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Should I buy a 2005 or 2006 M Class?

4 messages,  Last post on Apr 12, 2009 at 1:02 PM

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#1 of 4 Should I buy a 2005 or 2006 M Class? by msfur Jan 19, 2008 (3:47 pm)
I am considering the purchase of a certified pre owned '05 or '06 M to rescue me from the Cadillac SRx I have had nothing but problems with.   Other than body style, is there a compelling reason I should choose one year over the other? I have heard that the 2006 model has a poor reliablity rating, and given my current nightmare with the SRX don't want to buy another headache! Thanks for any help, Jen
#2 of 4 U would be stupid to choose the 2005! by s550iwish Apr 04, 2008 (5:29 pm)
Hello, I currently own a 2007 ML350 which is pretty much the same as the 2006 model. The body was completely changed in 2006 and is much nicer looking than any previous ML. It is also way safer. The safety ratings on the 2006+ models are all 5 Star Crash test rated and 4 star rollover rating. I dont know the exact safety ratings for the 2005 but i am almost positive that the 2006 model safety ratings are better. So, you should definitely choose the 2006 model. It shocks me to hear that the 2006 had a bad reliability rating but if thats what u heard then... all well. Go with whatever u think is best. its not my decision!   Your Welcome,   S550iwish
#3 of 4 ML350 and golf clubs by johncee Apr 12, 2009 (10:59 am)
I've owned the 2003 ML350 (same as 2005) and currently have the 2007 ML350. 1. 2003 is a body on frame, very truck-like, better for towing and off-roading. 2007 is unibody/car-based so much better handling, quieter ride, stiffer chassis, and more car-like drive. 2. In our experience, the 2007 has had MORE problems. I know the 2006's had issues with the power rear door but was corrected with a new sensor. Our 2007 has constant issues with a bad ground somewhere that says that the Left Mirror Signal is out. The problem is intermittent and the dealer has tried several times to fix the problem without success. The heater element died on us in zero degree weather, the dealer said that it was because it was too cold out and we didn't have the car in a garage. (We've NEVER had that happen in any of our other cars (including cheapo civics and sentras and they were all non-garaged.) 3. No major problems with either car but 2003 was more reliable but ride and driving experience was closer to a military vehicle than a luxury SUV. 2007 has a much nicer ride but we've experienced minor annoyances. 4. Major issue for us that will force us to buy a different SUV at the end of our lease: 2003 models could fit a golf bag without any problems. 2006 and up (ML, GL, R and G-series) can't fit a golf bag unless you take out the longer clubs, or you have to fit them in diagonally across the trunk. The 2006 and up Mercedes models have the subwoofer in one wall, and the tool and first aid kit in the other wall so it really impinges on the storage space. For a foursome of golf, you have to stack the clubs diagonally on top of each other like an "X" so by the time you have the 4th golf bag in the trunk, your rear visibility is compromised. Just a poor design flaw on the part of Mercedes Benz. They should realize that the majority of ML buyers never take their cars off road but a lot of them play golf. Just my $.02 Replies to this message: karens2008 (Apr 12, 2009 1:02 pm)
#4 of 4 Re: ML350 and golf clubs [johncee] by karens2008 Apr 12, 2009 (1:02 pm)
Replying to: johncee (Apr 12, 2009 10:59 am) hope you are on this today on the holiday - was wondering ifyou had any experience with a rear door problem -- my ML350 '08 was just bought last September and today as we were taking a "spreader" out from Lowes the door just stuck shut. I hear the motor running - in the door, but nothing.... we cannot open the door now -- now what? i have to take it in and have so little time i am really pissed. After reading your blog i am a bit worried.... what do you think? ANY way to manually open this in the meantime?

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