The old simple, rugged ML. I'm used to simple, "cheap" cars, so the gray plasticy interior trim doesn't bother, the flat black bumpers hide parking lot damage pretty well also simple to repair & the exposed screws on the hatches lock don't bother me at all, in fact, if you hadn't pointed them out, I'd never know they were there.

I have a 2001 ML 320 with slightly less than 200k. Best car I have ever owned. Very few problems, and most I can fix myself, with the exception of some electronic issues. Just got back from the dealer with one such problem for which I got charged $537.00 to diagnose and repair “Start Error,” which was caused by a control unit wire that was grounding against its bracket, which (in turn) caused the car to think it was being stolen, prevented my key from working, and required the dealer to reset codes. In other words, over five hundred dollars to wrap some electrical tape around a wire. I can hardly imagine how much it will cost to keep the GLE on the road ten years from now when everything that is controlled by electronics begin to fail. No comparison. ML all the way. It is reliable, mechanically easy to fix, solid to drive, can be taken off-road, and still looks good. I’m in the process of stripping, priming, and repainting twenty years of road salt damage from living in the NE U.S., after which we will be driving it down to Central America where we are retiring to. I expect it to last another twenty years.

The world is a wild place so cars should be simple and rugged like the old ML. These modern cars will never last.

I really really like the old ML, its a really beauty for me. I prefer the classic one besides the Fancy/expensive one

I actually bought an 02 ml320 after seeing your 1st video on ml and am absolutely happy with it. Thank you!

Since I own a '72 VW the ML is the easy choice! Reliable motor, no crazy computers, low range 4WD👍

Hi Tommy! I loved your video! I own a 2003 ML 55 AMG with 81,000 miles. It is in excellent mechanical condition and the interior (buffalo leather) is in excellent condition. It could use a paint job because my front bumper is faded. The hidden side compartment in the trunk area hides a 6 CD player for the Bose stereo. It has a sunroof and the back has the flap windows for ventilation. I am slowly fixing up the car while maintaining it's original parts. The spare tire has never been used and the first aid kit never used. I have a beautiful leather case with the original owners manual. I will never sell my car. It is a beast. I drove a new E series as a loaner during repairs and I could not wait to get my car back. I prefer the old school style over the new bells and whistles. I am located in Virginia. I am not sure where you are, but you are welcome to dive my car. :)

I can remember in 98' reading about 99'ML in a car magazine...I remember the picture they featured of it..nice job Tommy

I have a 2002 ML55 AMG, and a new C Class, I LOVE THE ML55, it feels like a real Merc. New ones look nice but feel kinda fragile, light and not as teutonic , the old ones dont look as nice but feel rock solid and really well built. ML ALL THE WAY!

We own a 2000 ML55 AMG and have had it since 2006. We bought the vehicle with 54,000 miles from a dealer in Florida and the original owners took great care of it. We are only the second owners. Since then, we have taken the ML to Canada twice, most of the western states, and off-roading too. Now, the ML has 137,000 miles and the oil, diffs, and trans fluid have been changed more times than I can count. The last time I changed the fluid in the 722.6 was in August and it was still red as punch from the previous change. I have had things come up over the years, including the crank pos sensor, cam pos sensor, MAF sensor, cats, fuel filter, and a cracked radiator. Parts for the AMG are a lot harder to find and a lot more pricey as well but the maroon paint still looks great and we take it on a road trip once a year with confidence. I have added several things such as a under hood light, two fans in addition to the large electric main fan, 2003 HID headlights and taillights, oem side steps and a torque converter drain plug. I also acquired a star system and laptop so I can diagnose codes and erase hard codes for the ets, abs, bas, and trans systems. I have had to replace the door locks on three of four doors, and the windshield as well but we still really like the vehicle even though its 20! It has an oem trailer hitch and we have towed a lot of different things with the ML as it is a great full framed tow vehicle. Since the N/A 5.5 has 342hp and 376 torque it has always liked the taste of fuel. 13mpg city and 18 hwy is what we get but the 55's came with a larger gas tank than the other ml's of the time so we can go just under 400 miles on a tank. Thanks for sharing the comparison and continue to enjoy your ML 320.

