So much of this reminds me of my old ML320. From the looks in the interior, the feel and sound (the 3.2L V6 had nice induction sound) while driving, to even the decently good sound with a cassette adaptor. Very good handling for an SUV from that time. I remember squealing the tires hitting off ramps on the way to school, but it always felt stable and in control. Mine was so good to me and my family, never left us stranded. Most things were fixable if you were willing to dig around a little troubleshooting and not being afraid to get dirty. I miss it often despite having an objectivity more fun and newer car now. Always dreamed of having the ML55. Great vid!
"Today you get SUV's with 4 cylinders that have more power" - yet they will turn to scrap in less than 20 years of usage while ML's, especially the petrol engines will still be lurking around. There is no replacement for displacement :) Not to mention most modern SUV's will never sound like the pure V8 ones. The sound is that wins me every time. Of course I want an American muscle car for that same reason, but I have big family and it simply won't provide like the ML55 does. It's good all rounder. V8 power, plenty of room inside, can go offroad, and has superb trunk space.
back when german engineering meant superior materials, design and manufacturing. Now modern Mercedes are iPads on wheels where even Chinese rivals are now surpassing them in quality. How the mighty have fallen.
It was at one time the FASTEST SUV in the WORLD! I owned a 2002 ML55 Also if you “Launch it” foot on brake and gas it will hit 60 in 6.1 sec. Done it a Million times. I sold it and now have a 2010 Cayenne S. I wish I still had the W163 ML55. It was a Better vehicle. Hate to admit it. The old girl was “Built to Last” unlike my current SUV.
I own among others a 2003 ML500. Very comfy, reliable, and safe practical family car. Horsetrailer towing, transport of my dogs or mountainbike, no problem at all. Underrated car, and here in The Netherlands very expensive to drive. It is a real SUV.
Love seeing these older early 2000’s cars here and on WR! I’ve actually got the arch rival to this gen ML - ‘02 X5 with a 5 speed manual! 3.0 I-6, though.
@@williamlong2682 yep look it up on here plenty if videos it even had a manual transmission and posted a pretty good lap time for its era. It was too front biased though.
Bruh so in love with this car now. Do more cars like this bit oldtimer. Yeah, new cars a very refined and so on but the old ones are the ones that got us into car enthusiasm.
The M113 motor is my favorite motor from MB. Smooth, sounds great, torquey and most importantly reliable. An equivalent BMW M62 couldn't hold a candle to the Benz motor with regards to reliability. At most on the Benz motor it would be valve cover gaskets as a repair. Everything else would just be regular maintenance.
I've been a huge MB fanboy since the 90's and I agree that the m113 is the best V8 mercedes benz has ever made. Period. And with the idea that V8's will soon become extinct, i think the m113 will hold the crown. You can buy almost any MB v8 powered car with an m113 and know that at least the motor won't ever fail (short of draining the oil and drag racing it)
I love how the body kits of the old amg's (fenders, exhaust, wheels, hood) and m's (diffuser, mirrors, wheels) were recognizable while looking sleeper-ish. Like, I know that today's cars also have recognizable bits and pieces, but they don't really have the same appeal to me. Its like the cars are designed with all the aero and grip from the factory that they can't upgrade it to look really boy racer lmao
I had a 2002 ml500 with 360k kilomètres it still was solid no tears in the leather and ran super strong remember the troque and accélération a little hesitation and then boom your flying was a good car
I remember the first few high performance german SUV’s i ever saw in the early 2000s.. oozed presence, the rims were so detailed and nice looking; drilled rotors red calipers.. the og’s like this are so dope
i have a ml430. got the think really junked up for 500 bucks. I've already spent 2k on maintenance. It was going to a salvage yard before my dad's friend check the car out and gave it to my dad instead. Paint was messed up badly had a minor touch up but i do plan in investing more. It has 160k miles as well and drives the 0-60mph in it's given time. 7.6s. Its slower than the amg but incredibly it does give that punch. I still have to replace the door panels as they are in horrible conditions, all interior roof plastics are still missing but give me more time so I collect what i can. It is in a bad state but I do plan to invest much much more. If the engine gives out I'll probably engine swap it to something more quicker. I think it still have a good healthy amounts of life left in it. Drives so awesome and I can pretty much beat any other crackhead that pulls up and tries to rev his 2000 tahoe :)
Great review. All ML55 had factory Bose sound systems FYI. I picked up a Green on Black 2000 ML55 with only 48,000 miles for $3500 USD this year!!! Since then I've put more than that into starting to restore it... needed a almost fully new rear suspension, half a new front suspension, brakes all around, new power steering pump and some other stuff... did all new fluids as well. It's finally running good now. Still an incredibly capable truck for the $$ I have into it. Drivetrain is bulletproof. It can drag race, go off-road, tow 5000lbs, or cruise cross-country on the highway at high speeds like AMG is known for. Only downsides are they don't make the stock tire size anymore. I put on some Kumho 275/55s and it looks even meaner than stock :)
Very dreamy video started to feel flotation listening that track! I use to have a 2002 ml500 although it was not an amg it was a ton of fun! Now I own a 2007 ml63 amg love it!
