My childhood car was an '01 ml320, and after that had an accident, (we hit a deer that for the record STILL RAN LIKE A CHAMP FOR 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD ON AN EMPTY HIGHWAY), we got the updated '02 320 that stood up til 2014 when we traded it in for an f-150 (that i never really appreciated as much), and now at 15 y/o, i got my dream car of a 2005 ML350 special edition at 120k miles for $5k. This will forever be my dream car. Thanks for sharing your car appreciation vid :)
Make that 7! I had a 98 ML 320 till I was rear ended and it was totaled by that in 2011. Protected me so well I got a 2005 ML 350 and it’s still going. Basically been in a w163 for over 20 years. Safe and versatile, ( wish it was a tad better on MPG.) Love the 163!
My family own two and I daily drive one. Beasts... body on frame, independent suspension, bullet proof engines and gearboxes. The W164 pales in comparison.
Nice, nice, nice. I agree with your assessment of the w163 vs. the w164. Just a simpler and more robust design. I also like the w163 for the exact reasons you cite. Frame, low range, less electronics, you can switch out parts (w164 some parts with electronics can't be switched out except with new "virgin" Mercedes parts due to being "married".) I plan to keep mine and expand the fleet as well. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the great videos you have made. I really have enjoyed them and learned a lot. PS: If you have any thoughts about modifications to make a w163 ride a bit smoother (softer?), please let all us guys out here know. Best wishes from Michigan.
Thanks.. I wish there was a way to soften the ride a tiny bit , but a truck body on frame is tough to soften , other than taller sidewall tires . I have the optional 275/55/17s and the ride is a tad firm ..not exactly like my old f350 diesel , but a bit hard. Loving this w163 . 22k kilometers since I got it . and zero issues other than alternator , and a new windshield being installed at this moment ..Hit a 20 lb wild turkey on Friday at 55 mph ..!!! hit right behind the rear view mirror on the rain sensor..cracked but not shattered the glass. Turkey somehow survived, and watched me look over the damage from a field 50 ft away . Bad time to take out my dash cam last month . would have been a great vid because I couldn't swerve or brake hard due to traffic. Had to watch it come at me and wait .. lol. lots of swearing . Unlike WKRP Les Nesman .. turkeys both fly , and bounce ! Oh the humanity ua-cam.com/video/p00nBSNIPwg/v-deo.html
Nice ride, I have the 2005 ML500 SE which I got ridiculously cheap because I was willing to replace the steering rack myself lol. Swap that hitch over!! I bought the factory receiver from a guy and didn't have the 4 main bolts. I ended up getting the last 2 in stock in Canada and had to order the other 2 from Germany. Ouch. Great truck though... Prior to that one I had a 2001 X5 3.0 in 5 speed!! Also great but there is something about the ML that grows on you. I prefer it now.
Love my 1999 ml320. I kept it because of my 3rd row seat configuration. After 18 years. Every year I need to put in 1g to fix every little things. Last item was transmission doesn’t move out of 1st gear or always in limp home mode. Very hesitate but finally donate it.
I bought a 2000 ML55 w163 with an electrical issue, hoping to get it on the road soon! Haven't been able to find a mobile Mercedes mechanic, electrical issues are my weakness, I'm primarily a body and paint guy and plan to restore it and give it a show car paint job and make it my daily driver. Todd Annapolis, MD
foxwell nt530 will read it all . You need to order with the Benz software www.foxwellstore.com/wholesale/foxwell-nt530-benz-multi-system-obd2-scanner.html
Sweeeeeet. I gave my mom my ml430 for her winter beater, but it runs like a champ still. I think I'm gonna swap out the headlights and front bumper from the '99 for the updated ones like on that '05 for her.