The back seats of the ML fold down even further than that. They can crouch down to be flush with the floor of the trunk.

The first couple years of the original ML had a transfer case with a 50:50 split, which was prone to failure. Replacements can be found cheap at a junkyard, the later years for the first gen went slightly rear biased and don't have this issue.

Such a contrast to Hoovie's video on the X5 lol.

Giving Mercedes track record for their newer cars, no way in hell will that new model be reliable lol. It’s made to be leased

I wish everyone would put the switches back in the middle.

Hey Tommy, another excellent video! The thought and effort you have put into these is obvious and I enjoy the immensely. Please keep up the good work!

I think the roomier feel in the old one has also to do with the light coloured headliner, and the black one in the GLE. In my experience black (or dark) headliners make the space in a car feel way smaller (especially if the whole interiour is black) while a light coloured makes it feel roomier. And behold, the 99 ML already has side-airbags in the doors!

Love my 2001 ML 320, got it 6 years ago 75,000 miles now has 129000 miles. It's solid as a rock!

I’m glad the old ML320 is back!

The 320 power plant is one of the most reliable and durable ever produced by Mercedes. I own 2 copies of the CLK320 cabriolet and each has over 200k miles and can be driven daily. Now the top is a different story. Lots of moving parts, interlock micro switches, over engineered hydraulics. And a poor quality release handle which is prone to failure due to being a weak link. That said, they are very inexpensive to maintain and a blast to drive. Still head turning at 17 years old ! You can probably find a decent one for under 5k. I've owned mine since purchasing from the dealer. Routine maintenance, alternators, brakes, bearings and expected wear items have been my only costs. Very pleased. I've owned BMW, Porsche, Saab, Jaguar and not experienced similar trouble free operation. The BMW 3 series are close, but cooling system issues plague BMW.

Very good video ! First time I watched your channel and I love it

You have given a deserved dignity to the ML OG. Befores these vids i though ML´s where helpless. I drive one (270 CDI), now seems there´s hope. thank you and all crazy ML drivers both from US and Russia...

Body on frame ML wins my vote if I am going off-road or towing stuff.

I've been looking at both the X5 and ML320. Your series has persuaded me on the ML, when the time comes. There's always a used model in good condition at a reasonable price. The 2021 GLE appears to be more of a sports car pretending to be an SUV. In the end, to each his own ... according to his bank account.

Love them all but the older w163 body is always my favorite. They had every difference from 98 to 05. Everything from simple and cheap to luxury. And I prefer them over having a decent pickup truck.

I like that old charm of M L if you love hit like

Great video! I have a 99 Ml320 as well but have power leather seats and a plastic wood grain center console.. I thought you were just going to call it a lemon but you made me feel a lot better about driving my 90's soccer mom car! Subscribing for sure! Thank you!

I remember the first-gen ML’s inception as a teen back in the 90’s and had several models of it in my collection - it’s been years since I’ve been a fan but the new one definitely has my vote now.

Great vid! My wives 99 ML 320 (100k miles in dec. 2023) has heated and electric adjust for the front seats, great features. A bit expensive to maintain, but runs smoother than many new cars. About storing space, it came with a safebox (with key and everything, of course) below the front passenger's seat, which gives you even more space. About the sound system, the Bose system will even make my old cassettes sound extremely well and the 6CD space is also great for people who like to play old media, One more thing, the speed limiter (activated by pressing the cruise control stick) will save you A LOT of gas. Superb SUV

I enjoy watching this video since I have an ML430 I can say you really defend the ML models fairly. I'm thinking to buy a new Mercedes Benz Model but this old ones are so nostalgic to let go. 😁 Awesome video.

