Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

tom00

my dealer has 1 new (64 miles) 00 430 ml white with m3, sunroof, CD changer. MSRP approx 47,000+. What would be a good price. I'm inclined to say 41,000-43,000 which would be under invoice, but the car is almost 2 years old. May test drive a ML 320 just to see difference. any help/ suggestions would be appreciated.

djohnson64

Thanks, Ken, Tarik, and Glen, for the info on the balancing weights. This makes me feel better, and I sure hope the weights on my other tires would last longer.
David

ctic

Speaking from experience I think it's because most wives have absolutely no interest in cars. I bought both cars in my family by myself. I drive 1 of them 99% of the time and the other 75% of the time.

If you want to see examples of where the wife says "I bought DER MAN something" you need to go to the clothes or shoes forum, etc.

ctic

Don't know where you are, but it's got to be the same everywhere. A friend of mine is buying a new 2001 ML430 for money over invoice, not under MSRP. $1000 over invoice.

dt77

00ml430 msrp @ $47,000 with the mentioned options ?

seems kinda steep to me...where are u located ?


dt77
http://fullspeed.to/ml

mikestaley

Too Much, try another dealer.

You may enjoy the ML 320 what I tow (18' Hobie Cat) is very light and there is no problem.

A 430 would be needed for something like a horse trailer.

Mike

stever

primitive

Can anyone help?...Valet parking damage, they won't take responsibility. The ML320 mirror is fine but the plastic housing is cracked. Any idea if the housing can be replaced separately or if the entire mirror must be replaced? Cost? I should have turned the mirrors in before I gave it up to the valet!!

ctic

Either the restaurant or the valet service will have insurance. Despite their denial, you must file a claim with them. It isn't right that they would damage your car and not pay for it.

That's why I hate going to places with valet parking. I'd rather not eat there.

primitive

I just found out that the entire mirror must be replaced for $400. Expensive lesson! I'll be calling the restaurant again...thanks for the advice.

thor8

I never cared for that, I had bad experiences in the past, from the way the park, dings, having to hide or take with me personal items etc.

ctic

It's ironic that was I was in college and had a beater I couldn't afford to eat where they had valets to park your car. Now I have a better car, I'd rather eat at a place where they have don't have valet parking.

They did a hidden camera expose on the local news here where they taped kid valets racing the engines and the cars and looking through stuff.

But I knew that already, a long time ago I knew some valets at Four Seasons and they would run Porsches 50-60 mph in downtown around the block. But it happens everywhere. At the local Midas, a kid I know boasts to me that when he test drives the cars after they fix the mufflers or whatever he tests them all to the limit.

kenyee

The one time I valet parked my Integra (no choice, they controlled the parking lot), the alarm locked because I forgot to disarm it. The kid left the remote in the car. Instead of coming in and telling me (I had a spare key of course), we left the restaurant and saw him jimmying the door w/ a coat hanger and just got it open w/ the alarm blaring. I wrote a nasty letter to the restaurant and have never used a valet since...
BTW, one of my wife's friends was a valet at the Westin in Boston. They did the racing thing w/ fast cars. They also knifed tires of people who didn't tip them.

mtsang

Folks, I just received the revised 3/8/01 doc on MY 2002 M-Class Product Info. Some (if not all) of the info I have previously seen here. So FWIW...

o ML320/500/55 AMG Planned Release September 2001

o designo Editions $4,100
Cognas Edition (available for all M-class model)
Mystic Green Edition (available for ML320 and ML500 only)

o Optional Equipment Availability
Metallic Paint $495
Bose Sound System $1200
Xenon Headlamp w/ Washer System $875
Parktronic $1,015 (NEW for MY2002)
Rosen Rear Seat DVD/Viideo Ent. Sys
Integrated Motorola Digital Timeport
Heated Front Seats (Req M1) $635

o Option Packages (I will list only the MY2002 new items)
M1 Luxury $1,635
M2 - ML320 Convenience $1,275
Memory feature for Power External Mirrors (new for MY2002)
M3 - ML500 Convenience $800
Memory feature for Power External Mirrors (new for MY200)
M5 - Sunroof $1,295
Power Rear Quarter Windows (new for MY2002)
M7- 3rd Row Seat $975 cloth/$1,180 leather
M6 - Sport $3,350

o Color (new for MY2002)
Alabaster White
Everest Green
Capri Blue

Hope this info is useful. Mike

kenyee

Ok. What is this? :-)

fried13

I believe your observations are on-target. I obviously can't dress myself (get the right tie with the outfit, or shoes, etc. etc.), so I'll live with my love and tolerate her absolute ignorance of Der Man important things, like the pleasure of a nice automobile. Although, she likes it if everything works, otherwise its my fault.

Fried

mlx52

Thanks for posting the info. However, was there any info on what the changes would be to the standard equipment on the car?

