Looking for W166 ML Owners Opinions - Comparison v Range Rover

[91dm]

After months of looking for a Vito, I've had no luck finding the particular spec/engine so I've started to widen the search to see what else is available.

I've started looking ML's again, particularly 350s CDi with an AMG kit. I like the exterior look but the inside is a little underwhelming in the ML, maybe nicer in the flesh. I've had Range Rovers in the past and started to get tempted looking at very late L322 and early L405s.

I'm looking for some honest reviews of how they compare, the Range Rover seem on a different level interior wise?

ML

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2012 RR

2013+ RR

 

[Abb]

Personally I don't think the ML interior comes anywhere near the interiors of the RR. RR interiors are another level of plushness in comparison to the faker leather and plastic which adorns the ML and many others nowadays.

I comment as a owner of a ML350 W166. It is an excellent all round family wagon and has/is serving us very well. Finding a ML with a decent spec will be your biggest challenge, if you were to want one.

 

[91dm]

I'd be more comfortable with a ML, especially when things go wrong but I'm not convinced I'll keep it long term. The last Range Rover I had was a P38, slow and powerless BMW diesel and gave suspension trouble but I would definitely buy it again.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Range Rovers have been the SUV of choice for my Father-in-Law for many, many years, having owned each generation but has now switched to the Range Rover Sport. There’s something about them - because some have been lemons but he’s kept buying them.

Audi Q have been the SUV of choice for Brother-in-Law for the last decade or so, having owned each generation, but has also now switched to the Range Rover Sport. He made the switch after having had too many problems with his Audi Q.

Mercedes ML/GLE has been the SUV of choice for us for fast approaching two decades, having owned each generation, and we’re sticking with them. The Range Rover really is lovely - inside and out - but it doesn’t my do it for us, and kind imagine changing.

Lots of words to say that it really is a personal taste thing. Try each of the big premium SUV brands and see which one works best for you. I find that all are spec sensitive, and many MLs will be all black inside, where as more RR have light interiors.

 

[Darrell]

2012 Range Rover. Pure class.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Most RR’s tend to get slagged off by people who haven’t owned them but “their pal has”.

On here, @Giantvanman is one who went from a Mercedes to a RR TDV8 Autobiography (iirc) and never looked back, the last of the L322 are fantastic buys £ for £.

 

[Darrell]

Most RR’s tend to get slagged off by people who haven’t owned them but “their pal has”.

On here, @Giantvanman is one who went from a Mercedes to a RR TDV8 Autobiography (iirc) and never looked back, the last of the L322 are fantastic buys £ for £.

And on the flip side to that the respected Mercedes specialist that sponsors this site said a while ago that he’d NEVER take a RR in part exchange because everyone he’s had cost him money.

Regarding Giantvannan and his vehicle, he posted up that he had spent an arm and a leg on the best possible vehicle at the time along with servicing, parts etc etc and the car had wanted for nothing.

When I asked him how much he’d spent in total he declined to comment so people can make of that how they like.

 

[Will]

Range Rovers look really nice, inside and outside for sure.

But I’ve not seen many 166’s on the hard shoulder, whereas you can usually play I-spy when it comes to LR/RRs on long journeys.

What’s that classic about them being the ‘best off-road vehicle - ‘cos they spend quite a bit of time off the road...

 

[91dm]

That kind of confirms what I have been thinking. I looked at L322 (02-12) Range Rover after having the P38 (previous gen) but the combination of the BMW engine and gearbox put me off and I went with a ML. My dad had early Range Rovers so I'll fully aware what I'd be getting into. The P38 had the usual common problems but when you're aware of them and catch them early it wasn't a big deal.

It's just the interior plastics, radio and switches that put me off in the ML. I will be doing some towing and lighting off roading going onto sites so it will be used as intended.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

That kind of confirms what I have been thinking. I looked at L322 (02-12) Range Rover after having the P38 (previous gen) but the combination of the BMW engine and gearbox put me off and I went with a ML. My dad had early Range Rovers so I'll fully aware what I'd be getting into. The P38 had the usual common problems but when you're aware of them and catch them early it wasn't a big deal.

