ML320 Hi from Brittany

[RichM63]

Hi folks, I've just bought a 2000 ML320, low miles FSH etc, although I haven't yet seen it in the flesh as I had to get a couple of mates over in the UK to complete the deal. Looks good from the pic's though. I was looking into an 'X5' but just about everyone shouted ML at me. So here I am.

I'm not totally new to Mercedes having owned some mega miles diesel W123s over the 25 years I have lived out here.

The W163 car is an all leather 7 seater and looks to have been well looked after from a visual aspect and has a few after market tweaks, SS straight side bars, chrome grill bars, chrome mirrors, chrome number plate bar, and for me some unidentifiable Split Rim 18" Alloys. (I'll ask about them over in the Wheels n Tyres section).

As it is a fairly old car, I've no doubt that I'll have some tech questions, although I will try to use the Search facility. I spent quite a few years as an SM on a USA based UK lux car forum so hopefully won't fall foul of the team here.

Why the ML320, well why not? My current DD does not put a smile on my face even though I'll be keeping it.

I deliberately wanted to find a UK based Forum, as I feel that any information will be generally more targeted to my searches, and perhaps more importantly, folk will better understand my sense of humour...

PS, Astronomy, Photography, Sea Fishing, and Listening to the Birds whilst Dozing in the Garden are main hobbies.

OH, and 'wordiness' can also be in there.

Thanks for having me,
Rich

 

[RichM63]

Hmmm, 73 views and not one Welcome reply in 8 days, (not even from a 'Mod') tells me that this MB forum is not active.

Pity, but I'll look around.

 

[picopro19k78]

Hi Rich

Hi Rich

I'll say hello, even tho' I've only joined today as I too have purchased my first MB and an ML to boot (270 CDi)

I've bought mine for work as I need a 4WD but resent paying big money for a AWD which won't really go off-road.

I've a few cars (MK1 Capri, '66 Mustang, Spitfire at present) and always tend t join the forums and least usually get a hello.

Well anyway, Hello!

Nigel

 

[Deleted member 113659]

Hi Rich. Sorry mate, not ignoring you, just didn't see your thread. Hope you enjoy the new motor. Post some pics when you have time.

Hello and welcome to Nigel too.

Ant.

PS great intro btw. Makes a nice change for someone to detail their intro.

 

[JasonIFA]

Hello, I've had MBs for 15 years ish. My ML is my fav (early days) but I love it.

Cheers

Jason

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

...and perhaps more importantly, folk will better understand my sense of humour...

...and Listening to the Birds whilst Dozing in the Garden are main hobbies.

Rich

Welcome! You don't sleep with your mouth open do you?

 

[tec]

Don't they have Mercs in Brittany then?

Why buy a RHD car when you live in a country that drives on the wrong side?

Just want to to fill in the gaps from your original post.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Hello and welcome from me too.

 

[RichM63]

LOL, usually mouth closed, but apparently not always.

Why RHD and do they not have ML's in Brittany? 1, the disadvantage of RHD for overtaking is off set by the fact that there is simply no traffic so to speak, and unless driving through a village centre the speed limit is always 90k, which of course the French always adhere to.

2, the narrow lanes are always deep drain ditch bordered, sitting on the right allows very fine judgement when having to pull over for large oncoming tractors without driving into the ditch (quite a common occurrence).

3, price, every Ml of the same year that I looked at over here was at least 4x what I paid in the UK, even taking account of the exchange rates and French registration costs. Although after registration we do not have annual road fund tax at all, and 2 year MOTs. Second hand cars are in general much more expensive over here than in the UK.

4, the only disadvantage, is that Drive Through places are a no go, unless you get out of the vehicle, or carry a passenger, as the booth is too far away to reach.

I will post pics in an Album when I have actually taken some, the car is still in the UK at the moment.
Rich

 

[def90cars]

Hmmm, 73 views and not one Welcome reply in 8 days, (not even from a 'Mod') tells me that this MB forum is not active.

Pity, but I'll look around.

Never saw this.

Welcome.

Where in Brittany?

 

[RichM63]

@ Tony, about 10 mins from Paimopl dept 22 North Coast.
Rich

 

[AMGeed]

Welcome to the forum Rich. A gold mine of info here should you need it.

I can relate to sleeping in the garden!

 

[Deleted member 113659]

Welcome! You don't sleep with your mouth open do you?

'Catching Flys' as my dad used to say.