1998-05 Mercedes-Benz M-Class | Consumer Guide Auto

Premium midsize SUV; Built in USA

4-door wagon

longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $4,200 – $13,900*

2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55

1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class interior

2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Pros:	Acceleration (ML430, ML55 AMG) Build quality Cargo room Steering/handling
Cons:	Fuel economy Ride (ML430, ML55 AMG)

Mercedes leads the true-SUV pack for its blend of refinement, handling, overall competence, and carlike convenience. Strong resale values keep prices high. Over time, competitors SUVs have overtaken the M-Class in refinement and luxury, but only a Range Rover offers more off-road prowess with this level of on-road competence.

Overview

The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML320) was actually the German luxury automaker’s first sport-utility vehicle. It was also the first Mercedes model built in America.

Designed from scratch, the four-wheel-drive midsize SUV used body-on-frame construction, but stood apart from the pack of truck-based models due to its fully independent suspension. Mercedes-Benz’s first V6 engine went under the hood: a 3.2-liter, making 215 horsepower and coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 drove all wheels via front, center, and rear differentials. Unlike couplings on locking differentials on most SUVs, Mercedes’ “4ETS” system used antilock braking and traction-control sensors to direct power to the wheels with the greatest amount of grip. Power normally divided 50/50 front/rear, but could be automatically directed to any combination of wheels–or just one wheel if need be–to maintain traction. Separate low-range gearing could be engaged using a dashboard button. Offered in just one well-equipped model, the ML320 had seating for five and door-mounted front side airbags. Options included a power moonroof, Class III 5000-pound trailer hitch, and an “M1” package with leather and wood interior trim.

Yearly Updates

1999 M-Class
For the second season of Mercedes’ SUV, an ML430 with V8 power joined the original ML320. The ML430 was distinguished by body-colored bumpers and side moldings, had 17-inch wheels instead of 16-inch, and featured standard wood interior trim. A new Skyview Top, optional on both models, was a louvered sunroof that provided a nearly 4-foot opening. Both models got Brake Assist, which automatically applied full braking force in emergency stops. Also new were the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) antiskid system and a BabySmart child-seat recognition feature.

2000 M-Class
Rear side airbags became standard for 2000, and a 2-place third-row seat could be installed for 7-passenger capacity. Revised interior appointments included new door panels, lower-dashboard padding, and a leather gearshift knob. Wood trim and a leather-covered steering wheel now were standard in the ML320 as well as the ML430. The ML320 also got the body-colored bumpers and mirrors from its V8 brother.
The automatic transmission gained Touch Shift with a separate gate for easier manual gear selection. A new 5-inch video display in the dashboard controlled the audio system and a new navigation system (standard in the ML430).
Also new this year was a high-performance limited-edition ML55 AMG model with a 342-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine; low-profile tires on exclusive 18-inch wheels; and sport front bucket seats. AMG was the high-performance racing arm of Mercedes-Benz.

2001 M-Class
Hill Descent Control, a “downhill traction-control” system, was new this year. It automatically limited vehicle speed when descending steep grades.
Four lower-body side airbags were standard, and dashboard airbags now deployed with full or partial force, depending on impact severity. The standard TeleAid system expanded to provide vehicle diagnostics, door unlocking, and alarm-system monitoring, in addition to communications/emergency assistance.

2002 M-Class
Mercedes-Benz’ sport-utility vehicle gained freshened styling, side curtain airbags, and a more-powerful V8 engine for 2002. Replacing the ML430 is a new ML500 with a 288-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Automatic climate control and a new center console graced interiors of all models.

2003 M-Class
The only change of note for ’03 was the addition of an optional DVD-based navigation system.

2004 M-Class
Bse engine is now a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 232 horsepower. Curiously, Mercedes calls the model the ML350. Dropped for ’04 is the high-performance ML55.

2005 M-Class
The addition of a special-equipment trim package helps bring down the curtain on the 1998-2005 design generation of this SUV. A redesigned M-Class is due for model year 2006. The new equipment option is called the Special Edition. Available on both models, it includes among its exclusive features unique wheels, a “power dome” hood, silver-painted grille, polished aluminum roof rails, darkened taillamps, sport seats, and special badging.

