Although I recently purchased a 2001 ML320, thought I could be of some help regarding your lease-end options. A family member recently turned in a SL500 which was leased through World Omni not Mercedes. The leasing company offered almost $5000 reduction in buyout as incentive. In addition, other companies including Ford sent letters regarding their interest in providing financing to purchase or re-lease the vehicle. In addition, it seems that the longer you hold out the incentives begin to increase. I hope this info. is helpful. Of course, I'm a new car junkie and would definitely get a new vehicle. The deals are great on the 2001 ML320 especially if your willing to take black or white.
My wife "can" drive the ML but if she did then I'd have to drive her mini-van. Since she got the prior two new cars and I now drive to work instead of to a commuter bus, I don't see the point of giving her the ML. Since neither vehicle has memory for the seats or mirrors, it drives her nuts when I do drive the van (like when I take the dog to the bank because they give dog biscuits) and re-arrange everything.
Before I bought an SUV she did agree to take it if I didn't like driving one and then I'd get the next new car again. So once I can justify buying the SLK320, I'm all set.
That was a good explanation. And here is my scenario I let my wife to drive my ML before without any problem, but since her minor accident she need to ask me in advance if she can drive my ML(weather permitted..) Confused? here is the story..one time a rainy day here in CALI. 0n the way home from work she missed the left turn on one street, I didn't blame her because it was so dark and it was raining, she end up climbed up to a 4 foot hills. I am so glad my ML have a front bar with skid plate. No damage done underside. Since then she always ask me if she can drive my toy. Funny huh!
1. I'm contemplating to change the engine oil myself on my '00 ML at its first 5000 miles mark without changing the oil filter. Does it make sense not changing the oil filter? Any thoughts?
2. I live in a suburb of Chicago, IL. Does anyone know if all the gasoline in Illinois are of equal quality? ie. with the same amount of ethanol mixed in, etc? I had been buying gas (93 octane) from Speedway or Citgo. Or should I feed my ML with gas like Shell, Amoco (I had bad experience with Amoco) Mobil and such?
3. Do we have a search feature on this board so that I can search out old relevant topics instead of asking the same old questions that had been asked and answered over?
Your '00 ML has below 5000 miles on it? Wow, that's really low for a '00 model, but I guess if you don't drive it much...If it's the very first (ever) oil change, you may want to consider changing the filter since all of the metal filings from the new engine will be in there. I had my first oil and filter change done at about 3500 kms when I switched to Mobil 1. Since then, I've been sticking with the FSS computer recommendations and everything has been just fine so far.
Robert (rexconde) lives in your area, so perhaps he tell you more about your questions about the gas stations
As for the search feature, yes there is one in the main SUV lists (it's under the "Add discussion" button) but unfortunately, it's not very good and is still being refined.
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WRT the gas, I have two different takes on this in Illinois. Bear with me a bit. The BMW 7-series had a problem with their engine block in the mid-90s. The blocks had to be replaced secondly because the gas (specifically in Illinois) was really bad. People's engines were failing left and right. One of the main causes was found to be the gasoline in Illinois. The engines were replaced to put up with the gas
In general I believe that the gas in Illinois is worse than some other states. I would definalty stick with the more reputable brands: Mobil, SHELL, Amoco. I don't trust Gas City or Citgo.
With the tolerant nature of our engines and the resistance to pinging, it isnt crucial to the ML, however it is advisable. However if you are caught in a place where you need gas, a couple of fill ups with the lower octane or the worse brand gas wont hurt the ML. If you do see a change in the car it will most likly be seen in the future. However in the present lower MPG may result.
When I left the Mobil station Premium gas was 1.56, and the Gas City was about 1.68. I'll let you decide which one was at the major intersection.
If she broke it, she bought and you're entitled to a new one.
I honestly don't think my wife really cares.
Actually she really hates the blind spot on the left because the outside rearview mirror doesn't tilt out far left enough. It leaves a gap off of the rear left fender that you can't see out of the corner of your eye and you have to twist and turn every time to check.
Does anyone else have that problem? The dealer said the travel is correct and the loaner ML had the same problem.
That's because we were taught wrong about how to set the mirrors in driver's ed. You should *not* see the side of your car in the mirror. If you do, you're overlapping w/ the rearview mirror. Adjust it so that you don't see overlaps in the mirrors as a car moves from behind you to your side.
