Looking at an ML 320, opinions?
 

So, I can get a pretty good deal on an '02 ML 320 w/ around 60k, but I have to act somewhat fast. What is everyone's opinion of them? Have those who have owned one found glaring problems, or things I should watch out for? I'm not overly concerned about maitenence (other than the cost of parts!) because I work in a shop, so I've got a pretty good handle on that. What does everyone think?

I have heard that first gen ML doesn't have great build quaility.

Do not blame me if you are a current ML owner guys...

Have you driven one? If not, you should definitely test drive first. They are horrible to drive; a true boat in every sense of the word

dude they r SUVs after all, so it's gonna be like a boat when u drive it.

to answer the OP. my family had a 00 ML430, it was the first gen ML, and if i were to buy again, i'd choose an X5 over the ML. as someone mentioned, the first gen ML has a very very poor build quality. everything feels cheap being a benz. i had the 430 and the V8 desnt cut it at all. i can't imagine the V6 version. and if i remember, there were quite a few recalls on safety issues and things breaking down. oh and when things break, it costs an arm and leg to replace.

not true, some of the newer crossover SUV handles pretty good. But i guess they are not true SUV as you sacrifice alot of space and it still guzzles gas.

I know quite a few aunties that have the first gen ML and they were full of problems. like what Renesis said, go for the X5

CUVs are as u said crossovers, they're made to be sporty.

My buddy had one a couple years back and everytime i rode it in it never felt like i was in a mercedes. Things would be broken in the interior, and it never felt like it had enough power imo.

gutless, stay away. lots of problem = summary


friend had a 01 ML430, and it was weak. so i cant imagine wat it would be like for the v6. Relative had a ML430 05 and had multiple electronic problems, sold it afterwards.



X5 4.4 ftw

say no to ML, worst SUV ever made back then. resale value is low. MB always had some used ones in their lot.

My frnd's ML320's rear door was rubbing against the front door whenever he opened it, and it was a brand new car. MB wouldn't take it back and give a full refund.

My parents ML430 had lots of electric issues.

It definately not a Honda. But keep in mind they're getting up there in age now.

If you plan on properly maintaining it, the truck is decent. Engine goes strong. Only issues you tend to have on the ML and most euro's is the small electrical components.

It's not insanely fast, not the best on gas, but is still alright for what it is. An X5 definately has more of the sporty factor compared to the ML. But due to age, will have it's share of problems too. Not so much engine issues, but minor electrical issues.

ML's are really cheap these days. I was looking to buy one last summer but I decided not to. I had narrowed it down to a 430 and the 2nd half of the 1st gen (diff bumpers etc). In the end I decided not to go for one because of all the shit you hear about them. I was going to buy from the US because they are even cheaper there.

1st gen ML?

Good lord stay very far way from it.

Basic tune up maintenance is a freaking joke.

12 spark plugs for a V6 motor =.=

Absolute garbage. The build quality is horrible, and they drive horribly.

Not worth it IMO.

lol @ all the comments bashing the ML

i hope the OP dont come back already bought the car!

i own a ML350 and its not that bad afterall yes theres problems but its not as bas as u think unno about the ml320 but go for ML350 instead

I had the first gen ML, 80k, no problems at all. Great truck imo but don't take it off roading like I did.

I'm not an offroad person, so that's out of the equation haha. I appreciate everyone's opinions, despite the negativity. Honestly it's what I want to hear about, as I'll have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into. I'm going to test drive it on Wednesday, and go from there. I'm leaning towards getting it, because as nice as an X5 would be, the difference in price would be substantial.

my dad has an '04 ML350, haven't driven it personally, but it eats gas. he hasn't done any major maintenance on it i don't think. it only has 45K km's on it i think. no problems yet *knock on wood* but i know they will eventually show up.

GL 550 FTW

My parents had a first generation ML320 and also had lots of problems with it (electrical and a lot of interior parts breaking down). They finally sold it this year and got the new MDX and absolutely love it

how can you compare a benz with a honda? it's like comparing apples with oranges.

Baller on a budget unite!

Prepare to pay out of the ass for maint. Not to mention any reasonable thinking ppl will see its a base ML w/o projector HID and still has plastic mouldings. May as well pay another $5k for a ML55?

I was using it as reference for reliability. Someone was saying how bad the reliability was, I said it's not a Honda.

Wasn't comparing them.

benz > honda overall imo, if you can justify the costs that is

A used MDX would fit the bill better than the ML320

ohh.. i get it now.. :haha:

i thought you were comparing everything in general