As I mentioned earlier, the horror stories tend to come from fanboys of other brands or bar room know-it-all’s that’s heard stories third hand from people.

Yes, there’ll be enough RR out there that have their problems - it’s a big complex beast - but, as you seem to be aware, do your homework and I’m sure you’ll be happy.

It's just the interior plastics, radio and switches that put me off in the ML. I will be doing some towing and lighting off roading going onto sites so it will be used as intended.

The W166 is more than capable as all rounder but, when thinking about the quality of materials, you’ve got to think of it as an E-Class on stilts (hence the later name change to GLE)

In short, you can’t really compare the two to be fair to both, I think even the rrp difference alone is £30k...

 

[91dm]

I think if you google pretty much any car these days you'll find stories to put you off.

Maybe it's rose tinted glasses but I would still regard the last Range Rover I had as one of the best cars to take a journey in and it was a fairly basic diesel model. Some people like them and some don't, but if you do it's hard to ignore them! Maybe a comparison is unfair as the same money will buy you a later ML.

SPX, what did you think of the RR sport?

 

[horatio]

My sis recently bought a Lexus RX350 - one of the last non-hybrids sold here and without the alien grille! Every bit as comfy (IMO) and well equipped as an L322 but a different ball game to run altogether. Sturdy Toyota/Aisin running gear that will outlive the cockroaches. Having been there/done that with Rangies, I would find it very hard to look past one of those if I was after a 4x4.

Rangerovers.net is a goldmine of info

 

[Darrell]

I think if you google pretty much any car these days you'll find stories to put you off.

Maybe it's rose tinted glasses but I would still regard the last Range Rover I had as one of the best cars to take a journey in and it was a fairly basic diesel model. Some people like them and some don't, but if you do it's hard to ignore them! Maybe a comparison is unfair as the same money will buy you a later ML.

SPX, what did you think of the RR sport?

I had a 56 plate RR Sport when it was 6 months old.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

SPX, what did you think of the RR sport?

Remarkably quite far removed from the FFRR; sat lower, windscreen was noticeably more vertical in FFRR, the RRS was a lot stiffer going round corners too.

It does sound a bit of a misnomer the name Sport but it is, quite literally, a much sportier RR.

Throw in the 4.4 TDV8/SDV8 (budget dependant) engine that can do 40mpg on a run yet has 310/340bhp and there’s very little angles it doesn’t cover.

Mercedes don’t really do anything by way of comparison, the nearest to the FFRR V8 diesel is probably - if you can find one - the GL450 CDI which went out of production around 2011 iirc

What’s your budget? I’m assuming low 20’s maximum?

 

[91dm]

My sis recently bought a Lexus RX350 - one of the last non-hybrids sold here and without the alien grille! Every bit as comfy (IMO) and well equipped as an L322 but a different ball game to run altogether. Sturdy Toyota/Aisin running gear that will outlive the cockroaches. Having been there/done that with Rangies, I would find it very hard to look past one of those if I was after a 4x4.

Rangerovers.net is a goldmine of info

I've somehow never sat in a Lexus, the closest would be a 2005 Land Cruiser. Just never seem to be drawn to them.

I had a 56 plate RR Sport when it was 6 months old.

Was it the 2.7 diesel?

Remarkably quite far removed from the FFRR; sat lower, windscreen was noticeably more vertical in FFRR, the RRS was a lot stiffer going round corners too.

It does sound a bit of a misnomer the name Sport but it is, quite literally, a much sportier RR.

Throw in the 4.4 TDV8/SDV8 (budget dependant) engine that can do 40mpg on a run yet has 310/340bhp and there’s very little angles it doesn’t cover.

Mercedes don’t really do anything by way of comparison, the nearest to the FFRR V8 diesel is probably - if you can find one - the GL450 CDI which went out of production around 2011 iirc

What’s your budget? I’m assuming low 20’s maximum?

I didn't really consider a 'Sport' but the facelift did improve the interior cabin massively. How would you compare the two Range Rovers in terms of space? I would often have the back full of crap so space is high on the list. Yes around that budget, possibly more for a L405 but I'd have to finance some so would rather not. I looked at GLs, I think they look good and they're massive but I've the same issue with interior.