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.2/195
Engine HP	215
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	233

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	16/20	13.9

ohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.2/195

Engine HP

215

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

233

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

16/20

13.9

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.7/227
Engine HP	232
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	254

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	15/18	14.0

ohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.7/227

Engine HP

232

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

254

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

15/18

14.0

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	4.3/260
Engine HP	268
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	288

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	15/19	15.7

ohc V8

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

4.3/260

Engine HP

268

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

288

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

15/19

15.7

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	5.0/303
Engine HP	288
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	325

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	14/17	14.6

ohc V8

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

5.0/303

Engine HP

288

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

325

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

14/17

14.6

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	5.4/332
Engine HP	342
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	376

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	14/18	12.9

ohc V8

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

5.4/332

Engine HP

342

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

376

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

14/18

12.9

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5

50%

Fuel Economy - 4

40%

Ride Quality - 4

40%

Steering/Handling - 4

40%

Quietness - 4

40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4

40%

Room/Comfort Front - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Rear - 8

80%

Cargo Room - 8

80%

Other

Value - 8

80%

Total: 56

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 M-Class 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4

80%

Front Passenger Injury - 5

100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	85
Injury	55
Theft	130

Class:	Midsize Sport-Utility Vehicle
Category:
Type:	four-wheel drive, 4-door wagon
Base Price:	$ 35,300 – $ 64,900
Similar to:
Also Consider:	BMW X5, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RX 300
Built in:	USA
Powertrain Layout:	Longitudinal front-engine, four-wheel drive	2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55

Highlights: – Char count:1491
Mercedes’ sport-utility vehicle for 2000 adds rear side airbags, optional third-row seating, revised interior appointments, a new high-performance model, and a pair of “designer” appearance options. The M-Class continues in V6 ML320 and V8 ML430 models. This year’s new ML55 AMG boasts a larger V8, bigger brakes, exclusive 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires, and sport front bucket seats. Only 1500 will be available for 2000. All models have 5-speed automatic transmission, now with Mercedes’ Touch Shift manual shift gate, plus permanent 4-wheel drive with separate low-range gearing controlled by a dashboard button. The new rear side airbags complement those in front. Newly optional except for the ML55 is a 2-passenger third-row seat that ups capacity to seven persons. </p> <p>All models sport new door panels, lower-dash padding, and leather gearshift knob; ML320s also get the V8 models’ wood trim, leather-covered steering wheel, and body-colored bumpers and mirrors. Another new standard is an in-dash video display like that on Mercedes passenger cars; it controls the audio system and, where equipped, cell phone and satellite navigation functions. The nav system is a dealer-installed option for ML320, standard elsewhere. Added last spring as across-the-board options are “designo” trim packages featuring Cognac or Mystic Green paint and special interiors with poplar-wood trim. All Mercedes vehicles now include some maintenance items in the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.	Update
First Spin: – Char count:
	Update
Deep Drive: – Char count:
	Update
What’s Cool: – Char count:
	Update
What’s Not: – Char count:
	Update

For:	Against:
Acceleration (ML430, ML55), Steering/handling, Build quality, Exterior finish, Cargo room	Fuel economy, Ride (ML430, ML55)

Specifications
Specification Title	4-door wagon
Body Style Description
Wheelbase, in.	111.0
Overall Length, in.	180.6
Overall Width, in.	72.2
Overall Height, in.	69.9
Curb Weight, lbs.	4586
Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	85.4
Standard Payload, lbs.	—
Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0
Seating Capacity	7.0
Front Head Room, in.	39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.3
Rear Head Room, in.	39.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.0

Name:	sohc V6	sohc V8	sohc V8
Displacement Liter/Cu In:	3.2/195	4.3/260	5.4/332
HP @ RPM:	215@5500	268@5500	342@5500
Torque @ RPM:	233@3000	288@3000	376@3000
Availability:	Standard (1)	Standard (2)	Standard (3)
5-speed automatic	16/20	15/19	14/18

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 56

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

None snap off the line, but all build speed quickly–some quicker than others. The ML320 does 0-60 mph in a decent 9.1 seconds; the ML430 takes about 8 seconds; the ML55 clocks it in a class-leading 6.4 seconds, according to Mercedes.	Update

Our test ML320s averaged 13.9-15 mpg, typical of 6-cylinder SUVs. Over 15,500 miles, our extended-use 1999 ML430 is averaging 15.7 mpg, which is better than we get with most V8 SUVs. It requires premium fuel.	Update

No true SUV is more comfortable than the M-Class, though the firm ride motions are on the “trucky” side versus the softer, more carlike feel of the BMW X5.	Update

Poised and stable for SUVs, MLs have less cornering lean and more precise steering than most rivals, though the steering wheel is slow to return to center after a turn and the steering feels heavy at slow speeds.	Update

The V6 sounds coarse when pushed. The V8 emits a throaty roar, as well as a deep rumble at idle. Both models are refined for SUVs but noisier than most cars–and the X5.	Update

Some control markings won’t be obvious to first-time Mercedes owners, but ergonomics are otherwise good. Upgrades for 2000 bring the interior more in line with Mercedes-level expectations. The look and feel is decidedly upscale, with softer available leather and revised trim.	Update

Large doors and a reasonably low SUV step-in ease entry/exit, and the front cabin is spacious and comfortable.	Update

Here, too, access is easy thanks to low sills and unusually wide doors. Three adults can ride without crowding, but leg room gets tight with the front seats fully aft.	Update

Ample load volume, but folding the rear seat takes practice and patience. A low-set deck is appreciated with heavy cargo.	Update

