The C-class 4-matic should be interesting. I expect that it will add at least a couple of thousand to the current sticker price (similar to the RWD vs AWD E-class). Not too an exhorbitant of a premium to for peace of mind in poor weather.
Tarik: Thanks for the info. It's too bad we can't get the government *&#!@ to just put in the useful stuff w/o the "revenue enhancement" features that do nothing for safety. We have the same problems here. In my state, they had declared photo radar illegal about 10yrs ago. Now they installed them again because the people "forgot" :-P
Frank: If you find out, please post. I'm trying to find out costs + install but there is no official MB pricing yet...
i saw a ML320 with spoiler in the dealer once. it looked cooooool i'm sure it's more for the look than creating the "suction" effect at high speed. since it's not factory designed, dunno if it will create lots of noise while cruising. i'll take a pic next time i see it.
Nav systems in Japan also scan the traffic reports for accidents/congestion in the background (i.e. even if you are not listening to the traffic report) and re-route you on the fly. I am not sure if it is a dedicated traffic band or a sub-carrier on the "news station", since I saw test specs on both.
Chris has the rear wing on his ML, so he'll be able to tell you if there is any noticable wind noise. I do recall him saying that there is a clean band a couple of inches below the wing, but otherwise, it does not provide much of a cleaning effect, unlike the rear deflector.
Nice to see you posting in Townhall as well! MotorVision on Speedvision just happened to do a special on GPS systems that have dynamic traffic rerouting capability. Quite nifty! You may find these NavTech new releases interesting:
I have been reading this board for a short time and am thinking of getting a 2002 ML. I thought I saw a picture of a 2002 ML somewhere..does anyone know if the body style has changed at all. I can't seem to find out anywhere..
There will be a minor facelift for MY2002. So far, it seems to only be revised front and rear bumpers, the former probably containing integrated foglamps. Have a look at this clipping.
The post above and your "wants" list got me thinking about the possibility of standard equipment HID headlamps. If the front bumper contains integrated foglamps, the current headlamp assembly integrated foglamps will be redundant. Obviously they're off anyway for the US, but in Canada and Europe, they're "hot" straight from the factory. If the preceeding is true, since the bumper already has foglamps, there's nothing preventing MB from offering the Xenon headlamps (which, as you know, don't have integrated foglamps) as standard equipment. Of course, they could just leave the integrated foglamps off for everyone and still use the existing halogen headlamp assemblies.
This is just some food for though :-) Drew Host Vans and SUVs message boards
at the top of the screen. What do you all think? I know that some of you are probably not aware of the new M-class owner's club area, so stop by, have a look in there and introduce yourselves.
Ideally, I'd like so see some of the traffic moved from here to there. That way, we won't have to keep repeating the same answers to newbies time and again. We can simply refer them to a specific (ex. problems and solutions) topic. This M-class general discussion topic will always remain open, of course.
If any of you have any suggestions as to more topics that the M-class owner's club area could use, just let me know and I'll pass them along.
Much obliged! Drew Host Vans and SUVs message boards
- when carrying a total of 800 kilos in the ML (which is not to be recommended - not that the truck can't handle it - but if anything happens, the insurance people might refuse to pay) were adjusted in front to the max. load value specified by MB, and in the rear to the max value indicated on the sidewall. I can't recall the exact values, but the result was OK. The 140-odd miles back from the IKEA store were done at a more leisurely pace than usual, mostly due to the wind noise. We found out that letting a big semi "break the air" for us lowered both the noise level and the fuel consumption considerably. Still, this is only acceptable over shorter distances, or otherwise several more roof bars would have to be fitted. The two we used were bending uncomfortably under the strain (understandable, as they were rated @ 90 kilos).
On loads in general: In the light of the Firestone/Explorer affair I guess someone was holding his hand over us eleven years back. We took our then truck, a '91 Explorer EB, loaded to the gills (though with a lot less on the roof) non-stop the 780 miles from our home to our vacation place - with no problems, apart from that with the Explorer you really felt the load. And this was on the infamous Firestone tires - although I had of course raised the pressure to the max in the rear - but at a steady 85/90 MPH. Sorry to have gone off-topic.
Hi. Over the weekend I noticed that the rubber around the windshield is split on both sides (approx 1/2") on the lower porition - 2"or so above the bottome of the windshield. Design or flaw? Also, got to belive others out there have this or have seen it.
