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Thanks
I know I may sound completely ignorant, but that's because when it comes to GPS - I really am!
Here's what Automobile says:
• The MLV, beside being longer than the ML, has different body work—much more "butch" in their (and my) opinion. I think it looks great, and will no longer be confused with a minivan. The styling is more angular. It reportedly will go up against the Cadillac Escalade, etc. The front lighting is much more interesting than the current model.
The tires looked huge, but not out of proportion with the rest of the vehicle. My guess is that they appear to be something like 265/65x19. The wheels look very large, and the tires look to have a fairly normal aspect ratio. There are large wheel arches around the tires.
The MLV will have standard 3rd row seating, and will be over 17' long.
• The ML's styling, on the other hand, is much more evolutionary and remains more rounded. It is not as angular looking as the MLV. It still has the same minivanish profile. I'm not wild about the proposed window treatment. The is also a down-sloping character crease on the side of the vehicle that reminds me of the Rav4 somewhat.
The wheels and tires appear to be the same as is currently used on the ML-320. There are no wheel arches like those on the MLV.
* both models have different rear quarter window treatments and different tail lights.
• Of the two, I much prefer the styling of the MLV.
• The new ML/MLV will move to unit construction, and will feature improved off-road capability (still will offer a 2-speed transfer case), an improved man-u-matic, air suspension (standard on MLV) and a choice of manual and electronic differential locks.
• The gas engine lineup follows. The was no mention of diesel versions.
ML/MLV 270
2.7L 4-valve (not 3 valve) V6 with 170 hp.
ML/MLV 360
3.6L 258 hp. This will replace the current ML 320 and 430.
ML/MLV 500
5.0L 326 V8
ML/MLV 55 AMG
5.5L 388 hp V8
Also—and not reported here, I've heard that this next-generation ML/MLV platform may also be shared with the next G-Wagon and Grand Cherokee too.
Bob
FYI, the author of this message is a MB service technician, so I would think that he knows what he's talking about.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Regards
Enjoy the fireworks if you can :-)
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accesories message boards
My only complaint with my ML320 is a slightly sticky accelerator pedal. At steady speed, slight pressure on the pedal seems to meet some resistance, and then it gives way. In other words, the action is not linear, but seems to want to resist in a jerky fashion.
The dealer at first told me there was no cable since this is a "drive by wire" vehicle, but when the mechanic came back to report on his analysis, he admitted there was indeed a short cable which he lubricated. This didn't fix the problem. He also checked for computer error codes, and the obvious carpet obstructions. I'm ready to go back to request that they replace the cable or the throttle position module that the cable goes to. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I can ignore it around town, but it is very irritating on long trips.
I e-chatted on Yahoo with a Mercedes technician who said the only ones that he had to fix came in with a load of kids who each got a turn to open and close it each trip. Other than that kind of abuse he said they should be as good as a regular roof.
Now that I have it, I love and can't imagine buying one without it. I've spent a number of days in a 2001 ML loaner with a regular sunroof and much prefer the skyview roof.
First, the Skyview comes with a big air deflector so there is little buffeting in the car. With the roof wide open and the windows up, there is little air movement in the car. On a hot day you'd still need A/C upfront if you don't open the windows. I thought the sunroof gets very drafty at speed because it lacks a real deflector.
Even when the skyview is open a little, the deflector keeps the wind out so you can enjoy fresh air with less noise than a window.
Second, the feel is totally different, much closer to a convertible; the 'whole outdoors' feel.
The kids love riding in the back seat and its a real eyeopening for adults. Adults who like convertibles love this roof.
When closed, it does have more wind noise than a regular sunroof but nothing objectionable. You lose the glass roof effect but I didn't really like it when I had the loaner.
The skyview roof makes the whole car very special. I wouldn't buy one without it and since I've read here that they will not make them starting with 2002, I guess I'll have this ML for a while.
Either way, the ML is a great vehicle.
So I may have payed more than some of you better negotiators, but the wife will be happy with the vehicle( I pick up tomorrow).
Now I want to put on the brush guard and the side steps. I want stainless steel. Any suggestions on those, em or non-oem? If non-oem which one's and where can i get best price. Also which is the best place for discount oem MB parts on the net??
Here's a question
For example, the new Jeep Liberty will have a special off-road ABS algorithm when the vehicle is put into Low range. This has been on the M-class since it came out for MY1998. And what do you know, the Liberty's system is also made by Continental-Teves.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Does anyone think that Mercedes would develop a smaller SUV off the Jeep Liberty platform? I'm aware of what MB agreed to originally with Chrysler as to platform sharing. However, from what I've seen to date regarding the so-called merger, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if something like this were to came to pass.
Bob
punjabi,
read shoreline post how he did get a very good deal,but don't feel bad if you are in love you are in love. just enjoy it.
