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There is no comparison between the 98 and 99 models other than the obvious that they are both ML's. The 99 got major safety enhancements.. to include ESP, BAS, Frame rail mod. to enhance footwell rigidity, Auto Air Bag deactivation if proper MB child seat is placed in passenger front seat...There are probably even more enhancements.
Don't forget that newer is better for higher valuation and the 98's being the first year had many issues that were being worked out by 1999 but still present in some instances.
DO NOT BUY THE 1998!!!
I love my ML. Its extremely comfortable and drives great. I didn't like the RX300's I drove, but to be fair, my sister and brother-in-law lived in Glastonbury and had an RX300 and loved it in the winter.
Steve
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I can see that many regulars might want to know. Let's just not make a habit of it!
tidester
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Roll Tide,
gwp
Roll Tide
No - but all my 'Bama friends are convinced of that and who am I to disillusion them? :-)
tidester
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As anyone else experienced these problems? I usually get the same canned statement from the service people "Never seen that before". I must have some luck because no matter what model I buy I always here that statement when I take it in.
steve_ "Mercedes-Benz G-class (Geländewagen)" Nov 14, 2001 8:32am
Steve
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Steve
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Thanks!
Glad to see you got back on the road - no better place to be :-)
Steve
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I have a 2000 and love it.
I think the car handles great. My husband drives a BMW. He hated driving my Expedition on the weekend. But now I think he may be a little jealous of my wheels--even though he was the one who told me I needed this car. I love that my M-Class is off of the ground likes other SUV but is fun to drive and really easy to park. I also feel confortable with the safety features. I got the third row seats--they were on the car I chose. I only drive other kids on ocassion.
I feel this car is under-rated. Everyone just loves the Lexus RX 320. That car has never thrilled me. I test drove one a few years ago and picked the Expedition instead. The Acura MDX may have all of the bells and whistles but it just misses something on the styling.
I love my ML 320. I thought I would be driving a 2002 Suburban. I test drove one but thought with two kids I didn't have to go that route. I am so happy with my decision to downsize--now I can fit into any parking place!!!
I hope my thoughts are helpful to someone and not too long.
Steve
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I have had it since Wednesday and I have already put 200 miles on it. I can't believe how well she handles and how quiet it is. I use to have a '97 Grand Cherokee and there is no comparing the ride. The ML320 is an awesome vehicle!
I had a minor issue with the paint. There are some swirls in the clear coat, probably from the automatic car wash at the dealership. I went back 2 days after I purchased the SUV to see if they could buff the swirls out. They could not do it that day, but they said they would detail the whole vehicle next week at no charge and provide me with a free loaner car.
I can honestly say this was the best car buying experience I have ever had. My salesman and the dealership were excellent. There was never any pressure to buy anything extra. I am a happy camper!
Jorge
that is right for the brakes. I get most of my maintenance work done at the certified Mercedes mechanic who is usually less expensive. I brought it in about six weeks ago -- $900 later i had new rotors and brakes... i couldn't believe it but in checking around that seems to be the ballpark price.
but, hey, it's a mercedes...
Congratulations! I'm sure you'll be sharing your experiences with us and we all look forward to hearing about them.!
tidester
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Most service departments make the majority of their money with parts, the more expensive, the better. In Europe, where brakes are much more seriously used than in the US, rotors usually don't have to be replaced until at least, say 60 or 70k mls. MB also uses sort of a soft compound on the pads in order to increase braking performance and to save rotor life. The price you pay is lots of brake dust on the wheels which you will have to hose off frequently to avoid burning-in. Go ask the SA to explain how they concluded that the rotors need replacement. If he refers to the odometer reading, find another dealer and report the SA to MBNA. Rotor thickness, evenness, and mechanical damage are the only variables which can necessitate a swap. Just be careful, too much BS going on these days...
Tarik
Wally
Its not always the numbers, but how the engine makes the power. Here is the comparision:
X5 4.6 HP 347 @6500 rpm X5 4.4 HP 282 @5400
TQ 354 @3700 TQ 324 @3600
ML55 HP 342 @5500 ML500 HP 288 @5600
TQ 376 @2800 TQ 325 @2700
Mercedes motors make much more torque at lower rpms, which is more usable in the real world. BMW motors favor high speed driving. All the numbers are pretty healthy...
