I have a 2001 ML320, with about 210,000 miles. It's been my daily driver since around 2005. I live in the New York area (with all its snow and road salt issues) and about 6 months ago I drove it from there through Mexico to Central America, where we are now working on our retirement house. I would not have done that trip, with my family, unless I absolutely trusted that car/truck. It got us there with no issues, and other than ordinary wear and tear it is doing great in a tropic environment. Best vehicle I have ever owned. It has its electronic quirks, but they are something that can be figured out, and are relatively inexpensive to repair. It is built like a tank, and I expect it to last at least another 20 years.

I owned an ML 430 through my early 20’s and that was where I learned to work on cars. Mostly reliable with the near bulletproof drivetrain you mentioned. A perfect blend of old school engineering with massive headache early electronics. Loved that thing all the way to 300k miles!

Hey hey hey, now we are talking! I bought a ML430 for $2400 in 2014. It's now at 208.000 miles and still my favorite car, or tank, ever owned. This thing is a beast, and I love taking it out in the snow or offroading in the Olympic Mountains.

The ML163 is a great car, i have owned a few over the years and still nave 4 of them. Like a lot of people/machanics it is common to say that a Mercedes will cost a fortune to fix, and you need a specialist to do it, but i am not a mechanic and i have fixed everything on all of my Mercedes so i say bullshit to your theory. Mercedes were one of the first auto manufactures to basicly swap out parts rather than fix them, now of course all manufactures just fit a new part rather than fix a faulty or broken one. With that in the past i have purchased a 2000 Brabus ML for $2,500 in 2005 because it was in LIMP MODE and everywhere the previous owner went he was told it was going to cost him about $15,000 to $25,000 to fix it. I fixed it for $900.00 including replacing the Auto Trans oil, trans filter, and a new control board. Thank you very much i got a $95,000.00 vehicle for about $3,500.00 and i have still got it.

I bought a 2004 ML350 for $900 because it had an ABS, BAS/ES, EST lights on the dash. It also had a “!” Symbol Light on was in limp mode, but hell, for $900 I decided to give it a try. Had to replace a rear right wheel speed sensor for $50… all the lights went away and the car has been working fine since. 😂That was 2 years ago. The car has 199,976 miles now and the engine is smooth and quiet, the transmission shifts like new. That’s crazy!!. I’m hoping it will last me at least more 3 years. So far there’s no indication that it won’t. Can’t believe how good this $900 car turned out.

I remember before 2020 I kept seeing very clean mid 90's used Mercedes cars for cheap in places like Florida & Texas.... Asking $3 to $5,000 for Mercedes's with 50K -75k miles that had no rust & appeared to have little to no mechanical issues. I started looking up common part prices for them like starters, water pumps, brake parts,etc...& noticed part prices were actually cheaper or the same price as other common car brands. If someone can DIY wrench at a mediocre level. I think they could end up with a nice looking car for cheap that they could actually get a lot of miles out of. If they couldn't DIY, it'd cost them way too much having a Mercedes dealer to fix it. Which is why I think asking prices were so low. They were very expensive cars brand new in the 90's but seemed to have lost 90% or more of original valve despite being in very good shape for their age.

Steering wheel sensor is not initialized, which can happen when the battery is changed. When that happens, stability control warning lights come on. The last time I saw that code it disappeared after I drove it around the block. After that, the skid sensor etc warning lights disappeared. If not I'd check service data to see how to initialize that sensor.

Have a 320 260k on going well , replaced power steering pump noisy , fuel pump , that’s it , use it for towing . Very reliable, everything works fine all the buttons inside feels like new, seats seem to not wear at all ! Also have a 270 diesel ML W163 - 340k on .. a bit noisy on cold start then warms up running smooth also light on fuel , everything works perfectly. Both 22 years old .. Great cars will always have one around. The new cars just don’t last ..

I still drive an ML 500. I'm not much of a car guy, but I do enjoy driving this car. But man, repairs can be a pain. Some problems I've dealt with my car were power steering leaks/pump issues, my "machine gun" sounding doors every time the door latches fail, and tires can get pretty costly. Random issue, but my ML had a running board on the driver's side, and and a car snagged on it when I parked it on the street. For youtube, it'll be good content to watch you diagnose and repair this car. Hopefully it'll be kept for a while, but understandable if you cut the loss.