I don't have blind spots except for one directly next to me and I can see that out of my peripheral vision...
LOL, you're supposed to shoulder check anyway :-). It's not really a "problem". You may want to try a small stick-on mirror though. I have one on each mirror and it significantly helps to eliminate the blindspots.
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Drew, I'm not sure whether you were the one who got one but i was looking at a site and they had this for the ML and they told me that it sticks via double sided adhesive tape. Didn't you get one and had problems with it sticking?
If you want the ML55 one, just order it from clairparts.com (though it's over $100)-:
You can get chrome tape and stick some one to give you the look for a few bucks, but I'm not sure how long it will last. I still haven't used my tape :-)
Why not change the filter too? The filter is where most the metal filings, carbon, and fuel byproducts collect. I admit to thinking more frequent is better, and changed the oil (& filter) in my ML to Mobil 1 after 400 (yes 400) miles, and then at every 4,000 miles thereafter.
I plan on keeping the ML for a lot of miles. Changing oil frequently is the single best thing you can do to maintain your vehicle's health.
Here's where the issue hinges: If you do not plan on keeping the ML for 50K miles or more, follow the lame FSS. The ML's long term maintenance will be someone else's problem. If you want to keep the ML a lot of miles, change the oil and other fluids frequently. Frequent oil and filter changes is the best procedure you can do to save yourself rebuild $$$$$ as early as the 60K mile mark.
Also, there are a couple of tools that make the procedure really easy and CLEAN. There is a device called a "Topsider" that's available from boat dealers. There is a device called a "Liquivac" available at www.mercedesshop.com Both of these tools are used to suction the oil out of the ML's engine. Once done, you poor the used oil into a suitable container, and take it to a service shop or oil change shop for recycling. Also, if you use surgical gloves you won't even get your hands oily.
In addition, www.mercedesshop.com has another tool used to remove the oil canister. You use it with a ratchet. Once the filter is out of the canister, drop it in a zip lock bag and take it to the recycling center along with the oil.
As an aside, MB recently sent out a notice to owners of all vehicles that use the FSS system informing us that they were changing out to synthetic. New MB vehicles also now come with synthetic. Why? An awful lot of prematurely damaged engines due to extended periods without changing the oil & filter).
What is with the rocket scientists who code for Edmunds? Why in the 21st century can they NOT translate code pasted from Word when most of the civilized world’s web pages have no problem doing so?
If you wish, you can turn off "SmartQuotes" in Word and the apostrophes and such won't get mangled when you paste your message. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Ken, That's exactly right, you shouldn't see the side of the car but in my ML and in the loaner I had, I cannot get the mirror past that point.
Our Villager's mirror continues left after you see the side and covers that blind spot. The ML will not go there. If you aim it lower it moves a little farther left. (It was fine in the SLK too, so maybe I should just get one of them, yeah, that's it, a sign from the gods to get an SLK320.)
Drew, I had resigned myself to getting those stick-ons as a solution though I was hoping the dealer could tweak the mirrors when they were changing the mirror caps. Thanks for the pictures; I was wondering on which side of each mirror to install them.
(Hmmm, mini-blinds in the garage; nice touch for your 'baby'. And I thought I was good putting up shelves just so I'd have a special place for the ML's trailer hitch and the rim cleaner.)
The switch to synthetic was because of a variety of reasons. I believe the main one was that some US-spec mineral oils did not live up to their specifications and MB had problems with some engines sludging and premature wear. Apparently the long FSS intervals not a problem in Europe because, 1) they have been using Mobil 1 synthetic for a long time in some MB cars, 2) the mineral oils in Europe are made under a lot tighter tolerances/specs.
BTW, I was told that (at least the Euro-made) MB vehicles still come with mineral oil from the factory because they're able to know exactly what kind/quality of oil they put into the engines there, unlike at the hundreds of dealers, and for proper break-in reasons. This is with the exception of the AMG engines of course, which run Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic oil right from the factory.
