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Comments
I like the fender flares on the sport package but it looks like over $1,000 to have them added on. Would they help cut down on flying gunk? Does the dealer take off the old ones and put on the flared ones? I don't want them to look like an add-on kit.
As far as a pic, I think you can find one here.
Jim's posted lots of great pics of his car, which has the mudflaps installed. I think they make the car look much more rugged, which I happen to like.
As far as fender flares - to me, those are purely cosmetic. They protect the paint to some extent, but unless you're going to do some serious offroading, I don't think you're saving much.
drew_ Sep 19, 2001 3:47pm
The fender flares made of plastic are usually painted too, so you'll scratch them instead of the paint on the body, if that makes any difference. They are cosmetic and are meant to extend the fenders to make the wider tires look better. Here is a picture of a white ML320 with painted fender flares:
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/we_whiteml4.jpg
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/we_whiteml1.jpg
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/we_whiteml2.jpg
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
more info
Wolfgang
How far in advance did you have to "close the deal" with all the paper work?
I have a preapproval on a loan through my Credit Union that expires on the 6th and I wanted to close our deal by then. Just curious b/c my dealer won't give me a date he just keeps saying don't worry about it we'll give you a week to get you money ready.
Jack
Any pictures, BTW?
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The body shop in the town we were visiting (Augusta, GA) that does all the local MB body work has repaired the bumper. The local dealer (Rader) handled the process with the support of our Atlanta-based dealer, where we will take the car tomorrow to see what MB plans to do to help us regarding a 2002 trade-in.
The odd event that led to this situation was a failed fuel pump! Car only has 29K miles on it to boot... maybe a blessing in disguise. When the flatbed operator showed to tow the truck, all were very concerned when the entire front bumper assembly pulled off. If it were not for the 2 safety cables attaching the bumper assembly to the rest of the vehicle, the ML would have rolled off the truck and into the cars behind it.
We don't doubt the reputation of MB... we've owned several and hope to own several more. My wife has absolutely enjoyed her '99, but will now want MB to help us get into a new one. Since this has happened, her safety is first and foremost... what if this chassis was just a fraction of an inch off in the assembly line and other welds along the ladder frame are imperfect?
We'll be happy to let MB take this one back to Vance to look it over. I won't ask you now for directions on how to post pics in a msg... guessing jpeg is the best format? I will have the pics converted this week and will post a msg asking for help so we can affirm my truthfulness once and for all!
Probably a dumb question, but what's wrong with General tires, am I missing something???
Thanks ahead for the advice
thx.
thx.
General Grabber ST
ContiTouringContact CH95
Wolfgang
I'm sorry, but what Craig saw at the Frankfurt show must have been a one-off. According to the current official German W163 price list, the 3rd row seats are NOT an option for the ML55.
I had Dunlops on my first ML320 and was quite disappointed when I saw at delivery that the ML270CDI had Generals. Since then, my opinion has changed: The Generals are quieter, and IMHO also better on snow than the Dunlops. I've not yet been able to go off-road so I can't pronounce on that - though I think the Dunlops might have an edge there.
Birger
52cars,
Installing mud flap is not that easy that we think, But the instruction came with it, can guide you through it. I did take the rear wheel off when I installed my rear flaps. Think SAFETY when working on Vehicle. You can get it to any
MB dealer and thru on line, call around and get the best price...price vary from $130 to $173.00.
Good Luck
JimB
So now I am out of a big hassle getting a car fixed and riding pretty in an '02 Silver ML320 (well, actually the Wife is). Drove the car a bunch this weekend and really enjoyed it. Internal appearance and feel is MUCH better than the '99 ML 320 we had. I test drove the car before closing and drove it all weekend without noticing any of the hesitation problems discussed earlier. Maybe I just don't expect too much from the car in terms of acceleration.
just called the local dealer here, they don't have it for the 02 model yet. (and it costs about 250 for 01 model.)
Thanks!
Dave L.
http://www.kleemann.dk/go.htm
I don't recommend the 1998 model ML's. If you were not aware already the 1998 did not have many of the safety provisions that the 1999 and newer do. For example, ESP that helps keep the ML from loosing control with the use of a YAW sensor. In addition, the 1999 and newer have the BAS that activates the brakes in a panic situation much faster than your foot can do the job. There were also some frame rail modifications to enhance the passenger compartment front footwell . There were some other mods as well. Further, the 1998's were first generation and there were many issues to be ironed out...most third party extended warranties will not cover these...trim/seals...
The price of 1999 or newer should not be far off anyway...unless you are able to purchase the 1998 under $20K you should really consider a newer model.
If you are a good shopper you will be able to find a good deal on 1999 or newer...
Good luck : )
Problem is that the ML320's tranny is not as beefy as the ML430 or ML55's. Not sure if it can handle the power of a supercharged engine...
If you really want the All-Wheel Drive Mondeo in North America, you sure can get it at a $10,000 + premium. It is called the Jaguar X Type ;-). It shares the engine and powertrain with the Mondeo.
Pity the suckers who are willing to shell out $30,000 + to drive a ford with a Jaguar Badge. Correction, Pity the suckers who actually drive a Jaguar.
I will look at the 500 a little further, but am also considering the Lexus LX470, which is WAY more comfortable, but less power. I havent driven the LX yet, but it looks very nice.
One problem is they had the prettiest car i have ever seen, the new SC430 convertible sitting next to it.....talk about drooling, it was incredible, the leather looked about 1/4 in thick...
I think we will probably end up with the ML cause it is roughly 20K less than the LX, but have to see who is dealing what, i have read that the LX's can be had for around 55 or so....at least the 2001s
Have to keep lookin....
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
Anyone hear anything about the Michelin X Terrian tire?
Wolfgang
Also, i usually lease. There may be some incentives coming out if this economy does stall a little. I am in good shape cause my expedition isnt up until Jan 25th....so i am not in big hurry, and an educated buyer. Probably everything saleman hates....oh well
thanks for the posts, i find alot of info here, keep the threads going all!!!
Cheers
City/hwy only, it's a no brainer. Get the Michelin Cross Terrain. They're decent in snow as well. A few folks on this forum have switched to them w/ positive results.
The MY2002 Dunlop's are not available yet; otherwise, they'd be a good choice as well.
wolfgang:
Thanks. Interesting looking. They look more solid than our wheels (more "spokes").
The invoice price on Edmunds is $38725, the invoice price at Carsdirect.com is $39105. Both include destination. I can't figure out why there is a difference.
Thanks in advance.
Ksydney
Where are you?.
Can you please educate us regarding the pros / cons of the current generation ML (Frame & Ladder stuff) vs. the unibody structure coming out in 2005.
Which one will be a keeper for long?. Which is more expensive to produce?
Towing is not an issue for me as I will never own a boat in my life (Few things that I am certain about).
Thanks...
First - you can build your car over at MBUSA.com. It'll give you MSRP - no problem. Invoice on MB vehicles is MSRP - 7%.
Second - you can use the Kelly's Blue Book builder at http://www.kbb.com. That'll give you an invoice price that I found to be right on target (give or take a few bucks) with what MBUSA gives you (after subtracting 7% from MSRP).
Good luck - and remember - no more than $1k over invoice!
-John
Unibody designs get less loose (less rattles).
Frame designs survive towing and off-roading better. I think they also get less crumpled during crashes too, but that's a personal opinion only.
Unibody is cheaper to produce and you can't open their doors while off-roading because the body is twisted.
Frame designs should last longer, but be noisier with time.
Of course, it's still possible to produce unibodies for off-road use. Look at the JGC and the latest Mitsu Montero.