ML55 to join the E55 ?

[smillion]

I have an appointment to view an ML55 on Wednesday - being sold by a local trader in German marques. The car is described in writing and verbally as immaculate in every respect and had a new MOT yesterday. FSH however the only fly in the ointment is that the car's last owner (5 years) was a garage owner, non Merc, who "fastidiously" serviced the car themselves. As a 2002 car with 91,000 miles should I be concerned? The car is to supplement the E55 on days when the weather is bleak; where bikes need to be transported etc, where the mower needs to be towed; and where country roads would otherwise eat my 20" alloys ............... nice to be able to have a choice I know but it is an old car by some standards. Price is £9k for what its worth.


What are the panel's thoughts about non AMG service history?

Anything in particular I should look for?

Marc

 

[Mactech]

Anything in particular I should look for?

Marc

A decent car to put that fantastic engine in!

I'm an ML owner, but the W164 not the W163 and they really are chalk and cheese.
The ML should have a big lazy wood burner to lope along.
Right engine, wrong car.
Buts that's just my 2p's worth

 

[A210AMG]

I have an ML350 which while not in an AMG league goes well enough for a bus (think it has 230bhp?)

Very quite and smooth even with my new 20" alloys on it My dad always comments how smooth and quite the engine is but then his daily driver is a Wood burner....

The ML55 has the same wood and leather seats etc as mine so its nice inside. I'm tempted with one but there all on more miles than mine now and I sort of know my car.

In the real world I don't miss having any extra power of quicker cars I have owned, alone I am also quite impressed by its handling if you get use to the lean It does all of we need of it currently and after over 2yrs of owning has been a great car.

Full MB service history wouldn't worry be as long as the car looks and feels right. You can generally tell if the owners looked after it. Check the arches for surface rust and the rear boot handle (under the handle when you open boot). Make sure all the electrics work, if it has the seven seat pack check the opening rear windows. Braked are quite pricey so try and look at discs / pads.

If you buy it put ML270Cdi badges on it and annoy some supercharger Rangers...

 

[smillion]

Because the AMG cars depreciate so much there is little differnece in price at this level between well specced 270cdi's 350's and the 55 ..........

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[st4]

Go for it!!

Personally I'd rather have a BMW X5 (I had 2) and both were commendable cars but dynamically much better and were nicely made and beautifully appointed.

I guess I'll get slated but the X5 was a brilliant car and even in 4.4i form a match for a 55amg-and there is still the 4.8is models to follow.

I'd maybe consider an Audi S4 estate as well or any other Quattro Audi.

 

[smillion]

After deliberation I think all AMG cars should have full MB history - I have cancelled the viewing on Wednesday. Past Mercs I have owned have been fortunate enough to have the occassional Goodwill contribution by MB for major works, but only because, I feel, of the full MB history.

Marc

 

[kwakdonut]

Think I would agree with you on this one - the AMG is a specialist engine and needs TLC and a lot of knowledge, it is no GTI engine!!

Am sure you will find another suitable vehicle!

 

[Tan]

This member posted, admittedly in the wrong section an ML55 for sale:

http://www.MBClub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/85815-ml-55-amg-sale.html

Don't know if this is of any use to you

Tan

 

[kwakdonut]

This member posted, admittedly in the wrong section an ML55 for sale:

http://www.MBClub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/85815-ml-55-amg-sale.html

Don't know if this is of any use to you

Tan

Which was rapidly removed by the mods! lol

OP only had three posts......