Actually, what I used was aluminum body repair tape. The reason I did this was because the chrome accented grill was not available at the time. It worked okay, the ones on the top two bars of the grill start puckering up a little because the heat from the engine was the most intense there and the glue was breaking down (it was not heat resistant glue, BTW). I did it a couple more times until I found out that the ML55 grill was available for sale. According to the MB Canada computer, I was the first one in North America to receive it other than the factory, of course. Aww, makes me feel special ;-p.
The main reason I wanted the chrome accents, aside from the fact that it would make my ML look more unique, was that I felt that the dark tinted hood deflector made the front end look too dark in contrast with the grill + the silver paint. The chrome accents lighten up the front end again. With a black ML + the hood deflector, this isn't so much of an issue for me.
If you want to go the DIY chrome tape route, make sure that you buy the heat resistant kind. Precision Auto (aka Performance Products - http://www.performanceproducts.com) sells the Schatz chrome accent plastic pieces that has a self adhesive backing. From what I've heard, it's pretty good. However, perhaps Louis (aka Ometofu here in Town Hall) can comment on these since he has them on his vehicle.
Finally, I got it at $42,119 Including: Bose, Metallic Paint, Heated Seat, M1 Luxury, M2 Convenient, Sport, 3rd row, sunroof, Invoice $43,868, - $1,500 incentive = $42,368, which means I actually get $249 below invoice, also got free net. MB has 7 miles when I got it. Not bad, but I might be able to do better. I promised the saleman's name that I would not reveal his name. So, sorry to those guys want to know contact info. But I think you should get this price anywhere.
The blinds are so that I don't scratch the doors when I open them and make contact with the shelves. Actually, the primary reason was so that they would partly contain the objects in the shelves should there be an earthquake (the shelves are secured to the walls). Also, they just look nicer when the doors are open :-) No prying eyes to see the goodies.
I have to admit that I wasn't smart enough to think of using them though, heh heh. The credit goes to my father who also helped me to install them too. :-)
I didn't want to use these stick-on convex mirrors (they're 2" in diameter, BTW; anything larger would be a bit too large and not as aesthetically pleasing, IMHO), but I find that they're just so helpful for seeing the curbs when parallel parking, or to see the painted parking stall lines. I experimented with different locations on the mirror and found that the lower corners were the best. Glad that you found the pictures helpful
Rotating the tires. The driver's side supported by jacks.
self adhesive backing on these are strong if you follow the instruction and clear your grill before you apply it. I had it since my ML were couple months old. went thru 2 winters and a summer with numerous big storm... survive a 16 hours trip from NY to Florida... still hooks new and surprising no chips either...
The ML made news in New York last weekend when a prominent PR executive backed her 2001 ML into a crowd in front of a Hamptons night club, injuring 16 people...some fractures and broken bones. She was fighting with bouncers since she parked in the fire zone. Straight from always-reliable The New York Post:
"Cops say she intentionally hit the gas on her 2001 Mercedes-Benz SUV while in reverse after a 2 a.m. argument with bouncers over where her car was parked. She allegedly shouted out, 'F - - - you, white trash' at one of the bouncers."
She then fled the scene to avoid a DWI test, leaving the ML behind. Her father, a powerful attorney, claims it was an accident. With her connections, she was able to get a top-notch attorney at 2 AM that night. She is now free on $25K bail, though she may face 25 years....no word on the ML
Now I doubt that I would get the same treatment if I did the same in my ML. Thought you guys might enjoy that. Get this woman a 2002 ML with Parktronic...
Since she intentionally backed her vehicle into the crowd, doubt that Parktronic would've helped ;-). Besides, you always have that Parktronic off button close at hand!
Thanks for your inputs. I'm going to check out clairparts for the ML55 grill. The one i was referring to was from airpressusa, the same as Louis'. Glad to know that it survived all those miles.
One other thing i noticed on your ML is the roof rack, is that from MB? Was wondering your experiences with wind noise? Looks like the fairing is before the sunroof, does that also help when you have the roof open?
Drew, I just saw, in one of my many accessory magazines, spot mirrors with LED's (small arrow <) that flash with your turn signals, like on some of the new Ford vehicles. From the picture it looks like you place the spot in about the same location as yours and run the wires in the mirror housing and door so they don't show.
I really like the black pushbar with lights. I hadn't seen that before. I also have a black/ash ML and didn't really like the thick chrome pushbar against the black.
