Why are ML's so cheap?

[pace]

In a moment of foolish thought I wondered if it might be worth getting rid of my car and van and getting one motor for both jobs. I quite liked the look of the ML 270 CDI as a solution. Why are they so very cheap? I understand they are put together in the states, but are they really that bad? It seems you can get a 2000 model with under 100k for about £4k. That seems like an awful lot of car for the money or are they that awful! Is it the perceived running costs and VED that have made them loose so much value?

Paul.

 

[stumpy]

Yes yes and yes, though to be fair 'patchy' is the best word to describe the quality of the early ones.

Edit, though today of course an ML would be priceless

 

[psmart]

The ML270's are great (probably all the W163's are, but only have experience of the diesel). Probably not quite up to perceived Merc standard in terms of trim, but for the money, even when new, they were fantastic cars. A lot of the 270's (except from the very early ones I understand) were made in Austria. Mines 11/00 build date and was made in Austria.

I've had a few issues on mine, so have others, but for 4grand, you cant go wrong and there are a lot of people on here who have got them and can advise on repairs if needed.

Go for it! ... and no, you cant have mine, its priceless

NB. If you get one registered before March 2001 you only pay 195 VED, after that its 400++.

 

[Mark A]

Go for it - despite what some say they are good cars ! Some people have had bad experiences of ML's, but then again I have had bad experiences of the C class (W203) and Audi A4's.

They are easy enough to work on yourself, and parts can be got relatively cheap outside the dealer network.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

I find myself thinking about one of these (or an X5) for my next barge, when the W210 dies. What are the running costs like? The X5 3.0 diesel is pretty slow to 60 apparently.

 

[psmart]

I find myself thinking about one of these (or an X5) for my next barge, when the W210 dies. What are the running costs like? The X5 3.0 diesel is pretty slow to 60 apparently.

Ive attached a snapshot of a spreadsheet below. It assumes a service per year at an Indie + 200 (just in case) + a change of tyres every 3 years, insurance 400 per year etc. Fuel is based on 27mpg (you will get more, but being realistic) here. Its the cheapest of all the ML's to run, W163 or W164 (I have a comprehensive spreadsheet for the ML's).

Obviously, doing the work yourself and probably your location, your cost per miles will be less. Exchange rate based on 1.10.

 

[television]

Reading all of this I am getting tempted myself as a run around

 

[roadhog]

I borrowed my mate's ML320 (W163? the first one) for a weekend not long ago and wasn't very impressed. I wouldn't swap it for my W124.

 

[psmart]

Reading all of this I am getting tempted myself as a run around

That would put the cat amongst the pigeons ... probably best buy Merc at the moment!

Trouble with ML's is you either like high vehicles or you dont. The W163 has very comfortable seats; lots of space and carrying ability; great visibility; but if you drive too fast or dont like body roll then you'll hate it because it isnt a car! The suspension is a bit noisy/rough, but my W164 with its airmatic is not really a great deal better, quieter and more material refined maybe, but seats are less comfortable (inspite of having the full air controlled-seats).It really is a personal choice wether you like an ML and wether it fits your budget and needs.

 

[television]

That would put the cat amongst the pigeons ... probably best buy Merc at the moment!

Trouble with ML's is you either like high vehicles or you dont. The W163 has very comfortable seats; lots of space and carrying ability; great visibility; but if you drive too fast or dont like body roll then you'll hate it because it isnt a car! The suspension is a bit noisy/rough, but my W164 with its airmatic is not really a great deal better, quieter and more material refined maybe, but seats are less comfortable (inspite of having the full air controlled-seats).It really is a personal choice wether you like an ML and wether it fits your budget and needs.

I do not really need anything in reality, I have the spending urge when I get bored, I fancy every 126 SEC and a CL500 many others too

 

[bigasotonuk]

Buy the SEC Malc, a car with the right engine (V8), the right shape and only increase in value now as the 2nd hand prices won,t get any cheaper.

 

[popuptoaster]

At the risk of offending people i think a lot of the price drop on the ML is cos of its looks, its an ugly beast compared to its competetion and soft roaders do get bought by an awfull lot of women who put looks first.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

It really is 'Horses for Courses'.

I'm fortunate in having both an ML and an S-Class. Each is excellent in what it does and I like them both. In all honesty, I can't say which I like best. It's rather like asking what is best - an apple or an orange? Each is different.

 

[PanzerMcGrory]

Just got rid of my ML but not because i didnt like it i just get bored with cars. i done 60 motorway miles a day in my 270cdi and would get 33-35mpg at 70mph.
went to the london motor show last year from glasgow and on the long run doing 70mph i was getting into the forties mpg. my Ml was a great motorway cruiser sitting in my leather armchair with great vision and everyone getting well out of my way.

 

[Rory]

Staying with an MB engine & gearbox, what about 3 litre diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee?

In fact the petrol ones, especially the V8, are astonishly cheap - I've seen 2yr old for £8K. I always hire a Grand Cherokee when I'm in the US and they do vary a bit, but they're fabulously comfortable cuisers and effortless to drive.

 

[truthfindergeneral]

How Panzer HOW!!
I have been described as a slow driver and am in no way a hurry up merchant. Tyres correctly inflated, no roof box, no junk in the boot....

 

[PanzerMcGrory]

depends on what you want. i told the guy at the honda stand at the london motor show hondas are pound for pound the best car in the world when i was looking at a crv and i will still stand by that. he says to me thanks very much and i say however i drive an ML and we both knew why, badge snobbery and im one of the worst culprits. had an accord type r before i got my w210 and it was unreal, it would just get abused and recieve no attention whatsoever but nothing would ever go wrong and like most hondas its probably still going

 

[Ashley H]

The R-type also seems good value used (compared against, say, an E-class estate of similar vintage). I can see the looks leaving them unloved but are they fairly OK? Getting itchy feet with the rusty W210...

 

[television]

The R-type also seems good value used (compared against, say, an E-class estate of similar vintage). I can see the looks leaving them unloved but are they fairly OK? Getting itchy feet with the rusty W210...

We have hardly any faults here on the R class

 

[jberks]

We have hardly any faults here on the R class

True, though we have hardly any members with one either ;-)
Not seen many on the road to be honest.