2003 Ml

[Speedmaster]

What is a Mercedes ML Inspiration? Is this just a trim thing?
Also how much was the ML500 new roughly in 2003?

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,


The inspiration is a special edition which had a few nice extras added some from the AMG version.

You could get it in the ML270cdi, ML350 and ML500



In my book if you see it (certainly inside) its far nicer than a normal ML, it has the seats from the ML55 with stitching, dark birds eye wood trim, Leather wheel, gear shift, inspiration mats, door sills. Outside you get the chrome ML55 style grille, Chrome lower panel and (I think) the chrome boot handle. The wheels are also different although not sure these were just on an inspiration, ooh and side badges saying 'inspiration'

Here is a picture of mine..

Also worth knowing the ML500 or at least the one I drove drank fuel at a rate, trip showed between 12-15mpg.

I went for the ML350 in the end as quick enough for a bus, its a 3.7 V6 240bhp (i think), yet on a trim to France crusing at 80-85 with the occasional blast I was getting 25mpg.

As sensible speeds on a run I think I could get 30 mpg which for a big heavy bus is pretty good, some people only get 25-30mpg out of a ML270cdi...


IfI were you go and see an inspiration model and judge for yourself but having seen one and now own one they are imho nicer inside than a normal model.


Hope that helps

 

[Speedmaster]

Thanks for that, very helpful indeed. A fine looking machine you have there, looks cleaner than new!!

I am wanting to get an estate/4x4 to go with my other cars. Something for weekends in the scottish highlands/trips to the rubbish dump/taking 4/5 people etc.
Local land rover dealer has a 2003 53 ML500 Inspiration in silver with full amg bodykit/alloys, command, tints, pts, 4xdvd player, family pack and more. Looked a nice machine and good value. Must be over £40k new??
Not sure on the miles and whether an X5 would be better

 

[television]

Thats a nice car you have there,thanks for the pics A210AMG

 

[A210AMG]

Hello, (cheers TV)


Back home now so have a price list but not sure what I did with the Inspiration price list. Its for 'normal' ML's from May 2003

ML500 Base price £43.445
Amg kit and alloys 2.000
metalic 600
family pack 1100
privacy glass 250
command 1890

so £49,285 before discount but less DVD's any bits I may have missed

The Inspiration commands a premium over a normal model but not sure how much that would be.


I so nearly bought a X3 4.4 as the 3.0i similar mpg etc, but for me the X5 had an image... I think the ML is quite understated. Depends what you want but ours has been over to Europe full of stuff (with a little baby and all that goes with), we have towed our van to the lakes, go to the tip, carried 2 * 6ft 6 doors and 3 people !!.

Overall I think its a great BUS, the only thing I would probably change are the wheels (too small in my book) but after always having cars with huge wheels and no tyres...its nice not having to worry when parking.

 

[Speedmaster]

Thanks for that, gosh it was an expensive car new. I will pop down for a closer look on Friday (if it is still there) and see what the story is.
I kind of thought the X5 was more modern. For example the Command in the ML is the same as my old 2000 CLK430 I think, which was not very advanced. The Comms pack in the X5 is more up to date

Not fussed about the MPG really as it is sort of replacing a 6.75 Bentley

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,


Agree the inside of the X5 does look more modern, saying that when I tried one it was similar to my E46 inside and that was a 2002 model.

If its replacing a 6.75 bently, then there will be some cracking deals on a ML55 or a X5 4.8iS


cheers

 

[Speedmaster]

Sadly they are bit more than I want to spend and to be honest, if spending that much would go for a Range Rover as i love them. However, just bought a 645 BMW last month so reserves slightly dented.
This ML 500 just caught my eye so will go have a look

 

[scousetechie]

I am wanting to get an estate/4x4 to go with my other cars. Something for weekends in the scottish highlands/trips to the rubbish dump/taking 4/5 people etc.

Get yourself an Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn for about 3K it will pull anything!

 

[Speedmaster]

I am sure they are very capable but I kind of like the creature comforts. Climate, parking sensors and heated seats to start with

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Get yourself an Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn for about 3K it will pull anything!

Except those of the opposite sex..!!!

 

[television]

Except those of the opposite sex..!!!

I have the same problem with the SL, they look, but getting them in there is another matter

 

[Speedmaster]

Just went to see it again tonight on way home and they still have it. Although I dont think it is an Inspiration model as they are advertising it to be. Normal black grill and no stitching on the seats. Although does have 7 seats and amg exhaust.

 

[A210AMG]

Hi Speedmaster,

Doubt it is the inspiration model then, I know a few when I looked said inspiration...but were not (muppets)

In the guides is worth a bit more than a normal one.


Is it the X5 for you then?

 

[Speedmaster]

I really am not sure at all. Have been having notions for S-Class and W210 E55 estates but kind of feel a 4x4 goes well with my SL and BMW 645. Dont want to spend too much, the BMW took a chunk of change last month so £15k max really.
Sort of had it down to X5, ML or first of the new shape Range Rovers (likely with higher miles). I love the RR but worry about reliability being the first of them and higher miles. The X5 is probably nicer to drive than the ML but are more expensive for comparitive age/miles. Dont really fancy a Shogun/Landcruiser etc. All v tricky.

This ML500 does look good with AMG bodykit/AMG Alloys/AMG exhaust, command, heated seats, 4xdvd screens, tints, pts, phone kit and lux/family packs. Silver with black is practical also. Did a chassis number check and dont see Xenons mentioned though, which I do like.
Am going to go down today and have a proper look at it, they have had it for about 4 weeks so maybe keen to do a cash/no px deal. I have never driven an ML500 either

 

[A210AMG]

Speedmaster,


It will drive nice I'm sure the fuel will be poor but then your probably use to that, an ex collegaue had one and 12-13mpg round town on the computer.

I think for 15K you would be looking at a 4.4 X5 (as people put off by engine size), New shape ranger cheapest I've seen was a v8 for £19995 on 100k (lovely inside though). I would think for the money you will get a much lower millage ML.

post what you thought of the ml (good or bad I don't mind)

 

[Speedmaster]

I went to see it today and it seems in very good condition. Full mercedes history and some rather hefty invoices with it. However, it has had 4 previous owners which seems a lot for a 2003 car. I would be the fifth. No xenons either. I know the chap at the dealership and he said they would be keen to move it on. Said he would "trade" it to me for what it is costing them. It is up at £15995 and I can have it for £14500 but no warranty etc. Just take it as it is. Did not have time to drive it today. Very unsure what to do. I can get Range Rover Vogues for about £16k through friends in the trade but they would be maybe 70k miles and 2002 cars.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

what are they like off road?

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Dont think I would buy at that age withoutn a warrenty not even MOBILO ?
same goes for a RR.

 

[A210AMG]

The closest mine gets to off roading is pulling our caravan off wet fields. For proper off roading we use my bothers jeep.

I'm sure its capable though

Are you asking seriously? or is it a dig at 4wd's...