AMG SUV’s may look terrible for offroad but if its winter and you’re offroading in deep deep snow with winter tires then the ground clearance becomes irrelevant and the power gets you through anything
Say what you want about the w163 . But u dont see it as a car . Its a tank it built to last and perfrom anything . We had in the family ml320 1998 and ml270 2001 . Both have thier problems but none of them ever leave us stranded.
Still esexy after 20 years and it sounds good...not the best "turn-killer" SUV but ideal to cruise on highway and push a lot after tolls (here in France)
@@xhulianomurati5154 even when the brakes are in perfect working order on a W163 the pedal feel is a bit soft... but they work well... this thing had Brembos with front 4-piston calipers, rear 2-piston. Ahead of its time
I have a 1999 ML320 and it just hit 359,000 miles...... and it runs like a clock and looks like I just drove it off of the showroom floor......I have used Amsoil synthetic 5w-40 since new ........
The ML class was In The Steven Speilberg Hit movie Jurassic Park: The Lost World! 🦖 The scene when the Mommy Trex was angry she and her Mate tipped the RV over Ed tried to haul the RV with The ML Suv in AWD sport mode and indeed it pulled... powerfully and sith agility until the T-Rex's took ed out
@@natebarry5553 maybe that was his but the old AMG engines were reliable if maintained well. They became unreliable when they made the 6.2 V8 which is sad because that V8 is one of the best sounding engines imo
Unfortunately the steering rack is unattainable new or rebuilt. I have the same one owner ML55 and possibly the last rack... hoping the last replacement rack was old stock...
@@hx.925 German cars are typically more subtle with the sport or special edition vehicles, not like American cars with crazy spoilers and ground effects.
well just over the top of my head.. the latest golf mk8 R has 315hp from factory, the tiguan R has 320, all with an inline 4, not the same as this amg but it's quite damn close and it's way faster
5.4L 24-valve M113 V8 engine hand-assembled and tuned by AMG in Affaltenbach, rated conservatively from the factory at 342hp and 376lb/ft of torque, with a 0-60 of 6.3 seconds in this video right here... so.... yeah
@@martinsvensson6884 I agree with you, this has this classis Mercedes-Benz look in an SUV package... Great looking car now... It ages better because it is becoming a classic real fast now...
So much of this reminds me of my old ML320. From the looks in the interior, the feel and sound (the 3.2L V6 had nice induction sound) while driving, to even the decently good sound with a cassette adaptor. Very good handling for an SUV from that time. I remember squealing the tires hitting off ramps on the way to school, but it always felt stable and in control. Mine was so good to me and my family, never left us stranded. Most things were fixable if you were willing to dig around a little troubleshooting and not being afraid to get dirty. I miss it often despite having an objectivity more fun and newer car now. Always dreamed of having the ML55. Great vid!
"Today you get SUV's with 4 cylinders that have more power" - yet they will turn to scrap in less than 20 years of usage while ML's, especially the petrol engines will still be lurking around. There is no replacement for displacement :) Not to mention most modern SUV's will never sound like the pure V8 ones. The sound is that wins me every time. Of course I want an American muscle car for that same reason, but I have big family and it simply won't provide like the ML55 does. It's good all rounder. V8 power, plenty of room inside, can go offroad, and has superb trunk space.
true
You just offended every new ugly car design😮
back when german engineering meant superior materials, design and manufacturing. Now modern Mercedes are iPads on wheels where even Chinese rivals are now surpassing them in quality. How the mighty have fallen.
No one who is normal is choosing a 4 cyl over a v8
5:55 "let's see how much power this has lost over the years"
AMG's don't do that.
