http://www.autocarmagazine.com/FirstDrive_Summary.asp?RT=214286
Can't wait to drive it--I am in the market for a mid-size SUV. Current front runners are the 4Runner and the LR3. Hope they get the reliability better than with the last ML.
I have heard similar comments about the ML's before... and I dont get it. We have an '01 ML55 and have put 40k miles on it since we bought it w years back with 16k. We have only had ONE problem with the truck since getting it, that being a leaking hose in the power steering system. Other than that, with normal upkeep, it has been a great truck! Looking forward to the new AMG ML!
The reliability comment comes from a couple sources. One is my hazy memory of publications such as C&D saying such things as "The ML is single-handedly responsible for torpedoing the reliability image of M-B". The second is reliability indexes in Consumer's Reports (not my favorite car mag, but good, I think, for this sort of thing). Later models were much improved, and just like you can crap out and get a lemon, you can get lucky and get a peach. In the CR April auto issue they make the point that European marques (esp. German) are reaching new lows in reliability, and they are now trailing the US manufacturers. Anectdotal (?sp) (i.e. my) experience with several BMW's supports the increasing poor reliability of German marques. Having said all of that, my 360 is the most trouble free car I own. Hmmmmm.....
I can vouch for the ML's problems. We bought a 99 brand new. Was in the shop every time we turned around. Finally, after 10 months of h***, they gave us a 00 and took the 99 back. Then...the 00 was in the shop every time we turned around. Left my pregnant wife stranded twice - would just die in traffic and wouldn't re-start. Finally, after 12 months of h***, they gave us one of the new C-Class sedans. The ML is nothing but a Chrysler product with a big Mercedes badge on the front.
My wife's relatives had one, early on- terrible, ongoing problems. I drove it once and found it uncomfortable, spartan in the wrong ways, not very sturdy in the old German car sense, and overall, very un-Mercedes. After asking for my advice about replacing it (i had suggested an Audi wagon) they went out and bought: you guessed it. Another ML.
lol..thats great!!!btw, mercedes benz reliablity problems are well documented in every consumer and automotive magazine and survey....in fact, after the last quarter when mb profits were down 50%from last year, even the heads of the company admitted that they need to improve their slipping quality control!!!!!for someone to say thatthey have a mercedes and have had no problems doesnt show anything accept that they are lucky...
It looks great. I just drove the Cayenne S the other day: it was the best thing i've driven in my life. (although, am I only 18, so that doesnt mean much ) It was much fun though
I have been driving ML430(?) & 320 since '99. ML430 was gas guzzler w/ too much unnecessary power. I really like 320. I have driven Cherokee, Pathfinder, 4-Runner, Explorer, RAV4, CR-V, Suburban, Discover, X5 & Excursion as daily car so far. ML320 is up there among these cars. I will switch ML320 to a new model as I really like the interior of this car. I'm also debating whether I should switch to Audi Pikes Peak or MB GST. Either way, one of these 3 will replace my current '04 ML320. Yes, Cayenne is fun to drive, but somehow I don't want Porsche nor Ferrari logo on my SUV.
I sat in the new ML at the Calgary Auto show. Its nice, but there is a lack of cup holders with SUVS, and pretty much everycar.