On my opinion its not a flaw because as soon as I've noticed it when I pick up my ML I came back to the dealer and check all ML's that are on display. All of them have a crack on the bottom part of the rubber molding, so I didn't even bother to ask anybody for that matter.
I have the same split on the rubber on my 99-320. It's on the A-pillar, ~ 2in. from the bottom of the windshield. It looks like a "clean cut" so I thought it's a design thing. But perhaps other owners can check theirs and confirm?
At this point in time, the side steps, the running boards, and the brushguards are not compatible with the ML55, as well as Sport Package equipped MLs. Sorry!
Fun fun! It's really wet and sticky. Great snowball snow, but the ML's wipers seem to streak like crazy... We've got about 3-4" of slush in the city so far and the ML doesn't seem to even care. :-)
Probably just the wiper iced up or a dirty windshield and worn wipers - Winter wipers are good for keeping ice off blades. Also, keep some good winter washer fluid with defrosting properties in reservoir - helps knock off ice on blades.
I personally would like a heated windshield like in the Range Rover.
More than once, we have driven through Ice/Snow storms and the windshield only stays clear in the areas served by the defroster vent/s. There is a good size area on each side of the defroster vent (lower windshield) that refused to deice when in the teens and single digits. The wipers kept skipping over this "frozen area" and piling more ice/snow. The heater was at full heat to the windshield with dash vents manually closed except just a tad open on side vents to keep driver and passenger front side windows clear.
Another "not likely" feature for MB to add. Perhaps a longer vent running the full girth of windshield would help!
Try Prestone widshield de-icer. I'm in the mtn's of western NC, where we get New England type weather conditions, and I swear by that yellow stuff. Cheers Pat
The fact is that the word "facelift" suggests only minor changes to begin with. I was hoping for something more radical myself such as the round headlamps depicted in that Photoshop "dummy" ML photo we've been teased with. This would be more of a "redesign" vs. "facelift." New bumpers would be a logical facelift - even only a front bumper would be such.
The major changes for 2002 will be the convenience features such as Climate Control, Xenon headlamps, steering wheel controls for Navigation/Phone/Stereo...
MB could still have something up their sleeve for the exterior but don't count on it!
Hopefully we will see more positive "change and amenities news" from official sources by the end of March on just what 2002 holds for the ML. Right now we are just speculating from very early spy shots and hints from individuals with limited MB inside information.
Mercedes does not want to loose sales on the 2001 models by announcing too soon the changes for 2002.
Are there any rumors if MB will start using the Smart Key in the M-Class or if they will upgrade the Bose system in the 2002 models? I would think that Mercedes would want to standardize across their model line to reduce costs on keys.????
Speculated MY 2002 changes - If anyone hears any rumor for whole MB line of AMG models going to "Supercharged" status for 2002 please share!
So far I know that the SLK 32 AMG and the C 32 AMG will definitely be "compressor" models this spring. These are the 6 cyl. AMG models though and I am hoping this carries for the 8 cyl. 2002 AMG models such as the ML55 AMG. I can keep hoping... any rumors of such please tell!!
I posted this awhile back and as fas as I heard, the next generation of AMG engines will all be supercharged.
From a DC Friend "I was telling you about the next generation of engines for amg cars. The new engines will be supercharged in the amg versions. All the current cars have the 5.5L V8 normally aspirated. They retain the 3v per cylinder. I got to ride in an ml55 before I came back here and it was pretty quick for such a heavy car."
The HID's on my 01 ML 55 do not have integrated fog lamps ,there is not even a hole for the bulb or a reflector, also I don't think the levelers are there either. Has anyone tried to install the Motorola Timeport into the 01 fiber optic lan ?
I am in the market for a SUV and am considering the ML. Could you give me some info re: the third row seats - how much did it cost? how easy it is to retract and flip them down? how much cargo space does it take up? and, your general opinion of them. Thanks in advance.
<<#1553 of 1583 beetlebug by drew_ HOST Feb 04, 2001 (08:16 pm) Interestingly, even with the MDX's steeply sloped rear window (about as much as the X5) sans rear roof spoiler, the back does seem to get quite dirty compared to the rest of the vehicle (at least from the MDX's that I've seen around here). MDX owners have reported that the accessory rear deflector does help to keep the rear window clean.>>
...really. When I wrote "cleaner", that does not mean clean. And, no matter how raked the upper part of the rear hatch, the vertical part of the lower hatch will always create a low pressure zone behind the vehicle sucking up dirt to attach itself to the rear of the vehicle.