Your father had a pretty sharp idea. Cleans up the garage's appearance and adds earthquake protection. Not an Ohio issue right now but my racks are screwed to the wall studs. (The rack in front of the ML has blankets and nerf toys. The rack by the van has the hard stuff.)
Small objection at this point: If I remember correctly, Schätz's five-piece chrome bar set (which is sold through airpress and precisionautoparts) is not made of plastic. Those are stamped steel (sheetmetal) pieces, with a durable chrome finish. Schätz has been the OEM supplier of exterior chrome trim pieces for MB for a long time now, and has only recently begun to sell their lines of accessories to the public. This leads me to believe that their sense of quality matches MB's requirements.
BTW, airpress' markup (compared to Schätz's German market price) is about 33%, precision's is closer to 40%...
I have all the same questions as nosuvyet, only applied to the US. (Unfortunately, I'm not living in Canada -- I bet its a great place for some off-roading!).
some fool dented my Baby.... small but noticeable about 1/8 of inch right on the door's "structure line"... Anyone can tell me how much or how easily such dent can be fixed?
GPVS, both my Fairing and roof rack is from Thule. I removed the Thule logo from the Fairing... it really reduce if any noise that the roof rack might generated...
djdj, thanks. my front setup was very popular in for 1998 and 1999 models.... I love black on Black looks....
airpressure's chrome strips are selling for $179 or so. Clairparts is selling the M55 grill for $175 or so. It's a no brainer as to what to get if one is interested in getting chrome. I think my local dealer quoted over $200 for the M55 grill.
AFAIK, they have stopped production and are in the process of retooling. Check w/ your dealers to be sure. It's around this time that they do this and they needed to start early this year.
There are many companies that specialize in this type of repair. For about $75-$125 you can have an average size door ding/dent removed with absolutely no paint work required.
These companies usually do quite a bit of business with auto dealers - especially the used car dept's I would ask the used car manager or the service department about who they use.
I'm a first time Benz owner and i'm amazed and frustrated each time i try to schedule my car for service. The dealer in the Hartford CT area is scheduling service now for the second week in August. It's never less than 2 weeks away before they can fit me in. The problem is that i need brakes now and they don't seem to be concerned about that at all. Is this a normal experience for Mercedes? Any suggestions? The closest dealer is about 1 hour away.
When i ask why - the SA tells me that's just the way it is. I'd prefer for them to say that all of the technicians quit and went to become monks in the mountains
If your brake light just came on, you still have a few months left. 2 weeks is actually not bad. I've heard 4 at some places if you want a loaner car. Even the Acura dealer needed a week notice.
The fairing attaches to the crossbar and on my SUV the crossbar just happens to be near the rear of the sunroof. Besides, I have the moonroof visor/wind deflector at the front of the sunroof already. If you want to carry a bike, the trailer hitch is much more expensive but also very convenient. That's what I use for my bike, but still I like the Yakima rack as long as the fairing is installed.
Drew, I own a 2001 ML320 with only 5800 miles on it. I have been using 91 or higher octane gasoline. I took my ML in for service today, and I was told by one of the service advisors that Mercedes recommends 89 octane. How far is this true?
Since this is not a warranty service you can somewhere else for the brakes. Get out your trusty yellow pages and try non-dealer MB specialists or even Midas(?)
You might save yourself a bundle and discover a cheaper and possibly an as qualified alternative to your sucky dealer.
If you're really feeling PO'd, you might even consider call MBUSA and complaining to them. A couple of people on these boards have written letters to MBUSA and cc'd them to the dealer, with good results! After all, brakes could be a safety issue and if you were to rear-end someone because the dealer couldn't fit you in......
It's completely untrue. If you refer to the owner's manual, it specifically states that you should use octane 91 at least. You can use a lower octane gas in an emergency when you cannot find Octane 91. However, you should go back to premium as soon as you are able to find it. You should find this in the owner's manual and show it to that service advisor.
The computer can compensate for lower octane, but you don't want to do it over an extended period of time since it can cause premature engine wear.
The Mercedes-Benz SUV that Lizzie Grubman drove backward into a crowd outside a trendy Southampton nightclub Saturday was too powerful for her to control, her new attorney said today.
