The Mercedes ML Is A Really Terrible Car You Should Absolutely Buy!

[@fupabox]

You are also complaining about the quality of a interior that is 21 years old , and still in great shape , everything appears to be working , no cracked dash or ripped seats . Headliner isn't sagging , no missing parts . Yet the interior is "poor" quality ?

[@SDav21]

True. The materials used might not have been the best but it sure was built to last.

[@tomasmica325]

Much of what you commented has been replaced or fixed

[@oceanscriminal3109]

How long is your finger? Hitting cruise control 80-90% of the time? I have long finger and I have never hit cruise control. Old doesnt mean bad.

[@matthewrtoth]

@@tomasmica325 when was this? he has never said that he has fixed the interior

[@tomasmica325]

Matthew Toth He?? It’s me! i’m the guy in the vid

[@peterroy6801]

W163s are amazing beasts. I have around 600,000 miles on them. Ran one from 0 to 350K miles, then gave it to a homeless buddy and he lived in it and drove it for another couple of years. Super easy to work on. I have abused the crap out of them and enjoyed every minute! Allowing them to overheat very badly (warping heads) is the only thing that kills them. I drove one 10 miles back and forth to work for a week when I didn't have time to fix the water pump; with only bags of ice on top of the manifold, with no cooling system the temperature never got above normal. Beasts!

[@IncahootswithChrist]

I've owned a 1998 ML320 for 9 years which has done 275k miles so far. Best of all, I gave $2,000 for it. I cant praise it enough. If it blows up, I'll buy another one.

[@catherineanodeau4346]

Same 💖

[@Omardottcom]

@@Sleepycatdesigns wow… how’s it holding up?

[@IncahootswithChrist]

@Starlight Mckennah like anything with moving parts, things do wear out eventually. So far in 11 years of ownership, I've replaced catalytic converters, center support bearing twice (shop repair first time with cheap Chinese parts. Self repair second time with OEM Spicer part), the windshield wiper motor (tricky repair) and A/C has a slow leak so once a year, it wants a can of freon. Other than that, it has only required regular maintenance. (Filters, belt, spark plugs etc) It is as reliable as they come in my honest opinion. Very robust.

[@IncahootswithChrist]

One thing of note. If you decide to own a W163 chassis. To keep it operating at peak performance. Do not skimp out on regular maintenance consumables. My ML320 has only ever had Mobil 1 5W-20 European formula oil & Mann oil filters (which is changed once at Service A and again at the halfway point between full service (oil change)) I feel it's worth mentioning as well to use coolant designed specifically for use in aluminum engines. If you use conventional coolants (Prestone, Peak etc) you will have corrosion which can lead to premature failure. I run Penta frost which can be found at my local NAPA. Lastly, flush your brake fluid every 2 years. DOT-4 fluid is extremely hydroscopic.(draws water) which can lead to brake line corrosion and/or master cylinder failure. Just a few little tips that could save you money and frustration down the road. (Pun intended)

[@IncahootswithChrist]

@Starlight Mckennah you're most welcome.

[@tville4602]

You tripping. That vehicle is a CHAMP. I have one now same color almost 250,000 still runs like a criminal on the loose!!!

[@madden_raeya]

Same

[@JWINTSS]

I agree

[@williamtilley9346]

368k miles on my last 00 ML 320, now at 163k on an 03 ML 500. They are tanks, their problems are easy to fix, the v6 m112 and v8 m113 engine is indestructible and the 722.6 transmission is practically immortal. You can find these going anywhere from 1-4k from decent to excellent shape.

[@54545flipperdipper]

What’s a good year to buy??

[@jack4q2]

@@54545flipperdipper 2003 ML350 has the updates

[@LynxStarAuto]

And don't forget body on frame construction. Which was abanonded on all MB SUV's (sans the G Wagon) beginning with the W164.

[@Archie1021]

Hi I know this is 4 yrs ago but can you tell me your thoughts on 2003 163k miles for $3000 I see you mentioned you have high mileage do you still have yours and what is the biggest problem or issues on this car to look for thank you

[@yrrah89]

please keep the ml videos coming. This is my fav mb ever!!! call me crazy but i love it. My grandpa bought a brand new one in 2001 to use it in the farm and now I have it. I love it!!!! super reliable!

