a better model year, as well as engine size.
This would be a daily driver, goal is for a decent ride and reliability.
Any suggestions much appreciated!
to use it as a daily driver.. hmmh you must be prepared with gas efficiency. but so far my w136 has had no issues what so ever and drive it everyday. it's such a fun car for me to drive.
reliability though is in question with other owners so if u do choose to get one, hope you're lucky
As I see it, the more technically complicated cars get, the higher the likelihood that something will malfunction. That being said, if you find a well-maintained ML and continue maintaining it, you should not have any major problems, just maybe the occasional annoyance, maybe. Of course, it's your choice.
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2000 ML430
K&N air filter - Ate brakes - chrome grille, tailgate latch, logo on rims, instrument cluster rings - projector style lights w/xenon bulbs - white LED lights on licence plate - handpainted pinstripe - designo Java Shift Surround
if you are gonna use it as a daily driver get a v6, preferably a 320 or 350 around 2002+. make sure that it was well taken care of mechanically and that the service papers are in order.
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1999 ML430: Valentine V1 3.86 - W164 grill, 2005 head lights - chrome trunk lid - chrome head light trim -
chrome door handles - trunk antenna - OEM nerf bars - bull bar - fog lights - tail light chrome guard - 152,945 miles
I don't know how much I can add as I just got mine a little over a month ago. I've taken it on two road trips this past week and it's a great truck! Had to go through some bad weather on the way back to DC this evening and it drove like a champ! So far, so good!
ML's are fun to drive, but the reliability is not there. If you are truely looking for reliability, do your honest research and review the various available industry reports over the last 9 years on ML's.
I had two ML's, a 2001 and currently a 2005, both with terrible repair records that have cost me several thousands of dollars in repairs.. $10,000+. I am the last among my friends to still own one of this ML's and I am sure paying the price on the lack of reliability. Browse all the Mercedes forums and review the various available industry reliabilty reports/surveys from various companies..
Mercedes repairs can easily cost you a couple of thousand dollars for each repair, and there is no guarantee that the problem is really fixed or that can be fixed because of the poor design and bad quality of the parts. i.e. Power steering pumps, power steering racks, CPS, transmission solenoids, gear and transmission controller problems, AAMS, ECU, trip computers (control towing sensors, etc), sensors, iginition coils, bad failing keys ($3000.00 after your keys fail 8 times so before buying an Ml check how many keys are left before you have to pay $3000.00+), etc. Not to add bad Mercedes repair dealers, expensive parts, etc...
Never buy an ML without a warranty or extended warranty that will cover the number of years and mileage you plan to own it.. Old Mercedes vehicles, early 1990's and before, were good solid vehicles.. Post 1995's, or so, Mercedes are really a sad story on overall reliability...
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2005 ML 500
Black, 18" AMG Wheels, 285/60R18 Falken Ziex ST/Z + Bi-Xenons(+ Drew's e-code mod), Yakima roof bars. Former vehicle 2001 ML 320 with 108K miles, when traded, and a large repair/defect history.
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