Blakjava,
I had the same problem in about two monhts apart my fuel pump hose came off while driving in a highway.I know its a pain.. to take it to the dealer everytime with the same problem. The second time they replaced my fuel pump and the fuel sending unit which should have been change the first time the problem accured, now my ML run smooth like a brand new truck...(all was still under warranty)...good luck.
jrockwell,
I had the same feeling before, but someone from MBNZ.org suggested to spread the tension of the small spring controling the tension of accelerator actuator. Hoe to do it? Just get a flat screw driver and pry that small spring by the middle just to widen up the spring coil, not too much. You will feel the diffirence.
I havew been looking into buying a 1998 or maybe a 1999 ML I have heard some problems on the 1998 it being the 1st Year , but I was thinking alot of the bad problems would Be taken care of because the cars I am looking at have from 38,000 all the way up to 60,000, Could someone advise me what to look out for or what I am in store for if i do go ahead and buy a 1998 or 1999 ? My frined has a 2000 and loves it, but any info would be GREAT !!
Thank you,
Paul
How much would it cost?
The price of the parts are very high. The AMG rear bumper alone costs $575 dollars, then add the AMG/Sport tailgate piece which costs $130. The AMG flares cost $250 each for the front and $244 each for the rear. There is also a cutout in the rear AMG bumper cover so you have to add in the price of an AMG exhaust tip or two (depending on whether you want the AMG or sport rear). I am not sure about the AMG front bumper pricing yet, but another person that swapped that part out posted he spent over $2000 on that.
Then of course comes the labor of installing all the parts. There has been some talk that the parts aren't direct bolt-on to a regular ML but its still possible to install as long as you are handy enough. I personally am not, so I got my mechanic friend involved to help me out. I will be installing my AMG rear bumper tomorrow so maybe I'll drop in a little on how it goes.
Hope this helps,
-Chris
Does anyone know the cost of the new ML line-up?
Remember—we're talking MY'05, which is a ways off, so don't get too excited just yet.
Bob
My two questions are: for those of you who have recently gone through this exercise and wanted to keep your truck, was the residual negotiable or not?
Second, does it make sense to pony up ~$8,000 to have a new vehicle, with 4-yr maintenance, new features, tires, quieter ride, etc.
Thanks, George
I think you have a fair chance that MBCC (Mercedes Benz Credit Corp.) will negotiate on your 1999 ML 320. It has been done in the past on other models and this would make sense with the changes coming on the 2002 models depreciating the current.
We Leased a 1992 S-class and at the lease termination they offered us $9000 off the residual to keep it. So we thought this was very fair and purchased it but they gave us the option to continue leasing it at a lower payment if we choose to. I am not suggesting they will do the same to you certainly but it is not unheard of.
I would definitely think twice about purchasing it unless they give you a significant discount on the current residual figure. The new 2002 models are quite a bit different in that they have moved to a new climate control, new interior features, exterior update... MB considers this a fairly substantial enhancement that will carry them to the next generation of ML/MLV's (2004/2005).
So, if you leased a 2002 for example and then did the same at the end of the 3 year lease you would have a more up-to-date vehicle with more features and warranty as you suggested in your post. The trade in or market value for a 2002 vs. 1999 would be at least $6000-$10,000 difference. Chances are that MB would negotiate the residual at the end of the 2002 lease although they are much wiser now that the "scarcity" of the ML is now long over. However, there will be the really totally new next generation ML/MLV's at that time and the rest of the older line will depreciate. Also, you might want to keep the 2002 if you want the "body on frame" design which will be replaced by unit construction in the next generation.
Also, since you will not have maintenance covered at no cost over the next years you will likely spend $500-$1000 per year from this point forward which would be free on the new 2002 model. So the difference of $8,000 is really not there. In-other-words you would be able to sell the 2002 and make the $8000 up and then still have the warranty, maintenance, and new features and body styling.
Go for the 2002 you won't be disappointed : )
If you send me your e-mail address I'll send you some 2002 info. (Gstrein@aol.com)
Hi folks,
I've been mainly lurking since I purchased my 2000 ML320 back in the winter of 1999. I thought I'd chime in with my thoughts on the vehicle now that it's logged 20,000 miles (and change).
First, let me say that I love this vehicle. I was scaling down from a Suburban when I purchased it. It handles beautifully and I had not one moment of panic during this past, very snowy east-coast winter. My only problems in the snow were delays from other people who couldn't make it up the hills, thus blocking traffic. The ML handled much better in the snow than either of my two previous cars (Suburban and Volvo 850).
Reliability has not be an issue for me (hopefully I didn't just jinx myself!). It's been very dependable and has only been to the dealer for scheduled service. My brake-pad-wear warning light came on, so that will be my first unscheduled visit.
