The First Generation MERCEDES ML was the King of the Suburbs! (ML320 Review & Test Drive) 

These are my favorite car reviews/reviewer. No hyperbolic nonsense. Extremely likeable presenter. Remember back in the day a long, long, long time ago when car programmes were this informative? I could watch longer reviews! Any chance of a review of a Smart Brabus Roadster Coupe for a laugh? Keep up the excellent vids.

I recently purchased an ML320 from a widow. Her husband had recently died and she wanted to part with ML. It was listed at $3,500 with new tires and windshield. After watching the TFL ML 320 video series I went to inspect the ML. When I arrived I was stunned. The vehicle had been garaged since the couple purchased it in '98. The interior was showroom. There was a stack of service records going back to 2001. When I took it for a test drive I fell in love. The V6 just purred and the shifting was perfect. Since it was an Arizona vechile there's not a spot of rust. I bought it on sight and have not regretted it since. The owner had used the vechile to drive back and forth from their home in AZ to Utah. 237k miles. I've put on another 4k. Not a single knock or leak. My Mercedes mechanic was shocked by the condition and said with regular maintenance I could add another 100 to 150k to the milage. Yes it's an odd truck but I love the seating, the simplicity of the interior, the cargo space, the low range transfercase, and the strength of the motor. I will seriously considering purchasing another one with low miles so that when it's time to say goodbye to this one I still have another ML320 to enjoy for many more years.

How many people go from this to eBay 😂

Greetings from Alberta. Bought my first ML 320 in Chicago, Feb. 2002 to burn my business profit before the tax guys would take care of it. Drove it in USA for couple years and took it with me over the Atlanic in a sea can back home to Germany. Run it there for another 6 years and now, almost 19 years later the car is still with me, nicely parked in a VIV garage spot among other of my (mostly of the same brand) toys here in Canada and yes - the car was brougt here over the ocean in a 40'sea can - again 7 years ago. It didn't have ANY major issues with it whatsorever in last nearly two decades and it drove me always safely home in all imaginable weather and road conditions. I have spend many weeks exploring the world on both continents sleeping in the car with my kayaks, mountain bikes and surfboards packed on the roofracks, I've hit a huge deer going 130kmh. and the car still drove with destroyed radiator and oil cooler another 25 km. home right after that .... I can go on like this for hours. Simply said - there is plenty of faster, nicer, more confortable and more powerfull cars out there - I did drove/owed lots of them but in my humble opinion - after more than 300k. km with my ML - this one simply does everything pretty well. It is extremely reliable, feels like a tank (some may say that it drives like one too buy I would say try the G-Class for the sake of the argument) but above all - and that is probably a part of some secret build in Mercedes magic feature - it just feels somehow pretty dam'n good driving it. They don't make cars like this anymore. The old school feeling of YOU DRIVING down the road in a well build machine is just ireplaceable with some display filled, downsized, trendy, unibox, talking, recycled and allways connected thing controlling everything and basically DRIVING YOU - where is the mojo in it? Almost two decades later, as a pretty happy owner, I just didn't changed anything on the car. I don't have bluetooth but I have fully functional casette and 6 CD player. There's no HD touchscreens but those two tiny monochromatic LCD's for mileage and temperature still working in -38C. - like everything else on the car. Carpe Diem. Cheers everyone ...

AT LAST!! Finally, the Internet has an honest and genuine review of the W163 Mercedes ML, thank you. Can confirm: we have two ML270s and would not swap them for any new car being produced today. Sad yes, but, no air suspension, no LED and no LCD screens means 'bolt off, bolt on Daniel son': quite simply, they will likely last forever. Having said that, the plastics seem to be about as strong as a Kinder egg, annual maintenance / repair bills can be in the thousands if relying on main dealer, but it remains one of the most versatile car designs on the road. So, whether you are loading it with passengers and luggage, or pulling up at a nice restaurant for dinner, it really is a great go-anywhere vehicle at a really nice ride height even 17-20 years on. We wouldn't swap ours for the world. Thank you, Matt. Your reviews fill an online gap in the market and we look forward to watching many more, brilliant.

I’m on my second W163 and absolutely love them. Rust on the body is an issue (as with all Mercs of this era) but because it’s a body on frame it’s not structural. Some parts are insanely cheap, whilst others reassuringly expensive. Had a 370 and now on a 500, zero difference in fuel consumption so if you find one I would go with the 500 much more torquey. So comfy to drive, solid and practical. Stereo even still sounds great. Just remember that V6 and V8 are twin spark and that’s a lot of spark plugs!!