Your Autel Maxi DAS scanner is the older version which they no longer support so be aware. The M112 & M113 are the most reliable modern engine MB ever produced. Keep it !

My daily driver is a 2001 ML 320. I have a full sized, 4x4 Dodge ram pick up for doing the dirty work from time to time, but my ML does just fine on it's own doing smaller jobs. It's at 230k miles, just now replaced the usual stuff that cars normally require at 130k. In the event of a bug out, and Apocalypse, I will be taking my ML, just knowing it's got the best of all worlds in one package, and it's super cheap and easy to work on. Mine is throwing zero codes as well.

First issue he said about the anti theft system and key itself will be under 200$ I have a ml430 I used to have a 320 and my wife has a 05 350 best suv I ever had you can run them up to 500k and more and all parts are cheap and labor is easy and cheap also… so the key is 30$ and the labor most likly 200$ 2nd issue CPS but easy fix and under 100$ for labor super common issue tho too the brake light switch also is a common issue but it’s an easy fix and it’s not like it keeps happening this is super easy to do you self and the sensor is 20$ 15$ then he said rack and pinion I never had an issue with that but seen on forums some people did but it’s 200 for the part he then said about the stability control and control module and he said thers a lot of problems with that , def not true imo these are great suv and last forever tranny is impeccable motor as well

You need to pull the plastic cover off the driver's side that runs along the side of the frame. It conceals the brake lines. Mine were rotted everywhere they were secured in the plastic retainers. I replaced them with copper nickel lines. The lines were bubble flare except one factory union was a double flare. The plastic used in the washer and coolant bottles is poor and gets brittle and cracks with age. Also, the tires on an ML 430 are unique to it and expensive if you buy non Chinese tires. The ML320 has a cheaper more standard tire. Gas mileage is poor, but I didn't buy it for the mileage, 15mpg in all around driving and 18 on the highway. I'm told that the ML 320 does much better mileage wise. It is great in the snow.

This is one of the best SUVs out there Not the most fuel efficient but it's great under pressure. I have one 320. The chopped off V8...

I own 1999 ml320 much less complex the earlier model, bulletproof! Never let me down. But i fixed 1001 leaks and now it's good. Bought 2 years ago at 184k km and now it's at 198k km. I will never sell it!

I've owned 4 Benzes until now and I got my ML 320 for the longest time now. I had a few problems with it but they were surprisingly easy fixed. Note: When your ML beeps while driving and has BAS ESP ETS ABS and the parking brake on it's your ESP control unit Soon I'll switch to an ML 430

Keep it and fix it up, I have a 99-320. It was Mercedes first V6, first SUV in N.A. And it’s the Jurassic Park vehicle. Jeff goldblum was given one with the release of the movie.

Great break down of the differences and what to look for. Many years ago I owned a '01 ml320 and took good care of it and never had any issues with her. I'm in the market for another w163 but still can't decide between a 320 or a 430. I guess it would boil down to how well the PO took care of it and has service records. Thanks for posting!

I love mine. I put a front hitch and a removable 82" snow plow on mine.

powersteering in this car always leaks, i learned to live with it in my ML320

Your steering rack leak is most likely coming from two VERY small o-rings in the very top of the "tower" portion of the rack. The whole thing must be removed to replace them! I've owned several ML's over the years, and I currently have a 2000 ML55 AMG which i have owned for about 6 years now. They are GREAT cars, underrated offroad, and I definitely think it's worth fixing.

Most common problems with W163 are: 1. Sunroof leaks due blocked drain pipes if bad/wet enough on driverside will trigger short circuit and multiple codes. 2. Around 220K kms, ABS pump motor dies from worn-out carbon brushes. 3. Oil cooler leaks oil after years of cyclic heating/cooling from hardening of rubber seals - 1hr job and $25 for new seal on ebay. 4. Missing oil changes could lead to blockage on breather hole causing sludges on oil cap (not head gasket problem). The rest is just wear and tearing which we can call it "Aging"

This was my first car, the ML320. I loved it since it didn’t need anything extensive done, other than regular maintenance, it ran to San Diego and San Francisco a few times like a champ, and a lot of backroads in the Bay Area. Im currently looking to buy an ML500 or ML55. (w163)

I bought 2004 ml350 for my teen daughter from family friend I did spark plugs change all fluids reseal valve cover gasket. As of now it’s tuning like champ.