[@fupabox]

Hate to disagree with a lot of your negative points ..but here goes . The ML was nearly universally praised by the automotive media and had waiting lists for the first few years . There was some penny pinching in the interior ( much of the problems came from a new factory and new parts supply chain, and were solved in the 2001 facelift ) , but again the car was PRAISED by most , as comfortable and luxurious, with well thought out controls . You are looking at it from a 2020 view which makes zero sense . You compared it to a modern Hyundai accent . Compare it to a 1999 accent . Compare any 1999 car to a modern vehicle where fit and finish has improved in leaps and bounds for the last 20 years. The panel and interior gaps on any car prior to 2000 would make modern economy cars blush . A 1999 Escalade had 40 more HP from double the displacement , and there are very few surviving compared to MLs. Complaining about styling on a vehicle drawn up in 1995 is a bit silly . Also consider all the copycat SUVs from other manufacturers that followed the ML . They copied it because it wasn't considered ugly. The Cruise control on old Mercs. is the most simply designed and useful cruise on any vehicle . EVER . Modern cars YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CRUISE ON every time you want to use it .The old Benz design was flawless in my opinion, and only caused issues for people who weren't used to it, which took a few hours driving . It's exactly where it should be compared to 5 or 6 tiny buttons on the wheel spokes or twisting stalks with buttons on other cars. Not sure where "really terrible car " comes from . All just my opinion , sprinkled with some facts . Love your show BTW . Keep it up

[@andrewcheatle4691]

Praise from auto journalists at launch means fxxk all because it takes time for reliability to prove itself, or not.

[@yrrah89]

i agree with you

[@orvarsigurgeirsson469]

Agree on the cruise control - lot more easier and intuitive than steering wheel buttons

[@roborovsky6950]

@@orvarsigurgeirsson469 I had to check the manual to find out how to set the cruise control because my 270 model also have the speed limiter on the same lever, and I thought I've got to push it towards the passenger side to enable it, but I was just enabling the speed limiter xD. Meanwhile, that really ''hard and not intuitive'' steering wheel buttons on my accord(2 buttons) clearly describes what they do ''set/decelerate and accelerate'', simple as that.

[@fupabox]

@@andrewcheatle4691 correct ... I was just correcting the statement that journalists at the time hated the car , which is false.

[@jayjobes5344]

I have owned my 2001 ML 430 since 2005. 182k miles and going strong. Off roads like a champ, pulls trailers, and still cleans up nice. No plans on ever getting rid of it (within reason).

[@jayjobes5344]

@Starlight Mckennah 193,000 miles now. 1 fuel pump, 1 crank position sensor, new shocks, multiple sets of brakes, nope, nothing major.

[@jayjobes5344]

@Starlight Mckennah Sounds like a good deal. The fuel pump and sensors should only be changed when they fail.

[@starzanhorse4758]

Me to, 430. It’s really having issues now. My last Benz lasted much longer

[@JimTom.]

@@starzanhorse4758 how many kms/miles has yours done?

[@starzanhorse4758]

@@JimTom. almost 200k

[@cintocrunch]

I love this series. My second vehicle was a 99 ML320 with over 200k on it. Compared to my 96 Accord it was the most luxurious thing I’d ever seen and was an absolute beast in the snow and light off roading. I still lust after the ML55.

[@pklh1214]

my 99 ml320 is at like 193k. Almost there too bud :)

[@presidentsad7217]

Yes mine used to be a bitch for a long time but last year I decided I was gonna work on it and funny thing is my mechanic can’t find anything wrong with the car. I mainly keep the car for the memories, used to be my dad’s car. listening to his CDs and driving it just calms me, hard to explain

[@kondjanegongo796]

I got mine from my dad too and i wont sell it for memories. I got the ML500 and i restored it and added new tech (Reverse Camera, Bluetooth, etc) and still love it. And sinceits so rare nowadays. Many merc owners are always impressed at how clean and new it looks

[@presidentsad7217]

Kondja Negongo oh that’s nice, I want to buy a 740iL and was thinking about getting rid of the ml, but I guess it’s kinda a waste considering I just painted the car and got it working. It works well In bad weather and I can’t say the same about the bmw

[@kondjanegongo796]

I'd keep the ml if I were u, BMW don't age well. If I ever had to upgrade I'd get a benz and give this ml to my brother and keep it in the family.

[@motormusique]

The early models squeaked and had bad build quality, but mechanically sound I guess

[@presidentsad7217]

motosonic don’t know about the squeaking, but the build quality is bad, my G35 hr has much better build quality and that’s basically a Nissan

[@chrisw3771]

Clear the program on the transmission (same as every MB trans reset, takes 2 minutes) then drive 'spiritedly' for 10 minutes. It will relearn you driving habits for the first 20 gear changes, there are a few handy resets to learn in a mercedes

[@TheSternenschrauber]

How?

[@chrisw3771]

@@TheSternenschrauber press the accelerator to the floor and hold it there, put the key in the ignition and turn it to illuminate the dash. (don't start the engine) keep the pedal to the floor, wait 15 seconds then turn the ignition off, take the key out. Take your foot off the pedal and wait 2 minutes and restart the car. Transmission memory will be cleared. It will 'relearn' for the next 20 gear changes. (gear shifting is based on the average driving over the last last 20 gear shifts, but they get lazy) Drive gently and it will change gears softly, floor it through the gears and it will change higher in the rev range. It's worth doing it every few months as they get used to sitting in traffic.

