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Here is the phone # 1-800-243-1220, Nordleth is bit expensive for the same product.
My brother just ordered his wife' a new C320 and it should be here in October. I was equally impressed with the new C series and it is definitely on the list as a replacement for the Volvo, the only problem is no AWD option.
Obviously, I paid full price. However, after getting all the great help from the Edmunds Forum and the M-Class Mailing list, I sold remaining warranty back to MB and shopped around for a cheaper one. You can sell your warranty past 60 days, you just lose the prorated portion. In my case, after about 8 months it was only about $80 and I was able to save a heck of a lot more on the new one, which started from the vehicle purchase date. BTW, You are purchasing warranty from MBUSA, not from a dealer, so don't let your salesguy/gal snooker you!
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/townhall/chat/mercedeschat.html
tlwwso
Also, will the ML55 be changing externally as well or will it be keeping the same bumpers etc?
Thanks
Marcus
The current (FJ100) Toyota Landcruiser also has front torsion bars and rear coils. I seem to recall that the older FJ80 Landcruiser had coil springs all around. Is that also correct?
What do you think of this change, if I'm right? Don't you think it would make the ride a bit worse? I just compared a 2001 Landcruiser and a 2001 Sequoia in a test drive on paved roads, and the Sequoia was better. The Sequoia has coils on all 4 wheels, and I suspect that's the reason.
David
Tarik
http://www.harman.com/fp/index.jsp?articleId=100
Jamie
During the first 10K I questioned my dealer and MB often and both confirmed wait until the CPU says so. So I figure if I follow what they and the manual says they are on call if anything goes wrong, even after the warranty. Added, I went nearly 15K once on my 99 C Class Kompressor and am at 50K now with no engine issues. I do a lot of highway driving.
Hope this helps.
The trip computer was replaced on my '99 ml 320 by the dealer some time ago. it did not appear defective to me but he said during a visit for an oil change that MB had a service buletin on it.
Thanks,
Ron
Some opinions I have and as they were a few days ago when I posted a are:
1. New looks on the exterior to me are a vast improvement over the previous models looks. It is much more aggressive looking.
2. The a/c controls are very nice and cool looking. Cooling an ML is now easier for the rear passengers as well the front passengers. Some folks were concerned about the new knobs not being large enough to grab with gloves on but this is not the case. There is plenty to grab on to and turn the dial.
3. New speakers upfront do add a much better sound to the Bose system.
4. New black background on MCS screen seems easier to read and maybe a little more elegant looking?
5. Larger drink holder in the center console will definitely get used by us. I'm glad MB made this right.
6. First aid kit is now in the rear door compartment. When you open the door you can reach up and flip down the cover to see it.
I'll have the pictures up tonight with a link to them posted here for all to enjoy.
Jack
PS A few quirks I noticed is the fog lights do not come on if the main headlights are turned off and then back on. You have to push the button again to turn them on. Also, the recycle button on the new a/c controls resets after the ignition has been turned off. This is a feature I've noticed a lot of manufacturers doing lately. Here in the South where we use the recycle all the time its a little annoying to turn it on each time. But I can live with it.
The new ML is really great looking and I can't wait to get ours.
Be sure to link the pictures in the M-class owner's club photo gallery as well.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
"twangs" it just won't recognize. I didn't get the phone this time either. I might regret that later. I had it on the others; a very nice feature. Once you use the nav system a few times, it's pretty easy and although I can read a map, I really got used to having it. The rear back glasses now pop out. You used to have to buy the M7,rear seat, to get that option. Oh, no more of that baffeling noise when the sunroof is back!! The new side mirrors also seemed to eliminate some of the noise when the front windows are down too. You can also program the right mirror to move down when you put it in reverse. Takes some getting used to. Overall, it's the best SUV out there. A few years I gave up a Navigator for the new body Suburban. Then, only at my husbands constant nagging, I got the ML w/3rd seat. Of course, I had to have the "Stow-Away" box to go on the back when we travel but it's the best of both worlds. I did try the Land Cruiser; hated the floating effect. I'm hooked now, for sure!
