[ccweems]

The new ML looks great, big increase in hp over mine but it has far less cargo room than the 163 and no third row seats. To get full leather it takes an option package and an upgrade on top of that. Transfer case (not that I ever really used it) another option to be detailed later.

If I had to replace it with close to the same it would be Nissan Pathfinder. Body on frame, third row seats, transfer case... Scary, I know but look at the specs. Prices are scary too. Equipped the same (w/ nav), delivered its about $8000 less than I paid in Nov. of '99. Now that I think about it, my ML is looking better and better...

 

[pize98]

I spoke to one of my local Mercedes dealers they did say that the new ML is going to be expensive.

 

[schneideris]

cargo space ...

I just came back from a ski trip for three days in the mountains and was thinking, once again, that the cargo space was a little tight. To hear that the new unit is even less is not good.

We have the optional 3rd row in ours and that is another item that we like.

I have to admit that I too have looked at the new Pathfinder but I will wait to see what the quality and other statistics (safety is a big one for me) turn out.

 

[00 ML430 Bulldog]

RE: cargo space ...

schneideris - 2/28/2005 7:48 PM

I just came back from a ski trip for three days in the mountains and was thinking, once again, that the cargo space was a little tight. To hear that the new unit is even less is not good.

We have the optional 3rd row in ours and that is another item that we like.

I have to admit that I too have looked at the new Pathfinder but I will wait to see what the quality and other statistics (safety is a big one for me) turn out.

I have the same concerns about the W164.. I looked into the Armada but I hear they have alot of issues to work out... and I do not like the the look of the mid section.... I am looking into a 2005 Lincoln Navigator

 

[schneideris]

RE: cargo space ...

I do remember hearing that MB was going to have a extended length version of the ML. Might be worth waiting to see.

 

[Benza]

The W164 is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider with 72.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
The W163 has 81.2 cubic feet of cargo room

 

[schneideris]

so, where is all that extra length ...

Sounds to me like there is extra leg room in the second row. All 5.9 inches though is not likely to be added to just the second row leg room.

 

[Benza]

RE: so, where is all that extra length ...

schneideris - 2/28/2005 11:03 PM

Sounds to me like there is extra leg room in the second row. All 5.9 inches though is not likely to be added to just the second row leg room.

MB added 2 inches of front leg room and 1.4/1.3 inches of rear leg room

 

[RickT]

Benza - 2/28/2005 10:29 PM

The W164 is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider with 72.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
The W163 has 81.2 cubic feet of cargo room

By comparison, the new W164 has very similar dimensions to the Volvo XC 90, which was able to include 3rd row, fold flat seats, and 91 cubic feet of cargo room.

I like the W164, but so far I don't see the breakthrough design that the W163 seemed to be when it was introduced in 1997.

 

[ccweems]

RE: so, where is all that extra length ...

Don't know about you folks but I never got complaints from 2nd row occupants with the seat in the rear position and only minor whimpers with it forward. The loss of 10 cu ft of cargo is big. The 163 was a TARDIS when introduced. The 164 sounds like a breakthrough from GM.

Don't get the Navigator. Horrible residuals. You can own / lease a Land Cruizer for the same money (I didn't say purchase - own).