Looking at getting a 320. Thanks for the info

Pl post videos of you fixing the issues and anything else, I own a 02 320 with similar mileage.

Looks like a keeper to me!

Have a 2001 ML430 with 220K miles. Got it with 14K miles 18 years ago. It's my wife's car and she's pretty gentle on it. But I take it occasionally and am pretty tough on it. Over the years 1) Went in right away for the recall of the air conditioning fans harness. 2) Security key. Easy. A few bucks. Troubleshooting was a bit difficult. Basically, tried the cheapest solution and got lucky. 3) Crank shaft position sensor. This was a bitch. Did it with my son and we eventually got it. Had a little fun too. 4) Power steering reservoir leaking and had to replace it. Not too hard. 5) One of the O2 sensors needed to be replaced. Pretty easy. 6) Replaced the radiator. Had that done. 7) Replaced the transmission gasket. I do the brakes, oil changes, etc. All in all, these problems are not too bad over 18 years. The parts are not that expensive but of course, if you have it done things will be expensive. It's still in great shape. Will keep it until the wheels fall off. These youtube videos are a life saver when it comes to trouble shooting and fixing problems. The videos and an endoscope save me every time.

Wow pretty clean, rack and pinion may be the "Input shaft seal". I replaced that seal on a Toyota before and it solved leak from that same spot without having to replace rack. I just wonder how much you'll be able to sell it for, these seem to sell for next to nothing nowadays. Wondering how much you have into it? 🤔 May be worth parting if they dont have high sale value by you

I got 2 of them. They are so Great.

I tried looking at the ML but all I saw was the Honda Prelude 4th gen in white, just chilling, making me nostalgic.

Worth fixing ! Please post any videos of you doing so PLEASE!

That one had more lights than my Christmas tree

My neighbor used to have one of these, one time he dropped us to the airport for our family vacation, it was an emerald green color with palomino interior ml320...blew my 7 year old mind in 2002 when i saw the stereo had a huge screen and was double the size of a single din...still trying to find a low mileage one in good condition over here in toronto but they always have high miles

Really good trucks, easy to fix and chip if you buy good used parts, capable off road with its ETS 4WD and low gear

Keep it fix it! I have and love it!!!

I'm just putting my 5 cents in this. The crank position sensor is located on the back driver side of the front top .transmission. also, the transmission conducter plate can go out, n power steering pump, in some acacions.ONE MORE THING, can go out its the transmission torque converter solenoid, or valve body. Not to expensive on the market n labor not bad at all if u know what u doing. Door lock module under the hood where all the fuses r goes out makes ur door locks jump up n down randomly, or door lock actuators. But again not all the time this problems acure in all the ml w163. It's a very good, strong SUV N SPECIFICALLY IF U TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT. Good luck to everyone. God bless us all.

Fix it! I have one 99ML430 and love it brother!

Inherited (free, just title/registration/etc) an unwanted 2007 BMW 335i (E90). N54 engine with lots of codes on plenty of modules. Fixed it back up and it’s fun to drive. Stock turbos and original index fuel injectors are still holding with about 190,000 miles. That said, it was a pain in the butt figuring every code and troubleshooting involved. Not to mention special cables to hook up a laptop and running BMW diagnostic software, etc. Very time consuming compared to vehicles from the 90’s and before. Good cars but I don’t know that I would invest as much effort in another, especially since it’s my daily driver for work and not just a project.

My friend's just gave me a 2001 ML 430 to repair and sell. Many of the lights had burned out, it had a massive power steering leak and the window control panel was broken. I've managed to fix all those issues and its been super easy to work on. However now I have a new problem. All the windows are working with the new window control panel switch, but its blowing F30. Initially it instantly blew, but each time I've put a new fuse in to test function it lasts longer. The windows sound extremely dirty and rough during travel, probably because the were unused for years and they lived down a dirt road and its full of grit. I'm going to pop all the door panels off and clean everything and see if that helps. I didn't see any concerning areas on the wiring harness so far, so nothing that indicates a short. But maybe once I open up the doors I'll see something. I'll probably be back to check more possibilities if cleaning everything doesn't fix the problem. I may try switching the window motor from front to back to see if that might be the issue. The other fuse for the DR front and PS rear is not blowing, so there doesn't seem to be an issue with that wiring or the motors. It seems like a great little SUV, the motor sounds great, no concerning sounds or issues with operation.