[@TheSternenschrauber]

@@chrisw3771 Many Thanks for explaining. Greetings from Austria

[@chrisw3771]

@@TheSternenschrauber your welcome, it also resets the full throttle position on the tps, do the same but leave the pedal alone to reset the closed throttle position

[@bibluteque]

What are those few handy MB resets you mentioned in your post? It will help all of us MB owners, Thanks.

[@coyconner1983]

Owned a 99 ml 320 since october 1998. Its been a fantastic vehicle with hardly any problems outside of normal maintenance. It was also 1998 MotorTrend truck of the year 😉

[@brandonmooney-soloyeva9934]

coy conner do you think it would be easy to face-lift a 99 to an 05 front end? I found a 150k mile 99 on Craigslist for $3300 and I really wanna a face-lift.

[@kitecattestecke2303]

@@brandonmooney-soloyeva9934 usually Mercedes facelift is always bolt on.. But mind the hood and fenders it gets extensive fast in some mercedes

[@macelius]

Good vehicles, just got to be maintained, and many weren't once they got cheaper, and that made them cheaper still.

[@kevinbarry71]

That being said; a 20 year old version of this car is still more reliable than a three-year old BMW

[@tommyolsen8224]

Kevin Barry Damn right !

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Exactly

[@elijahsplaytime2540]

I disagree, I own both

[@jeremyaustin9103]

@@elijahsplaytime2540 just don't buy any vw group product with a dsg gearbox if you seek reliability. I'm a Merc fan but the ones built in Germany are in my opinion much better than ones built anywhere else. Hope you and your family are safe and well in these troubled times

[@rasa319]

@@jeremyaustin9103 not really. Because I have VW Passat 2011 and still running in good condition. Just you have to service on time

[@caccialou2011]

Here in upstate NY the winters are hard and they use a lot of salt on the roads. I don't see any or very ,very few 20 year old Asian cars on the road. My 2003 ML350 has 176,000 miles and has never been in a garage and it still does not have a rust hole, frame still looks good too. I still see W163's regularly, which is the best test review of all. I can't believe how well it has held up and looks to me it can go a few more years. It will need the normal things that wear out after a while but its going strong at 20 years old driving every day no matter what the weather.

[@tracya.schneider7698]

I have had my ML320 for 21 years! She is lovely still (even with her bits of rust from living on Martha's Vineyard - salt water kills your car!). We are just shy of 290,000 miles. I will ALWAYS love her the best, especially her lovely teal green color and tan interior!

[@ericbrown1511]

I've got a 99 ML320 I have had so much fun with this thing off road and I love the looks people give as you take a Mercedes off-road and it's been able to go everywhere so far without any problems

[@philarnold2019]

My '99 ML320 has 157,000 miles and rides great. I've had it since 2001. I have a second set of rims with snow tires and this vehicle goes wherever I point it. Mine has leather seats and wood trimmed dash. I have added extra wood and upgraded the stereo and added a backup camera. When I leave it at trailheads I'm not leaving a $50,000 car that might be vandalized. It rides well on long trips, pulls trailers and up to five ride comfortably. I've driven newer ones, but see no reason not to keep mine for another 10 years or so. While you panned the looks, I prefer the front end treatment to newer Toyota and Lexus SUV's. Thanks for the videos. I like seeing my car getting its due.

[@mikehall117]

I have an ml350, which is the facelift model which ironed out a lot (but not all) of the build quality issues. It’s got a lot of quirks but I love it. Have fun with it, it’s a lot of car for the money.

[@Bigjobrob]

One thing you didn't point out is safety. That thing had side airbags in 1998! That is a huge plus.

[@roborovsky6950]

Alot of cars had side airbags in 90's.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

roborovsky Actually most cars didn’t have side airbags in the 1990’s. Side airbags weren’t common until the mid 2000’s.

[@roborovsky6950]

@@atx-cvpi_99 maybe in us.

[@jonothandoeser]

No... he did.

[@abdullah99999991]

I was born in 1999 and my parents bought a decked out 99 ML 320, I'm now 21 years old in college and we still love our ML.

[@vincentbrown8150]

I got one a few months ago with 225k miles. It was a well cared for 1 owner. Runs great!

[@nuss529]

I own a ML W163 -00 and I have to disagree about "poor and crummy" interior quality. Even though it's age everything is still in great condition, no cracks etc. And I do not feel like there are cheap plastics everywhere, the dashboard is soft touch, pretty much all of the door has soft touch material and everything is pretty much finished in leather. So I think that was bad judgment

[@funieman1]

Great video I just recently picked up a 99 ML 430 for $2500. I love it and it serves it's purpose very well as a spare vehicle.