"Cleaner" is a relative term, and one only needs to look at the near vertical upper part of the rear hatch on the back of a Cherokee, to see how how much more incredibly dirty an unaerodynamic hatch is, relative to a raked rear hatch.
As for the pic posted, we didn't really get to see the rear hatch, did we? And, while I'm sure it's dirty, imagine how much dirtier it would be if it was vertical?
On the rear of the ML-55, right above the bumper and right where the hatch meets the bumper is a gray/silver thing, is that something that one can add to the other ML's?
Thanks for the "Supercharger" info. - I remember your previous post about "next generation" AMG models. I am trying to determine if 2002 is "next generation." It seems that the "new to market AMG" models - SLK + C have the compressors. I am hoping that someone hears something on any of the 8 cyl. AMG models for 2002 which would mean that all AMG's would get same.
It should be interesting to see what MB does in the future. With Porsche/VW and BMW touting some big engine options it may not be that unlikely that a 12 cyl. will work its way into the SUV line-up. I think when the ML is redesigned for 2004/5 and a longer wheelbase is offered we might see such an option.
I'm excited to get a supercharger on the ML55. It already moves but with compressor would be a true rocket + be great in high altitude such as the Rockies - where we'd like to move eventually.
I wonder if there is any room left over in that SL73 for a compressor?
I remember reading somewhere that Mercedes is planning on expanding the ML line. Just as the C and E class have spawned several other models, the next ML platform should do the same. Expect a model to compete with the upcoming BMW X7 and new Range Rover (think V12). Also, another model will compete with a Land Rover Defender (still sold in Europe, will return to USA). Oh yeah, Autoweek reported a couple weeks ago that MBUSA will officially begin importing the G-Class. Also, I just read a 4car.co.uk that Mercedes scrapped plans for a bi-turbo V8 for the 2002 SL because performance would come close to the upcoming SLR. I have to find these articles!
Does anyone know where I can get a Style II stainless steel grille guard? I checked my local MB dealer and they want 650.00. The parts guy told me his book didn't say if it would fit a MY2000 or not. But on the other hand his paper work said it would fit all 163's I know their is some drilling required in the bumper. Has anyone installed one of these by themselves?
mtndog: Give www.clairparts.com a call. Install will be expensive..I think around $175 last time I checked.
kunapalli: Suggest you try an ML w/ the 3rd seats for yourself. There is not much room behind them. You don't have to leave both seats in though. It's great fun on curves :-)
This message is really for those who are contemplating- wondering if -- they should get an ML now or later.
Mercedes makes incremental improvements EVERY year and then every six or seven or eight years makes a big change in a model.
2001 is only year-four for the ML, so if you're looking for a giant diff in the enterior, better not start holding your breath until about 2004-5.
Yeah, maybe a 5.5 blown engine will be along next year, but wait until you gloom the six-figure sticker for it.
Yeah, maybe Xenon lights will be along next year. Yeah, yeah....maybe, maybe.....
Now I don't mean to put a damper on anyone's fun in anticpating the next M-B goodie and I don't mean to put down anyone who's wondering what's down the road. I wonder, too.
I'm just suggesting that we keep it all in perspective. The ML out RIGHT NOW is one incredible, sophisticated animal. If you don't have one, get one.
And if you have one, just drive the hell out of it and enjoy one of the best cars on the road.
Woof!
PS: Now, how do I make my non-Bose system sound better?
0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a 260km/h top speed is expected from a Porsche or Ferrari. But thanks to 582bhp/428kW from its 7.3 litre V12 engine, the BRABUS M V12 is the worlds first off-roader with supercar performance. In June 1998, the editors of the Guinness Book of Records appointed this car to be the fastest street legal Off Road car of the world.
