ML 270 or 320

[beefbops]

Hi there, first time on here and looking for advice, im after someting to tow my jetski around and the ML ticks all the right boxes, ive got approx £10k set aside and need advice on the pros and cons of the 270 or the 320, what should i be looking out for when viewing ?

Cheers, Beefbops.

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

There are quite a few ML owners on here, so I'm sure they will be along shortly.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Have a ML320 1999 for 3 or 4 months now, best mpg 4x4 I have driven, well coming from an 89 landrover 90 and a 94 Mitsu pajero thats not saying much I suppose. Seems fine except it just feels slightly cheaper than any other Merc I have owned, nasty plastic cup holders, lighter steel wings etc., saying that I like it, someone will sort you out with the 270.
Not a lot of help as a buying guide but I thought I would give my 2 cents worth.
Good luck
Mike

 

[psmart]

If you want to learn all about the ML's, Wolfgangs page is a starter: www.whnet.com/4x4/index.html

I've owned a 270 for just over 6 years now, apart from a window winder issue (listed on Wolfgangs page) and a badly assembled Exhaust Manifold, I am in no rush to get rid of it.

I had the Grand Cherokee 2.5TD before it, and the ML is leagues ahead. As Mikesmerc mentions, if you get into a newer Merc, the feel is not the same, but then you cant always be chasing the latest fad unless you've got deep pockets. One consolation, 270's were built in Austria, whereas the Petrol units were built in America. The American plant had a few quality teething issues, so some Petrol ML's brought the image down.

I would recommend the 270 on a purely cost basis (ie. 1 exhaust system as opposed to 2, better mpg)

What to look out for: See Wolfgangs page, also investigate the service history to ascertain just how many times the car has been in the garage if possible. Leave well alone any car thats considered a garage its home :-(

The later car you can get the better, but as a minimum, choose one which is build year MY2001 (from 09.2000 when a lot of mechanical changes were implemented, such as ETS+, newer Turbo on the 270 etc) or better still, get a face-lifted unit as its got a lot of subtle (rather than running gear) improvements. The 320 will be cheaper to buy but will continue to depreciate more , the 270's hold there value better as there more economical to run (mpg, tax band (pre 2001 registration and you wont pay the higher road fund licence), insurance etc).
As mentioned on other threads, ensure you have a Lux Pack as a minimum. Id also recommend the Louvered sunroof, which is a full length sunroof making the car into a near-cabriolet. Unfortunately, this type of sunroof is only available upto end of 2001 (ie. pre-facelift) and it makes the ride a little noisier, but you get that with any cabriolet type roof). COMMAND is an excellent feature (Navigation, CD, Radio etc) but can easily be retrofitted for around 500 pound if you do it yourself. If you've got kids, get the Family pack, making the car into a 7 seater with opening rear windows and locking storage bin.

In terms of performance, the 270 is no slo coach, but the 320 will be quicker. In saying that, if you have an ECU remap on the 270 it will outperform the 320 and still give you good economy.

Horses for courses, getting a 320 will give you more bang for your buck but will cost you a bit more should things wear out (ie. cats - these are expensive) and mpg, whereas you'll get an older less specced 270 for the same money as they hold there value better.

If you like Petrol, consider a 430, a V8 petrol unit.

Some additional info. ML's are great towing cars, but the 270 will be better due to its higher torque over the 320. If you go for a 270, dont get a manual box because they detuned the engine as the standard 270 torque breaks the manual boxes. As a consequence, you get very similar mpg, acceleration, top speed etc comparing the manual 270 against the auto 270. Wolfgang lists you the towing capacities on his web site.

 

[Andy Wr]

I have had my ML270 cdi for over 3 months now and I love it, I wanted one before but was put off by all the scare stories about them so I did exactly what you are doing and researched them myself. I love mine and do not intend to change it, as previously said the 270 holds it money very well and is definately no slouch, gets my recommendation.

 

[blassberg]

Petrol version is a lot quieter. I tried to turn a 320 on after driving my 270 to find it was already running...

Both capable of cruising, diesel probably capable of towing more but both should easily manage a jetski combo I'd have thought.

 

[psmart]

Petrol version is a lot quieter. I tried to turn a 320 on after driving my 270 to find it was already running...

Cant argue with that, petrol is much quieter, But there is something 'reassuring' about hearing your engine