[@robertdieder4178]

w163 is a great vehicle..i had a 2001 ML320 bought new. No issues whatsoever. Just normal wear and tear items. Rotors, pads, oil changes, outer tie rods and plugs. At 150k it drove smooth as new off the lot . So good, it saved my life when I was driving at 65 mph and got rear ended by a drunk doing well over 110 mph. The ML got knocked off the road onto a muddy shoulder and I was able to keep it straight and avoid rolling with the ESP system working like a charm. Side impact airbags went off when I was pitching around. If my rear wheel wasn't cracked in half, it could have possibly driven home.

[@danfraser107]

I love my 2000 Ml320. I have owned it since 2004. The only major item that I struggled fixing was when it would self brake. I did a lot of research on the subject, replaced the yaw rate sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, and the brake sensor. The problem finally stopped though I am still uncertain which one of the sensors was the culprit. Last week I had a check engine light come on indicating a malfunctioning of the EGR valve. I removed the valve, thoroughly cleaned the valve and the aluminum tubing, checked the solenoid and everything is fine now. With 202,000 miles on the vehicle, I figure it has at least another 100,000 moles of good life left.

[@keith3639]

Bought this new 20 years ago fully loaded with lots of extra. Not driving much at 175K but no major problem as well. I've been working on it ever since it went out of warranty! Easy to work on, that's for sure!

[@cyronader]

The best thing about the w163 was that they were pre-wired for almost all of the available options.

[@DevonReclaimed]

The interior reminds me of a Sprinter. Very Spartan and utilitarian. Perfect for an off roader. I'll buy it off you guys

[@SoLA489]

I was 8 when it came out and I was obsessed with it!! I wonder if I’m the only child that was into this car back then? I’ve always been a car person even at a kid.

[@bck0001]

You're not the only one, loved the ML when they came out and still do.

[@jimmahon5743]

May 22, 2022. Iam driving A 1999 Mercedes ML 320. A few issues over 200k miles drive train is great engine no issues.

[@republicadosbananas]

I have a 2005 ML W163, but a 270 CDI, a widely engine used in Europe, and . . .for me it's a great car, automatic gearbox, the selector is not like that one. Run's nicely, precise in driving, confortable in the interior with some diferences for that one, a little bit more nice and luxurious than that one, leather seats, gas schock elevators to rise the engine door.

[@sterobe122155]

Love my 2003 ML 350

[@dimondlord11]

I drive 110 miles I'm bad roads in Alaska I hit 3 caribou and 3 moose with mine sure it has a bull bar but the thing is still running really well I love it one of the best vehicles

[@norvigosracing6948]

Dude, im a mechanic by trade and one thing i can tell you for sure is that there is no perfect car. However the W163 is actually a pretty descent car.

[@cress1jzmm]

I take my w163 ml350 on basic trails here in Arizona and it hasn't left me stuck in the sand yet, of course I upgraded my tires, up to 265/70/17. Got mine for a steal so I don't feel bad about the twigs scratching lol

[@Piketom1]

I loved my '03 ML350. It was not the most reliable car or the most affordable to run, but it was very comfy, had loads of space and the 4wd system was great in the snow.

[@internetsales3362]

How many km would it go in 1 full tank?

[@Piketom1]

@@internetsales3362 about 500KM in mixed driving but it had a 98l tank.

[@DR4GO_47]

​@Piketom1 how much liters per 100km

[@AutobahnVault]

Guy: Complains about the "cheap" interior. Same guy: Shows immaculate 22 y/o interior.

[@xtechn9cianx]

I feel like he is mad that he didn’t get one earlier. I had my 99 ML 430 for 5 years. It’s more reliable than most of my friends vehicles.

[@davidquinn9676]

I bought this in 2001 because it was the safest car I could find for my wife. Still driving it. It was a G wagen for the price of maybe an E-class. Not much higher than the smaller unibody Lexus SAV that was popular then. None of them are still on the road for many years; M class still are. Car mags were owned by Toyota, so Toyotas got always recommended, and this was a half-price G wagen that they had to steer you away from so there were lots of ridiculous objections. I never heard about blowing up on Pike's Peak. The M class did win the Paris - Dakar race. They were much more expensive than an E class over in Europe, because it's much bigger. By the way I love the Merc cruise control.

[@tommyrocket2604]

This car was the first SUV ever built by Mercedes. I purchased my new ML320 W163 in 2001, I still drive it, its as solid as a rock, its NOT cheap and nasty, in fact this guy totally contradicts himself. After 18 years of driving the only problems were normal wear and tear type issues. A great engine, strong chassis and has outlived most competitive USV's of the same era. This is the perfect vehicle to rebuild if you can purchase one of these USV's in good condition.

[@carpetzest7278]

Yes, this guy was all over the place in the review. Clearly had an agenda to hate the car, but slipped up a few times.