AMG is very consistent with their performance~~ Love this car and how timeless it is
2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG
Horsepower: 342 hp
MPG: 14 city / 17 highway
Tire size: P285/50R18
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
Engine: 5.4 L V8
Curb weight: 4,861 lbs
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Imposible so much ...17 on highway ????? Like really 🤔🤔🤔🤔??
@@TheRazvy1990 every V8 are poor on gas so no chance for better mpg
@@AndreiAndrei-rt4po i have a E38 740iL from 96.....on highway it take's 10 liter/100km.....so its good....yes the ML 55 it's a big SUV 2.5 t......
@@TheRazvy1990 cat e impozitul acolo in Germania la bestia de bmw 4.0 V8?
@@AndreiAndrei-rt4po cam 300€ /an si asigurarea normala 600€/ an.....e bine...pe Ro doar impozitul e undeva la 8000 lei.....
Have you ever been pulled over during a test drive lol
Tedward had😂 if you know who that is
@@TTGamingTrinh yes I do, lol I always wondered because these guys push the cars pretty hard, always wondered if they got caught speeding 😂
@@jimmieromero8181 right? Im sure if they put out bloopers, there will be some close calls haha
Yes, look at his Toyota Camry video
It was at one time the FASTEST SUV in the WORLD!
I owned a 2002 ML55
Also if you “Launch it” foot on brake and gas it will hit 60 in 6.1 sec. Done it a Million times. I sold it and now have a 2010 Cayenne S. I wish I still had the W163 ML55. It was a Better vehicle. Hate to admit it. The old girl was “Built to Last” unlike my current SUV.
Hell Yeah! This my all time favorite SUV from the early 2000's still looks good today. Stunning vehicle.
I own among others a 2003 ML500. Very comfy, reliable, and safe practical family car. Horsetrailer towing, transport of my dogs or mountainbike, no problem at all. Underrated car, and here in The Netherlands very expensive to drive. It is a real SUV.
The best damn suv for 2000s I say
Love seeing these older early 2000’s cars here and on WR! I’ve actually got the arch rival to this gen ML - ‘02 X5 with a 5 speed manual! 3.0 I-6, though.
The v12 le mans x5 was something amazing
@@A500-g6g I didn’t even know they made one! Wow that sounds incredible!
@@williamlong2682 yep look it up on here plenty if videos it even had a manual transmission and posted a pretty good lap time for its era. It was too front biased though.
Actually designed in the 90s (1997)
225 hp vs 345
Bruh so in love with this car now.
Do more cars like this bit oldtimer.
Yeah, new cars a very refined and so on but the old ones are the ones that got us into car enthusiasm.
You’re not wrong!
The M113 motor is my favorite motor from MB. Smooth, sounds great, torquey and most importantly reliable. An equivalent BMW M62 couldn't hold a candle to the Benz motor with regards to reliability. At most on the Benz motor it would be valve cover gaskets as a repair. Everything else would just be regular maintenance.
Super true I own 2 of these ml430 n ml350 05 super reliable and comfy and they look great
I've been a huge MB fanboy since the 90's and I agree that the m113 is the best V8 mercedes benz has ever made. Period. And with the idea that V8's will soon become extinct, i think the m113 will hold the crown. You can buy almost any MB v8 powered car with an m113 and know that at least the motor won't ever fail (short of draining the oil and drag racing it)
V8 power is the bread and butter of Mercedes
I love how the body kits of the old amg's (fenders, exhaust, wheels, hood) and m's (diffuser, mirrors, wheels) were recognizable while looking sleeper-ish. Like, I know that today's cars also have recognizable bits and pieces, but they don't really have the same appeal to me. Its like the cars are designed with all the aero and grip from the factory that they can't upgrade it to look really boy racer lmao
just got an 01 ml430 today with 71k original miles. it drives like tank and thirsty for gas like drunk guy at the end of the bar table. I love it.
Never knew MB did the switch blade keys, huh. Neat.
Thanks so much for this video!
I own one; a 2002 ML55 AMG - Had it for 14 years - Love it!