There is no substitute for cubic inches. Except more cubic inches. Right from the beginning, that old maxim has been the watchword at BRABUS. Over the years, BRABUS has become most adept at shoehorning larger and more powerful engines into staple Mercedes-Benz cars in the quest for greater speed. It all started in the mid-1980s with the 5.0 litre V8 in the then new baby Mercedes 190E. Two years ago, the ultimate expression of this concept saw the light of day as the E V12. Shoehorning the 582bhp 7.3 litre V12 into the new E-Class also produced the Fastest Four- Door Sedan In The World according to the Guinness Book of Records. Within months, the BRABUS T V12 joined it with the accolade of Fastest Station Wagon In The World.
Keeping up the momentum, BRABUS have now found a new home for this enormously powerful engine. Slotted into the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, it completely rewrites the rules on 4WD off-road vehicles. By their very nature, off-roaders are large and heavy and need lots of torque to perform well. In this respect, the BRABUS 7.3 litre V12 and the M-Class are a match made in heaven.
582bhp/428kW at 6,000rpm is impressive, but the stump-pulling torque of 772 Nm at 4,000rpm is simply astonishing. Delivered to the road via a modified five-speed electronic transmission and suitably beefed up 4WD drivetrain, this powerhouse of an engine enables the BRABUS M V12 to vanquish many so-called fast cars both on the autobahn and away from the traffic lights.
The big 7.3 litre 'S' specification V12 motor is a feat of precision engineering. Based on the Mercedes-Benz 6.0 litre V12, it is completely stripped to its component parts and re- engineered. The enlarged capacity of 7,255cc comes by way of a new steel billet long throw crankshaft mated to larger lightweight forged pistons by custom connecting rods. The cylinder-heads are gas-flowed and the engines' torque rich characteristics are enhanced by a pair of new high-lift camshafts. Suitable fuelling and ignition curves ensure that power and torque are optimised, and they help this enormous engine meet all current EC emission standards. In fact, the 7.3S motor is so efficient, in normal driving conditions, the fuel consumption is similar to the standard engine. Finally, a BRABUS four-pipe sports exhaust with high-flow metal catalysts helps the engine to breath properly and produces a distinctive deep and sporty sound.
So fast is the BRABUS M V12, that it has to be electronically limited to 260km/h, close to the rated maximum speed for the specially made Yokohama Off-Road AVS V801 tyres. 285/50R18 on 10J x 18-inch BRABUS Monoblock IV alloy wheels all round, these are the only tyres approved for the BRABUS M V12.
This level of performance is matched by commensurately good handling and braking. To this end, the M V12 receives a sports suspension kit with uprated springs and dampers. Adjustable ride height allows the car to be lowered by up to 50mm. Special competition-bred BRABUS brakes with huge vented and slotted discs are clamped by six-pot calipers in front and four-pot calipers at the rear.
The look of the M-Class further benefits from the range of BRABUS accessories. High grade steel and flexible synthetic materials are used in the manufacture of the bolt-on accessories. A polished stainless-steel nudge bar protects the front of the car from minor parking shunts, and this is integrated into a flexible PU-RIM part which houses a pair of driving or fog lamps. Many 4WDs are never taken into the mud, but just in case the BRABUS M V12 should be pressed into service off-road, the lower part of the new front skirts is protected by a steel bar. Underneath, a steel undertray protects the mechanicals from protruding bits of the landscape.
The new BRABUS stepboards with integrated lights, which are activated via the central lock remote control, make getting in and out of the car easier.
Finally, at the rear, another steel, PU-RIM components protects the car from parking damage.
The spacious interior is upholstered in the finest hand-stitched BRABUS Bio-Mastik leather. As an option, a customer can also specify extras like a high-powered stereo or the neat TV/video system with LCD monitors in the front seat passengers sunvisor and the back of the front-seat headrests. Finishing touches are the BRABUS airbag sports steering wheel and the chromed sill entry plates.
The basic BRABUS M V12 costs DM 428,000, and this is a peek at the engine bay:
Thanks to "birger" for this fantasy. Got to have one! And it only costs USD$118,000. Of course, we couldn't afford dog food in the house for 50 years, but we could rip up huge chunks of pavement every morning. Actually, I live in a town with a lot of boats and when you see how much a modest-looking little boat costs, a V-12 ML begins to sound reasonable. And who would EVER suspect what was under the hood?
Thanks to "osultan" for the hints on how to improve my sound system.
