Mercedes ML

[valztatt]

Hey everyone I’m looking for some information about the ML , I really like the look of the 2001-2003 model and basically just wanted to know a little bit about the car as I’ve only ever had an a class from Mercedes I’ve always drive vw and motorbikes but now 3 kids later I want to get rid of the touran and get something abit better looking!!

So is there a better engine size to get when looking at the ML?? anywhere from 2001-2005) because if budget

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Hey everyone I’m looking for some information about the ML , I really like the look of the 2001-2003 model and basically just wanted to know a little bit about the car as I’ve only ever had an a class from Mercedes I’ve always drive vw and motorbikes but now 3 kids later I want to get rid of the touran and get something abit better looking!!

So is there a better engine size to get when looking at the ML?? anywhere from 2001-2005) because if budget

Welcome to MBClub!

Try to stick to facelift cars from 2003 onwards, as there were a large number of improvements, which made it more reliable and a little more modern in appearance. You can spot a facelift by the revised headlamps, tail lamps, wing mirrors, and bumpers.

However all of these things can be retrofitted to an older car easily to make it look younger or if replacing them due to damage. If there’s an indicator in the middle of the front wing then it’s a pre-facelift, if there’s not then it’s probably a facelift.

Reliability still isn’t the greatest but they’re robust cars. Ball joints, suspension, engine mounts and transmission mounts are often neglected. Transmission is generally robust, and personally I would stick to petrol to reduce the potential of repairs.

Replacement suspension springs aren’t available from Mercedes and so a broken spring requires a whole new strut which is expensive. That said, some people have managed to replace the spring on an existing strut, but may not be easy to find and do.

Inside theiy’re generally relatively tough, however the sides of the driver and passenger seats can flatten and wear. Cars with Artico synthetic leather can split in the same place, but can easily be repaired for a reasonable sum.

They use a ladder frame chassis and have low range, so they’re great offroad. However it makes them quite heavy and compromises the ride and handling compared to X5 or Cayenne, but an improvement over Discovery or Shogun.

 

[valztatt]

Welcome to MBClub!

Try to stick to facelift cars from 2003 onwards, as there were a large number of improvements, which made it more reliable and a little more modern in appearance. You can spot a facelift by the revised headlamps, tail lamps, wing mirrors, and bumpers.

However all of these things can be retrofitted to an older car easily to make it look younger or if replacing them due to damage. If there’s an indicator in the middle of the front wing then it’s a pre-facelift, if there’s not then it’s probably a facelift.

Reliability still isn’t the greatest but they’re robust cars. Ball joints, suspension, engine mounts and transmission mounts are often neglected. Transmission is generally robust, and personally I would stick to petrol to reduce the potential of repairs.

Replacement suspension springs aren’t available from Mercedes and so a broken spring requires a whole new strut which is expensive. That said, some people have managed to replace the spring on an existing strut, but may not be easy to find and do.

Inside theiy’re generally relatively tough, however the sides of the driver and passenger seats can flatten and wear. Cars with Artico synthetic leather can split in the same place, but can easily be repaired for a reasonable sum.

They use a ladder frame chassis and have low range, so they’re great offroad. However it makes them quite heavy and compromises the ride and handling compared to X5 or Cayenne, but an improvement over Discovery or Shogun.

Ah man that was amazing thanks !!!

ok I have spoke to him it’s 2003 w163 3.2 v6

Ill see if I can upload a picture it’s got 129000km which is nothing and the price is 3890€ so I thought it actually cheap considering the rest I have been looking at with high mileage, he said it runs good but doesn’t have an mot and won’t pass one due to abs sensor lights on and some other small issues , I asked him is there any noises , do all the windows work doors lock any rust he said everything was good , I will bring a mechanic friend with me to plug it in and look at codes but is there a checklist I should especially look for when look at this motor thanks so far for the help

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

You’re very welcome

That’s a pre-facelift, so it’s strange that i/ a December 2003. Facelift models were available from Summer 2003. The pre-facelift models are the originals without the improvements, so just be extra thorough with your checks

Good luck, I hope i/ a good one

 

[valztatt]

You’re very welcome

That’s a pre-facelift, so it’s strange that i/ a December 2003. Facelift models were available from Summer 2003. The pre-facelift models are the originals without the improvements, so just be extra thorough with your checks

Good luck, I hope i/ a good one

Yh maybe he’s got the date wrong

 

[valztatt]

Mannnn, are these motors really that juicy !! 13-17 L per 100km

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Mannnn, are these motors really that juicy !! 13-17 L per 100km

Sounds about right, and the diesel ML 270 CDi might only be very slightly better on fuel consumption, but does carry a higher maintenance cost.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Really?? 17lt per 100km is only about 17mpg!! My CDI 270 (in a Grand Cherokee but much the same thing) averaged about 30mpg if you didn't hoof it about.

 

[Bellow]

but doesn’t have an mot and won’t pass one due to abs sensor lights on and some other small issues ,

Take care with that - it mightn't be such a small issue. My (2005) smart threw that light up and it was the ABS/ESP module at fault. Replacement part from MB/smart - £1500 + VAT.