Thanks
Jamie

drew_

Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html


Drew
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drew_

Regarding Parkpilot, I wrote something in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board a while back. I'll write a more detail response to your query tomorrow, but for now, you can see my past message via the link below:

campo57 "Reverse warning systems" Feb 15, 2001 11:40am

In short, there are definitely alternatives out there that are a heck of a lot cheaper than MB's Parktronic option if you are not willing to pay that price.

svinaik

Is there any info on what are the changes inside.

Is Automatic airconditioning standard? and the general layout of dash board / center console etc. Also, is Xenon option still available only with sports package or independently available.

Thanks

drew_

The Xenon headlamps have always been available (albeit at about a few hundred more) without the Sport Package. Any ML (even MY1998) onwards can be fitted with the ML55's headlamps for about $1200.

The general layout of the dash and centre console is still the same. A few minor changes have been made though. Yes, automatic climate control will be standard. We currently have a semi-automatic system.


Drew
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thor3

Yes, the Automatic front and rear A/C is standard as is the dash layout... Xenon is available without the sports package.

ctic

"BTW, one of my wife's friends was a valet at the Westin in Boston. They did the racing thing w/ fast cars. They also knifed tires of people who didn't tip them."

I thought you're supposed to tip them when picking up your car! Better go out and check my tires right away.

lennyb1

I've been lurking here about a year and a half. Posted a few times. Trying to decide between MDX and ML320. Wasn't there a discussion a little while back about Mobil 1 being recommended by MB but only in 0-30W? If I remember correctly (IIRC? ;-), the comments were that it wasn't available except through MB. Maybe I misunderstood. Anyway, I was in Trak Auto tonight (Northern Virginia) and they had it on the shelf. $27 and change per case. Maybe this is old news. It is differentiated from the other Mobil 1 oils there in different viscosity ranges by the expression "extreme".

rexconde1

Yes you are supposed to tip them when they take your car.

When I'm home in Vegas and I'm driving the CLK on the strip. I usually try to not valet but when I do its usually only at Caesar's Palace, its the only place I trust. They are constantly handling Ferraris, porsche, RR, Bently, etc. They actually treat you with respect, even some little 24yo kid. I guess in a place where Valet is a way of life, not too many question it. Here in chicago I am leary and hesitate even more. Once after detailing my car perfectly. I had to go to a reunion... had to valet the car since I was late and there was no close parking. When I got it back I say two hand prints on the front of my hood. They obviously opened the hood, they didt put a bomb in there since I'm typing this. . .

Coming from chicago, the fact that they dont charge is a treat for me! So I dont hesitate giving a $10 tip, $3-4 when I had my Jeep. That is still less than the $15-20 I end up paying in Chicago. Its one of the ways of not getting the car scratched, knifed, etc.

My parent are bothered with how much I tip, but I think that I pamper our cars too much. You can take my stereo/computer or whateverelse, just dont touch the cars!!!

Robert

dt77

hey, if i was a valet, and the exconde's clk55 showed up, I'm gonna take it arond the block ! ... more than once ..hehe

dt77
http://fullspeed.to/ml

rexconde1

I do get the mileage of the car too, and leave a copy in the car as well. . . I do this moreso in Chicago than in Vegas. The valets make pretty good money out there.

Robert

mlx52

Will the auto climate control system be a Dual Zone system.

Jamie

spikethedog

Sorry, but that $10 tip for the valet won't cut it anymore..... -:)

The tipping bar has been raised out of sight.

A 37 year old man in NYC tipped a maitre d' $16,000 last night. Really.

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/041001a.htm

kenyee

lennyb:
0W30 is actually not recommended...too thin.
MB dealers use 0W40 but you can't buy it off the shelf.

mlx52

Where do you feel comfortable having a valet take your car in Chicago? I used to give my old Van to every and any valet. However, with my M-Class I have not once even thought about the valet.

Jamie

kwest1

I own a 1999 ML 320 with the Sky roof option. Passengers join me to declare that when it's open, its like riding in a convertible - delightful. However, the drawback to this roof is the noise that it creates when turning or twisting (i.., when going over bumps). There are many connected panels that make up the roof, which flex when the vehicle flexes, creating a noise, which is slightly annoying. All in all, the Sky view Roof is a great feature.

redgoatee7

Hey,

I know I posted this a couple months ago, but I have a feeling the 2002 ML will borrow some interior components from the C-Class. I think the climate control system and the guages will be the same. Just look at the G-Class: the climate control, gauges, dashboard buttons, etc. are straight from the C. Nothing really wrong with that...but then again, I could be completely wrong.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/g-class/innen_rel.htm

-Todd

drew_

Sorry to disappoint you, but I can tell you that it will not use any of the C's components or displays. The interior is not as drastic as you may think it will be since the basic shapes are still the same. Good guess though! It's sort of strange seeing the G-wagen with the C-class's switchgear.


