Any Mercedes ML430 Owners???

[RJT]

Was wanting some feedback about this SUV.

[[OT] Loki]

i drove the 'new' ml series a few years ago when they first came out....can't say i'd advise anyone to buy one

[RPB67]

Had 2 of them before.

2005 ML430 and a 2006 ML350(same car smaller engine)

Good cars, great in the snow there was no stopping them. Benz seats are not the most comfortable a bit rugged for a high priced SUV. Forget the 3rd seat, its there but unless you are 2ft tall or less you are not sitting back there. Great sound systems as well. The two I had were pretty reliable never had a problem. They are a good truck.........However.......

We just got a new BMW X5, it replaced the Escalade. This truck has it all over the ML in handling, looks and ride.

[garyatmaui]

I have had 2 of them 2000 ML320 and the one I have now is 2006 ML350. Liked both of them but love the 350. Many improvements both inside and in the ride. I drive quite a bit for work and it is perfect for me. I have 82K miles on it and overall mpg is 20.9. Highway I get 23/24.

What would you like to know?

Originally Posted by RJT

Was wanting some feedback about this SUV.

[RJT]

Thanks for the info guys. I am looking at a 01 430 with fairly low miles and was just wondering about the over all service. Any problems? Known issues? etc...They dont get the highest customer rating but I like the looks over the Lexus RX. I was a Mercedes guy now a Lexus guy for over 6 years. I just like the looks much better of the ML series.

[garyatmaui]

I have never had anything big go wrong with either of them. My only complaint about both is some of the electronics and the warnings. Some thiings it requires Mercedes to turn off the alarms/warnings and that is a pain. The other side of that is how expensive Mercedes service is, $200 to plug in a diagnostic cable whether they find anything or not.

I had 180K mile on my first one when I traded it in. I intend to get at least 250K out of the ML350.

[RJT]

I passed on the ML. Think I am going to stick with Lexus.

[replicant_argent]

another X5 happy experience here, if you haven't driven one, and like a bit sportier ride/driving experience, you may be very happy with it. The seats are a little harder, giving a little more road feel than the Mercedes or the Lexus, but comfortable enough, in my opinion. About the same size as the above mentioned vehicles, and the one we had was trouble free for over 30K used miles after buying at about 50K, one electrical glitch, repair cost about 20 minutes of my own time and about a 40or 50 dollar part. Other than that, trouble free ownership. Very tight construction, quiet, high quality finish work, good crash ratings, decent mileage in the 3.0 liter with about 235 HP, with an available 4.4 or 4.8 V8 if you want to race or tow boats and such.
At this point, we wish we would have kept it, and are shopping for another used one.

[mtb996]

Good decision. The ML is nice, but too risky in the quality department (high $ repairs and very poorly rated) vs. Lexus.

Of course, what do I know... I bought a Chevy