Wow very nice Brother! I so agree with you. The w163 has become my favorite as well my 02 ml320 just keeps going and going. I would love to upgrade the hood to the 05 model.
yeah the double bump hood is like my SLK . The 320 has lots of life left, and still runs great , but this one showed up before I really needed it.. Figured I may never find another this nice
fupabox you got yourself a beauty. Now that it's getting less cold outside I will be doing suspension, center carrier Bering, Motor mounts (Wich I'm dreading) harmonic balancer ( don't think I need it but I have a brand new one laying around and transmission fluid change. I can't forget detailing. Looking forward for the new w163 videos.
check your throttle kickdown switch under the acc. pedal . if you unplug it and test with an OHmmeter it should show closed circuit with switch pressed, and open when not pressed. Check tranny fluid level , turn key to position 2 without starting and go under the hood . move the TPS by hand and see if you can feel the corresponding movement in the throttle body ..you can just place your hand on the throttle body and you will be able to tell if it's working . Throttle body could be dirty .Resync the tps and throttle body. Turn car to position 2 without starting and let it sit 10 minutes . This will re addapt the idle setting . check for proper slack on TPS cable to throttle pedal . I think I have vids for all of these . Question... does the car seem like its stuck in high gear .. real slow acceleration ? does it happen all the time ? when you press the pedal into the kickdown switch, does it downshift ?
first check to see if you can hear the pump motor when you pull the spray lever .. if there is a whining sound , your squirters or rubber lines are blocked. No noise.. check fuses , if fuse is good , pump is likely dead
So there are two 3.5 liter motors? I’ve looked at a e350 that had the balance shaft problem. I didn’t realize there was a bigger version of the e320 v6
yup/ this one is the M112 V6 3.7 (called 350 ) ..the other is based of this engine , but was different enough for a new designation M272 . It unfortunately had cam /balance gear problems on the early models.
Although its designated ML350 its actually a 3.7 (M112) engine, its a fantastic bulletproof powerplant and do not have any issues with balance shafts etc. the gearboxes are extremely robust as well.
nice. thought they come with unique running boards.looking forward to your video. Mine has 130000km and wear and tear is kicking in.Wanted to know do these cars have a very stiff/hard ride suspension as its such a shay car on rough roads. is this the same with yours
mine rides nice on rough roads, but the shocks were changed at some point in the past. Older shocks on these MLs seem to make the ride stiffer instead of sloppier. They don't have a ton of suspension travel, so older shocks allow the springs to fully compress at the rear ,and the fronts start hitting the bump stops. also tire pressure is usually over done on most of the MLs I've driven .. 28 front 30 rear (if I remember correctly ) I've tried up to 40 psi to check the difference in ride, and it's much worse at 40
I have no idea when my shocks wer last changed, could that be the issue and if so, are there specific shocks to et. Additionally, i changed my wheels to 20" to fit the arc better and a 275/45R20 tyres but i inflate them to 22 (which was the same as my stock tyre pressure, isnt 28 too high or how does one calculate what my new tyres should be at?
275/45s would need at least 34 psi to keep from getting rim damage on a pothole. 45 series hasn't much sidewall to absorb bumps. The best way to calculate psi needed when you change tire size drastically is with a laser temp gun (around $25 ) after a short drive take the temp readings of the inner outer and middle of the tire surface where it contacts the ground. They need to be the same temp in all 3 spots . Higher in the center than the outsides means the pressure is too high . Higher on the outer and inner sides means pressure is too low. Once you get a reading thats pretty much the same on all areas of the contact patch with the road , check the pressure , and that's your best pressure . You need to drive a bit then check after each pressure change .Took me about 1/2 hour to get the pressures right on my 500sl with 35 series tires.
Wait, so the camshaft problem doesn't affect the 2005 W163's? Because I was planning on buying an '02-'04 ML this summer, but I'd consider an '05 if it does not have that issue...
Thanks, good to know. Having shopped around on auto trader for a while, it seems about 95% of the '05 models have clunky running boards, which lowers the ground clearance and gives it a minivan look.Yours does not, do you know if it was like this from the factory or it had the boards and someone took them off?
running boards and front bull bar were a $2000 + option .. mine had none . I have a factory front bull/push bar that I'm installing in the next few days , but I wouldnt want the side bars .. too much loss of clearance as you say
I finally bought one of these! 2004 ML500 with 116k miles, about 187k km. Not as nice as yours, there are various small things wrong with it, but she runs great. I actually forgot about this video until today... while bolting on my license plates I was looking at the front and thought “hm, this would look good with a push bar”. Then I found your pushbar installation video and recognized your car because of the light blue color. Thanks again!
pre 2001 they had more issues . They were built in a new factory and it was rushed into production. My first one had 300k km on it and everything still worked when I sold it . My current one has been near bulletproof . Like any car a lot depends on whether it has been cared for by the previous owner . I always try to find vehicles from the original owner . If the interior is in poor shape , the owner wouldn't have cared to check fluids and maintain the car . The 2002 -2005 models had few issues . Little things can go wrong , but in my experience , nothing catastrophic or expensive .