Opening the hatch via the emblem is very german. My Beetle does the same.

I love my W163! I take care of it and has been very reliable. I lifted it and is on 285’s. The 3.7 in a 2003 model has no problem on road or off. Body on frame 👍🏻

I bought a 2015 ML a few years ago (before the change to the “E” shape - love it. Every time I have it serviced they give me a new one as a loner. They always drive like a car instead of a solid Truck/SUV with Tech I don’t care about. Silly progress!

I bought last week a 2003 270 cdi ml and im loving it

I can’t fault my ML350, it’s probably the best and most versatile car I’ve owned in 25 years. Plus is cost me under 3k! Love your videos btw.

Air Suspension will break before 100k miles. Guarantee! I had a 2003 (W163) ML500 for about 10 years. Perhaps the best car I ever had. Definitely one of the most reliable

New cars today have a lot of crap on them that will not work 100k miles from now.

Awesome to see the origin of the gle, as I'm really contemplating going for the coupe as well

compare them in off-road

Yes that spot is for the Adblue fluid. You get a GLE300d with a 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel and a GLE400d with a 3 litre inline 6 diesel which is amazing.

Thanks for the comparison

When you were comparing the quietness, I almost thought you were going to say Buick for a second.

W163s are amazing beasts. I have around 600,000 miles on them. Ran one from 0 to 350K miles, then gave it to a homeless buddy and he lived in it and drove it for another couple of years. Super easy to work on. I have abused the crap out of them and enjoyed every minute! Allowing them to overheat very badly (warping heads) is the only thing that kills them. I drove one 10 miles back and forth to work for a week when I didn't have time to fix the water pump; with only bags of ice on top of the manifold, with no cooling system the temperature never got above normal. Beasts!

Your review of the ML320 influenced my recent purchase of a 2010 ML350 with 90K miles. After owning it for a month the American market influence is everywhere. It has a truck-like driving feel and fuel economy. It doesn't rattle or squeak, has a relatively smooth ride and sufficient cargo capacity for a dog and wheelchair. My only complaint is the outside running board making entry and exit a bit cumbersome for the vertically challenged. The instruments are more complicated than a Toyota or Honda. Great job Tommy. You are the best vehicle reviewer on KZfaq and TFL.

I bought a ml270 cdi a few months ago with just under 200k km After owning over 25 SUVs/ cars/ pick-ups I have to rate the ml in the top 3 Amazing feel of confidence just under 12km/L Drove from Italia to Serbia to Antalya Turkiye to Wales and back to Italia Absolutely 0 problems Old reliable Basic CDI Italia

ML320 any day for me much prefer it so reliable I have bin driving one for four years with 90% original parts things don't really break on them mine is also pushing 400000km on it and still is a daily driver

on the left the piece of plastic, on the right the legend (I mean the old car which is a legend)

the new one is 1. hideous 2. claustrophobic 3. i really HATE those "sporty" suvs, because making them so ruined their off-road ability... the old ML even has low range FFS.... it's a tall vehicle? give it 4wd, a transfer case and ground clearance... do you want to take it to a race track? just stick a big engine in the front, send power to the back and make low, light and nimble.....

That GLE is just beautiful. Love its spec. ps in the fuel cap of the GLE, the capped off circle is for the AdBlue for the diesel models.

I have a 1999 ML320 and just hit 359,000 miles......It has had Amsoil since day 1 !

2003 ml350 here. Love it. new to my family so i don't know much of its history...but I got it for 2000$. Sent it in to local MB Dealer for oil change and inspection. 300$ later, They provided a laundry list of stuff wrong which I already presumed but she still runs strong.

I just love how they evolved whit their design best or nothing

I have the 2k ml430, cup holders suck I spilled my coffee but it’s a beast 🔥

Man, I've a facelifted 2005 ML is slightly different from the first car and is great.