Hope you enjoy the pictures be sure to leave a message in the guest book.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1141116&a=13694094&f=0
sama from GA:
The hooks above each rear passenger door is for the divider that can also be attached in the rear. The rear windows are the ones on either side of the 3rd seat passengers. They are now power operated from the front cockpit controls. When I first read your post I thought you ment the rear hatch window...it does not open. Too bad.
I forgot to get some pictures of the new storage compartment in the center console but as was mentioned it is two level and useful. Although the quality of the tabs to pull it up and open seem to be a little low...they are just plastic and seem difficult to catch.
Here is a sneak peek
I also tried to get some photos of the black ML500 the dealer had also. But when I got back someone had taken it off the lot. I do know that that I think the 320 wheels are better looking than the 500 for some reason. The 320's have more design to the them. The 500's look similar but more plain. Although the ML500 wheels do keep the blue/silver MB logo in the center as before whereas as you can see the ML320 have the basic MB logo in the center.
I ordered the Navigation system with it. The dealer ordered the Navigation and received the 2001 model. After installing it, it turned out that the 2001 navigation does not work in the 2002 M-Class. The 2002 navigation is on back order, so I'll have to wait a couple of months for my navigation.
Has anyone received a 2002 ML320 with Navigation?
Thanks in advance.
Robert
I'm starting my search this weekend, and wanted to see how dealers are treating the 2002 MY. Lousy economy would help a deal around invoice, but location (NYC) offsets any ability to deal. Most likely, it'll be time for a road trip.
Also - anyone know where I can find out more info on the MB Navigational system? I read here that a DVD-ROM based unit is in the works, but wonder if I order the ML320 for MY2002, if I can add DVD navigation when it's available.
Not that I should even care about the DVD navi - not like I'll need the entire US on one disc - how far can you drive in a day?
Thanks a lot!!!!
According to sequoiasaurus's pictures, and contrary to what is indicated in the official 2002 M-Class brochure, it seems that the rear window switch/AC panel does NOT have the burlwood trim. In addition, the roll-up cover in the center console's oversized cupholder lacks the traditional M-B "laser-cut-from-a-single-piece-of-wood" wood trim as well. Does anyone know why this is? Does it require a separate package; or is it a dealer-installed accessory?
Thanks.
Robert
I have a deposit down on 2002 MDX, to be delivered in January @ MSRP.
On Saturday, while walking past a MB dealer, my wife decided she wanted to have a look at the 2002 ML320, which had just arrived.
To make a long story short - I'm right on the fence between them now. I'd love to hear how you compare the two (or anyone else, for that matter). Here's what I have so far:
MDX:
Pros - More cargo space, better engine performance (240HP 19/22 MPG), cheaper.
Cons - Not as safe (ESP, HID, side curtain airbags), unknown long term reliability (VTM-4), not as luxurious.
And the ML320:
Pros - safer, included maintenance (4/50k), more luxurious, touch shift transmission, lifetime road assistance, better resale value, better 3rd row seating.
Cons - less fuel efficient, reliability history shaky, more expensive to maintain, more expensive, smaller cargo space.
Regarding your third row question - I think the ML's 3rd row is better, but neither is a full time third row solution. The MDX's third row I'd say is an emergency third row, for use no more than 45 minutes at a time unless the occupant is under 15 years old.
If you've got a similar comparo - I'd love to hear it. My needs in a car - safety, reliability, drivability in poor weather (rain and snow), good urban vehicle.
This is something you have to decide for yourself. The ML seats look like the other seats and probably have the same heft build but require you to fold them to the side when not in use. The MDX ones fold into the cargo floor, but are not as sturdy as their other seats because of the size constraints.
fred:
The Chrome grill only comes w/ the ML500, not the ML320.
john:
No ETA on the DVD nav yet. You're asking a big what if question that we can't answer. Sort of like "will the Pentium5 use the same memory for my PC?".
Chrome grill as Kenyee says is only available on the ML500 but my dealer said he could order me one for my 320 b/c we both agreed its looks great.
