Mercedes ML320, anyone own?

[davesx5]

I have a chance to pick up a 04 ml320 dirt cheep. Does anyone have any experience with them? It needs allot of little work and the owner want to unload it. I own and owned other Mercedes, but not the ml. Any input would be help full. My Mercedes forum doesn't have the type and following that we have here.
Thanks

Correction ML350

[Pierce330]

Do you know what specifically is wrong with it? All I know is that the early model ML320s are very problematic...

[cham]

I was going to buy one a few years ago, and after some research decided against. (I cant remember why, but there are some great forums that include potential issues)

We test drove one, and my impressions were it drove like a truck, and the interior was so far from say the X5, that we passed. The later versions I've been told are much better

[525iT_Feen]

Rear shocks are expensive and have to be replaced as complete assemblies.
Window Switch is guaranteed to go bad if it isn't already.
They rot in every nook and cranny of the car.
It will need wires and plugs if they haven't ever been done.
Suspension wear is as bad as the X5 if not worse.
If the transmission wasn't serviced (likely with a new conductor plate, seal, filter and fluid) it will probably fail. Actually it will probably fail anyway.
Window regulators fail sometimes.
The interiors are junky and fall apart.
Drivesaft center support/bearing is going to need replacement if it wasn't done.

Basically they have an unbelievably good engine surrounded by junk.

[davesx5]

Correction ML350
Most of the problems are what you decribe, window switches, interior trim ect. It's a 2004 and from what I understand at that time the ML was getting better, yes the yearly ones were bad. The price is only 2K with 140K miles. But, the car's interior was abused. We have all seen the cars that look like someone has been living in it. I hate to see a car go too the scrap yard. My X5 was the same way when I bought it. Now I can't get it away from the wife.
As far as rust, it spent it's whole life in FL.

[cn90]

Do a search on:
- "ML320 ML350 Balancer Shaft" issue.
- "ML320 ML350 Differential" (front and rear) bearing.

I did similar search before buying my Volvo XC90, then I ran away from ML320, ML350 series. Don't know what year they fixed the problem (or not).

[davesx5]

Originally Posted by cn90

Do a search on:
- "ML320 ML350 Balancer Shaft" issue.
- "ML320 ML350 Differential" (front and rear) bearing.

I did similar search before buying my Volvo XC90, then I ran away from ML320, ML350 series. Don't know what year they fixed the problem (or not).

It looks like this ML is not effected with the faulty gear. Only newer ones.

[Riggodeaux]

We owned an 03 briefly, a year or two circa 05-06, certified used. My wife liked it. What I recall is poor fuel mileage and it burned through brake pads/rotors quickly. I sold it and replaced it with a MB diesel sedan before we had time for more issues.

[Pierce330]

I would stick with the ML350 and pass on any ML320

[cham]

my wife absolutely loves our X5, to the point I had the engine replaced recently. 02 with 200k on the clock. But Ive changed everything under the sun now, so it stays in the family


ive heard the 350 is much better than 320 as well. Offer them 1500