Now this, for those who might be thinking of adding a nav system for $1500:
From Garmin: "The StreetPilot III follows in the footsteps of the original StreetPilot and StreetPilot ColorMap as a portable automotive GPS navigation system with electronic map capabilities. But it goes a step further by adding turn-by-turn navigation and voice prompting on a 16-color, higher-resolution display.
Unlike other in-car navigation systems that boast portability, the StreetPilot III does not require monthly service fees, installation, or an external processor. Instead, consumers can download street-level mapsets onto a removable memory cartridge, insert the card into the StreetPilot III, mount the system on the dash of any vehicle, and enjoy the ease of stress-free driving. It is the most convenient, portable auto-navigation system on the market, and it's available at a fraction of the price of in-dash navigation systems.
The StreetPilot III offers true turn-by-turn navigation in America's major cities with its auto-routing feature. At the touch of a button, consumers will now have access to the shortest and fastest routes, turn directions, and estimated time of arrival at their intended destination. Along the way, the StreetPilot III provides automated voice prompts, alerting the driver to necessary turns, distance to upcoming turns, course deviation, and distance to final destination."
As an alternative to Becker/Alpine/Blaupunkt and Garmin solutions, does anyone have any exeprience with PalmPilot, WinCE or Visor with GPS plugin based systems?
Handheld GPS solutions are great--I use one when I go hiking--but if you often drive in an area with restricted visibility of the sky (tall buildings, tall trees, etc), most in-vehicle systems offer inertial guidance as a back-up. The Alpine, for instance uses a built-in gyroscope and input from the vehicle speed sensor to track progess, even if there are not enough birds to get a good fix. May or may not be a big deal, but something to be aware of...
When I shut the car off and remove the key I hear something running. Sounds kinda like a circulator pump. I have heard that it might be a water pump. Whatever it is, it seems to run for several minutes before it shuts itself off. Anyone else notice this? I'm not really concerned, but rather curious.
Hi Y'all. I just purchased a 1998 ML320 with 13,600 km (8200 miles). Service date was Feb 2,1998. Not bad, huh?? Any suggestions on what I should look out for on this new a '98? I was ensured all recalls had been taken care of.
Yep, I've noticed that, too and I believe it was already discussed here awhile back. It's somewhere in the archives. (Sorry, too lazy to research it) That's normal. I believe you are correct on your speculation.
IT IS COOLING PROCESS FOR ENGINE. IF YOU OPEN THE HOOD AND TAKE LOOK TO COOLANT CANISTER , YOU CAN SEE COOLANT COMING IN FROM HOSE. EVERY ML HAVE THAT FEATURE. IN THE WINTER YOU CAN SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND STILL GET A LOT OF THE HEAT IN TO CAR WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY TO SECOND POSITION..FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES................... MARCEL
Birger, I saw the Brabus Mercedes selection at the Los Angeles auto show. WOW, what a wonderful and beautiful collection. There is a mighty nice price tag on them too. An S-class was $225,000, but this particular sedan had the CL front (two round headlights).... nice looking.
Anyway, I think a ML430 sport will work just fine for me and my wallet.
Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Comments
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
Thanks for the info. It's too bad we can't get the government *&#!@ to just put in the useful stuff w/o the "revenue enhancement" features that do nothing for safety. We have the same problems here. In my state, they had declared photo radar illegal about 10yrs ago. Now they installed them again because the people "forgot" :-P
Frank:
If you find out, please post. I'm trying to find out costs + install but there is no official MB pricing yet...
Thanks. That would explain it. It's not a deflector. It's a spoiler...probably the first one ever on a SUV :-)
Chris has the rear wing on his ML, so he'll be able to tell you if there is any noticable wind noise. I do recall him saying that there is a clean band a couple of inches below the wing, but otherwise, it does not provide much of a cleaning effect, unlike the rear deflector.
http://www.navtech.com/coinfo/releases/246.html
http://www.navtech.com/coinfo/releases/210.html
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
thanks
This is just some food for though :-)
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
Ideally, I'd like so see some of the traffic moved from here to there. That way, we won't have to keep repeating the same answers to newbies time and again. We can simply refer them to a specific (ex. problems and solutions) topic. This M-class general discussion topic will always remain open, of course.
If any of you have any suggestions as to more topics that the M-class owner's club area could use, just let me know and I'll pass them along.
Much obliged!
