Nice my mom had two ML350's one when we were in California and one here in the UK. She passed last September and left it to me. Wonderful SUV. Cool vid man hope to see more on this.
Yeah I had one years ago, with all 4 brand new disks and pads after it's bedded in had that long brake travel. Horrible to drive, because of it didn't feel safe otherwise would have one!
Great video Max..this is the kind of ml500 video I’ve been looking for since I bought mine 2 months ago.I’ve got issues with mine just as much as yours and a lot to do to it but I am a truck driver that comes home on weekends,and the winter weather is postponing my progress for servicing and fixing odds and ends.They are good vehicles and not hard to work on.Keep the videos coming,very informative and thorough.Thanks for posting
Thanks to you I was able to find that cover thing for the center console!!! Thought it was gone but it was just folded like yours We just got a used ml with the same issue
They say it’s a beater due to the fact of year to year comparison. They say that the 1998 “first year of ML” . Even though it’s a good car . It’s material is cheaper than newer models .
I use a handheld garment steamer to heat the Leatherique cleaner/conditioner combo. In their book on their website, Leatherique explains how heat affects collagen to unwind its 3 molecular strands which causes a capillary effect to float out the oil and dirt from leather. It leaves a clean, no-tack feel when I heat it up that way. The w163 ML is a gem of a car... err truck. So car-like it's hard to think of as a truck. Stout, big, quiet, smooth, isolated.
I also have a CLK 500 but I'm in need of an SUV. Never really considered the ML500 but after watching your video you've given me something to think about. The price is right too. Ant mechanical issues I need to look out for ?
Buy the cleanest one you can find, they will nickel and dime you to death. The fuel mileage is terrible. They can be good trucks but are not forever cars at all.
First Mercedes i ever drove was one of these Ugly cheese wedge 🧀 ML's, i think it was a 98 ML430 that my aunt owned. It got me interested in MB's and now i've owned like 6 different Mercedes models since 😅 lol
how's it holding up for you right now? Looking at a ML500, knowing that my mom's old '99 ML320 lasted till 200k miles easy. Not sure about the 500 though.
Hey bro can you remember what code showed up for the speed sensor ? Mines having a similar problem but I can’t pin point the sensor, so I’m wondering what code yours showed, I know it’s speed sensor 3 but what was the code
I have a 2003 ML 500. I bought it used in 2018. It currently has 180,000 miles. Has an oil leak, transmission leaks as well. The radiator fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant reservoir have been replaced. Previous owner was rough on it. I am trying to decide whether to do engine repairs or just junk it. The hood Flipped up and am having a hard time finding a new rain censored windshield for it. Overall is a high maintenance year. It is fully loaded but has the stretched arm rest. It has a safe under the passenger side seat. My 6'4" son doesn't fit behind the wheel. It's for smaller passengers and not ideal for long trips. Second row seats are uncomfortable. It's not my best used vehicle. I'm ashamed that it's a poorly made Mercedes Benz. Won't ever buy another Mercedes-Benz again.
You should have bought the 6 cylinders, they are a lot more reliable and they have sufficient power, I have an ML320 have done creasy off road parks and trails, I run thousands of miles cross country and no issues it has being more reliable than my Toyota 4runner
There is no difference in reliability between the M112 V6 and M113 V8, just a little better gas mileage which I would really appreciate now. I really wanted the extra power and creature comforts of the 500, but both are fantastic cars on and off road
@@maxmerc yes it must feel nice to have more powerful engine, good luck to you, you are correct this are amazing vehicles, I am keeping mine and planning to do more offroad/ overlanding trips
Nice my mom had two ML350's one when we were in California and one here in the UK. She passed last September and left it to me. Wonderful SUV. Cool vid man hope to see more on this.
I liked the braking description.I test drove one from a neighbor and noticed the same long pedal travel, felt like you had to slam the brakes.
Yeah I had one years ago, with all 4 brand new disks and pads after it's bedded in had that long brake travel. Horrible to drive, because of it didn't feel safe otherwise would have one!
Great video Max..this is the kind of ml500 video I’ve been looking for since I bought mine 2 months ago.I’ve got issues with mine just as much as yours and a lot to do to it but I am a truck driver that comes home on weekends,and the winter weather is postponing my progress for servicing and fixing odds and ends.They are good vehicles and not hard to work on.Keep the videos coming,very informative and thorough.Thanks for posting
They really are easy to work on
I got one for sale. The same style, but the engine is 6.3.
Is a monster of a SUV!!!
