Attention ML Owners

[Colin Tigwell]

For those of us who own late model cars, obtaining any sort of service information is most difficult, if not imposable.

Perhaps of most concern is the engine on the ML270, and the transmission and drive line on all ML's.

The JEEP Grande Cherokee model WG CRD series, uses the same engine, transmission and drive line, however the transfer case is different.

You can buy the JEEP service manual on CD rom, which at least allows you to have coverage on these sections.

As the CRD JEEP is sold in England, you can order this CD Through your local Jeep dealer.

I wonder how long before MB close that avenua down.

Nearly 400 pages on these three sections alone.

Regards

Col Tigwell

 

[altreed]

Are all models of the ML range Jeep decendants?

I was considering my next motor an ML or BMW X5, I am a bit anxious now!!!

Dave
Silver c36 '97P 68k

 

[altreed]

Damned CGI timeout!!

Dave
Silver c36 '97P 68k

(Edited by altreed at 8:44 pm on July 11, 2002)

 

[Colin Tigwell]

Whilst not being a JEEP expert, I think you will find that the original Cherokee six cylinder engine, was hardly the best, and during its life had several attempts to beef it up.

The V8 Cherokee engine, appears to be a good strong engine, but has poor fuel economy.

JEEP redesigned the WG series, so you could have the 5 cylinder, turbo and intercooled engine as an option, and this still gives a heap of power, but more importantly great torque at between 1600 to 2600 revs.

Also gives great fuel economy, we around the town, get 30 MPG out of ours, and on a trip, it goes out to 40 mpg.

I may be wrong, but I think that MB, are pushing their other companies "To come home to mother", and we may see more MB components starting to appear in other Daimler/Chrysler products.

What I do find strange, is that most people do not know, that the CRD is MB powered.

I really doubt if JEEP had any influence on the ML design, as the car was already designed, before Benz took over Jeep.

However the OM612 engine, which is also used in the G270, E270 and C270, has to be one of the sweetest engines I have had much to do with.

Regards

Col Tigwell Downunder

 

[Andy]

Hi All,

You will find manufacturers using more and more components that are the same but fitted to different makes. But if they own those makes there is what they call "economies of scale" I think.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Arnie]

All M-class's were built in the southern US, until a few years ago when mercedes moved the European production to Austria, under the realms of Stryr-Puch (now owned by Magna- a global car parts producer/supplier). This is the same plant that has always built the MB G-wagen and recently also builds the Jeeps for the European market. Their speciality is 4-wheel drive systems.

Anyway, as Andy said, car companies are relying now much more heavily on 3rd party OEM suppliers to produce all the systems for car electronics (Bosch, Siemens etc), car ventilation and cooling systems, navigation and entertainment, interior upholstery, ... everything, even the body panels, in some cases (Magna for some BMWs and MBs). Of course, there is close design collaboration with these suppliers but some would argue that the car companies have also relinquised design expertise by relying so heavily on OEMs.

Anyway, the grand cherokee is a great vehicle, but it doesn't handle as well on the road as the X5, although it probably has better off-road capability. The ML is probably a close second to the X5 and its interior is not quite in the same class with regards to material quality (developed from US design).

Get an X5 3.0D

 

[altreed]

Thanks for the tips, it won't be a few years before I can convince the missus that I need a new car but I like to plan what to get way before I get it.  I suspect the runners will be an X5 D or ML D.  I will be critical when I look and inspect them both.

The car I have, c36, was fuelled by the desire for a c-class with a straight six.  I couldn't find a c280 in the spec I wanted, so the c36 was the next best thing  I kept my 190e 4-pot for 5 years, until I put it through a wall!!  Then the new car was easy to choose as I had been hankering for a c-class 6pot for a few years!

 

[Arnie]

C36... Niiiice!
Quite rare as well.. only a few hundred made, but the straight six is much nicer than any of the new Vs.

BTW: in a couple of year's time the ML will have been replaced.. there's a new range of 4x4 planned to come out soon (small-size, and big size SUV and serious off-road, G-Wagen replacement).

 

[altreed]

c36.....I do like it, but I like to plan well in advance as well!  I have felt the wrath of the electronic 5spd failure, quite expensive too!  I hope they are reliable aside of that!

Are there any pictures out for the new model?

 

[Arnie]

There might be. I just saw some artist impressions in a car magazine (can't remember which one) about 5 or 6 months ago. Of course, now I've heard the US military is intersted in buying G-wagens and they've launched them properly in the US, too so maybe these replacement plans have change (?)

 

[fuzzer]

G wagens rock .... Pitty they cost a mint