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
On loads in general: In the light of the Firestone/Explorer affair I guess someone was holding his hand over us eleven years back. We took our then truck, a '91 Explorer EB, loaded to the gills (though with a lot less on the roof) non-stop the 780 miles from our home to our vacation place - with no problems, apart from that with the Explorer you really felt the load. And this was on the infamous Firestone tires - although I had of course raised the pressure to the max in the rear - but at a steady 85/90 MPH.
Sorry to have gone off-topic.
Birger
Does any one know which running boards are compatible with the above package?
Also, if you have to travel across states with different NAV CD, how do you program your destination in the Address book?
Comments, please.
Thanks
Adam
Thanks.
Joe
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
We've got about 3-4" of slush in the city so far and the ML doesn't seem to even care. :-)
I personally would like a heated windshield like in the Range Rover.
More than once, we have driven through Ice/Snow storms and the windshield only stays clear in the areas served by the defroster vent/s. There is a good size area on each side of the defroster vent (lower windshield) that refused to deice when in the teens and single digits. The wipers kept skipping over this "frozen area" and piling more ice/snow. The heater was at full heat to the windshield with dash vents manually closed except just a tad open on side vents to keep driver and passenger front side windows clear.
Another "not likely" feature for MB to add. Perhaps a longer vent running the full girth of windshield would help!
Frank
Cheers
Pat
Engineer I spoke to said the 2002 will have zenon lights and many improvements.
The pic you got looks the same as existing MLs and only a 2002 label on it...unless you feel the source is very reliable?
The major changes for 2002 will be the convenience features such as Climate Control, Xenon headlamps, steering wheel controls for Navigation/Phone/Stereo...
MB could still have something up their sleeve for the exterior but don't count on it!
Frank
Mercedes does not want to loose sales on the 2001 models by announcing too soon the changes for 2002.
Frank
Jamie
So far I know that the SLK 32 AMG and the C 32 AMG will definitely be "compressor" models this spring. These are the 6 cyl. AMG models though and I am hoping this carries for the 8 cyl. 2002 AMG models such as the ML55 AMG. I can keep hoping... any rumors of such please tell!!
As for wipers, I probably didn't do a good enough job cleaning the initial snow off :-P
From a DC Friend
"I was telling you about the next generation of engines for amg cars. The new engines will be supercharged in the amg versions. All the current cars have the 5.5L V8 normally aspirated. They retain the 3v per cylinder. I got to ride in an ml55 before I came back here and it was pretty
quick for such a heavy car."
Robert
I am in the market for a SUV and am considering the ML. Could you give me some info re: the third row seats - how much did it cost? how easy it is to retract and flip them down? how much cargo space does it take up? and, your general opinion of them. Thanks in advance.
Mike
Interestingly, even with the MDX's steeply sloped rear window (about as much as the X5) sans rear roof spoiler, the back does seem to get quite dirty compared to the rest of the vehicle (at least from the MDX's that I've seen around here). MDX owners have reported that the accessory rear deflector does help to keep the rear window clean.>>
...really. When I wrote "cleaner", that does not mean clean. And, no matter how raked the upper part of the rear hatch, the vertical part of the lower hatch will always create a low pressure zone behind the vehicle sucking up dirt to attach itself to the rear of the vehicle.
"Cleaner" is a relative term, and one only needs to look at the near vertical upper part of the rear hatch on the back of a Cherokee, to see how how much more incredibly dirty an unaerodynamic hatch is, relative to a raked rear hatch.
As for the pic posted, we didn't really get to see the rear hatch, did we? And, while I'm sure it's dirty, imagine how much dirtier it would be if it was vertical?
Thanks again - Frank
engine type 12/V, 4 valves per cylinder
displacement
(bore*stroke) 7291 (91.5 x 92.4) cm³ (mm)
compression ratio 10.5 :1
horsepower 386 (525)/5500 kW(PS)/min
FYI, Can you wait til this AMG comes supwercharged?!!!!
Robert
I'm excited to get a supercharger on the ML55. It already moves but with compressor would be a true rocket + be great in high altitude such as the Rockies - where we'd like to move eventually.
I wonder if there is any room left over in that SL73 for a compressor?
Thanks - Frank
I remember reading somewhere that Mercedes is planning on expanding the ML line. Just as the C and E class have spawned several other models, the next ML platform should do the same. Expect a model to compete with the upcoming BMW X7 and new Range Rover (think V12). Also, another model will compete with a Land Rover Defender (still sold in Europe, will return to USA).