Grubman, 30, the well-connected Manhattan publicist who careened the vehicle into 16 people outside the Conscience Point Inn, also was unfamiliar with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG that is registered to her father, and rarely drove at all, defense attorney Stephen Scaring of Garden City said.
"We're trying to get the facts together so we can demonstrate to the district attorney that it was an accident,” Scaring said. "We think it's becoming very clear that this was an accident.”
She has to be kidding , she does not know the power of that ML model, full of s____
First off, I have the MB Canada accessory hood deflector which is not sold in the US, AFAIK. However, the Nordleth.com EGR Superguard hood deflector works in a similar way and looks nearly identical. Only the edges are different with mine being straight, and the EGR's being curved.
With mine, there are two plastic tabs at each end of the hood deflector which clip onto the deflector and the edge of the hood. The centre part of the hood deflector uses the existing screws that hold the centre grill in (you have to remove the grill - 12 screws, IIRC - to install the hood deflector). It seems to work quite well. Removal is pretty easy and I have done it a few times to wax the underside of the deflector. You just pop the hood open, unscrew the screws, remove the grill and then remove the hood deflector.
No chips on my hood so far (knock on wood), so I've been very happy with it; if I run my palm over the surface of the deflector, I can feel a few undulations (not visible though). Also, I've found that it does a good job of deflecting falling snow flakes away from my windshield and I don't have to use my wipers very frequently, depending on how much snow is falling, of course.
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Before I bought an SUV she did agree to take it if I didn't like driving one and then I'd get the next new car again. So once I can justify buying the SLK320, I'm all set.
2. I live in a suburb of Chicago, IL. Does anyone know if all the gasoline in Illinois are of equal quality? ie. with the same amount of ethanol mixed in, etc? I had been buying gas (93 octane) from Speedway or Citgo. Or should I feed my ML with gas like Shell, Amoco (I had bad experience with Amoco) Mobil and such?
3. Do we have a search feature on this board so that I can search out old relevant topics instead of asking the same old questions that had been asked and answered over?
You may find this helpful:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm
Robert (rexconde) lives in your area, so perhaps he tell you more about your questions about the gas stations
As for the search feature, yes there is one in the main SUV lists (it's under the "Add discussion" button) but
unfortunately, it's not very good and is still being refined.
Drew
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WRT the gas, I have two different takes on this in Illinois. Bear with me a bit. The BMW 7-series had a problem with their engine block in the mid-90s. The blocks had to be replaced secondly because the gas (specifically in Illinois) was really bad. People's engines were failing left and right. One of the main causes was found to be the gasoline in Illinois. The engines were replaced to put up with the gas
In general I believe that the gas in Illinois is worse than some other states. I would definalty stick with the more reputable brands: Mobil, SHELL, Amoco. I don't trust Gas City or Citgo.
With the tolerant nature of our engines and the resistance to pinging, it isnt crucial to the ML, however it is advisable. However if you are caught in a place where you need gas, a couple of fill ups with the lower octane or the worse brand gas wont hurt the ML. If you do see a change in the car it will most likly be seen in the future. However in the present lower MPG may result.
When I left the Mobil station Premium gas was 1.56, and the Gas City was about 1.68. I'll let you decide which one was at the major intersection.
Robert
I honestly don't think my wife really cares.
Actually she really hates the blind spot on the left because the outside rearview mirror doesn't tilt out far left enough. It leaves a gap off of the rear left fender that you can't see out of the corner of your eye and you have to twist and turn every time to check.
Does anyone else have that problem? The dealer said the travel is correct and the loaner ML had the same problem.
I don't have blind spots except for one directly next to me and I can see that out of my peripheral vision...
Drew
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You can get chrome tape and stick some one to give you the look for a few bucks, but I'm not sure how long it will last. I still haven't used my tape :-)
I plan on keeping the ML for a lot of miles. Changing oil frequently is the single best thing you can do to maintain your vehicle's health.
Here's where the issue hinges: If you do not plan on keeping the ML for 50K miles or more, follow the lame FSS. The ML's long term maintenance will be someone else's problem. If you want to keep the ML a lot of miles, change the oil and other fluids frequently. Frequent oil and filter changes is the best procedure you can do to save yourself rebuild $$$$$ as early as the 60K mile mark.