I didn’t know the Mercedes Benz ML was body-on-frame. The design is a modern crossover. I thought it was like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, and Lexus RX that all used unibody platforms to have car-like handling and none of that heavy body-on-frame body roll. Turns out the ML is actually a full fledged traditional SUV with modern crossover styling.

Try getting any replacement parts (screen, switches, etc) for the 2021 model in 20 years time. No chance.

I own 3 W163s so I am probably biased but the old 320 would be my choice which is probably why two of my MLs are 320s. The new one is designed to go to the mall the old one was designed to replace the aging G wagon and it’s got the engineering, ability, equipment, and ease of working on to have replaced the G wagon, which never happened since Mercedes realized people would pay $100k or more for a G wagon.

I love my 2000 ML 320. It has some issues but the drivetrain is tough. Does excellent in snow and ice.

Ml320 is durable like you said. You can thrash it and not worry. That’s why it’s utilitarian. It’s a truck, not a car that is trying to pretend it’s a truck. If I wanted a luxurious Merc, I’d buy an S-Class.

Tommy is so right lol, I had a 2000 clk320 and it wasn’t common but I’d flip the turn signals on when I was trying to operate cruise control, even the opposite happened sometimes

I like the ML 😀

When you opened the door on the new one I could smell the Mercedes smell through the camera lol

I would rather have the older one, over 70k for any vehicle is ridiculous for something that depreciates. I thought $67k for my Lincoln MKX was expensive, no way I would pay over $90k for a smaller SUV; even with that sweet V6, no thank you.

Hi we just bought a 1999 ml 320 USA version . I am eager to try it . Thank you for your video .

I have the 2000 ML320 luxury with power seats and full leather. A lot nicer. I had a 2010 ML550 but was too nice to take off road. Paid about 1100USD for it here in Australia basically to tow my boat and as a daily to leave in the marina where I live. Great fun car and easy to work on. I have an S Class garaged for good, but I’m enjoying the ML was more that I thought I would. We have a 4wd park close by, and will take it out. Thanks for your videos. Watched them before I bought it,and zero regrets.

Loved it!

I have been tasked to sell my late twin brothers 2001 ML320 in silver that he drove for 19 years. It has electric seats and leather door cards. Spare wheel is housed in a stainless steel bracket on the rear tail gate. Cars 226000KM's (Cape Town South Africa) and the car is pristine. After watching your videos I am seriously thinking of keeping it. Perfect car I believe for a vet in the rural areas ;)

Woaw I love that intro! Very 1980's

I don't like that they make SUV's look like couples.

I own a white 99 ML320 with tan (ish) leather interior. It has 195,000 original miles. I also own a C300 4matic a few years old. I have had to put more money into the C300 4matic, that has 145,000 LESS miles, than the 99 ML320. For example the sunroof works on the ML. The C300 sunroof rails broke resulting in the dealership trying to charge he $ 2k when the replacement rails are $70.00. The fuel rail on the C300 went bad. Another $ 1900.00 down the drain. I have kept the ML320 up, mechanically - tires - exterior - etc. and it starts. Drives. Brakes. Sits high. Has great vision. And is safe. Mercedes, at least in my case, built a winner in the 99 ML320 while the C300 4 matic is beautiful to look at it is a money pit to drive INCLUDING the plastic/leather on the steering wheel flakes off at 30Kmiles.

7:51 In my '01 ML320, the 6-disc CD changer as well as the tire iron and jack go in that cubby.

Great to hear your input I just bought a ML320 2001 I live in American Samoa I am taking this on as a project because I like the challenge and the car is in fairly good shape. I am replacing all the brakes and hoses plus fuel pump and filter. All fluids and spark plugs. All my parts come in on USPS. My question is who do you use to source your parts. It’s cheaper for me to order from the states then Hawaii. How do I get a manual and what sites can I go to to help me out. I enjoy mercedessource out of Wa. Any help will be appreciated.