Oh yeah, Autoweek reported a couple weeks ago that MBUSA will officially begin importing the G-Class. Also, I just read a 4car.co.uk that Mercedes scrapped plans for a bi-turbo V8 for the 2002 SL because performance would come close to the upcoming SLR.
I have to find these articles!
-Todd
Thanks.
My current car looks like it will be totalled. I am thinking
of buying an ML 320 for the following reasons.
a) it can be a 7 seater (like a minivan)
b) drive well in snow (act like a 4x4)
c) safety
Are my assumptions correct?
My question is, is it a good choice? How does the
ML do on turns and Ramps? What has your experience been?
Also, should I go for the 320 or the 430?
Thanks
Sharma
Give www.clairparts.com a call. Install will be expensive..I think around $175 last time I checked.
kunapalli:
Suggest you try an ML w/ the 3rd seats for yourself. There is not much room behind them. You don't have to leave both seats in though. It's great fun on curves :-)
Mercedes makes incremental improvements EVERY year and then every six or seven or eight years makes a big change in a model.
2001 is only year-four for the ML, so if you're looking for a giant diff in the enterior, better not start holding your breath until about 2004-5.
Yeah, maybe a 5.5 blown engine will be along next year, but wait until you gloom the six-figure sticker for it.
Yeah, maybe Xenon lights will be along next year.
Yeah, yeah....maybe, maybe.....
Now I don't mean to put a damper on anyone's fun in anticpating the next M-B goodie and I don't mean to put down anyone who's wondering what's down the road. I wonder, too.
I'm just suggesting that we keep it all in perspective. The ML out RIGHT NOW is one incredible, sophisticated animal. If you don't have one, get one.
And if you have one, just drive the hell out of it and enjoy one of the best cars on the road.
Woof!
PS: Now, how do I make my non-Bose system sound better?
1. Toss the stock speakers and add new after-market ones. If you have the bucks available, get component speakers in the front.
2. The stock head unit is not bad, but under-powered, so upgrade the head unit with more power--or better yet--a new head unit and an outboard amp
If bass is still lacking:
3. Add a sub-woofer--a nice 8" or 10" one can subtly fill in the bottom end and anchor the music, or you can go bigger...
Upgrading the non-Bose system is fairly straightforward--the dose system is a pain in the A**--check the -class list archives for my "dose Adventures"
This is quoted from the Brabus website:
0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a 260km/h top speed is expected from a Porsche or Ferrari. But thanks to 582bhp/428kW from its 7.3 litre V12 engine, the BRABUS M V12 is the worlds first off-roader with supercar performance. In June 1998, the editors of the Guinness Book of Records appointed this car to be the fastest street legal Off Road car of the world.
There is no substitute for cubic inches. Except more cubic inches. Right from the beginning, that old maxim has been the watchword at BRABUS. Over the years, BRABUS has become most adept at shoehorning larger and more powerful engines into staple Mercedes-Benz cars in the quest for greater speed. It all started in the mid-1980s with the 5.0 litre V8 in the then new baby Mercedes 190E. Two years ago, the ultimate expression of this concept saw the light of day as the E V12. Shoehorning the 582bhp 7.3 litre V12 into the new E-Class also produced the Fastest Four- Door Sedan In The World according to the Guinness Book of Records. Within months, the BRABUS T V12 joined it with the accolade of Fastest Station Wagon In The World.
Keeping up the momentum, BRABUS have now found a new home for this enormously powerful engine. Slotted into the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, it completely rewrites the rules on 4WD off-road vehicles. By their very nature, off-roaders are large and heavy and need lots of torque to perform well. In this respect, the BRABUS 7.3 litre V12 and the M-Class are a match made in heaven.
582bhp/428kW at 6,000rpm is impressive, but the stump-pulling torque of 772 Nm at 4,000rpm is simply astonishing. Delivered to the road via a modified five-speed electronic transmission and suitably beefed up 4WD drivetrain, this powerhouse of an engine enables the BRABUS M V12 to vanquish many so-called fast cars both on the autobahn and away from the traffic lights.