Also, there are a couple of tools that make the procedure really easy and CLEAN. There is a device called a "Topsider" that's available from boat dealers. There is a device called a "Liquivac" available at www.mercedesshop.com Both of these tools are used to suction the oil out of the ML's engine. Once done, you poor the used oil into a suitable container, and take it to a service shop or oil change shop for recycling. Also, if you use surgical gloves you won't even get your hands oily.
In addition, www.mercedesshop.com has another tool used to remove the oil canister. You use it with a ratchet. Once the filter is out of the canister, drop it in a zip lock bag and take it to the recycling center along with the oil.
As an aside, MB recently sent out a notice to owners of all vehicles that use the FSS system informing us that they were changing out to synthetic. New MB vehicles also now come with synthetic. Why? An awful lot of prematurely damaged engines due to extended periods without changing the oil & filter).
Just a (kind of long) suggestion.
...Tracy
…Tracy
Steve
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Our Villager's mirror continues left after you see the side and covers that blind spot. The ML will not go there. If you aim it lower it moves a little farther left. (It was fine in the SLK too, so maybe I should just get one of them, yeah, that's it, a sign from the gods to get an SLK320.)
Drew, I had resigned myself to getting those stick-ons as a solution though I was hoping the dealer could tweak the mirrors when they were changing the mirror caps. Thanks for the pictures; I was wondering on which side of each mirror to install them.
(Hmmm, mini-blinds in the garage; nice touch for your 'baby'. And I thought I was good putting up shelves just so I'd have a special place for the ML's trailer hitch and the rim cleaner.)
The switch to synthetic was because of a variety of reasons. I believe the main one was that some US-spec mineral oils did not live up to their specifications and MB had problems with some engines sludging and premature wear. Apparently the long FSS intervals not a problem in Europe because, 1) they have been using Mobil 1 synthetic for a long time in some MB cars, 2) the mineral oils in Europe are made under a lot tighter tolerances/specs.
BTW, I was told that (at least the Euro-made) MB vehicles still come with mineral oil from the factory because they're able to know exactly what kind/quality of oil they put into the engines there, unlike at the hundreds of dealers, and for proper break-in reasons. This is with the exception of the AMG engines of course, which run Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic oil right from the factory.
The main reason I wanted the chrome accents, aside from the fact that it would make my ML look more unique, was that I felt that the dark tinted hood deflector made the front end look too dark in contrast with the grill + the silver paint. The chrome accents lighten up the front end again. With a black ML + the hood deflector, this isn't so much of an issue for me.
If you want to go the DIY chrome tape route, make sure that you buy the heat resistant kind. Precision Auto (aka Performance Products - http://www.performanceproducts.com) sells the Schatz chrome accent plastic pieces that has a self adhesive backing. From what I've heard, it's pretty good. However, perhaps Louis (aka Ometofu here in Town Hall) can comment on these since he has them on his vehicle.
http://www.precisionauto.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Exterior_Styling_43.html
BTW, the ML55 chrome accents are actually painted on (some kind of tough enamel paint, I think) and then clearcoated.
Hope this helps!
Including: Bose, Metallic Paint, Heated Seat, M1 Luxury, M2 Convenient, Sport, 3rd row, sunroof, Invoice $43,868, - $1,500 incentive = $42,368, which means I actually get $249
below invoice, also got free net. MB has 7 miles when I got it. Not bad, but I might be able to do better.
I promised the saleman's name that I would not reveal his name. So, sorry to those guys want to know contact info. But I think you should get this price anywhere.
Good Luck to myself and your guys.
AH
I have to admit that I wasn't smart enough to think of using them though, heh heh. The credit goes to my father who also helped me to install them too. :-)
I didn't want to use these stick-on convex mirrors (they're 2" in diameter, BTW; anything larger would be a bit too large and not as aesthetically pleasing, IMHO), but I find that they're just so helpful for seeing the curbs when parallel parking, or to see the painted parking stall lines. I experimented with different locations on the mirror and found that the lower corners were the best. Glad that you found the pictures helpful
Rotating the tires. The driver's side supported by jacks.