Although it's nearly my bedtime I will just nip over to auto trader for a quick look even though I'm never going to buy one.

I purchased a 2004 ML350 two months ago. I had seen the car at a local dealership for some time, I was looking to buy an SUV but did not give the Mercedes much thought. I made an appointment to test-drive another SUV and when I stopped at the dealership I was told that the car I intended to test-drive had been sold 15 minutes before my arrival. Being less than a ray of sunshine we drove home. Once home I asked my wife whether I shouldn't just take the Mercedes for a test drive, so we drove back and I drove the Mercedes. The next day the car was parked in my driveway... It is like driving a very big armchair. I enjoyed my BMWs, however I LOVE this car. Old yes, but oh boy...

As a gamekeeper we used to run these for shoot days and you would not believe where these went or how indestructible the engines were. punctured fuel tanks and smashed suspension, but we were never left up a hill - never.

1998 ml320 - purchased used in in 2002, had 50k miles on it. Kept it until 2019. Absolutely reliable always, Icy back roads in N.J., never a problem. Never stuck anywhere. low range gear would pull out of the worst possible ice, snow, etc. Would buy another 98 if possible.

I got my 2001 ml at 75,000 miles in San Diego in 2010, drove it up to Monterey, CA then all the way to Florida, then up the East coast to NC then (drum roll) all the way to Alaska in 2021 via the Alcan. It is about to breach 200,000 and is still going strong. Had a few small hiccups along the way, but nothing major. I have stayed ahead of the maintenance and it, rather she (Ethyl), has been amazing. I may decide to take her back to the lower 48 at which point I would be so proud to have a gasoline engine that has endured 3, maybe 400,000 miles.

Love Your reviews....One of the best channel with real content in the net. Straight, honest with humor in it. Keep recording , keep doing what You do , it comes so natural , that it is just a pleasure to watch it . I think you found Your place and fit in perfectly. Comments are perfect. Well weighted and humoristic, really good job!!! Waiting for another content...

I have 2005 ml bought in nigeria in 2011. Still using it today. Reliable and strong, all season car-easily serviceable. Owners of this vehicle have a lot to be thankful for because you need not buy another one for years on.

Intelligently presented insights into vehicles every time! You’re a young fella with wisdom on your shoulders beyond your years, keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing a new video each week, hope your business does well. Given the work you put in you deserve it

The best and most reliable SUV I ever owned. Had nl350 and ml320 2 of them previously both facelift and preface lift. All of them which has done at least 300k miles without any repairs and I have a third one now and 2009 350

We still have a C270 CDi in the family that was bought brand new in 2001 with no issues. And the engine, although a bit noisy, is superb and still ruffles a few feathers of warm hatches at traffic lights or on overtaking. However, in South Africa, all ML's are shod with very high mileage. Good review!

I bought a 2000 ML320 with 155,000 miles on it out of California in December 2019. So a very clean rust free example. Has the third row seating, chrome nerf/step bars and a chrome bumper guard. Currently has 213,000 miles and going strong. I plan on driving to 300,000 before moving onto something different. Couldn't agree more with your review of this vehicle.

Brilliant review! Thanks very much, an amusing, relevant and detailed description which has just totally confirmed my instincts when just trying out a 2000 model, it felt bloody good, a little heavier and slower off the uptake than my 323i, but of course, it's an SUV not a bloody sedan! Kudos to you for the perfect take on it. I'm getting the one I tried.

Great review - totally agree - might be a petrol guzzler but considering you can pick these up for around £2K - its worth it. A luxury SUV now that is ULEZ compliant (for Londoners) costing minimum £7-£8K

I had one of these with an LPG tank in the boot! Loved it.