@@fupabox Thank you, that gives me some security. I had a friend with one of these and she ended up getting rid of hers because it would randomly die - once it died on the highway. I am not sure if that is a fuel-pump or something. I have always been a Lexus owner but I really like Mercedes. Is the ML a good first-Mercedes car?
@@Nikolasto77 They are such a good bargain for what you get (Lexus RX is a great vehicle as well ) If you get one from someone who took care of it you should have few issues . They are easier to work on than other Mercedes models . Randomly dieing on the highway could be a fuel filter or pump .
@@Nikolasto77 On my 3.7 l 2005 ML350 I average around 20mpg in the city and around 24 hwy . I have gotten over 26 mpg on the highway on long runs . the V8 will be a bit harder on fuel and it also depends on how hard you drive it . Towing 1000lb loads of drywall in my trailer last week I got around 17 mpg. You can get away with mid grade if you don't tow much and drive a bit more gently . I find I get better mileage with premium
213k km and still my daily driver . no real issues other than an alternator and I replaced the front diff after driving through 2 ft of floodwater . If I had drained and refilled right after the water crossing the diff would have been fine .Everything still works and tight as a drum.
Nice! Excellent find which should give you excellent performance for a long time. Really looks great. I'm wishing you an endless amount of trouble free and safe driving (and maintenance). Nice subject for a load of fupabox vids! YEEHAW!!!
I might catch some crap for saying this but I prefer the 07-13 Acura MDX over the MB W164. I've got a loaded up 2012 C300 and I find myself a tad biased towards the brand but I feel the Acura has comfier seats and the ride/quietness is as good as the ML. The ML does feels a tad more buttoned down and "hefty" though.
The MDX is very nice ..quiet , comfortable.. but there is that difference that is hard to explain because it's a feeling when driving. Solidity maybe . The W164 and the MDX just don't feel as solid as the W163 .. I think the body on frame construction of the W163 has something to do with that feel. I can't think of another body on frame vehicle that ever got the same crash safety as the W163. Modern pickups dont have the same crash safety as the W163, so there was some real strength built into that design to get it as safe and strong as a unt body construction. I think that is what the solid feeling is when you drive one
My childhood car was an '01 ml320, and after that had an accident, (we hit a deer that for the record STILL RAN LIKE A CHAMP FOR 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD ON AN EMPTY HIGHWAY), we got the updated '02 320 that stood up til 2014 when we traded it in for an f-150 (that i never really appreciated as much), and now at 15 y/o, i got my dream car of a 2005 ML350 special edition at 120k miles for $5k. This will forever be my dream car. Thanks for sharing your car appreciation vid :)
Congrats on the 350... great car . Take care of her. There aren't many low mile W163s on the road anymore. :)
you are now the 6th person I know that has bought themselves a second w163, including myself. Awesome car, congrats!
I agree ... absolutely love this suv..I'll be sad when this one needs replacing because there will be few low mile 163s left
Make that 7! I had a 98 ML 320 till I was rear ended and it was totaled by that in 2011. Protected me so well I got a 2005 ML 350 and it’s still going. Basically been in a w163 for over 20 years. Safe and versatile, ( wish it was a tad better on MPG.) Love the 163!
I have two w163s as well, a 2004 350 and a 2002 270 CDI both great trucks.
My family own two and I daily drive one. Beasts... body on frame, independent suspension, bullet proof engines and gearboxes. The W164 pales in comparison.