That was the 4 yr 50K premium warranty. Best deal that I have found.
The MY2002 ML55 has the entire grill painted.
All of the seat frames are made of the same HSLA (High Strength, Low Ally) steel that is used as the critical load bearing safety structures of the vehicle, and as such, can withstand a very significant forces. In the case of a very severe high speed rear end collision, the rear section of the frame is designed to buckle in the middle, breaking off the underbody spare tire carrier, and directing the force of the impact downwards and away from the occupants.
The 3rd row seats are anchored high up enough on the walls not to be affected. MB planned on the ML having 3 rows of seats during the design phase of the vehicle, so this was taken into account in all of the necessary crash tests. I was surprised when I recently saw a 1996 prototype ML being equipped with the 3rd row in the static A-pillar loading rollover test. I did not realise prior to this, that the seats had been taken into account this far back. Even the taillamp shape had not been developed at this point and the vehicle was fitted with generic taillamps.
In the pictures below, this '99 ML320 was rear ended at a high rate of speed by an 18 wheeler tractor. It was not a straight on collision and actually offset more to the passenger's side. Because of the height of the truck, the damage on the right side C and D-pillars is very evident especially with the tailgate removed. It is also because of the offset nature of the accident that the passenger side rear fender and roof suffered significantly more damage, with the last frame cross member (i.e. the rear bumper) pushed within a couple of inches of the right rear tire. As you can see, as I have described above, the rear end portion of the frame crumpled in an inverted "V" formation, rather than like an accordian. The spare tire carrier broke away to redirect energy.
The vehicle actually still ran and drove in its present condition in the junkyard.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accesories message boards
What is the pricing for 2001 models now-a-days. I have seen posts talking about $1500 below invoice. Has anyone got a better deal than this?
Additionally, I noticed in the pic that adhesive weight on the inside of the wheel is used. I wonder if they'll do this for all '02 320 wheels?
Thanks Jack, for taking the time and trouble to share the pix!!!
crawl under each vehicle and decide which is more substantial and a better value.
Also, on gas mileage, my '99 320 with 32,000 mi. has averaged 21 mpg in all types of severe weather.
BTW, where does the CD changer go with the third row seats installed?
Yes, MB definitely does go the extra mile for safety, no doubt about it.
side compartment. It hinges out when the panel is removed. The driver side compartment has the first aid kit.
(Of course, the BMW is such a freak of a vehicle ...)
I don't think MB is the type of company to take this laying down. Any word on whether or not the 2002's have some improvements to "correct" matters, and whether they're asking IIHS for a retest? Expensive, I know, but like I said, MB seems too proud of its safety (justifably so) to be beaten out.
Thanks!
question: is the 3rd row easy to get into, and which way do you get into it? from the tailgate, or do you have to fold down one of the second row?
also, the third row seat in the crash pictures doesn't look like it would split in the middle for the sake of folding. are there different versions of the 3rd row?
finally, if anyone knows, how quick and easy is it to deploy the 3rd row seats from the folded position? would my fairly petite wife be able to do it easily?
thanks for everyone's help! it is interesting to me that the ml500 is about $5k less than a e320 wagon: it seems that the m class is so much more car for the money, even if fit/finish are not as plush.
The arrangement is not so uncommon actually. I believe that the Toyota Land Cruiser's 3rd row folds up to the sides, as did the Toyota Previa's. From what I have seen of another Town Hall participant's pictures, for the Isuzu Troopers outside of N.America, the optional 3rd row also splits and folds to the sides.
The CD changer goes into the same spot, which is the hidden panel on the right side cargo area wall. The right seatback does have to be tilted forward so that the changer can swing out. With the in-dash CD player available, most people seem to go for that nowadays I think, with the CD changer used for longer vacations (for a maximum of 7 discs).
I am not aware of any structural changes for the '02 MLs, as such I doubt that MB is going to ask for an IIHS retest. The platform is still the same, even though a few structural elements were added for MY2000 for better crashworthiness. The next generation ML will, of course, be better than the current model. That is the benefit of purchasing something which is the latest design.