Stop on review, honest and very straight forward. keep up the great work

300k us miles on mine. Service has been between 10k & 14k miles (us), no major failures. Original engine, transmission, differentials & no rust. For the last 100k miles it has been used as a truck. Has been in 30” water several times, regularly tows 8,000 pounds for hours at 65-70 MPH and has been used around the camp to pull a 16,000lb trailer off-road. These are phenomenal trucks. The engines are crazy, mine has spent hours on end at wide open throttle towing a boat and 9-10MPG proves that is truly WOT, for 80-100 miles at a time. Anyone who doubts their mechanical ability needs to test one. I think there is a video on my channel if it off-road playing around in a washed out place on a dirt road. It has two tires off of the ground teetering back-and-forth. If you are looking for a workhorse get one but make sure it is a 2002-2005 post update. They changed the torque split F-R which made the transfer case last MUCH longer. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uFAq6n_9SDM.html

I've always liked the ML, this one the W163 and also the 2nd gen the W164. I've hummed and hawed over the last few months, having bought a very unreliable XC90 last year. I was thinking ML, E55 AMG, E63AMG....then I chickened out and bought an E220d :) It's funny how people react to certain cars. They almost become part of the family. Keep the reviews coming, you're a natural.

Always enjoy your videos. This takes me back...my Dad had an ‘02 ML270 CDI. Looked identical to this but with the spare wheel on the back Was a good family car. Had a few electrical / sensor faults though. I think an X5 or Range Rover would have been a better all-rounder but he liked Mercs...

ML270CDI is really good sounding diesel. The 5 pot, regardless of petrol or diesel has a nice sound to it. I love it!

This is my favourite M-class and honestly I'd still choose a great example over the more recent versions. Probably nostalgia, partly the fact it was in Jurrasic Park but they are very good off road and just like w210, especially in countries without much rain, just like here in Spain, they are super reliable and still beautiful cars.

I've got a 2010 W164 300 diesel that I've had for around 7 years. I'd have liked the 350 but this one came along that bad a pretty low mileage and was in good nick. Not had many issues with it tbh. Had a spate of abs sensors go which caused some very weird issues that I won't go into suffice to say it made the car virtually undriveable. Recently had a front spring break so had both replaced. It's done 76k miles and I tow a caravan so will have the gearbox oil changed next service. It was done at 46k before I bought it. I love the car. I can get 2 bikes in the back, upright just by removing the front wheels and still get tons of stuff up the middle. The back seats are permanently down as I'm always carrying stuff around. That was a fair and honest review in my opinion.

Love these honest reviews, I just want to be a car sales man now...... a brilliant place to visit.

I bought my S124 E280 from a Mercedes mechanic who drove an ML as his daily, and I have it maintained by an independent specialist who also daily drives an ML. Along with this video, I can't think of a better endorsement.

Never had an ML but did have an 02 plate C-class with the 5 cylinder diesel, (270CDi) loved it and thought, for a diesel it sounded pretty good, more refined than a 4 pot

Enjoyed the ride and review Matt. Congrats. on the subscribers too, well deserved. Cheers Mike

This is the first ever positive review of this model I’ve ever seen. I considered getting one of these but was put off by universal scorn and all the negative reviews.

got a w163 400cdi (LJ reg) mint condition drives like a rocket & massive torgue :). always gives a smile firing it up!

i like having your review playing in the background while on the auto trader app looking at the car your reviewing ....... enjoying the channel thx ****

I like these older MLs more than the newer ones...!!!

Daniel Bedingfield, my Lord, used to love his music 😍, big fan of this ML

Just picked up the next generation W164 in 420CDI guise (4.0V8 diesel), and that is an absolute monster in terms of torque and power. FMBSH and 101k miles in exceptional condition for only £4,800! I never liked the original version, but for just a few dollars more... Love your reviews by the way - keep them coming 👍

when you hit 100k i'll be happy for your hardwork ..great work mate ....btw good to see our legends play

It's late 2021 and my 1999 ML320 is only just needing struts and control arms love the thing it dose not give up ever just hit 352000km and I'm building mine to off road and daily

Good as always. Interesting job you have.

I love the ML! Ever since Jurassic park 😂

Hi Matt, I had one of these, amazing car even if it was the noisy ML270. Mine had seven seats and the rare "Lamella" sunroof (A nine piece folding venetian blind sort of arrangement that never leaked, unlike the Discovery who can't seem to ever seal even one piece of glass properly!) It even had a safe under the driver's seat. The only common problem with that engine was what they call the "black death" where the injector seals leak and cause a thick black gunge build-up in the centre of the head. But overall a great car which took me to 173,000 before selling it. Cheers! Nick (Cornwall)

Lovely Jubbly, no matter what car is reviewed, they all have good and bad points, For its age, it looks better than any Discovery I've seen.

We had a ml270. X reg. the automatic gearbox blew up at 144K. Replacement cost was over £5k. It also had injector seal issues, known as the Black Death. Sold it for spares on eBay in the end.