I agree completely
Nice, nice, nice. I agree with your assessment of the w163 vs. the w164. Just a simpler and more robust design. I also like the w163 for the exact reasons you cite. Frame, low range, less electronics, you can switch out parts (w164 some parts with electronics can't be switched out except with new "virgin" Mercedes parts due to being "married".) I plan to keep mine and expand the fleet as well. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the great videos you have made. I really have enjoyed them and learned a lot. PS: If you have any thoughts about modifications to make a w163 ride a bit smoother (softer?), please let all us guys out here know. Best wishes from Michigan.
Thanks.. I wish there was a way to soften the ride a tiny bit , but a truck body on frame is tough to soften , other than taller sidewall tires . I have the optional 275/55/17s and the ride is a tad firm ..not exactly like my old f350 diesel , but a bit hard. Loving this w163 . 22k kilometers since I got it . and zero issues other than alternator , and a new windshield being installed at this moment ..Hit a 20 lb wild turkey on Friday at 55 mph ..!!! hit right behind the rear view mirror on the rain sensor..cracked but not shattered the glass. Turkey somehow survived, and watched me look over the damage from a field 50 ft away . Bad time to take out my dash cam last month . would have been a great vid because I couldn't swerve or brake hard due to traffic. Had to watch it come at me and wait .. lol. lots of swearing . Unlike WKRP Les Nesman .. turkeys both fly , and bounce ! Oh the humanity ua-cam.com/video/p00nBSNIPwg/v-deo.html
Nice ride, I have the 2005 ML500 SE which I got ridiculously cheap because I was willing to replace the steering rack myself lol. Swap that hitch over!! I bought the factory receiver from a guy and didn't have the 4 main bolts. I ended up getting the last 2 in stock in Canada and had to order the other 2 from Germany. Ouch. Great truck though... Prior to that one I had a 2001 X5 3.0 in 5 speed!! Also great but there is something about the ML that grows on you. I prefer it now.
Love my 1999 ml320. I kept it because of my 3rd row seat configuration. After 18 years. Every year I need to put in 1g to fix every little things. Last item was transmission doesn’t move out of 1st gear or always in limp home mode. Very hesitate but finally donate it.
I bought a 2000 ML55 w163 with an electrical issue, hoping to get it on the road soon! Haven't been able to find a mobile Mercedes mechanic, electrical issues are my weakness, I'm primarily a body and paint guy and plan to restore it and give it a show car paint job and make it my daily driver.
Todd
Annapolis, MD
Nice . They do have a few electrical gremlins but mechanically tough as nails. ML55 is a sweet cruiser
Nice
thanks :)
what a find!
Wow love the Color. Am like you can’t be without a ml. Best SUV ever. When I use to stay in Quebec that ml was a. beast in the winter
One of the greatest SUVs of all time . And the only one you can still buy for almost nothing .
foxwell nt530 will read it all . You need to order with the Benz software www.foxwellstore.com/wholesale/foxwell-nt530-benz-multi-system-obd2-scanner.html
For some reason old mercs are much better than the modern ones built after 2006
Sweeeeeet. I gave my mom my ml430 for her winter beater, but it runs like a champ still. I think I'm gonna swap out the headlights and front bumper from the '99 for the updated ones like on that '05 for her.
:)
Yes. Its a good investment and totally changes the look. Upgrade to led beams. Its cheap and looks awsome
What did you pay for it??? Love my 2000 ml 430.
$7000
Hello i'm from the lithuania its my favourite mb ml w163 i have 320 2000years and 2003 270cdi very good! You in USA have diesel w163???
Canada and the USA did not get a diesel w163 . The w164 was available in diesel in Canada and the USA
@@fupabox where version is better europe ml320 w163 petrol ,or USA w163 ml320 petrol?
@@ltlt848 I do t believe there is a difference between the two
Beautiful SUV
Nice! Congrats! I think the passenger headlight has water in it.
yup .. it had a tiny bit getting in, I sealed the entire seal area and it hasn't come back yet
Do you regret selling this?
Great cars
Hey whered u buy a new arm rest im looking for one
Wow very nice Brother! I so agree with you. The w163 has become my favorite as well my 02 ml320 just keeps going and going. I would love to upgrade the hood to the 05 model.
