08-23-2012, 04:16 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: At the wheel of a Bimmer
Posts: 2,275
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by CA_Tallguy
Maybe the post 2002 models, which again get into those Chrysler years, or perhaps fit and finish but I don't really know about that. But during the early W163 years of 1997 to 2002 they used the same engine and transmission options as the E-Class W210.... M112, M113 engine and 722.6 transmission (used pretty much across mercedes line). And those have been rock solid in the e-class and I would assume that to hold true wherever those components were used. And like I said earlier, even though they are like a full generation behind your X5's (and the W164/W211 Mercedes) we are seeing nothing like what you guys do. And perhaps what the newer mercedes lines see too, but I don't really have enough knowledge to compare that generation.
|
Interesting perspective. That is the exact opposite impression I have heard and the exact opposite of the comments on this ML board:
Quote:
|
I believe the 1998-2002 ML is the lowest point for mercedes since the third reich.. but pretty much anything built since the W124 is relative crap, however I hear in the last couple years that quality is back on track and the new E-Class in the best in more than 15 years, I do not own one however my neighbor bought a new '11 E350 and it's not only gorgeous in metallic grey but the interior appears to be well built and of quality materials, gotta love that MB-Tex!
|
Quote:
Thanks for the feedback to those who have responded.
Based on my 4 months of experiences with this ML320, I may have been expecting too much after 40+ years of hearing of Mercedes quality. Despite an excellent service and maintenance history, never having been in a wreck and being only half the age and half the mileage of my current BMW the ML320 has more plastic parts falling off or broken, things that don't work, a poor fit & finish plus some really odd design quirks (back seat folding gymnastics to name one) which had me wondering if I had made a mistake buying a Mercedes.
Is there really a big difference between just one model year of ML320's? Does the 2002 really have improvements indicative of the Mercedes brand? I would be interested in hearing what has been done to make the 2002 a much better vehicle.
|
__________________
 
|