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Just my opinion.
Wally
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
dt77
The ML, as every other vehicle, is far from perfect, but why dwell on such trivial matters?
The reviewer is wrong about not having automatic door locks. My 2002 ML320 has that feature and works flawlessly. While not inabled by default, turning it on is described in the owners manual and, if I recall, was quite easy.
While the CD changer in the back is inconvenient, there is an in-dash single CD dealer-installed accessory that fits behind the MCS panel just below the cassette (not the Navigation System unit.) If I recall correctly, it was pretty cheap by MB standards ($395 list, but deeply discountable depending on your negotiating prowess.)
Finally, I do not know how the reviewer drove, but I have averaged 19.8 mpg over the entire 14,000 miles that I have put on my ML, mostly in-town (albeit, not stop-and-stop as in LA.)
Thanks for asking!
Steve
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I have priced following
Brilliant Silver Metallic/ Charcoal Int.
168 Bose sound Sys. with changer
172 Xenon Head lamps.
M3 Convenience package
M5 Sunroof package
Navigation CD collection.
The lease offered was $839 a month.
They will pay me my $536 current lease payment which I have to pay for early termination of the lease.(Which will be built into the new ones price I guess)
I am about to sign for it. Can anybody advise on the price. Dealership is in NJ. I live in NY.
Thanks.
I've posted before asking for your assistance in making the decision but have more questions.
For one thing, someone mentioned the dealer installed single CD.. does anyone have it - how good is it? Also, and most importantly, over in the MDX townhall, owners have made mods by adding DVD, TV tuner, rear view mirror and having it displayed on the MCS screen... Has anyone done this? Is it possible? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
thanks,
maneesh
My first shocker was when I put in a full tank of gas. Cost me 50 Pounds. We really have it good on the US.
Tony
It sounds fine. Not as nice as a multi-disc player but much more convenient than dealing with a player in rear corner.
Had it replaced once already. It started to miss the beginning of the song. On some CD's more than others. It would start anywhere from 10 seconds to 1:30 into the song. It knew where it was in the song but didn't understand it missed the beginning.
I mentioned it once and the dealer replaced the unit without a hassle.
The dealer went on to claim that this occurs from "normal wear and tear" on the sunroof. My problem with this explanation is that the vehicle is less than 3 years old, and we can count the number of times we have actually opened the sunroof.
Has anyone else had this problem? Please help.
I think the response you got back from MBZ is pretty lame. And it also goes on to support my feeling that extended warranties are a huge rip off.
best of luck
It's partly true. Until MY 2002, the base tire dimension for non-North American ML 230, 270 and 320 was a rather skinny 225/75-16, with upgrades possible towards "your" 265/65-16 or 275/55-17 - or even an ML55 AMG-like 285/50-18 option. However, few ML's were seen around withe the basic tires, as they look downright silly ;-)
Since MY 2002, the basic tire size is 255/60-17, with upgrades to 275/55-17 and 285/50-18.
IMHO, the difference in fuel consumption is not significant - the tall, wide and heavy body plays a much bigger role (as does the driver's right foot).
Cheers,
Birger
1. dealer install CD's are going to be more expensive than the local Electronics store and will probably not be as good. by the way -- my Pioneer (Supertuner III) tuner's (3 of them dating back to 1980's in various cars will pull in any station for about 100 miles beyond the junk the cars co's install and at about 1/2 the cost.
2. not clear on the concept. you want to watch tv and drive?
_______________________________________
I've posted before asking for your assistance in making the decision but have more questions.
For one thing, someone mentioned the dealer installed single CD.. does anyone have it - how good is it? Also, and most importantly, over in the MDX townhall, owners have made mods by adding DVD, TV tuner, rear view mirror and having it displayed on the MCS screen... Has anyone done this? Is it possible? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
thanks,
maneesh
It's not in the owner's manual as far as I can discern. Good luck!!!
I guess what I' referring to is an entertainment system that has a DVD and a TV tuner (not the VCP accessory offered by MB for $2k.) Along with that, on the MDX, you can install a rearview camera and have the display bee seen on the Nav screen in the dash. Was wondering if anyone has tried to add these accessories on their ML.
It seems that the MDX is more versatile, and modifications can be made with ease while the ML is too proprietary.
It would not have killed them to add radio controls on the steering wheel. I'm so used to this in my I30. Even the Honda Pilot has it.
Yes I am aware of the great service MB has to offer (except this one dealer in Jersey)... But if it was only easy to add non-MB accessories to this truck.
I know some may tow heavy loads or do some off-roading.. I only need something to combat the snow.
PROS:
Better off-road and more stable than MDX
Name/reputaton
luxurious seats and real wood
can probably get a better price
CONS:
3rd party entertainment system compatability
build quality - although minor in 2002.
thx.
Thanks
I'm still under warranty- any idea if this will be covered? I haven't had a chance yet to call the dealer.