Drew
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sshowitt

Ferris Bueller, remember the "fake Ferrari" scene with the valets. I never valet, unless I absolutely have to. I try to tip the valet and I ask him to leave it parked in front. BTW, most restaurant hire valet companies. They have to give you the name of the valet service or if indeed it is their own, they must give you their insurance carrier. If the restaurant continues to give you a bad time, threaten to go the licensing board to file a complaint against them.

rexconde1

Jamie, I have used the one one I think its on Monroe and wacker. I have passed by there walking a couple times and they seem to handle a lot of high class cars. MB BMW, Lexus. Usually the people that have the Ferraris are in the private underground parking, or have adriver. The other place I was talking about was a hotel, but I forget where.

I know a $10 tip wont do much these days espically out there, but I cant afford much than that for a tip. I only valet if I have to, in a rush, or not driving my father's cars.

Espically when stars valet the cars out there in Vegas.... Anything that I could tip even if it was my life savings would be pennies to them.

Spike... I cant afford a $16000 tip either , If I could ... I'd be using my helicopter instead...:)

Robert

lmsylvan

Hello,
I just purchased a new silver ML320 in Denver (Murray Motors). I paid roughly $600 over incoice (got M1, Bose, sunroof, htd seats, met paint, floor mats, bug shield, sunrf deflector) for $39,300, which was decent (although I'm reading talk of rebates this summer for 01s - sux).

It was a tough decision, what with the somewhat questionable history, but the ride is great and interior space vast compared to the 4runner and pathfinder.

I do have a couple of question for you experienced folks:
- I got General tires, which I'm not too happy with - are Dunlops standard on some ML320s? Do you like them? I might try to have them changed at the dealership (LOL, I know)
- when I open the windows, I hear a thumping noise from the outside, like I'm going over a bumpy road - could this be related to the alignment problem people have mentioned on their new MLs on occasion?
Other than that, any recommendations? We got 10 inches of snow here in Denver last night, so I'm psyched to go play in the snow with the new car.

TIA,
Loren

stever

I wonder where I should post this link so Drew will be sure to see it?

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

lmsylvan

one other question - do you like your mudflaps? any advice on pricing and self-installation? installing yourself was a pain on my old 4runner.

Thanks,
Loren

biker5

Mudflap makes your ML look good sideways and at the back and the disadvantage of having a mudflap is when you go off roading which you might do it someday, it will serve as a scooper of mud and rocks.
Instalation...its not hard at all, the instruction will tell you everything.. basic household tools should do the job plus 10mm wrench or small adjustable wrench. Another thing if you are planning to install a side step the front mud guard is going to be on your way.
Price? Try the online ordering I would suggest the clairparts I think they are the cheapest. when i bought mine i pay around $130.00 coz i have a 10% discount. Call around.

gpvs

biker5,
i think you've mentioned here before that you've installed the side step yourself, did you use the MB one or a different brand? Also, was it pretty much easy? Does it require drilling anything? Where the instructions easy enough to follow?

TIA

kenyee

For the curious, you can find the install instructions scanned in here:

http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/member.html

gpvs

Thanks for the link, ken.

svinaik

Any scoop on the MRSP for MY 2002 ML 500 vs. MY 2001 ML 430.?.

Thanks for making this a great forum.

thor3

Sorry for not answering your question sooner... The climate control is dual zone meaning front and rear zone control NOT side to side and NOT separate temps. The temperature is still one zone meaning you will get the same temp out rear vents that you have blowing out of your front center vents. What you are really controlling is the air flow.. Power of blower fan and either having the vents in rear of center armrest blowing or the floor vents (under seats to deliver air to foot area). In full Automatic mode the fan will blow at varied speeds according to temp in the interior and the necessity to adjust accordingly to keep constant temp. Any occupant can close vents according to their needs to but unfortunately will not be able to adjust separate temps.

I can't figure out why they would go through the reeingineering of the ML climate control and not just adopt the C-class system which would give separate temp control....reinventing the wheel and still not completely round... go figure!!

thor3

From new info. in the US/Canadian manual for the 2002 ML models - it states that Linguatronic is available "Optional only for Canada." This could be interpreted two ways but I think it means that only Canada will have this option. If this means that there is special MCS unit installed only for Canada and then the option activates it is a question to be answered. If the MCS units were the same other than perhaps frequency variations then you might get a gray market "kit" from our friend Drew... Should be interesting but once again another example of MB NOT giving the US the state of the art and making all options available to us even though their made here in Alabama...

thor3

It appears that the Bi-xenon light option will not have self leveling motors unless the Bi-xenon control "shutter thingy - light manipulator" itself acts a the self leveling device. The manual shows adjustment screws for adjustment for both Bi-xenon and regular halogen setups.

nabzy

check this out guys, I have a feeling the power ratings will be the same for the ML 500, but hats just my hunch:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/models/features/spews/spews_engine.jsp&model Code=G500&menu=0_0

thor3

The engine is rated at 288 hp/5600 rpm and 325 ft lb torque/2700 rpm.

mlx52

Thanks for responding to my climate control question. However, I have a few other questions: 1) Do you know if the door handles of the car will be the same color as the body? 2) What is a Bi-Xenon headlamp? And are Bi-Xenons legal in the U.S yet, I remember that the Mercedes CL originally didn't ship with them?

Thanks
Jamie