I have a 99 ML320 I bought before the floods here in South Australia to contend with the horrible dirt backroads. It's a brilliant car and great to drive considering the 298,000kms. I have an S Class which is way too nice to do that. But it's grown on me and goes anywhere. I'm giving it some love by replacing the front end suspension and shockers for a total cost of 300AUD. They're not expensive to maintain and there's plenty of videos and guides out there. I paid 1500AUD for it and all it needed was two tyres and a new coolant bottle that cost 58AUD. Great car.

Family owned 1999 ML320. I’ve daily’d it for the last 10yrs. Nearing 350k,klm, No majors. Very safe, very predictable. Love that car

Looks like a good fixer upper to me. Sure wish you lived in my neighborhood.

same as most people in comments have 99 ml430 goin to be 200k in a few thousand miles but its been solid not crazy expensive maintenance or time consuming, have it sence 2017 , had a small sipping oil from a power power steering hardline , snugged it up and all good , sence i did the water pump , seals on the oil cooler, did rear main seal (easy with harbor freight trans scisor jack) , seal between trans n transfer case , cleaned egr valve code went away , new bilstein shocks all around , headlight switch acting up but with addresing minor things will last a longer time, great unit

Ebay has used chip parts for the ML vehicles they are the easiest to fix, it's a reliable model from 2000 to 2005, the previous models has a lot of issues from 1997 to 99

Have 270 CDI, still regret i did not take 320 with LPG. Bulletproof engine and overall extremly tough and capable ...

Dude that shirt is rockin where did you get it

it is far from a parts car. certainly worth some upgrades. i would enjoy more videos.

You mentioned the antitheft system is a common failure and a module may need replacement. Any idea which module will that be?

209000 on my 1999 ML runs like a top.

Good job

Not great for fixing for profit but will be good for tons of content.🤔

I almost bought one because people regularly sell them for like 500 bucks

The crankshaftsensor is not there where shown, it‘s behind at the bellhousing

C1000 means dead ESP module. $80 used on eBay and it will likely solve all those problems.

I hope you fixed it. I bought a 98 ML320 at an auction sight unseen that needed a transfer case. We put one on for about $600 and now just need to replace the wiper motor that melted as well as the fuse for it. (have to check for other problems that caused this). A rear brake line has rusted out but all in all drives great so far with its only 88,000 kms on it! Its got all the options one could ask for. My pigtail that plugs into the wiper motor is also burnt. Any idea where I can find a new one. I could probably repin it but would rather replace. I also have a connector just hanging by the back firewall. There are no dash lights other than the brakes so not sure where this connects. Ive ordered a service manual but has not come yet. I love your videos. I learn a lot, thank you

ML500 here, plastic bits inside intake manifold go brittle. I'll bet it's been replaced closer to 100,000k, or it'll be going out soon. Usually needs to be replaced 1-2x in it's lifetime. Replace cabin air filter annually, and your climate control will thank you. I've found, once you understand how the Germans do it, they're 'easy' to work on.

I am driving a ml 430 from 1999 whit 150.000 km not miles , and picked it up for $3500 canadian, and one brake line that is all I have done to it , very well built machine

Can you show radiator replacement for this car?

