IS THE MERCEDES ML55 AMG REALLY THE ALABAMA TRASH CAN? 

Nice pickup on the ML55. These seem to be creeping up in price as well. Hope you keep the E55 and continue to do videos on it.

The front and rear bumpers are famous for cracking as they’re 20 years old now. The 55 Bumpers can be hard to find. I put steel bumpers on my ML55 lol. But there’s nothing wrong with the build quality of the ML55. Ive owned 2 of them and they’re solid as a rock and extremely reliable. M113 and 722 trans are built to last.

The ML55s were all made in Austria at the G wagon factory. The rest of the MLs were built in Alabama.

Dont forget the cabin filter.. no one changes that lol👍😎 Also use a engine flush👌

Just subbed! I bought the identical ML55 2000 155k miles, silver w black leather interior over three years ago, non-running with electrical issue and finally put it on the road as my daily driver last January. I drive it over 400 miles a week. I didn't hear you say how much you paid for it?! Or did I miss it? Paid $1,500 for mine and it has all service history from Mercedes-Benz of Richmond Virginia for the past 10 years, with $13,000 in receipts of work done in the last 25,000 miles. Had rain water intrusion in the passenger footwell over the fuse panel and a burnt wire in the engine compartment fuse box, no start no crank, wound up hack fixing it by just adding a push button in dash, bypassing the starter wire from the key switch so now I just turn the key to the on position and then push a button to crank starter! Have a written quote from Mercedes to the previous owner for over $4,000 just as a starting point to repair, replacing engine computer. Had originally bought with the intention to flip but these really aren't worth all that much, about 50% compared to the Cayenne Turbo's. TC in Annapolis, Maryland

Check the cooling fan as well, make sure it kicks on. Super common failure, only the ML55 and ML500 got the electric fan. There’s a date code on a label, drivers side on fan shroud, if it’s original to the truck (2001) it’s suspect. Besides valve cover gaskets, do oil cooler gasket and power steering reservoir o-ring. Other common failures are steering rack, keyless entry not working, key fob totally falling apart, ignition switch failure, and AAM failure (the BCM essentially, under the hood attached to underside of fuse box). AAM failures are usually fog lights or exterior lights not working, keyless entry, etc. Oh and door latch actuators crap out. Keep in mind none of this stuff is very expensive except steering rack. Check/clear sunroof drain hoses too. You’re missing your spare tire that came only on ML55 mounted in the rear cargo area although takes up a ton of space. They really are solid little trucks. Congrats

Great presentation!

Comparing the ml55 to the Cayenne turbo, I have both, 2000 ml55 and a 2005 Cayenne Turbo, both 150k something miles and the Cayenne wins in every category. But the Cayenne also costs more so there's a case to be made for either. So if you do sell, I would definitely encourage you to look at the Cayenne Turbo. Cayenne just feels bigger heavier meaner with more brutish power, a much more invigorating driving experience all the way around, there's really no comparison except factoring the cost so that's where the Mercedes could win. Would have really been beautiful if Mercedes had turboed the ml55 like the Cayenne, now that would have been a more even match. Compared to the Cayenne S, the naturally aspirated v8, I guess it would be a toss up. TC in Annapolis MD

Live in Carrollton and have a 2004 ML 350 silver and love my car. It’s got 260k but still runs good. Want the ML55 for sure.

It’s very cheap to repair a w163 the engine and trans is nice

The NAV unit (known as MCS) can have Bluetooth retrofitted. I can do it for you if you send me the unit. Im a Mercedes mechanic in Socal. I also have a 2000 ML55 as my daily driver. GREAT cars!!

How much did you purchase this one for?

Nice work! Any idea: Ml 55 2000 - Long crank then shuts off...1 turn of the key it cranks for a long time then shuts off- Any idea what that can be? Thanks

why not a ml63?

I would only buy a Mercedes made in Germany or Austria

Take my Subi turbo over this any day.