1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I have a 1999 ML 320, which was my moms car but was very recently passed down to me. This car is an amazing vehicle and currently has 198000 miles on it and is 15 years old. There has never been a issue regarding reliability. Living in New England with the awful winters, it handles exquisitely in the ice and snow (especially with the low range button for blizzards). I think it is very comfortable. The leather is very comfortable, high quality, and extremely durable. The dashboard is a soft-tex material too which is very nice. I think my parents bought it with the premium package and an upgrade to a BOSE stereo system which still sounds great today. Also, I have plenty of leg room and head space when sitting inside the car and I am 6'1''. For performance, it may have only 215HP but it uses all of them and accelerates pretty quickly for its age and weight. The engine creates a a lot of torque and we have successfully been able to tow a boat (towing rated for 5000lbs). If I need to merge onto the highway really quickly it will accelerate extremely quickly if you floor it. Handling is impeccable. I've recently taken it off-roading and it had no problem (which I would expect because this model was used by the german army for military stuff). Maintenance from what my parents have told me was somewhat annoying. Although there are things that just need to be replaced throughout the life of a car, the catalytic converters would break alot in both of my parents mercedes (my dad has the ML350) which sucks because they're made from platinum, therefore making them very expensive ($2000). However, it didn't have to go to the shop very often for repairs. Rusting isn't really a issue. The only place where there is rust is along the trunk handle (which is a small area) and a little along the handle to open the hood. Overall, this is an extremely well-built, well-engineered, high-quality SUV and I definitely intend on staying with Mercedes-Benz when I am older and mostly likely buy and ML for myself.May 24, 2014

OE brakes don't last long and dust heavily. Ride is truck like, but thats what it is. Handling is good with such a high center of gravity; it feels well planted to the road, and gives the driver confidence. I like the fact that Mercedes USA, continues to notify owners of 10+ year old cars of recalls, when they spot a potential flaw. Unfortunately, it did not have any leaks until the dealer preformed a preventative recall fix for the power steering. The Mercedes dealer is not consistent with there inspections, and like any dealer, not very competitive with independent shops. Oct 31, 2012

The brakes are in great shape. The car really handles well in traffic and on the road. Its a quiet ride such as the one that would be expected from mercedes benz. .A joy to own and drive.Great car to drive and own. It gives you the power that you ask for when you need it for passing or getting on the freeway and it really rides like a car that is much bigger.Nov 23, 2011

Yes, initial problems, but stellar v6 engine, particularly higher torque to HP ratio (1.1 or so). Can't get this with the new ML's except v8. Result, super easy acceleration (not ultra fast but effortless) and good gas mileage (20+) for 4 wheeler. Superb high speed highway ride and handling (100 mph easy). Surprising off-road capability (seems to go on the toughest paths). Can't get that now in US. New ones prettier, faster, but less capable off road. Best of the best.Jun 09, 2010

She is solid and reliable original engine and tranny with 215,000 very not bad. She will be 10 yrs old this december. She is a little rough around the edges. Great handling on the road for an SUV. Off Road not much ground clearance. I have driven and '03 more car than truck like mine. The '99 can take big bumps no problem little one not so good. The '03 is opposite. The '99 is very bare bones no frills lite and functional. Good car. The new ones well a lot more complex and the electronic shifter on teh column is wierd. I would not recomend a new one an older used definatelyNov 07, 2008

Cool truck but not dealing with age well. The newer SUVs make it seem anemic. I have been doing a lot of towing lately and this truck/SUV is not really that great for full size car towing. It is awesome in any type of weather though. The truck will take you anywhere you want to go in total comfort and style... as long as you don't need to go hyperspeed.Oct 04, 2008

This car had extreme problems when we first go it, up to about 50K miles, but now it has 140K and has no problems whatsoever, which is very good, though we take good care of it. Anyway, it is equipped with Mercedes' "112.942" 3199cc Single-Overhead-Cam 90-degree V-6, 10:1 compression ratio. It really is a stellar engine in terms of power delivery and the specs really hide its true potential. It is 215 brake horsepower at 5500rpm and has 233 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. One particularly cool thing about this, as with many Mercedes models, is a 3-valve per cylinder design. This means that there is one inlet valve for the air-fuel mixture and two exhaust valves, which provides a more thermally efficient engine. The transmission is a 5-speed automatic with selectable gears, 1-4, and "Drive." It has full four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbone front and multilink in the rear, with stabilizer bars both front and rear. It has rack+pinion steering with 3.6 turns lock-to-lock and it does the thing where the front wheels angle, with the side being turned towards going into deep positive camber, which gives a great turning radius. It is full-time All-Wheel-Drive, which makes the gas mileage not so great, but you can definitely tell and though I've never exactly driven it off-road, I'm sure it could hold its own. Anyway, I've heard that the newer models are even better and much more reliable, so I'd say if you need and SUV and can afford it, this is a very viable option. Other cars to consider: Infiniti FX35/45, Nissan Murano, Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Mazda CX-9, +more. Email me if you really care that much. I'd say, its pretty much between the Infiniti FX series and this, and both are available in V6 or V8 configurations. Anyway, Thanks for reading all of this technical stuff, (even though I didn't go into too much detail haha). Oh and its 0-60mph time is supposedly nine seconds even.Jun 09, 2008

One of the best riding SUV's I've ever been in, doesn't give you the excessive bounce of lesser suv's. Engine is slightly underpowered (a 4.3v8 with only 270hp) but has awesome torque (300 ft/lbs.). Gas mileage is TERRIBLE. 5100lb SUV with a v8 and full time all wheel drive is great in the snow but absolutely terrible on gas (13-16mpg, maybe 18 on CC on highway). Sound system SUCKS. When replaced with better head unit and 2 12" subs, it is excellent. Huge sunroof, tons of room inside, can fit 3 large adults quite comfortably in the back seat. Lots of room for all your stuff, great ride height, excellent visibility, a blast to drive for an SUV.Apr 18, 2008

I like this car a lot and wanted a reliable SUV with a decent cargo room in the back. This car has been very good to me and knock on wood have not had any issues with it. I currently have about 100K miles on it and it is driving nicely. The only major issue was with the central locking system. I do recommend this car. The newer models are even better stocked with features and look much nicer too.Jan 30, 2008

Overall 1 ,outstanding vehicle. I just replaced the tranny and fuel pump at 268k miles and the tranny had a broken Plantetary gear, which the 3 times it was dragged onto a flat bed tow truck due to illlegal parking could not have helped. The Cats went out a 263k miles. And I just replaced both front wheel bearings last week at 277k. Outside of general maintenance and those 3 window switch replacement, I could not as for more. I know I'll see 300k easy in her or more.Mar 20, 2007