The big 7.3 litre 'S' specification V12 motor is a feat of precision engineering. Based on the Mercedes-Benz 6.0 litre V12, it is completely stripped to its component parts and re- engineered. The enlarged capacity of 7,255cc comes by way of a new steel billet long throw crankshaft mated to larger lightweight forged pistons by custom connecting rods. The cylinder-heads are gas-flowed and the engines' torque rich characteristics are enhanced by a pair of new high-lift camshafts. Suitable fuelling and ignition curves ensure that power and torque are optimised, and they help this enormous engine meet all current EC emission standards. In fact, the 7.3S motor is so efficient, in normal driving conditions, the fuel consumption is similar to the standard engine. Finally, a BRABUS four-pipe sports exhaust with high-flow metal catalysts helps the engine to breath properly and produces a distinctive deep and sporty sound.
So fast is the BRABUS M V12, that it has to be electronically limited to 260km/h, close to the rated maximum speed for the specially made Yokohama Off-Road AVS V801 tyres. 285/50R18 on 10J x 18-inch BRABUS Monoblock IV alloy wheels all round, these are the only tyres approved for the BRABUS M V12.
This level of performance is matched by commensurately good handling and braking. To this end, the M V12 receives a sports suspension kit with uprated springs and dampers. Adjustable ride height allows the car to be lowered by up to 50mm. Special competition-bred BRABUS brakes with huge vented and slotted discs are clamped by six-pot calipers in front and four-pot calipers at the rear.
The look of the M-Class further benefits from the range of BRABUS accessories. High grade steel and flexible synthetic materials are used in the manufacture of the bolt-on accessories. A polished stainless-steel nudge bar protects the front of the car from minor parking shunts, and this is integrated into a flexible PU-RIM part which houses a pair of driving or fog lamps. Many 4WDs are never taken into the mud, but just in case the BRABUS M V12 should be pressed into service off-road, the lower part of the new front skirts is protected by a steel bar. Underneath, a steel undertray protects the mechanicals from protruding bits of the landscape.
The new BRABUS stepboards with integrated lights, which are activated via the central lock remote control, make getting in and out of the car easier.
Finally, at the rear, another steel, PU-RIM components protects the car from parking damage.
The spacious interior is upholstered in the finest hand-stitched BRABUS Bio-Mastik leather. As an option, a customer can also specify extras like a high-powered stereo or the neat TV/video system with LCD monitors in the front seat passengers sunvisor and the back of the front-seat headrests. Finishing touches are the BRABUS airbag sports steering wheel and the chromed sill entry plates.
The basic BRABUS M V12 costs DM 428,000, and this is a peek at the engine bay:
Have fun!
Birger in Luxyland
Got to have one!
And it only costs USD$118,000.
Of course, we couldn't afford dog food in the house for 50 years, but we could rip up huge chunks of pavement every morning.
Actually, I live in a town with a lot of boats and when you see how much a modest-looking little boat costs, a V-12 ML begins to sound reasonable.
And who would EVER suspect what was under the hood?
Thanks to "osultan" for the hints on how to improve my sound system.
Now this, for those who might be thinking of adding a nav system for $1500:
From Garmin:
"The StreetPilot III follows in the footsteps of the original StreetPilot and StreetPilot ColorMap as a portable automotive GPS navigation system with electronic map capabilities. But it goes a step further by adding turn-by-turn navigation and voice prompting on a 16-color, higher-resolution display.
Unlike other in-car navigation systems that boast portability, the StreetPilot III does not require monthly service fees, installation, or an external processor. Instead, consumers can download street-level mapsets onto a removable memory cartridge, insert the card into the StreetPilot III, mount the system on the dash of any vehicle, and enjoy the ease of stress-free driving. It is the most convenient, portable auto-navigation system on the market, and it's available at a fraction of the price of in-dash navigation systems.
The StreetPilot III offers true turn-by-turn navigation in America's major cities with its auto-routing feature. At the touch of a button, consumers will now have access to the shortest and fastest routes, turn directions, and estimated time of arrival at their intended destination. Along the way, the StreetPilot III provides automated voice prompts, alerting the driver to necessary turns, distance to upcoming turns, course deviation, and distance to final destination."
Expect a price of about $1000.
Any suggestions on what I should look out for on this new a '98? I was ensured all recalls had been taken care of.
Looking forward to your comments ... Harry
MARCEL
Anyway, I think a ML430 sport will work just fine for me and my wallet.
Mark