02 ML drive/pictures - Benzworld.org

08-29-2001, 10:06 AM

Finally got to take an 02 ML320 for the morning today. I took numerous pictures that I will post on the web later tonight after I get home. 
 
 
Some opinions I have and as they were a few days ago when I posted a are: 
 
 
1. New looks on the exterior to me are a vast improvement over the previous models looks. It is much more aggressive looking. 
 
 
2. The a/c controls are very nice and cool looking. Cooling an ML is now easier for the rear passengers as well the front passengers. Some folks were concerned about the new knobs not being large enough to grab with gloves on but this is not the case. There is plenty to grab on to and turn the dial. 
 
 
3. New speakers upfront do add a much better sound to the Bose system. 
 
 
4. New black background on MCS screen seems easier to read and maybe a little more elegant looking? 
 
 
5. Larger drink holder in the center console will definitely get used by us. I'm glad MB made this right. 
 
 
6. First aid kit is now in the rear door compartment. When you open the door you can reach up and flip down the cover to see it. 
 
 
I'll have the pictures up tonight with a link to them posted here for all to enjoy. 
 
 
Jack 
 
 
PS A few quirks I noticed is the fog lights do not come on if the main headlights are turned off and then back on. You have to push the button again to turn them on. Also, the recycle button on the new a/c controls resets after the ignition has been turned off. This is a feature I've noticed a lot of manufacturers doing lately. Here in the South where we use the recycle all the time its a little annoying to turn it on each time. But I can live with it. 
 
 
The new ML is really great looking and I can't wait to get ours.

08-29-2001, 03:09 PM

I don't own a M-class, but have started shopping for one. The dealer offered a pretty hefty discount on the 2001 ML430, but I think I'm going with the 2002 ML320 (for about $3k less). 
 
Seemed to me that the interior was vastly improved from 2001, but then again, I spent all of five minutes in both cars. Was I correct? 
 
Also - any noticeable driving differences? The 2002 ML320 comes with different tires than the 2001, correct? 
 
Thanks for the update! 
 
-John

08-29-2001, 04:31 PM

Hope you enjoy the pictures be sure to leave a message in the guest book. 
 
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1141116&a=13694094&f=0

08-29-2001, 06:20 PM

08-30-2001, 01:14 AM

08-30-2001, 03:50 AM

Are there now 3 cupholders in the front - the original two on the outer edges of the dash and that new one in the console? It is just one in the console, correct? That's what it looks like in the pictures. 
 
The cupholders have become a bigger deal to us than we thought they'd be when we bought our '98, since we're always going to or from a sports activity, taking those personal-sized Gatorade bottles with us, which don't fit in the older cupholders. 
 
I really like the new ML. Maybe I should start scheming to get approval from 'the boss' for an upgrade. Thanks for posting the pictures.

08-30-2001, 04:24 AM

Yes there are the original two outer cupholders and now the new one slot 32oz cupholder in the center. The first picture shows the ring for larger bottles up and the 2nd picture shows the ring in place for smaller bottles. 
 
The picture is the ring down for smaller bottles.

08-30-2001, 04:58 AM