Among true SUVs, the M-Class is one of the best for refinement, handling, and overall competence. Prices are steep, but high resale values boost this Best Buy’s overall appeal.	Update

2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class	Pricing Effective: 09/21/1999
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
ML320 4-door wagon	$ 35,800	$ 33,294	$ 645
ML430 4-door wagon	44,200	41,106	645
ML55 4-door wagon	65,900	61,287	645
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
ML320 : 3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, dual front airbags w/automatic child seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, TeleAid emergency assistance system, navigation system, passenger-side under-seat storage drawer, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual 6-way front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, digital clock, tachometer, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, floormats, theft-deterrent system, roof rack, rear fog lights, front and rear tow hooks, 255/65R16 tires, alloy wheels
ML430 adds: 4.3-liter V8 engine, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, trip computer, rear privacy glass, 275/55R17 tires
ML55 adds: 5.5-liter V8 engine, power sunroof, dual front seat memory, Bose sound system, power rear quarter windows, 285/50WR18 tires

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
M1 Luxury Pkg.	ML320	$1600	$1488
Leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, rear privacy glass. Requires sunroof or Skyview roof.
M2 Convenience Pkg.	ML320	1150	1070
Trip computer, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power folding outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, dual front seat memory, locking under-passenger-seat compartment. Requires M1 Luxury Pkg.
M3 Convenience Pkg.	ML430	695	646
Dual front seat memory, rain-sensing wipers, power folding mirrors. Requires sunroof or Skyview roof.
M6 Sport Pkg.	ML320, ML430	3300	3069
Sport bumpers, bodyside cladding, fender flares, fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, 275/55R17 tires, special alloy wheels. Requires sunroof or Skyview roof.
M7 Seat Pkg.	ML320 w/M1 Pkg., ML430	1350	1256
Two third row seats, power rear quarter windows. Deletes cargo cover.
M7 Seat Pkg.	ML320	1150	1070
Two third row seats, power rear quarter windows. Deletes cargo cover.
Designo Cognac Edition		4000	3720
Bourbon exterior color, cognac/charcoal interior color, special wood interior trim and floormats. ML320 requires heated front seats, M1 Luxury Pkg.
Designo Mystic Green Edition	ML320, ML430	4000	3720
Mystic green exterior color, Java/Borneo interior color, special wood interior trim and floormats. ML320 requires heated front seats, M1 Luxury Pkg.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Power sunroof	ML320, ML430	1095	1018
Skyview roof	ML320, ML430	2450	2279
8-square foot power sunroof.
Bose sound system	ML320, ML430	1075	1000
Includes 6-disc CD changer.
Heated front seats	ML320	620	577
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Xenon headlights	ML320, ML430	850	791
Requires M6 Sport Pkg.
Special paint	ML320, ML430	485	451
Special paint	ML55	0	0
Special order charge		1000	1000
Required for certain special paint and interior color combinations.

2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class	Pricing Effective: 02/21/2002
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
ML320 4-door wagon	$ 36,300	$ 33,759	$ 665
ML500 4-door wagon	44,950	41,804	665
ML55 4-door wagon	65,900	61,287	665
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
ML320 : 3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, TeleAid assistance system, air conditioning w/automatic climate control and rear controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual 6-way front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, digital clock, tachometer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, floormats, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, front and rear fog lights, front and rear tow hooks, 255/60R17 tires, alloy wheels
ML500 adds: 5.0-liter V8 engine, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, navigation system, trip computer, rear privacy glass, 275/55R17 tires
ML55 adds: 5.5-liter V8 engine, power sunroof, front seat and mirror memory, Bose sound system, power rear quarter windows, rain-sensing wipers, Xenon headlights, 285/50WR18 tires

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class	Pricing Effective: 02/07/2003
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
ML350 4-door wagon	$ 36,950	$ 34,364	$ 720
ML500 4-door wagon	45,350	42,176	720
ML55 4-door wagon	65,900	61,287	720
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
ML350 : 3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, TeleAid assistance system, daytime running lights, air conditioning w/automatic climate control and rear controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, front and rear fog lights, front and rear tow hooks, 255/60R17 tires, alloy wheels
ML500 adds: 5.0-liter V8 engine, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, navigation system, trip computer, compass, rear privacy glass, 275/55VR17 tires
ML55 adds: 5.4-liter V8 engine, power sunroof, front seat and mirror memory, Bose sound system, power rear quarter windows, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights, 285/50WR18 tires

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class	Pricing Effective: 02/16/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
ML350 4-door wagon	$ 37,950	$ 35,294	$ 720
ML500 4-door wagon	46,400	43,152	720
Price Note:

2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class	Pricing Effective: 06/10/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
ML350 4-door wagon	$ 37,950	$ 35,294	$ 720
ML500 4-door wagon	46,400	43,152	720
Price Note: