[carlosamg]

Hi guys i am new to the ML site although i have been a user on the 208 & 129 sites. I am currently looking to buy a used ML and have been trying to decide what model to choose from. My problem is that i love the ML55 look but a true 55 is alittle out of my current price range, i am therefore considering either a 320 or a 430. Is there much performance differenec between the 320 & the 430 ?. I do like that extra bit of power if it was available.
As i said though i think the AMG styling of the ML55 is trully amazing and am really wondering if it is cost effective to get a standard ML and add the styling pack to it.
I have 3 cars in mind at the moment :-
1. 2000 ML430 in silver with full lux spec + bose etc £9,995.
2. 2001 ML430 in green black with AMG stling pack, lux spec, bose etc £12,995
3. 2000 ML55 in silver £13,995

The first car is right price wise but the other 2 look far nicer, will it end up costing me the same money as the other 2 cars to put the AMG styling inc bonnet (hood) onto car 1 ?. I am in the UK so parts are not all that readilly available unless i use the MB dealer.

Is the ML55 so much better that it is simply worth paying the extra for one ?

Any comments are welcome.

Carl

 

[gwwaterman]

Get any one

If you really like the 55 - go for it. Yeah it's more, but the AMG thing is pretty cool. They are more like hand-built engines. The others are just business as usual.

I have the ML430 ****** which for 2001 had the AMG look, but with a single AMG tail pipe and 17" wheels (in stead of the 55 18's). I do love the V8 and if I were going for used, I'd go for a ML55 if one could be found that was treated well and all the problems were followed through.

Others here will likely suggest you go 2002 or newer, which just means more money from you. I'd stay away from the 1st couple years myself for sure. Even though mine has had its share of issues, MB has made good on all of them, and a used car with 30-40K should have gone through all the more common issues already.

 

[carlosamg]

Hi i went for the 55, like you say its a really cool car and should be so much better than a normal car. It would be stupid to buy a standard car then spend a lot of money with AMG extras.

I am now a little worried by the fact that its an early one !. What do you mean when you say "you would stay away from the early ones" ?. Are they prone to problems ?. Theres no way i can afford a 2002 ML55 it would be another £7-10k over here. The one i have gone for has full documented MB history so i was assuming that any problems would have been sorted out by now. The car is a 2000 year by the way.

If anybody knows of some things i should definately check when i collect i please let me know !!!!!!

Thanks

Carl

 

[gwwaterman]

ML55 Problems

Early - I meant 98 - 99. 2000 they started to get their act together, but there are still plenty of things to look out for. This is the right place to find out about them too. Use the search feature to find specific things related to your model. Good luck and welcome.

 

[Kajtek1]

After our ML320 got total, I decided to buy ML55. It is not, that I need the power. I've been using 320 for towing 5000 lb trailers and never had inadequate power.
It is snobism to have 347 HP, when it takes slightly over 10 hp to push the car at 55 MPH. But I enjoy it.
BTW I've found ML really good value (if you are lucky enough to avoid lemon models). They sell about 20% below Blue Book. Good for buyers, bad for sellers.