My old boss used to have an ML430, wow what a comfy car it was when I was given the keys

I have the AMG version, 2000 ML55 @ 180k. Was my daily driver at 500 miles/wk for over a year but switched to a Mazda cx-3 for the sake of fuel economy. TC in Annapolis Maryland

Hello RnW, I disconnected my negative battery terminal and when I reconnected it, my steering power telescope does not push the steering full length in and out direction but works perfect in up/down position. When I let the car rest for awhile the telescope moves longer distance both in and out and as I continue to play around with the telescope knob, the distance gets smaller and smaller till it stops to move the steering completely in the in/out position. Even when it stops to move the steering in/out direction i can still hear the knob button clicking sound. What might be the issue please? This is the first time it has happened, Toyota Crown Athlete 2012 GRS200, no issue with up/down movement

Fix it, it’s a low mileage vehicle. Rack an pinion is a pain in the ass job but not the end of the world. All those codes might be $60 sensor or low battery voltage. These electronics are old but not the most complicated. That M113 is bulletproof, make sure the gaskets are good and not leaking, all the belts&pulleys are tight. One issue due to age is cables under the hood and some vacuum lines. They get pretty brittle with all that heat cycle. Normal for a 22 year old car. Tranny is 722. 6, again a very good box. Change fluid&filter&gasket and you are good to go. Old MLs are awesome for off-roading. Honestly not that expensive to maintain if you know what you are doing

Good 👍👍👍

When you replace the battery on a w163 turn the steering wheel lock to lock and the light will shut off. Also don’t overfill gas tank because the fuel gauge will get all wonky if that happens remove the cluster gauge fuse I believe is a 15 amp fuse located on the front passenger side kick panel the fuse is the top second one from right to left you can check some of my old vids

Fix it, there are some good suggestions in the comments already. Plus - it's not rusted out like ones in the rust belt :)

I have a 05 Ml 350 ,I'm getting battery drainage and engine stall I believe it is the crank shaft position sensor.

Some people like that one. Clear codes. Lot of stored codes.

best suv ever built. The tank I got 2 of this

Love my 163 02

How's your new epoxy working out?

i have ML320 200.000 km not a single problem one of the best cars you can buy .

Interesting. Normally those headlights were only available in the original 1998 model.

The CKS on these engines are in the back, not in the front

Clear all codes and see if C1000 comes back. If so, ESP module could be bad or no power to it.

Show me the video how to hotwire 1998 ml 320 merc Benz

Ml Mercedes’ are awesome.. I’ve had a 164 ml500. Such a awesome vehicle but gas guzzler..

I don't recall you stating what you paid for this one 😉 Has 24 hours of lemons racing written all over it lol

Let's fix it!

Show me the video of hotwire 1998 ml320merc benz

Where is your shop located? I'm at Orange county

Got a 2001 ml320 , check engine light comes on after a long drive , codes p0171 p0174 . Since that’s a lean code for both banks , what would you check first ?

In Australia atleast this model is actually going for more money than the generation that succeeded it. Maybe those diesel engines in the 2nd gen are no good?

How are u so smart and funny at the same time???

320 is the most bulletproof followed by 350! Those six cylinders are indestructible! I have had multiple w163 still have one and have had w164 and now w166. Never break down even after using and abusing them!

Do you think the ml430 has more power? than advertised.

Yea I got a 2003 ML500 121000 miles found the problem I was having the radio was draining the battery

Do you believe the mileage is real? I don't know how it is in USA, but in Europe most of the cars that are selling are with reduced mileage. 20 years old Merc. and only 120 000 miles is very unlikely, at least to me.

Hey, I have a Mercedes cls550 that jerks only when slowing down(braking)... any idea what it could be?

It's worth fixing I'd say

Inn be love my 2002 ML320 one of the easiest Mercedes.

I have a 2004 ml 350. The AAM has gone out. And the dealer said you cannot get a new one and they are VIN specific. You cant buy the part and a used one wont work on this model. So i can only junk or part out with great engine, tranny,tires, body, etc. Iam sick. Any suggestion?

The headlights probable need a polish video. I mean the rubbing kind not the Poland kind.

Lookin like a younger Chino moreno

Hi Man how are you? Do you know if its possible put an om617 diesel engine in it?

These cars are not too bad, complex, yet 'workable' and outright inexpensive to buy here in the US. But for the love of god, FIX those headlights (likely replace). Milked out headlights are the worst, as they do nothing more than blind oncoming traffic - w/o providing any illumination for the driver itself.

Buy manual stick transmission only.

The second-generation or the third-generation, Lexus RX 330 or RX 350 is a much better vehicle than this older Mercedes-Benz ML 320 or ML 430, because they are very reliable and they are fuel-efficient. A lot of RX's are currently on the road right now. Thanks.

Yes, fix it.

Always had a weak spot for the 163