I own a 2001 ML320. So most of the things you said you didn't really like are fixed. Mine doesn't have plastic on the doors, they're leather. The entire dash is leather, as well. The seats are leather, which honestly I kinda like your cloth seats a little more. The back seats are as easy to put down as pulling two levers. You pull one to get the seats up more, if you need more room in the hatch. You pull another and the seats collapse into the floor and still have those flaps to level it out. Mine have the same carpeting as the floorboard, though. So yeah. I actually love my 320. It's a good truck. It rides nice. It feels nice. I would definitely say if you see one and you want it, get it. I payed 4,300 for mine. Right now I'm doing some work on it to make it look a little more like it does in The Lost World. Got the roof lights on. just gotta get the brushguards and bars bent, welded and put on.

I love my ML 270, and being a top spec of the time, 2001, it is still quite luxurious. Goes uphill like mad.

Does the power steering hose clamp fall off on the new one?

My C w202 is having that kind of engine in the old ML 320,it's like a ROCK,just service, clean and rugged to ride. I will buy same kind of ML of I can get good condition one

Only that between that old model and the new model, the common defects have not changed, they are still the same: sensors, suspension, failures in the electronic system, blockages, etc.

I own a 2003 ML500 and she is still going strong... that 99 model is very very basic even compared to my 2003... Xenon Lights, Telephone, Sun Roof, Heated Seats, Memory Seats, Auto Dimming Lights, Power Fold Windows, Leather on Doors and seats, Sat Nav, TV, CD Shuttle, Headlight Washer, Parking Sensors, Low Range, (Some even had a DVD player)... But the 2021 model is a vast vast way ahead in Design and Look... and a much better car.. But i still love my old ML and will never sell it even if i get a newer model

W163 series; prefacelift series 1 and 2 and facelift series 3 Series 2 from '99 to '01 is the best😎

I Have the ML320 From 2003 , It has Electric Seats , Climate control and Electronic Knobs For the A/C System. It doesn't drive itself or does massages but I love it, it is EXTREMELY RELIABLE. You see in my country the Top Speed is 55MPH (90 Km/h) but This Car Always Always gives me need to go over 75MPH (120 Km/h). I am Happy with it , Even if it doesn't does all that New Stuff the New One Does

I just got a 2004 ML350 for $350 it needs a radiator and new cooling hoses but car starts and engine is solid.

You guys should do a review of the Mercedes Benz gl and the GLS have a close look they haven't changed that much so far as I can see .

What size tires do you have on your ML?

curious if this comparison was done after the off road challenge where it wouldn't go back in gear. also wondering what ended up being the problem with the trans?

I have a 2001 ML430. Nice car in general. Have issues with sensors (especially the throttle position sensor which needs replacing every 4-5 years), and tires are not a common size and not cheap. While I get the desire to go with these touch screens, they are a hazard under certain circumstances. Trying to change things while driving is dangerous. With the old school knobs, you can do much by feel. If you are going to have touch screens in cars, at least make the radio, defrosters, and climate control knobs manual in addition to being available via touchscreen. Two other worries are post-warranty. If the turbo goes, I cannot see that being a cheap repair. And if the screen dies, what will it cost and can it even be easily located down the line (might have to try junk yards, I guess). My ML430 has the 3rd row seating option which was great when I had little kids to transport around. The third row is pretty useless for normal sized adults except maybe VERY short trips, but the seats can be stowed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, or they can be removed. The gas mileage sucks, but it's a heavy car with a V8. I get 9-12 MPG depending on my speed and the conditions. But I have over 200K on the odometer, and the engine (knock on wood) is bulletproof. I have the navigation, CD changer (in the rear where the reviewer stows his jumper cables), cassette player, phone hookup, and more. Of course, hardly anyone uses cassettes or even CDs, and Mercedes stopped selling navigation CDs in the mid-2000s. So I bought a Garmin to use on the dash. The phone hookup I never used, but it would not work these days. And the feature that alerts Mercedes in the event of a crash (like GM's OnStar) doesn't work since Mercedes went with different cell technology years ago. But, overall, I have had good luck with it. Mine has leather seats with power and are heated (in the front). They depreciated rapidly due to reliability issues, so bargains are to be had if you want something tough and actually relatively cheap to fix if you buy the parts yourself and avoid the dealer (though doing so is tougher in some cases since you must use a dealer computer or the repair shop must have access to the Mercedes software). Cup holders suck as he said. Great for normal cans, but that's it unless you're not moving (drinks will fall out if you do that, especially on lane changes and turns). So no water bottles, for example! I like the medical kit with flares and the like. Nice touch. I change out things every so often (fresh band-aids and stuff). Again, nice vehicle.