Every Mercedes Benz owner should own at least one of these. Are you keeping the ml320 as a beater?
prob give it to one of our kids
fupabox nice! I'm sure it still has plenty of miles to go. Would make a nice off road toy.
yeah the double bump hood is like my SLK . The 320 has lots of life left, and still runs great , but this one showed up before I really needed it.. Figured I may never find another this nice
fupabox you got yourself a beauty. Now that it's getting less cold outside I will be doing suspension, center carrier Bering, Motor mounts (Wich I'm dreading) harmonic balancer ( don't think I need it but I have a brand new one laying around and transmission fluid change. I can't forget detailing. Looking forward for the new w163 videos.
Do you still have this vehicle?
Sold last year
Mine is throwing a code p20de b37 having changed over the TPS still won't accelerate like it's supposed to any info would be alot of help
check your throttle kickdown switch under the acc. pedal . if you unplug it and test with an OHmmeter it should show closed circuit with switch pressed, and open when not pressed. Check tranny fluid level , turn key to position 2 without starting and go under the hood . move the TPS by hand and see if you can feel the corresponding movement in the throttle body ..you can just place your hand on the throttle body and you will be able to tell if it's working . Throttle body could be dirty .Resync the tps and throttle body. Turn car to position 2 without starting and let it sit 10 minutes . This will re addapt the idle setting . check for proper slack on TPS cable to throttle pedal . I think I have vids for all of these . Question... does the car seem like its stuck in high gear .. real slow acceleration ? does it happen all the time ? when you press the pedal into the kickdown switch, does it downshift ?
Could you tell me why my windshield fluid doesn’t spray? The tank is full. Thanks! 2003 ML350
first check to see if you can hear the pump motor when you pull the spray lever .. if there is a whining sound , your squirters or rubber lines are blocked. No noise.. check fuses , if fuse is good , pump is likely dead
So there are two 3.5 liter motors? I’ve looked at a e350 that had the balance shaft problem. I didn’t realize there was a bigger version of the e320 v6
yup/ this one is the M112 V6 3.7 (called 350 ) ..the other is based of this engine , but was different enough for a new designation M272 . It unfortunately had cam /balance gear problems on the early models.
Although its designated ML350 its actually a 3.7 (M112) engine, its a fantastic bulletproof powerplant and do not have any issues with balance shafts etc.
the gearboxes are extremely robust as well.
nice. thought they come with unique running boards.looking forward to your video. Mine has 130000km and wear and tear is kicking in.Wanted to know do these cars have a very stiff/hard ride suspension as its such a shay car on rough roads. is this the same with yours
mine rides nice on rough roads, but the shocks were changed at some point in the past. Older shocks on these MLs seem to make the ride stiffer instead of sloppier. They don't have a ton of suspension travel, so older shocks allow the springs to fully compress at the rear ,and the fronts start hitting the bump stops. also tire pressure is usually over done on most of the MLs I've driven .. 28 front 30 rear (if I remember correctly ) I've tried up to 40 psi to check the difference in ride, and it's much worse at 40
I have no idea when my shocks wer last changed, could that be the issue and if so, are there specific shocks to et. Additionally, i changed my wheels to 20" to fit the arc better and a 275/45R20 tyres but i inflate them to 22 (which was the same as my stock tyre pressure, isnt 28 too high or how does one calculate what my new tyres should be at?
275/45s would need at least 34 psi to keep from getting rim damage on a pothole. 45 series hasn't much sidewall to absorb bumps. The best way to calculate psi needed when you change tire size drastically is with a laser temp gun (around $25 ) after a short drive take the temp readings of the inner outer and middle of the tire surface where it contacts the ground. They need to be the same temp in all 3 spots . Higher in the center than the outsides means the pressure is too high . Higher on the outer and inner sides means pressure is too low. Once you get a reading thats pretty much the same on all areas of the contact patch with the road , check the pressure , and that's your best pressure . You need to drive a bit then check after each pressure change .Took me about 1/2 hour to get the pressures right on my 500sl with 35 series tires.