I wish the exhaust was louder though....too quiet! LOL
blown away by the performance and sounds like it has torque too. That's a very interesting suv
Okay... this is definitely the best UA-camr I’ve ever watched his content is sick lol! This is what we want good job bro✌🏼❤️
These late 90s and very early 2000s were the last of the proper Benzes
I own a 2003 ML500, I can appreciate that extra rasp and aggression you get with the 5.5 vs 5.0 under acceleration
Are you going to do a POV on Mercedes G55? Would be interesting
Def has the Mercedes creak, but that engine sounds puuuurrrrrttttyyy nice
I had a 2002 ml500 with 360k kilomètres it still was solid no tears in the leather and ran super strong remember the troque and accélération a little hesitation and then boom your flying was a good car
Man those songs are gold i really liked the second one you played
Those gearboxes didn't have a true manual mode, the -/+ on the gearshift just let you pick the highest gear it would go into.
Is that a 02 Sticker on the rear window LOL
I was just about to comment lmao
Noice👁👄👁
I looked at the back window thinking you meant year, but zero-two is a much more pleasant surprise, nice catch.
I remember the first few high performance german SUV’s i ever saw in the early 2000s.. oozed presence, the rims were so detailed and nice looking; drilled rotors red calipers.. the og’s like this are so dope
i have a ml430. got the think really junked up for 500 bucks. I've already spent 2k on maintenance. It was going to a salvage yard before my dad's friend check the car out and gave it to my dad instead. Paint was messed up badly had a minor touch up but i do plan in investing more. It has 160k miles as well and drives the 0-60mph in it's given time. 7.6s. Its slower than the amg but incredibly it does give that punch. I still have to replace the door panels as they are in horrible conditions, all interior roof plastics are still missing but give me more time so I collect what i can. It is in a bad state but I do plan to invest much much more. If the engine gives out I'll probably engine swap it to something more quicker. I think it still have a good healthy amounts of life left in it. Drives so awesome and I can pretty much beat any other crackhead that pulls up and tries to rev his 2000 tahoe :)
I was looking for such a video thank you my G
The ML55 is one of the coolest SUVs out there
One of my favorites
Love the vintage review!
Great review. All ML55 had factory Bose sound systems FYI.
I picked up a Green on Black 2000 ML55 with only 48,000 miles for $3500 USD this year!!! Since then I've put more than that into starting to restore it... needed a almost fully new rear suspension, half a new front suspension, brakes all around, new power steering pump and some other stuff... did all new fluids as well.
It's finally running good now. Still an incredibly capable truck for the $$ I have into it. Drivetrain is bulletproof. It can drag race, go off-road, tow 5000lbs, or cruise cross-country on the highway at high speeds like AMG is known for.
Only downsides are they don't make the stock tire size anymore. I put on some Kumho 275/55s and it looks even meaner than stock :)
All ML 163 had Bose sound system!
9:41 pretty good music with w163 v8!! 😎👌
All the service lights smh🤦♂️
Very dreamy video started to feel flotation listening that track! I use to have a 2002 ml500 although it was not an amg it was a ton of fun! Now I own a 2007 ml63 amg love it!
Gotta love the Zero Two sticker on the rear window
this is like the last car i would expect to see a 02 sticker on
My grandparents had one of these. Definitely brings back memories
I waaaaant it! Sounds so nice, looks so comfy.
The audio system sounds good!
always wanted these. fast reliable and would make a great daily
That M113 kicks ass!
The Hoovie special! (Yeah, yeah, I know, his was brown, whatever)
Long live the fire-breathing AMG V8
AMG SUV’s may look terrible for offroad but if its winter and you’re offroading in deep deep snow with winter tires then the ground clearance becomes irrelevant and the power gets you through anything
Say what you want about the w163 . But u dont see it as a car . Its a tank it built to last and perfrom anything . We had in the family ml320 1998 and ml270 2001 . Both have thier problems but none of them ever leave us stranded.
Still esexy after 20 years and it sounds good...not the best "turn-killer" SUV but ideal to cruise on highway and push a lot after tolls (here in France)
Those brakes are hugeeeee
iconic
It’s crazy what suvs can do now.
2007-2011 ML63 next? :D
Hey Chris, do you plan on reviewing any of the Chargers?
BAS ESP, ABS AND ETS lights on! Be careful!
Remember when Hoovie had one and it got stolen
3:51 the breaks feel good now that's a lie 😂
You have abs disabled and the breaks feel good that is impossible
@@xhulianomurati5154 even when the brakes are in perfect working order on a W163 the pedal feel is a bit soft... but they work well... this thing had Brembos with front 4-piston calipers, rear 2-piston. Ahead of its time
I have a 1999 ML320 and it just hit 359,000 miles...... and it runs like a clock and looks like I just drove it off of the showroom floor......I have used Amsoil synthetic 5w-40 since new ........