I have 3 boys, so I purchased the 3rd row seats. Here's my honest take on the seats: The seats are very useful and very easy to access & take out BUT when the 3rd row is in use, seating is cramped. With the 2nd row pulled forward there is room for people, but not much room left for their things. I recently drove 5 first-grader's on a field trip that was 2 hours away. There were some grumbles because they didn't have much room to store their back-packs (that were filled with things to keep them busy on a 2-hour trip). My fourth-grader's class really grumbles about the lack of space. Now, keep in mind that these are children that are, for the most part, used to mini-vans. Also, with the 3rd row in use, you have very little trunk room. I ran into a problem when I was carpooling to school. One of the boys had a project to bring and I had a very tough time finding a spot for it.
That being said, the set-up works for our family. The Suburban was too big and we really don't like minivans. Our kids don't need to be separated--they have their squabbles, but separating them doesn't teach them anything about getting along with other people. So we only use the 3rd row occasionally. If we had 4 children, we would have to buy a different vehicle. My wish is for an ML that is slightly longer.
I find that the interior is very noisy when on the highway--so much so that I'm always checking to see if a window is open somewhere. I've assumed this is something I have to live with--or are there work-arounds for this?
I would love to see radio controls on the steering wheel (I'm medium height and I find the radio controls on the right hand side to be an ackward reach.
So, all in all, we are very pleased with our ML 320. Yes, I don't have as much child room as my friends with mini-vans, but space wasn't my first priority. My first priority was "driveability"--how the car handles... and I've been very pleased.
I have noticed one thing that doesn't happen with my ML that does happen when I take our Audi S4 out. No young men ever give my ML a second look but they ALWAYS have a comment for the S4. Sadly that proves they are no longer looking at me but I've come to accept that ;-)
Sharon
It is the first time that I have actually got to play with the voice control. All I can say is that the people that are waiting for the 2002 are in for a treat. The Voice command works...I have a deep voice, and it worked surprisingly well. It worked a lot better than the integrated phone that was in our old 95 S500, which kept screwing up the numbers. The stalk is also a much better Idea than the button function on the S phone. People with the old integrated phone know what I'm talking about.
While I was on Route 15 I was programing the voice controls. It was really simple. If you have problems you can even ask the lady and whe will help you out, she is rather polite. Unfortunatly I have to erase it all since the car isnt mine. I guess by the time the 2002 model comes out they could make it even better, who knows. I'm not sure if they will change how it works with the MCS.
It was extremely handy to have. It did screw up a couple times but it wasnt a big deal. I just annunciated a bit more.
On the way to the Outlet center I even got to play with a CL500 (previous generation) on the road. The roads were clear and no one was really in the way, so we took it up to 115-120 until my father said I was going a little fast so I dropped it back to 85. The CL took off, he had to be doing at least 130. We were still accellerating, but he just kept on accellerating... lost him in a few seconds.
My dad and I were smiling, fortunatly my mother was asleep.
Robert
I think ML's are very quiet. My skyview roof has a little more wind noise than the sunroof version but I still thinks its quiet. Even one of my co-workers who has an Avalon commented on how quiet the sunroofed loaner I had was.
Maybe have your dealer check the door/window seals to make sure they are all correct.
I'm also considering:
2001 Lexus RX 300
2001 Acura MDX
My major requirements are:
1) Ability to transport three medium sized dogs.
2) All-wheel (4-wheel) drive.
3) Navigation. I'd prefer it directly from the manufacturer
(usually better integration, but given the right car,
I can go after-market).
4) Immediate delivery (within the next few weeks).
I'd also like (but don't require) an integrated phone. My budget is
the sales proceeds from the C320 (I don't owe anything on it) +
approx. another 5K (3K if the Nav is not included).
Thanks for your input.
Robert
Hope this helps,
Jamie
2001 ML 320
BLK/JAVA
Thanks for the feedback. The car goes to the dealer at the end of the month for brake pad replacement, I'll make sure to have them check the seals.
fredtwd:
I have to say, other than the road noise, I have had absolutely no quality issues with my 2000 ML320 (in over a year and a half I've been to the dealer once, and that was for scheduled maintenance). No squeaks, no radio problems--nada. When we take out our third row we have more than enough space for anything we need to do. I don't have the Navigation option, so I can't comment there (I've been thinking about getting the new portable Garmin unit that "speaks").
I've been very pleased; it's been a great vehicle!
Sharon S.
Sit in an ML, put down your right hand and it lands right on the gear selector. Do that in an RX and your hand is on its way to two very nice storage compartments. They have thoughtfully moved that nasty shift lever way over under the dash.
The difference between the cars is the attitude towards driving it. I'm sure the RX is a very good vehicle to own but I found it boring. I think the new C's are great cars but too small for my family and I wanted AWD. If you really like the way the C drives, I think you'll prefer the ML in the long run because the ML drives like a Mercedes. As mentioned above, the RX drives like a Toyota.
(That said, I don't let our Golden Retreiver in mine. He rides in my wife's van.)
Quality has not been an issue for our vehicle. Pre-'00 had some interior fit and finish issues that have been addressed. Im sure toyota and honda owners are happy with thier choices, but we feel we have gotten our money's worth with our ML.