4.3? Or 6.3 amg?
I have a 2004 ml350 and actually that v6 engine pulls.
Thanks to you I was able to find that cover thing for the center console!!!
Thought it was gone but it was just folded like yours
We just got a used ml with the same issue
This truck won’t let you down
They crazy this vehicle is tight
This is a nice vehicle. Why so many are referring to it as a beater?
Rich people call it a beater once a bunch of useless patented electrical stuff breaks.
Because it's a POS
They say it’s a beater due to the fact of year to year comparison. They say that the 1998 “first year of ML” . Even though it’s a good car . It’s material is cheaper than newer models .
I just upgraded from a '99 Buick to this, and let me tell you that it is far from a beater 😂
I use a handheld garment steamer to heat the Leatherique cleaner/conditioner combo. In their book on their website, Leatherique explains how heat affects collagen to unwind its 3 molecular strands which causes a capillary effect to float out the oil and dirt from leather. It leaves a clean, no-tack feel when I heat it up that way. The w163 ML is a gem of a car... err truck. So car-like it's hard to think of as a truck. Stout, big, quiet, smooth, isolated.
Did the spark plug change smooth out the rough idle? If not, what was causing your rough idle?
The armrest is NOT leather.... it is vinyl.
I also have a CLK 500 but I'm in need of an SUV. Never really considered the ML500 but after watching your video you've given me something to think about. The price is right too. Ant mechanical issues I need to look out for ?
Buy the cleanest one you can find, they will nickel and dime you to death. The fuel mileage is terrible. They can be good trucks but are not forever cars at all.
First Mercedes i ever drove was one of these Ugly cheese wedge 🧀 ML's, i think it was a 98 ML430 that my aunt owned. It got me interested in MB's and now i've owned like 6 different Mercedes models since 😅 lol
the bayonet key fob is one of the best durable fobs there is without abusing it like drowning it in water or mud dirt.
got the same fob style on 2006 crossfire (daimler chrysler era), you really can punch a hole in somebody with this key. did states ban switchblades?
how's it holding up for you right now? Looking at a ML500, knowing that my mom's old '99 ML320 lasted till 200k miles easy. Not sure about the 500 though.
The king of Suburban 💪🏼
A bit of work ahead of you
Good find
great job Max, thanks buddy
Nice score, I've had mine for almost four years. Those key fobs are available aftermarket but they run $300+ so probably not worth it for a beater.
Theres an option to buy a basic replacement key at $98 pretty cheap
Hey bro can you remember what code showed up for the speed sensor ? Mines having a similar problem but I can’t pin point the sensor, so I’m wondering what code yours showed, I know it’s speed sensor 3 but what was the code
Where did you buy that box with all the accessories and spare parts?
max 🤝 finding good deals on MB’s
I have a 2003 ML 500. I bought it used in 2018. It currently has 180,000 miles. Has an oil leak, transmission leaks as well. The radiator fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant reservoir have been replaced. Previous owner was rough on it. I am trying to decide whether to do engine repairs or just junk it. The hood Flipped up and am having a hard time finding a new rain censored windshield for it. Overall is a high maintenance year. It is fully loaded but has the stretched arm rest. It has a safe under the passenger side seat. My 6'4" son doesn't fit behind the wheel. It's for smaller passengers and not ideal for long trips. Second row seats are uncomfortable. It's not my best used vehicle. I'm ashamed that it's a poorly made Mercedes Benz. Won't ever buy another Mercedes-Benz again.
Have a Challenger v8 this truck I want to keep so underaged and bullshit out there about its reliability it’s insane very reliable after 2002
What is a 730 d error code on dash? Can anyone tell me what low range is for?
I have a 2003 ml500 tell me what the esp is for?
Ahhh so exciting!!
Discontinuing the key was verybstupid. I am still 😠 😡 😤 mad
You should have bought the 6 cylinders, they are a lot more reliable and they have sufficient power, I have an ML320 have done creasy off road parks and trails, I run thousands of miles cross country and no issues it has being more reliable than my Toyota 4runner
There is no difference in reliability between the M112 V6 and M113 V8, just a little better gas mileage which I would really appreciate now. I really wanted the extra power and creature comforts of the 500, but both are fantastic cars on and off road
@@maxmerc yes it must feel nice to have more powerful engine, good luck to you, you are correct this are amazing vehicles, I am keeping mine and planning to do more offroad/ overlanding trips
Mine has 172k too
yessirrr 🤩
Im old af 1998 befor u were born😢
It was a good car…
"cheap"