After a long day of googling my head is saying a late L322 4.4 diesel in Autobiography or Vogue SE with all the toys. They seem great value for money as the last of them have a lot of the L405 spec and equipment. I always liked the look of them so now seems like a last chance before they get too old. Turning 30 early next year so it seems like a good present to get myself to cheer up! I think the fact early L405s look so similar to the latest model is keeping the prices strong for 2013 cars.

I think they've aged well as it's nearly years old since the first L322 came out:

 

[Darrell]

Mine was a diesel but I can’t remember the engine size.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I didn't really consider a 'Sport' but the facelift did improve the interior cabin massively. How would you compare the two Range Rovers in terms of space?

Not much between them in reality, the RRS boot floor felt longer but the FFRR seemed higher. Without looking, I would hazard a guess they’re very similar in volume.

I would often have the back full of crap so space is high oYes around that budget, possibly more for a L405 but I'd have to finance some so would rather not.

Rather a mint L322 as opposed to a leggy L405...

After a long day of googling my head is saying a late L322 4.4 diesel in Autobiography or Vogue SE with all the toys. They seem great value for money as the last of them have a lot of the L405 spec and equipment. I always liked the look of them so now seems like a last chance before they get too old. Turning 30 early next year so it seems like a good present to get myself to cheer up! I think the fact early L405s look so similar to the latest model is keeping the prices strong for 2013 cars.

I think they've aged well as it's nearly years old since the first L322 came out:

Don’t forget there’s also the Westminster model too. Would be worth PM’ing @Giantvanman if he’s got his email notifications on, he’s got the exact model you’re looking at, also @Alex had the 5.0 supercharged too iirc.

I love both the RRS and FFRR, definitely very little direct challengers around at circa £20k.

Keep the thread updated, would love to see how your search turns out.

 

[91dm]

I'm surprised I would have thought the FFRR was much larger.

Yes searching for a L405 by 'lowest price first' is probably not the route to find the best example!

From what I'm reading the Westminster replaced the Vogue SE in 2011/12 (I could be wrong). I knew the V8 diesel gave turbo trouble but apparently that is more the early 3.6 engine, the later 4.4 being much more reliable. The last L322, especially 2012 models had some revised wiring looms fitted which prevented some issues so sounds like the best to go for. I found this before that if you get the very last of the model it usually has a lot of the initial niggles addressed. I've a 2004 ML270 which has been extremely reliable, much better than what you read about but it was the same story with early vs later cars.

The second hand car market seems to be mad at the minute IMO.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I'm surprised I would have thought the FFRR was much larger.

Short backend to aid off road capabilities has its compromises.

Yes searching for a L405 by 'lowest price first' is probably not the route to find the best example!

On paper they’re a lot of car for the money, the reality is a never ending remedy list!

From what I'm reading the Westminster replaced the Vogue SE in 2011/12 (I could be wrong). I knew the V8 diesel gave turbo trouble but apparently that is more the early 3.6 engine, the later 4.4 being much more reliable. The last L322, especially 2012 models had some revised wiring looms fitted which prevented some issues so sounds like the best to go for.

I didn’t realise the Westminster had replaced Vogue SE.

Whilst I never had bother with the two 3.6 TDV8 I owned, they could gladly land you with a whopper of a bill for turbos! The 4.4 by all accounts seems to be a lot more hardy.

The second hand car market seems to be mad at the minute IMO.

I think it’s a mixture of two things - lack of new cars being ordered and folk being a bit more money savvy and buying something a little bit older but they can afford much easier.

 

[Mactech]

I have to agree that RR interiors are on a different level to the Mercedes ML or GLE. They are very lovely things to travel in.
In fact, I bought one in 2015. One of the last L332 models with a 4.4 diesel.
I soon found out the cost of this luxury with 3 x unexpected over £1k bills in repair costs in the first year.
I bought an ML in 2008 and kept it for 6 years. Got a GLE in 2017 and never had a non service bill at all.
The RR lasted just one year.
As an engineer I always tend to put function over form, but the RR of my experience just did not function without expensive intervention.
I'm not the only one to have found this out.
A great way to travel.....if you are not paying!