Drew
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PS. I got my from www.airpressusa.com
The ML made news in New York last weekend when a prominent PR executive backed her 2001 ML into a crowd in front of a Hamptons night club, injuring 16 people...some fractures and broken bones. She was fighting with bouncers since she parked in the fire zone. Straight from always-reliable The New York Post:
"Cops say she intentionally hit the gas on her 2001 Mercedes-Benz SUV while in reverse after a 2 a.m. argument with bouncers over where her car was parked. She allegedly shouted out, 'F - - - you, white trash' at one of the bouncers."
She then fled the scene to avoid a DWI test, leaving the ML behind. Her father, a powerful attorney, claims it was an accident. With her connections, she was able to get a top-notch attorney at 2 AM that night. She is now free on $25K bail, though she may face 25 years....no word on the ML
Now I doubt that I would get the same treatment if I did the same in my ML. Thought you guys might enjoy that. Get this woman a 2002 ML with Parktronic...
-Todd
Drew
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Small objection at this point: If I remember correctly, Schätz's five-piece chrome bar set (which is sold through airpress and precisionautoparts) is not made of plastic. Those are stamped steel (sheetmetal) pieces, with a durable chrome finish. Schätz has been the OEM supplier of exterior chrome trim pieces for MB for a long time now, and has only recently begun to sell their lines of accessories to the public. This leads me to believe that their sense of quality matches MB's requirements.
BTW, airpress' markup (compared to Schätz's German market price) is about 33%, precision's is closer to 40%...
Tarik
1) are they still making the 01's i.e. can I factory order one with the options I want?
2) any rebates presently in Canada?
3) what's the best price anyone has received in Canada. i.e. invoice plus or minus whatever
Thanks in advance for any help.
How is the hood guard attached? Is it easy to take off and then put back on?
TIA
GPVS, both my Fairing and roof rack is from Thule. I removed the Thule logo from the Fairing... it really reduce if any noise that the roof rack might generated...
djdj, thanks. my front setup was very popular in for 1998 and 1999 models.... I love black on Black looks....
I have a Yakima, i'm pretty sure they're similar besides one being rounded and the other more squarish tubes.
These companies usually do quite a bit of business with auto dealers - especially the used car dept's I would ask the used car manager or the service department about who they use.
Check out the following link for more info:
http://www.apdr.com/
When i ask why - the SA tells me that's just the way it is. I'd prefer for them to say that all of the technicians quit and went to become monks in the mountains
2 weeks is actually not bad. I've heard 4 at some places if you want a loaner car.
Even the Acura dealer needed a week notice.
I own a 2001 ML320 with only 5800 miles on it. I have been using 91 or higher octane gasoline. I took my ML in for service today, and I was told by one of the service advisors that Mercedes recommends 89 octane. How far is this true?
You might save yourself a bundle and discover a cheaper and possibly an as qualified alternative to your sucky dealer.
If you're really feeling PO'd, you might even consider call MBUSA and complaining to them. A couple of people on these boards have written letters to MBUSA and cc'd them to the dealer, with good results! After all, brakes could be a safety issue and if you were to rear-end someone because the dealer couldn't fit you in......
The computer can compensate for lower octane, but you don't want to do it over an extended period of time since it can cause premature engine wear.
Grubman, 30, the well-connected Manhattan publicist who careened the vehicle into 16 people outside the Conscience Point Inn, also was unfamiliar with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG that is registered to her father, and rarely drove at all, defense attorney Stephen Scaring of Garden City said.
"We're trying to get the facts together so we can demonstrate to the district attorney that it was an accident,” Scaring said. "We think it's becoming very clear that this was an accident.”
She has to be kidding , she does not know the power of that ML model, full of s____
With mine, there are two plastic tabs at each end of the hood deflector which clip onto the deflector and the edge of the hood. The centre part of the hood deflector uses the existing screws that hold the centre grill in (you have to remove the grill - 12 screws, IIRC - to install the hood deflector). It seems to work quite well. Removal is pretty easy and I have done it a few times to wax the underside of the deflector. You just pop the hood open, unscrew the screws, remove the grill and then remove the hood deflector.
No chips on my hood so far (knock on wood), so I've been very happy with it; if I run my palm over the surface of the deflector, I can feel a few undulations (not visible though). Also, I've found that it does a good job of deflecting falling snow flakes away from my windshield and I don't have to use my wipers very frequently, depending on how much snow is falling, of course.
Drew
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