[@z59654]

Had a 98 until 2019. The most reliable, solid, safe, and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned.

[@flyinb45]

I worked for a Mercedes dealer a few years into the production of these and have seen more warranty engine replacements and full wiring harness replacements than any other model from that time frame. These marked the start of Mercedes lengthening their service intervals and people were told to run them for 10k miles without servicing the engine oil. Not 100% on the wiring harness issues but seeing one of these with full interior ripped out wasn't an abnormal occurrence. It wouldn't be on my list, despite the handful of diamonds in the rough I'm sure are out there.

[@kyled4132]

They worked pretty well in the 2nd Jurassic park movie.

[@RegularGuy76]

The “rocker panels” Need to be coated black...... they don’t match.......

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

My old boss used to have a first generation ML500 and I would take it out on trips to the bank during the day. Wow, super comfortable and quiet inside. Drove like it was on a cloud. Took out an ML320 loaner he had one time and it was alright with the power it had but equally comfortable on the road

[@Ren200Z_MotoringLife]

Well i bought one about 6 years ago 125,000 miles now i have closer to 200k , 99 ml430 great,reliable its solid, taken it off road, towed another car to the track plenty of times over 200 mile round trip, great around town , road trips. just regular maintenance, a crank angle sensor , water pump, idler pulley , motor mounts, auxilary water pump , alternator and thats it not bad for 20 year old vehicle

[@MalcolmRowley]

We owned an ML500. Great car. Man was it fast. Had some minor weird issues, but was pretty reliable, overall. You failed to mention that seats are ROCK HARD! Drives from NJ to Chicago were miserable.

[@rochesterstewart2702]

I bought a 04 7yrs ago and it's the best thing I have spent money on. Comfortable and reliable.

[@kondjanegongo796]

Very reliable. The old one I saw destroyed took two trex to break it.

[@terriblechris]

I own a ML400 cdi '02 with 380.000 klm and still going strong!

[@RichardVac]

This are easy to fix, lots of space in the engine compartment I purchased mine two years ago with 92k miles, today it has 125k no mechanical issues, except a simple O ring that I replaced in 20 minutes. The 2000 and newer ML ware revised by Mercedez they corrected some of the issues that the older 1997- 1999 had. This are capable off road vehicles, the construction under carriage is robust the way a real off roader should be, the only things I would do is add some more protection to the gas tank, bigger off road tires, I added an aluminum plate and it has protected mine. I have taken my ML to Hard Rock park in Ocala, FL and it has surprised me how capable it is.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

I agree with you about the cruise control. When I would visit my mom and drive her Mercedes I would hit the cruise control instead of the turn signal all the time.

[@jameswest5102]

i have an 02 ml320. they updated the dash in this year but basically the same. also added a slapshift to the transmission. it's been really reliable. only got stuck once when the starter died but for the age I wasn't mad.

[@damilolaakanni]

Mercedes Benz used that 3.2 V6 in almost every car they made in the 90's and early 2000's, so parts (and engines, should you need one) should be easy to find. Also, Mercedes fixed some of the quality issues with these when they refreshed this car and switched to the ML350 (which for some strange reason had a 3.7 V6).

[@jwgaitan4500]

My 2000 ML329 is a beast I love driving it. For me the best 4x4 ever built.

[@Chris-mn2zc]

It’s unfair to judge the entire W163 line when you are only looking at a pre facelift model. A lot of the quality issues were fixed especially with the interior. I have an ML430 and my interior in mostly covered in leather with some exceptions with the trim around the Nav and shifter. The AMG version even traded the regular cow leather with bison leather. I think these cars compare very nicely today depending on how you define luxury. Although I would never buy any ML that is before facelift.

[@onemansvintage]

Chris acker and it’s a base to boot. The higher trims were much nicer especially after the facelift!

[@damilolaakanni]

@Starlight Mckennah 2001.

[@YingJwo]

I have a 2011 ML350 and has been very reliable. No mechanical problems as of yet. I enjoy it more than my Lexus Rx450h.

[@joolz999]

I love how this car looks honestly

[@rikkatheconure2395]

have a white one just like that with tan interior. paid 400$ for it and flushed the transmission (was shifting hard) and sea foamed it. still ticks a little but shifts smooth and gets me into and out of some pretty dumb places

[@NOWAY-jw3iq]

Take this hunk of junk to the car wizard and see what he finds wrong.. Lol

[@robertshea4652]

WHIIIIIIIIZERD

[@MatrixDiscovery]

@Martin Svensson Robust? You don't see any on the road versus many many old Toyota.

