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Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

8197 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 5:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, SUV

Messages Page 555 of 820

#5537 of 8197 2002 ML320 pricing by leibrecht

Oct 16, 2001 (7:24 am)

I am looking into getting a 2002 ML320 in the next few months. Can someone please give me an idea of what kind of deal I should be able to negotiate. How much over dealer invoice is a good deal on this vehicle? I plan on getting the base model plus leather seats, sunroof, and Bose stereo. Also, how long does it take to get delivery of the vehicle and does the negotiation differ when you are getting a vehicle off their lot versus ordering one exactly the way you want it? Finally, for those of you familiar with the 2002 redesign - has Mercedes fixed most of the quality problems that have been discussed before? Thank you all for your input!!!

#5538 of 8197 Mike - I've seen deals ranging on the 2002's.. by johnnnyc

Oct 16, 2001 (7:59 am)

from mine (which was similar to your configuration, except with Xenons, Heated Seats, and M7) for $1k over invoice to others in CA managing to get down to invoice.
 
Seems to me that if you're ready to pull one off their lot, you'll do better. It's also dependent on region, since here in the Northeast you see a lot more of $1k over invoice+. The Left Coast folks, especially CA, have an advantage in making deals, IMHO.
 
I'd say be very adamant that you won't pay more than $500-$1000 over invoice, and be sure to get the vehicle you want. Don't be convinced into a vehicle not 100% suited towards you just to save an extra $500.
 
As for reliability - to be honest, initially, I was scared by the ML's reliability history. So much so, that when I first started looking for a vehicle, I almost completely dismissed the 01 ML320. When the 02's came out, just sitting inside the vehicle gave me the impression that they had made numerous improvements, even if only in the quality of components they put inside. Considering that Consumer Reports (which to me has lost a bit on their car ranking the past few years, as their delay in getting VW their due shows) ranked the 00's better than the 99's, and I'm sure the 01's will do better than the 00's, you can assume that quality will have improved.
 
MB makes a living off their reputation - it would be silly not to protect it, especially with such a strong selling vehicle.
 
Good luck,
-John

#5539 of 8197 2002 ML 400 CDI first impressions by birger

Oct 16, 2001 (9:28 am)

Hi,
 
I have just taken a '02 400 CDI back from the dealer to the office My first impressions after some ten miles:
 
Improvements 01/02: A number of nice features have been added (one-touch up/down for the windows, auto altering of RH rear view mirror when reversing, auto A/C etc). The Bi-Xenons seemed to be OK, but you can't judge from an underground parking.
 
Improvements 270/400CDI: Well, yes, they are there indeed. But are they really worth spending in the vicinity of US$ 11,000 extra for? Of course, 250 horsepower pull with more authority than 163, and 560 Nm of torque is superior to 400, but what you note most is a significant improvement to the engine's "melody" at low and medium speeds (at higher speeds, the engine is not audible in either truck).
 
I have the truck till tomorrow, and am taking it for a far more extended drive tonight (somewhere beyond 150 miles). I'll be back with a more detailed impression soon.
 
One thing that irked me was that this dealer demo (1,000 miles) already had had its fuel gauge gone bananas, reading slightly less than 3/4 full when actually filled to the brim
 
Kind regards to everyone,
Birger

#5540 of 8197 extended warranties by spfotey

Oct 16, 2001 (9:47 am)

does anybody know what i should expect to pay for an extended warranty for my 98 ml320? it is getting close to 50k miles and i want to extend it for another 25k or so??
 
is that all done thru the dealer?
 
thx

#5541 of 8197 by drew_

Oct 16, 2001 (10:46 am)


Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/mercedeschat.html

#5542 of 8197 Side Steps/Brush Guards from DEPO? by johnnnyc

Oct 16, 2001 (10:46 am)

Has anyone ever heard of them?
 
I found a set on the net fairly cheap - but little information about them. Are they durable, and do they look good?

#5543 of 8197 Birger by thor8

Oct 16, 2001 (12:40 pm)

Can you elaborate on the 400CDI, I guess what I mean is that I heard in this board that it will no be available in the U.S.
 
Incidentally when I went to the U.S GP in Indianapolis a green ML400 went by me on the Interstate, that is the second one I have seen on the road, I have noticed the engine has something like a high turbo whine, sounds very strong.

#5544 of 8197 ML400 by kenyee

Oct 16, 2001 (1:01 pm)

thor8:
Are you serious? I thought it couldn't survive on our fuel??
Drool....
 
Birger is in Belgium. They can get it there

#5545 of 8197 Window Switches and MP3 by pox

Oct 16, 2001 (1:13 pm)

Ken Yee
 
Thanks for the pointer towards the M-Class Mailing List. I should go there and see what else I have been missing!
 
Jamie
 
I am sorry to hear that the window switch problem exists on the 2001 models as well. Maybe the 2002's will be different since I believe that they will have windows with the One-Step up and down feature.
 
John
 
Thanks for the tip on how you solved the MP3 problem. My friends too suggested that I purchase the Rio 500 along with a car kit. They know that I am mechanically challenged and that I would never even dream of trying to monkey around with any piece of electronic equipment!
 
Pox

#5546 of 8197 Posting pictures by lovemyclk

Oct 16, 2001 (3:43 pm)

Primarily for Thor8 and Johnnyc... I have now obtained the digital photos of our 1999 ML bumper problem and would like to post for review. Thoughts on the easiest way to do this?
 
Also, we have since replaced the '99 with a 2002 ML320 (M1, M2, Xenons, Bose, Sunroof) - Desert Silver/Java. Can't tell you how much we are enjoying this new vehicle. I can assure you as a long-time owner of the ML that the 2002 is several steps ahead of the '99. Many improvements that are apparent to the eyes (and ears) and many under the skin. Since this is my wife's car, she has the final say and is really pleased. Happy to offer any insight to anyone interested.
 
I'll also add that we were ready to cross-shop the ML, although we really liked the vehicle. MB and our prior dealer kept the monkey on our backs w.r.t. getting through the hassle of dealing with the manufacturing defect shown in the pictures I plan to post. We let them know that we understood the problem to be an anomoly and only wanted MB to provide assurance (via letter) that the vehicle was repaired to MB specs so we would not get dinged at resale/trade-in time. Quite an ordeal to get the letter, but my wife had lost confidence in the vehicle at that point.
 
Well, the final solution arrived in the form of a local dealer (and our former saleswoman). They made my wife "feel" important and treated her more than fairly on the trade-in. Also got the loaded 2002 for a great price. If anyone looking for an ML lives in or near Atlanta, I'd be happy to recommend this dealer/saleswoman.
 
Sorry for the lengthy post, but wanted to get this out. Any advice on posting pics of our bumper issues appreciated!

Messages Page 555 of 820

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