I have a 2005 bought in 2014 with 15k miles. Note has 65k miles my only issue is rust.
mine is starting to rust in a few small spots as well . at 65k miles you have a lot of life left in her . Not even broken in
Wait, so the camshaft problem doesn't affect the 2005 W163's? Because I was planning on buying an '02-'04 ML this summer, but I'd consider an '05 if it does not have that issue...
the 2006 and newer have a different 3.5 litre engine. up to 2005 they are just a bored out m112 like in the 320
Thanks, good to know. Having shopped around on auto trader for a while, it seems about 95% of the '05 models have clunky running boards, which lowers the ground clearance and gives it a minivan look.Yours does not, do you know if it was like this from the factory or it had the boards and someone took them off?
running boards and front bull bar were a $2000 + option .. mine had none . I have a factory front bull/push bar that I'm installing in the next few days , but I wouldnt want the side bars .. too much loss of clearance as you say
I finally bought one of these! 2004 ML500 with 116k miles, about 187k km. Not as nice as yours, there are various small things wrong with it, but she runs great. I actually forgot about this video until today... while bolting on my license plates I was looking at the front and thought “hm, this would look good with a push bar”. Then I found your pushbar installation video and recognized your car because of the light blue color. Thanks again!
very welcome .. enjoy the ML... other than gas mileage you will love it
What kind of gas mileage do you get? Premium gas required?
premium required . about 18mpg city 23 hwy . I can get as high as 26 on long hwy trips with a light foot
I love these but I have heard they break down a lot. Any thoughts on if this is true?
pre 2001 they had more issues . They were built in a new factory and it was rushed into production. My first one had 300k km on it and everything still worked when I sold it . My current one has been near bulletproof . Like any car a lot depends on whether it has been cared for by the previous owner . I always try to find vehicles from the original owner . If the interior is in poor shape , the owner wouldn't have cared to check fluids and maintain the car . The 2002 -2005 models had few issues . Little things can go wrong , but in my experience , nothing catastrophic or expensive .
@@fupabox Thank you, that gives me some security. I had a friend with one of these and she ended up getting rid of hers because it would randomly die - once it died on the highway. I am not sure if that is a fuel-pump or something. I have always been a Lexus owner but I really like Mercedes. Is the ML a good first-Mercedes car?
Also is fuel economy really 13 in the city on premium gas?
@@Nikolasto77 They are such a good bargain for what you get (Lexus RX is a great vehicle as well ) If you get one from someone who took care of it you should have few issues . They are easier to work on than other Mercedes models . Randomly dieing on the highway could be a fuel filter or pump .
@@Nikolasto77 On my 3.7 l 2005 ML350 I average around 20mpg in the city and around 24 hwy . I have gotten over 26 mpg on the highway on long runs . the V8 will be a bit harder on fuel and it also depends on how hard you drive it . Towing 1000lb loads of drywall in my trailer last week I got around 17 mpg. You can get away with mid grade if you don't tow much and drive a bit more gently . I find I get better mileage with premium
How is it holding up now?
213k km and still my daily driver . no real issues other than an alternator and I replaced the front diff after driving through 2 ft of floodwater . If I had drained and refilled right after the water crossing the diff would have been fine .Everything still works and tight as a drum.
Nice! Excellent find which should give you excellent performance for a long time. Really looks great.
I'm wishing you an endless amount of trouble free and safe driving (and maintenance).
Nice subject for a load of fupabox vids! YEEHAW!!!
:)
I might catch some crap for saying this but I prefer the 07-13 Acura MDX over the MB W164. I've got a loaded up 2012 C300 and I find myself a tad biased towards the brand but I feel the Acura has comfier seats and the ride/quietness is as good as the ML. The ML does feels a tad more buttoned down and "hefty" though.
The MDX is very nice ..quiet , comfortable.. but there is that difference that is hard to explain because it's a feeling when driving. Solidity maybe . The W164 and the MDX just don't feel as solid as the W163 .. I think the body on frame construction of the W163 has something to do with that feel. I can't think of another body on frame vehicle that ever got the same crash safety as the W163. Modern pickups dont have the same crash safety as the W163, so there was some real strength built into that design to get it as safe and strong as a unt body construction. I think that is what the solid feeling is when you drive one
I own a ml500 2005 and I don't know to keep or sell
Sell it to meeeeeee
I need some help
Why not got with the ML500 or even better the ML55? The 350 is a dog.