[@RichardVac]

This are easy to fix, lots of space in the engine compartment I purchased mine two years ago wirh 92k miles, today it has 125k no mechanical issues, except a simple O ring that I replaced in 20 minutes. The 2000 and newer ML ware revised by Mercedez they corrected some of the issues that the older 1997- 1999 had. This are capable off road vehicles, the construction under carriage is robust the way a real off roader should be, the only things I would do is add some more protection to the gas tank, bigger off road tires, I added an aluminum plate and it has protected mine. I have taken my ML to Hard Rock park in Ocala, FL and it has surprised me how capable it is.

[@DaciaProject]

@@RichardVac Can an ML fit 33s?

[@RichardVac]

@@DaciaProject I would not add more than 31.9 265/75/16 depending on the brand and type of tire because the higher the tire the higher the % of error on the speedometer and also the truck can become slower, 33 you might need to lift your back springs wirh spacers and adjust the torsion bar for the front to the highest

[@ronsmith7880]

I like the new ML videos...I've been following this edition since the start..Awesome video as always Tommy.. Thanks

[@ChPeRo]

Not easy: fuel filter, rear struts, frozen control arm bolts, brake lines, getting the plugs wires-all 12-16 of them off without breaking them, the radio, the rust. But everything else is easy. The bodies have spontaneous rust spots like boils or chicken pox. I have a customer with 345k on his ml500, it’s still pulls like a bull and ride solid and smooth!

[@_specialneeds]

I have a 2003, and it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Of course, I also have an 85 300D turbo that's built like a tank, but the ML cant get stuck the drivetrain is amazing. I think you scrutiny is very misplaced.

[@brianbrianbrianbrianbrianbrian]

Keep the ML videos coming please!!! My wife is making my get rid of my '01 and it's making me sad.

[@bryceweaver8211]

brian menezes we had a 01 ML430. We drove it up to 210k miles. We sold it to buy a 08 GL 320. The ML has a surprisingly amount of interior room.

[@tclg1]

Your wife is smart

[@747-pilot]

Brian, "non car" people will never ever understand!! I have the exact same problem! I have a mint condition 2000 Lexus LS 400 with about 200K miles on it, and everyone in my family is nagging me, telling me to get rid of that "ancient" piece of "junk". I will, of course, *NEVER* get rid of it. It is going with me to my grave! 😂

[@dt7751]

Maybe you should listen to your wife.

[@brianbrianbrianbrianbrianbrian]

@@tclg1 yes - she is often smart but not always.

[@steffendhonau]

Owne one of those here in Germany served me pretty well never let me down, since gas isn't cheap over here I keep it for winter and "replaced" it with an 1987 w201 with the 2liter 72hp diesel engine

[@morganwin350]

I have owned mine for 6 years never once hit the cruse when I wanted the blinker. Also the key is 20 years old

[@TerryDeSimone]

I have a 2000, had it for 3 yrs now.. starts 1st time every time.. and have never hit the cruise either, i think after '99 they moved it back more too out of the way..

[@randyt.7970]

Been driving mine for over 10 years. I have indeed hit it once. It’s not an issue IMO but I admit I did it. Was slightly alarming lol

[@morganwin350]

Terry DeSimone could be mine is a 99

[@stacy3633]

I got one ..and only one key... And I don't think there's another way to get another key... I have heard and through my research that if you break the only key you have that is it.. does anyone know any different

[@morganwin350]

stacy adams currently you would have to run a new starter system that would bypass the immobilizer. Mercedes is trying to get the manufacturing started on the keys again the rumor is some time this fall. Mercedes has the keys made and that company went bankrupt so Mercedes has to buy as much as they could and then figure out how to get the supplies to make the keys so they are trying it’s just taking a long time since they basically have to redesign a key that was designed more than 20 years ago all while using new tech that works with the old tech.

[@back2life503]

How dare you complain about the incredibly simple way of accessing the cruise control! I never bump mine...

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

Same here. Clearly he never experienced this and I question his views.

[@naej3372]

Love my 04 ml350 almost 190k and still rolling. most reliable vehicle ive ever owned. in the market for a newer one now. my kid is hyped he'll be getting my old one.

[@MsMycene]

A Jurássic Park wrap would look awesome

[@randyt.7970]

Owned a 99 since new. Few hiccups at the beginning but I still have it at 257k. engine, trans, and the accessories are all still original. I’ve replaced many parts on it but it’s been reliable and keeps going. Oh and FYI off-roading the IFS/IRS isn’t the best. I’d recommend at least pulling off the rear sway bar.

[@crewtheaftermath4105]

was doing a search to find out how many cats on a ML 430 found this title. I love my ML430 its a 2000 and still runs strong. ( needs cats now ) but my truck has been fantastic!.

