Characteristics of Mercedes Benz ML class

Mercedes M-Class 1997-2005

The design of this model at one time caused many surprised exclamations and questions - this compact car looked so unusual on the background of other models of cars developed by Mercedes. Surprise over time replaced approval, which is confirmed by the popularity of Mercedes ML in the American and Russian markets. It combines a frame-specific frame structure with an independent suspension, as a result of which, from the point of view of controllability, the car is not inferior to "lunaries". Thanks to a well-thought-out design and modern electronics, the car behaves perfectly on off-road, even being under the control of a novice, independently redistributing the thrust and slowing down when the wheels are slipped (agree, for the 1997 technologies - almost a revolutionary decision).

Frustration of Europeans

Sitting driving Mercedes ML conveniently. But the salon of cars of the first years of release, calculated in the bulk of unpretentious American buyers, comfortable and stylish, you won't call - the finish is the simplest and inexpensive, everywhere there are non-primable plastic. Such an approach disappointed buyers from Europe, but by 2000 finishing the Mercedes ML salon became more worthy: cheap materials were changed with high-quality analogues, the electronics stopped capricious (the Bearings of the ABP and the rear cardan shaft were replaced).

Restyling

After restyling 2001, the design of the car almost did not change, except that the form of bumpers changed a little and optics were improved. In addition, a simple air conditioner previously installed in Mercedes ML was replaced with climate control. Since 2002, it was used to sell more powerful than ML 320, Mercedes ML 350, under the hood of which 245 horses were placed.

In the Russian market of used cars, predominantly copies originally sold in Russia, Canada and the United States are presented. Moreover, "Americans" need to carefully diagnose before buying, in some cases, these are cars after serious accidents or "drunks". There are such cars, of course, cheaper, but buy them - for yourself more.

Body

The body of Mercedes ML is resistant to corrosion, it is not afraid of road reagents (which you can not say about door locks - operation in the context of the Russian winter requires periodic cleaning and adjustment of locks). The suspension strength is on the firm "four": not superpper, but not the most harpatic option. Last places are rear shock absorbers and front ball bearings; Most likely, after a run of 40,000 - 45,000 km, they will have to be replaced (prepare 40,500 - 54,000 rubles). The rest of the pendants are quite capable of living twice as much. It can also give a flow of the steering rail (cheaper to repair than replaced - so usually the owners of Mercedes ML).

Engines actively spend oil

The optimal version of the engine for this car is considered to be a volume of 3.2 liters. Less than powerful version (ML 230 with a capacity of 150 hp) "eats" is not much less than ML 320, but wearing much earlier. For those who prefer an active driving style, an ML 430 engine is intended (volume - 4.3 l, power - 272 hp) - reliable, but, unfortunately, expensive in service. In addition, it is relatively quickly flashed with a tension roller chain of the timing chain. All Mercedes motors actively consume oil (and the oil should be high quality, and its consumption even with calm drifting will be about 1 l per 1000 km). Version with a turbodiesel engine with a capacity of 163 hp And the volume of 2.7 liters has proven itself as economical and dynamic. But to find diesel Mercedes ML on the Russian secondary market - the task is not easy.

Transmissions

After the bearing on the AKP shafts, stacking Mercedes ML 1997-1998 buyers. The release, replaced, can be confidently asserting: serious problems with boxes (both automatic and mechanical) are a rare exception to the rules.

Typical problems

What problems may face the Mercedes ML owner? First, with the "caprises" of the car in the case of an alarm setting that implies disabling any options through its electrical system. Secondly, with problems in the work of the hatch on the roof (if it is installed, of course).

Price

The cost of this neat SUV on the used car market starts from a mark of 400,000 rubles. However, for a prestigious, manageable and comfortable car, this is not so much; Is it worthwhile to warn buyers from the acquisition of Mercedes ML, which has previously completed from the conveyor earlier than 2000 g (such copies almost always grieved the owners by the presence of the mass of "childhood diseases").