Iconic Films
2 for 1 tickets to Singin' In The Rain, this coming Monday. Book now
Navigation - link to other main sections from here
Mercedes-Benz ML
The Mercedes-Benz ML was conceived in an age when the only luxury off-roader
to consider was the Range Rover, yet today it competes in a market crowded
by BMW X5s, Toyota Land Cruisers and Volvo XC90s.
But while all these cars have their own virtues the ML offers one major
advantage — price. You will struggle to get a BMW X5 for under £30,000 or a
new-shape Range Rover for less than £40,000, but you can now pick up a
decent Mercedes-Benz ML for well under £20,000.
Launched in 1998 and made in Alabama, USA, the car originally came only with a
3.2 litre petrol engine. These early cars suffered from build quality issues
with most criticism levelled at trim and minor switches. With time these
problems have proved more perceived than actual, with few owners reporting
problems of any significance.
Within 12 months the range was bolstered by the 2.7 turbo diesel (the ML270)
and 4.3 litre V8 petrol (the ML430). With 286bhp the ML430 was the quickest
off-roader money could buy, hitting 60mph in less than eight seconds. But
owners paid a penalty, with fuel consumption reported to be around 16mpg.
For those wanting economy a better bet is the ML270 diesel. The petrol models
have an automatic gearbox as standard, but the diesel comes with a six-speed
manual that is most un-Mercedes like and actually quite pleasant. However,
most diesel owners spend extra for the excellent five-speed Geartronic
automatic. Consequently manual gearbox diesels are rare and should be priced
at £1,000 less than auto equivalents. Fuel economy from both is a genuine
28-30mpg and the engine’s huge torque makes this an ideal tow car.
Driving an ML on road is a pleasant experience. The ride is supple and the
cabin roomy, but beware of cars fitted with large alloys as they can
tramline (when the car feels as if it wants to carry on in its own
direction) and cabin noise can become intrusive. Standard equipment was
never generous but buyers usually added leather upholstery, metallic paint
and CD players. Electric front seats and park aid are also practical
additions but don’t pay more than £350 extra for both.
As with most luxury off-roaders a trip into the rough stuff is rare but the
ML’s traction control endows the car with more than adequate ability. It’s
worth checking cars with “off-road” tyres closely underneath as they’re
usually a sign the owner has used the car with serious intent.
If speed is your thing then the ML55, introduced in late 2000, may be
appealing. With 347bhp from the 5.4 litre engine, the only 4x4 it need fear
is a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
In 2001 the ML range received a facelift. Changes to bumpers, headlamp and
indicator lenses and centre console gave the car a slightly smoother look.
Drivers demanding more power were satisfied by the replacement of the ML430
with the ML500, increasing power to 292bhp.
The Mercedes-Benz ML currently looks the best value of prestige 4x4s and with
few reported problems on high mileage examples shrewd buyers can pick up a
good car for a very reasonable price.
VITAL STATISTICS
Model Mercedes-Benz ML270
Engine Five-cylinder, 2688cc
Power 163bhp
Transmission Five-speed auto
Fuel 29.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 11.4sec
Top speed 114mph
THE ONE TO BUY
Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDI auto, 2000 W-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £22,500 at a
dealer or £21,000 privately
OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2001 X-reg BMW X5 3.0i Auto
2000 W-reg Range Rover 2.5D HSE
2000 X-reg Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2TD
2001 X-reg Lexus RX300 SE auto
2002 51-reg Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-D
Seven-seat potential: Two optional seats can be mounted in
the boot
Spare wheel: Can be mounted on tailgate, liberates boot space
but seriously restricts visibility
Parking aid: Not standard but a desirable option to have -
worth £250 extra
Towbar: A sign that you should check the vehicle carefully -
few people fit a towbar if they're not going to use it
Service history: There is no excuse for a Mercedes-Benz not
to have a complete service history
Wheels: Alloys are standard, cars with 18in rims or above are
prone to 'tramlining'
Upholstery: Leather an essential option, cars with cloth
seats are worth £1,500 less
Colour: Metallic essential - silver, blue and black most
desirable; burgundy attractive but shows scratches too easily
Gearbox: Automatic standard on all but diesel model
Air-conditioning: Manual system on some models prior to
September 2001 facelift
Traction control: Electronic stability program (ESP) and
electronic four-wheel traction control (4ETS) systems are standard on all
models
VALUES Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDI auto
Cars with six-speed manual gearbox worth £1,000 less than Geartronic auto.
ML320 worth £2,000 less than ML270 CDI. ML430 worth £1,700 more than ML270
CDI. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade'
is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a
dealer