Супер состояние 👍
Huh I would say to a comparable LEXUS RX300 from this same year wouldn’t be that squeaky and have that much rattle.
Cept a RX300 doesn't have that V8
These were built in Alabama instead of in Germany. So, for being made in America, it has acceptable quality, considering its age.
These are way more better looking and reliable
but lexus doesnt have a frame
No license plate on the car... it's a bit strange...
The ML class was In The Steven Speilberg Hit movie Jurassic Park: The Lost World! 🦖 The scene when the Mommy Trex was angry she and her Mate tipped the RV over Ed tried to haul the RV with The ML Suv in AWD sport mode and indeed it pulled... powerfully and sith agility until the T-Rex's took ed out
What mileage does it get, 11 MPG?
14/17 according to the description. I have a feeling your estimate is more likely in normal driving!
I hated the steering feeling on it but it's a solid SUV
Can vary a lot depending on the state of the PS pump, rack, and whether it has the proper tires
Back when benz made reliable AMGs
I think this car came after Mercedes became horribly unreliable. My brother had nothing but problems with his till he sold it.
@@natebarry5553 maybe that was his but the old AMG engines were reliable if maintained well. They became unreliable when they made the 6.2 V8 which is sad because that V8 is one of the best sounding engines imo
@@paladin3116 I'd believe that. He bought it from a shady dealership with relatively high mileage at the time
Unfortunately the steering rack is unattainable new or rebuilt. I have the same one owner ML55 and possibly the last rack... hoping the last replacement rack was old stock...
I see that zerotwo sticker
The next POV should be the ml 63 6.2 liter engine
0:45 xD anime Sticker
In m113 engines is most problem is only cover gasket leaking oil I ha e like this problem in my S55 lwb v8 367bhp 2000
Do we really need the "sound test"??? The sound is only as good as the speakers your audience is listening through.
The owner of this car must be super cultured to have Zero Two on the window
It's funny how the AMG ML looks exactly the same as the regular non AMG version.
BTW you gonna review a G55?
It doesn’t actually, has different hood, different bumpers, dual AMG exhaust, 18” wheels, bigger brakes.
@@daveh2612 You really can't see it on camera though.
@@hx.925 German cars are typically more subtle with the sport or special edition vehicles, not like American cars with crazy spoilers and ground effects.
It’s also lowered from regular W163, has the AMG body kit w fender flares, and has the red calipers
Kind of wish I would have bought the 55 instead of 500
If you go frame by frame at 6:08 it looks like it hits 60 in 6.3 seconds. Not bad at all eh
for an suv of the early 2000 thats really quick
Wow someone was faster then me
standard issue Russian mafia car
Another reason to get one! :p
I bought one! LOL
@@nickcsuki8123 great time to tint all the windows black
@@dsong2006 да!
I have the 500😊 03
Drive the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9
Low range motor needs to be replaced
You also need to replace the abs motor or replace the carbon brushes.
Mercedes we’re the first with fast trucks not dodge or jeep
I've one
sleeper
You need to drive a 2008-2014 lexus IS-F if you haven’t yet.
Can you do mercedes ml350 2013 please?
Dude , what fu$&)ng 4 cylinder comes with 342 hp from factory?!?!? You definitely have mo idea of what you’re talking about.
well just over the top of my head.. the latest golf mk8 R has 315hp from factory, the tiguan R has 320, all with an inline 4, not the same as this amg but it's quite damn close and it's way faster
LOL "AMG"
It is... 5.4L
More than Benz nowadays puts in their Cars
4 Cyl 2L Turbo 😂😂😂 "Amg"
5.4L 24-valve M113 V8 engine hand-assembled and tuned by AMG in Affaltenbach, rated conservatively from the factory at 342hp and 376lb/ft of torque, with a 0-60 of 6.3 seconds in this video right here... so.... yeah
@@pummer I'm with you, this is an AMG, no questioning that.
Don’t buy an ml they’re garbage
This is the ugliest mercedes ever built
Yet its a beauty compared to most modern MBs.
@@martinsvensson6884 you have just achived the biggest bullshit ever said congrats
@@bushmaster9576 No, not compared to many of the new ones. They dont even look like MB:s anymore.
Vaneo
@@martinsvensson6884 I agree with you, this has this classis Mercedes-Benz look in an SUV package... Great looking car now... It ages better because it is becoming a classic real fast now...