Improvements of post 2001 facelifted ML's

[SupraZed]

Hello everyone, I am considering buying an ML 270 and just wondered if they had appreciably improved the quality of build on the post 2001 facelifted models. As most people will know they have faired quite badly in most reviews, namely the JD power surveys. I just need to be confident that the improvements are more than skin deep.

TIA.

 

[oigle]

Not having had a pre 2000 model, I am not qualified to compare one with the post 2000 series. However, I would be confident in saying that the post 2000 vehicles were still rather lacking in many areas. The new 2006 model finally redesigned and rectified most if not all of the inherent design problems.
Some of the common problems with the earlier series relate to poor suspension, sticking throttle cable, engine mounts causing excessive noise/vibration transference in to cabin (in 270cdi diesel variant), premature brake pad/disc wear. Otherwise, vehicle design quite good and practical and finish acceptable. Engine, gearbox etc perform well.

 

[SupraZed]

Thanks, I've just sold my 2000 E320 CDI which suffered major corrosion problems on almost every panel of the bodywork. Crazy that the car came with a 30 year bodywork corrosion warranty. MB offered to pay 50% of the costs to repaint the car, the quote to do the work was more than 3 times what I got it done for privately from an insurance approved painter so the offer was a joke really.

Anyway, I know better now and will be doing my homework and am in no rush which is the best way to buy a car.

Cheers.

 

[jberks]

its a steady improvement from '99 on really.
The new model is supposed to be vastly better but that doesn't help I guess. Just buy the newest you can. On the upside, I haven't heard of anyone complaining about corrosion in the ML. Then again, a newer E won't rust either. That was just the poor sods like you and me who bought turn of the century E's.

 

[psmart]

Not having had a pre 2000 model, I am not qualified to compare one with the post 2000 series. However, I would be confident in saying that the post 2000 vehicles were still rather lacking in many areas. The new 2006 model finally redesigned and rectified most if not all of the inherent design problems.
Some of the common problems with the earlier series relate to poor suspension, sticking throttle cable, engine mounts causing excessive noise/vibration transference in to cabin (in 270cdi diesel variant), premature brake pad/disc wear. Otherwise, vehicle design quite good and practical and finish acceptable. Engine, gearbox etc perform well.

Oigle, its finally happened, 6 years and 62000 miles, new engine mountings needed. Strange how mines gone so long compared with others!