ML320 or ML270 for a newbie

[trenny]

Firstly, Hi Everyone I am Trenny and this is my first post. Hope you can help.

I currently have a 2006 Kia Sedona 2.9 used by my wife to ferry the kids and for towing a 1600kg Caravan. But it is giving me a lot of problems (Over heating, rubbish brakes, power steering failing, alternator gone, heater failing, etc etc.) so I am thinking about changing to a Mercedes ML.

We need 7 seats and preferably automatic. We don't have a big budget so will need to look at 2002 to 2004 cars

In terms of reliability, comfort and puling power would you guys recommend the 270d or the 320d?

Also, are there any usual problems with these that I should be looking out for?

Any suggestions and advice gratefully received.

Thanks

Trenny

 

[trapperjohn]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry don't know much about MLs. Someone who does will be along quite soon I'm sure.

 

[BTB 500]

Hi & welcome.

Either should be OK for towing, but obviously the 320 has more power & torque.

We have a 6-seat Vito Dualiner (2 rows of seats, back caged out for the dogs) with the 3.0 V6 CDI in slightly de-tuned form (204 bhp). It barely notices our 1500 kg caravan

I'm sure an ML would be fine, but if you don't need 4WD and want to keep MPV-style interior flexibility & space you could maybe look at Vianos (the people carrier version of the Vito - mechanically identical but 7 sets, nicer trim, etc.). I suspect an ML will be a bit small if you actually need to use all 7 seats. Only problem on older Vianos is that they weren't galvanised till around 2005, so early ones can rust.

 

[RichardM]

I assume you know the ML320 CDI is only available with the new model from 2006 which will be a lot more money. For 2002 - 2004 the ML320 will be the petrol model. It will probably be cheaper but not so good for towing.

 

[Seamster15]

if I were to buy a W163 ML again I would bypass the 320 in favour if either the 430 or 500 as theres not much difference in mpg but loads more power.

Otherwise the 270 cdi with a remap would be ok but possibly more problematic.

 

[trenny]

mpg

Thanks for the info. I will take a look at the other options.

Anyone know what the mpg is like on the 320 petrol and the 270d

Also, can anyone confirm the road tax of these models?

Thanks again

Mike

 

[RichardM]

If you look on parkers.co.uk you can look at the full spec's of all the models including road tax.

 

[trenny]

Thanks for that, will do. But they are always optimistic in MPG.

 

[gIzzE]

If you expect 24mpg from the 270cdi and 18mpg from the 320 petrol you won't be far out.

Sat at 70mph on a steady run my 270cdi (facelift 2003 model) would return around 30ish.

Average and around town was very similar at 24.

 

[richie0270]

I've just bought a ml320 facelift. Really pleased with it. It will tow my heavy caravan easily and you will hardly notice it there. Really stable tow-car. Refinements aren't bad either, leather, aircon, cd autochanger, heated seats. Luckily all the electrics are still working great and engine sounds smooth. If you accept the fuel consumption its a great car.

 

[trenny]

So, we have decided to buy a 2002 ML270 auto 7 seater. I have had a look at a couple and have been disappointed with the condition considering they have been advertised at top money for the year. (£6k) All have been under 90k miles.

I seem to be finding a lot of rust bubbles under the wheel arches - is this usual or will it be possible to find a rust free card?

Also seeing that the rear posts between the back and side windows seem to be de-laminating or losing paint - again, it this typical of all?

Can anyone give me a rough idea of the condition I should expect for £6k, maybe I am expecting too much. But I must say that I have had older cars in much better condition so I expect it is possible to get a good one.

Thanks

 

[gIzzE]

Mercs of that age are a problem.
Plus the ML tends to get a hard life a lot of the time.

But keep looking as there are good ones out there.

 

[BTB 500]

So, we have decided to buy a 2002 ML270 auto 7 seater.

I seem to be finding a lot of rust bubbles under the wheel arches - is this usual or will it be possible to find a rust free card?

Not sure of the dates for the ML but generally Mercs. weren't galvanised till 2003-2004 (build date). So I wouldn't be surprised to see rust on a 2002.

 

[RichardM]

The rear pillar does seem to be typical even if the rest of the car is immaculate. I have seen some cars that are fine though. This can't be too expensive to fix?

 

[voguev8]

Which ML

Hi
I have a ML320 (2000 yom) with 100k miles.
I dont know if I have been lucky with my purchase but really love it.
No rust, great drive and I seem to be getting 20mpg around town and
24-27mpg on a run, my car does have full history and always been run
Mobil 1 so perhaps this helps fuel consumption.
I went for the 320 rather than the diesel for reliabilty, everyone I spoke
to said the petrol is far less likely to breakdown and is easier to work on.
I did drive a 270 and it is also slower than the 320.
Good luck with your search

 

[richie0270]

£6k sounds a bit overpriced to me, I paid £4k for a 12/01 ML320 auto. 62k and full MB service history, leather and aircon. Previously a disabled owner, which may have helped with the mileage. Shop around and keep an eye out for rust on the bottom of the doors, rear arches and under the tailgate handle. Oh, and make sure all the electrics work... Good luck.

 

[trenny]

Thanks for the info everyone. My search continues, I have seen quite a few really poor examples but will keep looking. It gets a bit frustrating when a car is advertised at 60k and when i get there it is 69k and full of fag burns and electrical faults.

I have a chance of getting a 55 plate 270 with 85k - the guy wants £8k for it which seems steep. How can I tell if it is the later galvanized model?

Thanks again

Mike

 

[gIzzE]

55 plate will be, unless it is pre 2004 sat somewhere unregistered, but doubt it.

 

[gIzzE]

I looked at two ML's this week, both described as 'lovely examples' and a 'credit to the previous owner'.
Both were around 100k miles but guarantee they had done double that, they were right tatty.

I have given up looking at MLs now, I just don't think I can get one for what I want to pay.

 

[trenny]

Hi gIzzE

Yes, I too am shocked at the total rubbish I am seeing. I have seen a few now and they have all appeared to be really tatty for the mileage. even at 65k the carpets and pedals are worn, bits missing from the interior, lots of rust. Considering people want nearly £6k for a 2002 80k model I would have thought they would be very well looked after.

I just want a well looked after ML. I don't really care if it is 2002 or 2005 as long as the owner has looked after it.

Regarding the Galvanized body, Is there a way to physically identify if the car is an old 2004 model with a later registration? They seemed to change shape at 2005 so is it only the new shape that got galvanized bodies or did some of the old shape get galvanized.

I am a bit worried about forking out for a top spec car (even if it is old) if it is going to go rusty. I haven't seen rust problems on Volvo XC90's of the same age.