After taking it in for the second oil change, MBZ called to ask for authorization to replace the front brake pads for $280.00 Now I understand that brakes aren't part of the deal, but I really don't want to pay MBZ mechanics to replace my pads.
After telling them I'll take care of it myself, MBZ went on to replace the sunroof motor, front shocks and the stearing column. All of which were working as far as I could tell.
I'm convince that when a customer like me, is a dead beat who doesn't want to pay for anything at the dealer after shelling out MSRP for the car,
MBZ service goes into a revenue seeking mode and starts charging the factory on any item they know has a history of problems.
I can't tell if this is a service or disservice since I know the records will state that there were alot of items replaced on the car.
With that said, I still like the car, but think I paid way too much for a car that doesn't live up to the MBZ reputation.
But not until I got it, I found out how much I like it beyond the space and the looks. I was very impressed with the build quality, and interior details. The only thing I found annoying so far is the lack of door-ajar light -- no excuse for that, a 15 year old chrysler has that feature. Heard people say the NAV system on the ML is comfounding, and I don't know what they're talking about. It's very easy to use, not any worse than the Honda's touch screen system my mother inlaw has.
I own a BMW 528 for a few years, and I didn't know what I was missing in terms of dealer service quality until I bought the ML. The dealer was so much nicer, and more willing to accomendate your needs. I feel the 46K is well worth it.
I also want to comment on the RX300, and that some people say that its look appeals to females. I think it maybe true for older females, who just likes lexus' practicality anyways. I found it as much lack of character as the MDX.
My experience from years in snow driving (as stated in prior postings.): The ML is the best highway/street traction for the ordinary person I've ever seen.
But!!! If you want to go though 1 meter deep snow, get the Jeep or a 4 X 4 with locking x-fer and differentials.
Just picked up my ML with M1, M2, M5, heated seats from the dealer. This truck is awesome. It is very lux... Love the features... Now let's talk about the accessories.
I want to add a CD player, DVD player, nav, screen monitor and reverse camera..
Has anyone doen these things on their ML? For some reason, these things are easy to add on an MDX but not on an ML.
THanks,
maneesh
Of course, they lack a low gear and locking differentials.
BTW, in 3 years of driving Ford Bronco's in muck, snow, and sand, I can only remember locking the hubs and shifting into "low" a handful of times.
Wondering if you ML owners got the same.
I just realized that my floor mats don't say Mercedes on it or have the 3 pointed start. Even my Camry came with mats that said Toyota. Is this normal?
Also, the interior illumination lists and the reading lights turn on. None of them do. What gives? Was something deactivated or is there a broken fuse?
Any help would greatly be appreciated.
thanks in advance.
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tidester
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Mark
Harold's text:
In the Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles all differentials are "open", meaning no limited slip or diff lock is installed - saves money, saves weight. Plus: No negative effects on the steering. The ABS sensors of the M-Class detect locking wheels as well as spinning wheels.
If the right rear wheels loses traction (remember this means less resistance for the diff), the rear differential sends more torque and eventually all torque to that wheel. The other wheel does not get any torque at all anymore. AFTER losing traction and spinning about 3mph faster than the opposing wheel the brake of the right rear wheel is activated - slowing it down to the speed of the other wheel. This braking action creates the SAME resistance as the traction at the other wheel.
In a way the rear differential is fooled to think both wheels have the same traction and now it will send an equal amount of torque to each wheel, rather than sending all torque to the spinning wheel.
The wheel with traction will receive 50% of rear axle torque (25% of torque send from engine) and will transform it into moving action. The wheel with no traction, slowed down by the brake, receives the other 50% of rear axle torque which is transformed into heat.
Since the center differential (not visible like the axle diffs, it sits between the two driveshafts inside the transfer case) is also open (no locks, no limited slip, no viscous coupling), the front axle will not receive any torque from the moment the right rear wheel loses traction, because the center diff "thinks": "Less resistance in rear - So I'll send more or all torque to the rear"
This means, the ML320 acts like a full time 4WD with an unlocked center diff for a split second until 4ETS steps in and keeps the vehicle moving.
If two wheels lose traction 4ETS slows down those two spinning wheels. After the 4ETS action both diffs are fooled to think traction is equal on all four wheels, so they will send 25% of the available torque to each wheel. Transformed into moving action on the wheels with traction (resistance by ground friction / traction) - transformed into heat on the wheels with brake initiated resistance.
If three wheels lose traction, 4ETS will order three brakes to create resistance (brake friction) to fool the differentials.
The wheel with traction will receive its equal share of torque: 25%.
The other three wheels will receive their fair part as well: 25% each.
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Steve
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You pull the MCS from the dash, drop in the NAV module, connect prewired Sat antenna, re-insert NAV. On 2000, you need to install antenna on roof, on 2001, you need to add a splitter under passenger seat. That is all there is to it.
Usually used NAV's and Map CDs can be found on Ebay (under Ebay motors) Search on Navigation, NAV or Mercedes. This is a great add-on to a ML320 that did not originally have the NAV installed.