[stlrman]

Anybody ever own this suv ? Appreciate your experiences. Thanks!
70,000 miles .

[Mike B.]

I was thinking about getting a Benz several years back. I joined two forums. I think they were Mercedes.com and Benz.Org? Lots of good info. I was pushed away from several models that had the same engine with a internal part known to fail frequently costing many thousands to repair. I recommend you join or just do some lurking.

[FullRangeMan]

Anybody ever own this suv ? Appreciate your experiences. Thanks!
70,000 miles .

If you live in Germany may be a good idea.
Germans cars are expensive and complex, require specialized maintenance, always with the authorized dealer.
I never owned imported cars, I suggest the same to you.

[Hugh]

Not too sure about 2008 but earlier models were below average when it comes to reliability.

Furthermore, it'd be a peace of mind to get the extended warranty, just in case.

[macrojack]

What is your goal? Japanese cars, as a rule, are much more reliable than German, particularly so when the miles start to add up.
I've had 2 MBs and one BMW and several VWs. Then I got a Toyota and have owned little else since. If snob is driving this, you'll find the Germans have lost a lot of sales to Lexus over the past 10 years.

[bladesmith]

I own a 2005 ML500, special edition, I have had it for a long time. I have also owned BMW's, and other Euro cars.

By far the MB is the best, IMHO. Parts are actually very reasonable, If you know how to get them on line, which anyone can and it is very easy. If you can turn a wrench, MB is very easy to work on. Very mechanic friendly. If you can't turn a wrench, all Euro cars are going to be a bit expensive to maintain.

Also, the ML is basically a truck, by industry standards and can/SHOULD be taxed/insured as a truck. It's a very basic luxury SUV. But, then that doesn't make sense does it. lol....  A SUV that is a truck. it's a long story..

The 320/350 are very solid 6 cylinders. I have never heard of one blowing a head gasket in my lifetime. My neighbor has been a MB mechanic his whole life (30+ years) and has heard of one head gasket blowing on a MB vehicle, JUST one.
There basic cars/truck/suvs are very good and dependable, there super luxury class, not so much.

Good luck..

[stlrman]

Thanks to all for your responses!!
Blade, should I save my money and skip a $1500 three year tranny and electric that the dealer may offer ?
I loved the feel of it when I test drive it today ! Seems like it will be great for long road trips. I like the steering feel. The brakes suck !! And I have read this, so squishy , nothing like the awesome braking of the BMW.
It has real low miles for the year.
Do you think it is responsive enough for lots of city driving ?
Thanks , Todd

[bladesmith]

Thanks to all for your responses!!
Blade, should I save my money and skip a $1500 three year tranny and electric that the dealer may offer ?
I loved the feel of it when I test drive it today ! Seems like it will be great for long road trips. I like the steering feel. The brakes suck !! And I have read this, so squishy , nothing like the awesome braking of the BMW.
It has real low miles for the year.
Do you think it is responsive enough for lots of city driving ?
Thanks , Todd

Not sure about the warranty, I think those are personal choices. Not going there, sorry.

If I remember correctly, those bodies changed in 06'. I believe they went to a safer more "rigid" body and design, so they are faster. I think, and don't quote me on this. But, the 08 ML350 is faster than my 05 ML500. Because of the better weight to power ratio. It is over all a better suv, mine is a beast. Like a tamed silver back gorilla. I am bias, of course.

They have trainable driving response system, if you drive like you want to "get there now", it responds that way all the time. If you drive like an old woman, it responds like an old woman. Don't ask me how it works. The manuals are always thick and you will need some reading time to figure out things. Like reseting/calibrating the AC/heating system, stuff like that. make sure you get the NAV cd's and the whole set of keys, third head rest, the whole enchilada, understand ?

Don't worry about the brakes, they (ML) are all like that, the brakes are just more truck like, you'll get use to it.  Tight turning radius, plenty of power and awesome in the snow. I have about 170K on mine now, drives like it has 25K on it. How many SUV's have a "low range" and can go 145 MPH... and feels stable at that speed ?

Good luck...

[Phil A]

I owned an ML320 many moons ago.  Also owned an SLK230 and leased an SL500 many moons ago.  It's a nice SUV but my (Mercedes) sales guy (who sold them for 30 years) told me they are expensive to fix out of warranty.

[Doublej]

If you live in Germany may be a good idea.
Germans cars are expensive and complex, require specialized maintenance, always with the authorized dealer.
I never owned imported cars, I suggest the same to you.

I think these are made in America...

[bladesmith]

I think these are made in America...

I think you are right. Mine was made in Alabama, but, I think they are moving the ML plant to Mississippi. IIRC..

[FullRangeMan]

I would buy a used Diesel Ford or GM to stick with a low rpm engine.

[LadyDog]

Great car to drive.  Like many of the German brethren.  That said, I'd pass.  Great cars if you can buy one within warranty.  Or trade for something new each 3-4 years. 

Again like many of the German cars, you can find one which is great; brakes, tires, normal maintanence, etc.  or you get hit with more of a norm, at least in my experience, extensive and expensive repairs. 

If have disposable income, fine.  I do not, or more appropriately, wish not.  So I'll take reliable and 85% of the driving pleasure.

As always, your mileage may vary.  Good luck.

[bladesmith]

If you end up getting one, don't turn it into a Sunday driver. MB cars/trucks don't like that, they got to be used, at least three or four times a week.  Daily driver if possible.  (The longer they sit doing nothing,  the more they break down. And if you need a parts site give me a PM, I'll pass one a long to you.)