[@ldmtag]

Rliability aside, I LOOOOOVE THE W163! I wish it was unibody but in every other aspect - it's a wonderfull car! It was meant to be a Geländewagen successor and it would've been a good one! I like the short silhouette with small overhangs, I like the kinda truck-like sitting position. It really is a rounded G-Wagen: short, narrow and tall. I like the beefy bumpers. Yes, painted they look much nicer but the original unpainted ones scream advantures and offroading. Yeh, and it was pretty capable too. And the thing I love the most is that it gave birth to the whole new era which I think was the golden age (gold age, gold era, golden era?) of Mercedes-Benz: W164, X164, W251 and X204 (2nd gen ML, 1st gen GL, R-Klasse, GLK). By the way, did you know that the center diff in W163 is asymmetrical and splits torque 45 front / 55 rear?

[@ldmtag]

And it was also the best possible choice for the Jurassic Park!

[@wbheald]

I had an ML430/2001 Designo for 18 years. It was trouble free always.

[@frpllc9596]

I had to donate my "crappy" '99 ML320 to charity after it started to leak oil at 340,000 miles. What a piece of junk! ;-) BTW, I've seen it around town, still giving good service to the new drivers I suppose.

[@markela1313]

Had 55ml 02, now have 0055 ml, n 03 500 ml e 55 02, s50001. They all great cars. Also got audi , n bmws. Love my benz more

[@jacobmucha2605]

Every w163 had fog lights. They just placed them in the headlamp so they not in the bumper.

[@fupabox]

correct . base models had them in the headlights

[@cintocrunch]

This one has the same mod I did to my 99 ML320... updated headlights from the face lifted ML350 and 500. They did all come prewired for fog lights, grab the Hella micro DE. Fog lights and install them in the larger holes at the bottom of the bumper and use the wires that are already present and wired to your switch.

[@Chris-mn2zc]

The fog lamp switch also activated a brighter light on the driver side tail light. This indicates where the driver is on the road for the person behind them. Idk if the baseline models has this option but my ML430 does.

[@amtrack5348]

​@@fupabox I can only talk about local european market: every single W163 came with fog lights standard. There was just the difference between pre-facelift and facelift (MOPF = Modellpflege) models. Pre-Facelift had theirs integrated in the headlights whereas the Facelift ones got them in the bumper. The AMG bumpers (you could order them for non AMG W163s too as an upgrade) where different too with different fog lights.

[@normanchan2001]

PLEASE paint the rockers.

[@jochenbaum996]

As a German who grew up close to MB headquarters and now living in Rio, I'm currently looking into buying one and everything you said about being simple, reliable, easy to fix, truck like (not like these phony SUVs of today), off road quality if needed, is exactly what I wanted to hear. My only concern is if the ML 320 handles the roughly 2,500 kg vehicle well (it's a bullet proof model), but I'm not into driving fast anyhow so this shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the info!

[@TerryDeSimone]

Please make more ML videos, I actually own one right now.. has 280k miles, it's a 2000 & does have all the options (no nav or cell), came with stock Bose

[@BeesonsCars]

Is the Bose in the ML actually good? The setup is quite quirky with the subwoofer under the seat of the passenger.

[@TerryDeSimone]

@@BeesonsCars .. Actually it sounds really good for stock.. and in mine the subwoofer is under the driver seat, and under the passenger seat in mine is a pull out drawer.. it not the fiber-optic one, alot of people has issues with those..

[@sauronjr9601]

I currently have a ml320 2001 it’s a 20 year old car and it’s crazy that it has 240000 miles on it and the only think I change is the breaks and water pump and that’s just simple replacements and runs and turns on good. I was worried at first because it’s a Mercedes but it’s actually good

[@twinkiememphis]

I have a 2004 - My truck is now 20 years old at 240k+ miles its running pretty good paid cash

[@brianbrianbrianbrianbrianbrian]

Ive had an 01 w163 since new and have never accidentally engaged cruise control when trying to activate my turn signal.

[@fupabox]

best cruise system ever designed in my opinion . Never understood why other manufacturers required you to turn the cruise on every time you wanted to use it . The old Benz . cruise was just there waiting . I think its perfect

[@nirfz]

@@fupabox Sadly they changed, first the position of the lever (they switched with the indicator lever in 2014 or 15 i think, which annoys the heck out of me: i have 2 cars with the old setup my dad has a car with the new one everytime i drive his car i have to be aware of which lever i use) and in current models they ditched the lever and wen to buttons on the steering wheel. (Because new customers are more important than long time ones...)

[@simonsafi7589]

That's why they still use this design in newer Mercedes 👍

[@ianleslie2326]

The man is a bit of dill. Never engaged cruise by accident.

