ML - Any good? or 4WD rolly poly r*&bish

[Richard W]

Sorry about the controversial title - wanted an honest response to this one!

A few questions about MLs:

1. I've had experience of 4WD in many forms, LR, RR, Land Cruisers, etc. and the only one with anything close to decent onroad manners had Bilstein shocks fitted.
Is the ML as bad in standard form as the RR/Discovery?

2. What are owners opinions of the build quality issues of the early ones (and when was the first revamp?)

3. I have a need for an occasional 4WD capability(stage rallying), but there's usually someone who can give me a lift. Would owners recommend having a 4WD all year round just for the need 4/5 times a year?

4. I've been thinking about swapping mine for a W203 C270 Cdi(T) or ML270 Cdi. What is the opinions out there - will I be completely dissappointed? or will I enjoy 4WD ownership.........?

Please don't hold back with your thoughts - if you think it's the worst thing I could do then tell me!

Richard

 

[Dieter R]

Hi Richard,
I've had an ML 270CDi for 6 months now (previously had Impreza RB5 and Forester turbo) and I'm very happy with it.  Its not a rally car, however, but for a big 'beast' is surprisingly spritely on the move and has left a few cars behind on the 'twisty bits'.  Ultimately 4WD is a safety feature for wet/snow  driving conditions else it just decreases fuel consumption.
If you want rally car performance then get a Forester (or the new Porsche Cayenne!!!).  
If you want a comfortable driving experience with increased flexibility e.g. to go off road (surprisingly capable) or 'toe it' in the rain AND get > 27mpg then the 270CDi fits the bill.  
The model was revamped in September 2001 (1100 changes!! but mainly cosmetic).

 

[Arnie]

Richard to answer your questions:

1.  I've had experience of 4WD in many forms, LR, RR, Land Cruisers, etc. and the only one with anything close to decent onroad manners had Bilstein shocks fitted.
Is the ML as bad in standard form as the RR/Discovery?

A: There is always a compromise between on-road behaviour and off road capability. One comes at the expense of the other. The ML is a good compromise, but the BMW X5 has better on-road manners. What about the mercedes G-wagen...

2. What are owners opinions of the build quality issues of the early ones (and when was the first revamp?)

A: The first ones were built in Alabama and judging by a lot of reviews, obviously built to a price, especially with regards to the interior trim. However, this has improved and the new vehicles for the European market come from the Magna/Steyr plant in Austria (G-wagen and Jeep Cherokkee also from there.)

3. I have a need for an occasional 4WD capability(stage rallying), but there's usually someone who can give me a lift. Would owners recommend having a 4WD all year round just for the need 4/5 times a year?

A: 4- wheel drive increases fuel consumption and tyre wear, but gives better, safer handling.

4. I've been thinking about swapping mine for a W203 C270 Cdi(T) or ML270 Cdi. What is the opinions out there - will I be completely dissappointed? or will I enjoy 4WD ownership.........?

A: Diesel is a good choice.



See:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2001/11/12/emfmerc10.xml


http://www.auho.com/contents/cars/Mercedes-Benz-M-Class.shtml