To use the navigation system, insert the Navigation CD in the single disc drive in the MCS unit. After you have done so, press the Navi button on the MCS control panel and it will walk you through the rest of the process.
I think that you will enjoy having a navigation system in the vehicle. I used to get lost all the time but I now have no trouble getting from Point A to Point B. The navigator does not always find the shortest route, but it has gotten me to my destination!
If you plan to travel a lot, you will have to make sure that you get the Navigation CDs for the states that you plan to visit. This is an unfortunate consequence of having a CD based navigation system rather than a DVD based system.
Enjoy!
Pox
2000 ML430
32,500 miles and going strong!
Jim (SoCal)
I had one question. The local toyota dealership does oil changes on MLs. They use halvoline synthetic oil. It seems like a good deal. $40 (bring your own filter). Is the halvoline synthetic oil ok. My last oil change was at the local mercedes dealer and I think they used castrol. Is it ok to swith between synthetic oil brands, ect.
thanks
allen
As to simplicity of DIY, replacing the brake pads is not rocket science, especially with a good manual (ML owners please help out as to sources).
While I usually recommend to do things like those yourself, I also find that you should have a certain confidence level in getting into a car's internals before considering a brake job. It would be interesting to know how much of the total of $500 was for parts and how much actual labor charges. If labor is less than $100, I think you got a pretty acceptable deal - not worth getting your hands dirty at all.
Happy it worked out Tarik
Now that it is cold, it seems to happen as things warm up (I think -- it's an intermittent problem that I haven't quite figured out).
The dealer has tried to fix it twice (they are always working on the A pillar); however, they have yet to fix it.
Has anyone else had this problem on a 2002? If so, what's the fix?
Thanks.
Robert
Also, is the navigation system really worth the extra money, and how much is a reasonable pricetag for it?
One last thing. My present ml has been plagued with lousy AM radio reception. Any similar experiences, especially with later models?
IDI ANY ONE SEE THE "TOPSIDER-LIKE" (Plstic) equipment they are selling on the latest issue of the STAR magazine. Is this any good. Wherecan I but the real topsider?THANKS ALOT LOT. GOD BLESS.
My early impressions on the G Wagon are as follows:
It surely feels like a truck. The engine sounds like that of the ML 55 AMG. Incredible torque power at lower RPM. It feels heavy and it drives as such too. I believe it is meant more for off roading than for freeway cruising. Switshing lanes is a breeze and way at ease. Gas mileage is very poor.
The G wagon is loaded with everything you can imagine in an ML Class as standard equipment except you have to pay for a phone. CD Changer is standard and so is the navigation system. The steering wheel has the same multifunctions ala C E Cl, CLK SLK and S Class (excluding the ML).
I think the Wagon will be appropriate for 6 footers Plus people as the headroom is way unmatched with any other production vehicle I know including the Range Rover, Land Rover, and the like.
I was also impressed with how quite the ride was considering its weight. It is the heaviest Mercedes out there. Even more so than the S Class (by 700 lbs.)
I have been given a brochure with data on it. If some of you is interested email me and I will be happy to scan it.
P.S. the MSRP on the G Wagon is $73,000 and some change. But, our greedy dealers are already projecting an asking price for no less than 30,000 over sticker!!!! I guess they will be making more profit than the manufacturer ..what a deal!
Cheers
Johnny2k
the MSRP on the G Wagon is $73,000 and some change. But, our greedy dealers are already projecting an asking price for no less than 30,000 over sticker!!!!
Is that for real? That should just about cover his daughter's tuition at a Stanford or Harvard!
tidester
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How is everybody else doing?
M
If interested, please e-mail me at jnanas@hotmail.com.
The FM radio is always cutting in and out of stereo. It seems to gather in a stronger signal and you get this wonderful sound when stopped at a stop light. (all FM stations) Where is the ariel? The dealer already replaced the radio so it must be a defective ariel. Has anyone experienced this and have it fixed?
K
I got below dealer invoice from very reputable dealer outside DC (something like $3,600 off sticker). Do not pay 1,000 off sticker From northeast worth taking train down to pick it up....be nice drive back to help break it in