[@omarzowila]

My family had a 1999 W163 since 2006 & we loved it until it hit 200,000 miles because there were so many warning lights & the key fob didn’t work anymore but we never took it off-roading

[@GregGolightly]

multiple youtube car channels I watch, or come up on recommendations, have featured the ML as a good buy. Expect used prices to jump significantly

[@omarzowila]

Some of these old Mercedes-Benz W163s had an option for a manual transmission but that option was not really common

[@phantomghost263]

my wife rolled our 1998ml320 about 3 years ago.she walked away withou injury. We are using parts from the 98 to get the 99ml320 running since we went out one day 2 years ago and it would not crank. Code C-1022. Good vehicles in deep snow here in West Virginia

[@tinhinnh]

I have a soft spot for these as they were body on frame - a real SUV!

[@double_a_double_u_g1940]

Hard plastic? It hardens because people don't treat it right.

[@loua5539]

My mom had a 2001 ML 430, I still remember her being annoyed when she found out her sisters 1998 Chevy Blazer LT had automatic head lights and automatic door locks and her Mercedes-Benz did not! Lol I also remember the car having an issue with the windows fogging up constantly. We couldn’t get through a New Jersey winter without having to keep a rag & defogger sponge in the car.

[@smartiboi]

My parents had a 99 ML 430. It felt solid enough that you could drive it through anything and everything, but reliability was terrible and it started leaking oil after 6 years.

[@FormerpresidentHathaway.]

27 DOLLAS & 53 CENTS mine has 200k miles no problem

[@thetealbilliardbagger3286]

Best user friendly cruise controls sprinters still have them.

[@double_a_double_u_g1940]

Absolutely nothing wrong with ML. Blame the driver for any issues.

[@PiranhaJaw22]

my cousin still has one from 1999. it needs new brakes every 20,000 miles. that seems a bit frequent, and it's only used to go shopping

[@pklh1214]

depends on how you drive. The rig is close to 5k lb curb weight, if your riding your brake yeah, of course. I coast a lot, barely use my brake, just good throtle control and downshift if needed. Thats just say my brakes last a lotttt longer than 20k

[@asherkimball8349]

Just bought one for 750$ had a small issue with the trans that the guys mechanic couldn’t diagnose, figured it out(need a specific scan tool) and boom 50$ replacement part and I got myself a car and it’s been driving with no issues. Sounds like a lot of people are praising these a lot in the comments so I might’ve lucked out!

[@buddy8225]

I just might have to get one. ❤️ this generation of ML.😀

[@TransitAndTeslas]

Still love my 2000 ML; we use it solely for road trips however. The C Class is our daily driver.

[@pbezanillat]

Interior is crappy but the RELIABILITY of this car is AWESOME.

[@6mclovin]

This was the first car I bought out of highschool. I bought it for $2800 with 170k miles, I gave it to my sister at 230k miles and it is still running! That thing is bulletproof. The only fixes I needed were for the A/C and replacing old hoses besides normal maintenance.

[@xavier4113]

My 2002 was horrible. Transmission failed at 75k miles. Multiple times I was stuck in limp mode. Very expensive to fix.

[@gvs376]

Mercedes cost cutting really started with the W202, which predated the ML by a few years.

[@TINSTAAFL1]

I had a new '99 ML320 and a 2005 ML320cdi. The first car had never a problem, but the 2nd had several problems in the first year from new, which were solved under guarantee. Teh comment about the turn signal and cruis control handle is nonsense, after a short while you get use to it and make no mistakes.

[@RichardVac]

It was unfortunate what happened to Tommy's ML320, I still have mine a 2001 ML320 it's still running solid just did a 3200 mile trip to the mountains of West Virginia, on roads full of ice, also whent to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to see horses, driving on the sand, it is just unstable with it's 4MATIC, it was my 4th trip hitting moderately hard terrain and hitting 90 miles p/hour on pavement. The ML320 from 2000 to 2004 is an affordable off road that has low range and full chassis, true rugged construction, outstanding traction system, easy to fix, you can get any part from eBay, love this truck, it has being awesome!

[@davidpedder9048]

I had a 2000 ML430. The thing was a tank !!!! Never really had any major problems. The G wagon was not much better inside. Don't forget the G wagon was designed for military use ( don't need luxury interior ). I now have a GL 430

[@saucerguy3]

I bought my first Mercedes, a 2001 ML320, last September. It has close to 220k miles on it, it was rather hammered on with idiots both trying to fix it and denting it up. I paid a whopping $1000 for it, had to disconnect the power seats to prevent it from draining the battery when it's parked "the reason the idiots trying to work on it couldn't figure out" and will be switching out the power window motor on the drivers side next. I've driven it daily ever since, it's given me zero problems. This feels far better then what I've had experienced with all non mercedes vehicles, it's rock solid, barely have to push the rpm's past 2k, it loves the freeway and the handling is tight. I enjoy it's smaller platform, it makes it a joy to park and ample extra room on the roads. They made the GL version to replace it, it's far more expensive, bigger, and if I can't get another ML that would be my next choice, be it would be a downgrade for me. I am a now a giant Mercedes fan, this rig sold me on the brand.