2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 320 gasoline review from North America
"Not the best car, but certainly an engineering masterpiece"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electronics.
Parking lights.
Gas gauge.
Time and compass cluster.
Trunk light.
CD player.
Tape player.
Tow hitch.
Mechanically the car is a Merc...
It's gonna run like a beauty. They're tanks.
General comments?
It was my birthday present when I was 11, and I personally love the car, and it is my favorite SUV. It's very unique if you know what I mean.
Performance wise it is great, but not enough power out of the V6 motor. I'm planning on supercharging it soon.
Electronics on this car are horrible, but I can deal with that by replacing it with better aftermarket parts.
Ride is great; cannot complain.
If you know anything about the ML's structure, it is a uniframe design with fully independent suspension, better handling on road than off, but stronger than a solid axle SUV.
I feel very safe in this car, and it does not feel flimsy or like the BMW X5.
Amazingly it is very good off road. In an SUV comparison when it first came out, it placed 3rd; 4x4 Hummer H1, Jeep GV, ML320.
I plan on making this one an offroad machine, and buying another one in the future and keeping it bone stock,
I love this car, even though it has a few problems.
Recommended reviews
| The ML320 is not worth the money or a dime |
|
| A 98% well designed car, poorly built |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2L V6 215hp 233lb./ft. torque Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 123000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 5th April, 2009 |