Go with the 'ole ML / w163. (Paint the bumpers body color it'll look FAR less 'budgety", if thats a word) I have the Truck (SUVs = trucks) you referenced a 2002 ML500, with Hemi V-8 normally aspirated. Love the"right now" torque. My ole girl - 180k miles strong - is such an awesome ride - inspired my Sister to buy a newer GLE400 - 2016 twin turbo V-6. One day she has me drive her newer GLE - much like your camparo here. Despite its "advanced tech" & twin turbos - Id rate my Old School 21 year old ML500 much higher in nearly every aspect. From ride & handling to drivetrain feel & feedback. Mine screams "drive me HARD". Hers is numb in comparison. But that's OK she paid $32,000 and I paid $4,000 ha ha ha. She & her husband couldnt find the hood latch & I do all my own work on my old school ML500. Never gonna sell her. Shes ready for the Zombie apocalypse.

I'm disappointed you went with the 99 ML V6, the 2001 models with V8 engine are not only featuring better interior and painted bumpers, which make this car look beautiful for it's generation. The door trim is much improved, as well as the rear seat folding. You missed out by going with the 99 V6.

I have the 98 ml320 n love everything about it but the ride ! It has very little give , ride is bumpy n stiff. My cruise control is only thing that doesn't work, I love cruise control because I have diabetes n feet are numb n cold, I have to keep wiggle n shake them all the trip, so have to have cruise control ! O do love the power n transmission. Ty Mercedes !

I’m a very happy owner of a 2002 ML500.

Hey guys, I have a ml430 And I am telling you that this car is good. When it comes to the engine and transmission, it's grate. I just love my ml 430

the 2000's ML is really where i would start comparing the two

The w163 you got in the USA is terrible the Austria model that I have has a beautiful interior reminiscent of old mercedes build quality and honestly I don't see why anyone would take the gle over this. bulletproof om612 ,ladder frame , transfer case with low range and looks that can match the gle with the appropriate modifications (black headlights and AMG bumper). And literally dirt cheap to fix I paid 600 euro for the whole suspension and shock absorption system replacement. As for the air suspension in the gle I give it 50k miles before it decides to deflate and leave you stranded

I ran over an ML430 key with a lawn mower and it still works, its not in pieces, just some slashes here and there

Some of these old Mercedes-Benz ML320s came with a manual transmission but it’s NOT an easy feature to find because these things mostly sold with an automatic transmission

With the old model you don’t need to mess around with the seats that much, just pull the latch and pull it forward. Trust me, I owned one for 5 years.

I own a 2000 ML and I really love it

Comparing apples and oranges. I bought a 99 ML320 new for $38K and change, delivered. It took me and my family 340,000 miles with routine maintenance and a crankshaft position sensor. The 2021? Too complicated, all kinds of electronics waiting to burn out. And more than $100k after all is said and done.

Why not take the GLE or the GLS toeing on the ike

I love the ML320’s and will not change ever. Best real SUV that you can never break. The new ones have too much unnecessary stuff. You can now even get a modern blue tooth radio to replace the original. Why change it if it ain’t broke?