Thanks for the review. About 3 years ago I came this close to buying a ML 270 cdi with the 2 extra seats, but in the last week we had our lease car I spotted a 2010 Kia Sorento and bought that i stead. I occasionally see the ML's on the roads, and like yourself like the chunky classic design. The latest incarnation of the ML the GLE, looks fantastic too, And Mercedes has gone back to the original idea of the 2 extra seats.

This is why your fan base is growing, Down to earth reviews on down to earth cars. and i think this generation ML is a good example of a decent and sensible car. value for money, reliable and not over designed to make the driver look good. Great vid, always looking forward to your next upload 👍👍

Had an ml 350 outstanding car and what people don’t realise with the right tyres excellent off road. Low range advanced traction control and turn the esp off. Mine embarrassed Range Rovers

I bought a 2001 ML 320 4+years ago for 1000$ US currently the odometer is reading 280000 the only thing I've replaced is the front brake pads. This is the 3rd Mercedes I've owned all had the 3.2 V-6 never ever a problem with the engine. I live in Oregon where if it snows 1 inch the State goes into panic mode 😂 the AWD was unrivaled, pulling Subarus off the line. For the money best car I've ever owned. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Got a ML320 2001, got it 2 years ago, (for free), Put about 1500 in so far, Struts, Front shocks, Air conditioning pump, New stereo, and man I love it.....This thing is a joy to drive, I have 215,000 miles and this thing just wants to keep going. I live in and this was a California Car, so No rust, Paint is good, and interior, I changed the front seats. I just do regular mantiance and it just always wants to go.....I also own a Lexus, and The visibility, height, and the way it runs makes the Mercedes a superior choice.....I love older cars, the lexus is a 99 RX300. Runs great, but the Mercedes is more fun to drive....

That’s what I’m talking about!! Great review on an old work horse. Thanks man

Really good video plase keep them coming

This is a lovely simple review. i needed this ML so bad but was scared off by bad review.

Another good review matt not everybody has £10000 to spend on a 4x4 but this good value for money

Thanks for this vid. Will weigh this in the balance against the Touraeg, LR3, and RX 330. Definitely looks like it could be a decent "do-it-all" daily.

Had one.. Wholeheartedly echo your thoughts... Bulletproof.handsome.value ..... Get one while you can

I drive Ferraris for work but my two Go-To cars when I need something reliable and comfortable are my W163 2003 ML350 and ML500 with 130K and 49K miles respectively. 18 years later they are still amazing. And yes, they feel like a comfortable pair of sneakers or my old pair of jeans.

I have a 2003 ml350. I love it. 17 years old and considerably low maintenance.

Once again great car and great review, keep them coming mate,

My father in law had the 2003 ML270 what a bucket of....😂 I had a BMW X5 the difference between the two cars was unbelievable X5 anytime for me. Thanks for the review.

Epic review, thank you! If you ever get the MK2 (2005-2011), please do a vid as there a next to no uk reviews on them! Thanks again

THE W163 IS THE BEST ML FROM MERCEDES EVER AND THE CLASSIC OF TOMORROW.

I remember both the Top Gear review of this car in 1998 (Jeremy Clarkson certainly didn't rate it) and also its debut in The Lost World as something of a prototype. Very interesting and straightforward review as always, thanks ever so much indeed, Matt!

The 270 diesel rocks! Great motor. It's a truck and pulls like one. Actually, I like the way the diesel purrs. It has character. Tough fundamentals relative to the 'tall car' AWD competition. A proper 4wd. A bit pitchy on uneven roads due to the height.

Thanks mate. Cheers! You have promised and you did video on Ml.

I love ML's, my aunt bought her 2002 ML500 new back in 02, which was the first time I was exposed to one. It was probably the nicest SUV around at the time (minus maybe a Range Rover/Hummer?) and I immediately fell in love with it. I have owned a couple since then, and now I have a pristine 2000 ML55 AMG that i've cleaned up and restored (really) to as close to new as possible and it's stunning to look at and the power is the only thing better than that. No major problems to speak of, though my aunt's did have some issues with electronics and modules dying later on in its life. It met it's unfortunate demise when someone rear-ended it while stopped at a light.

My ML 430 did 260,000 miles over 20 years with no major issues other than routine maintenance and consumables. Never let me down - ever. Effortless performance and since most of my journeys were over 100 miles 24-25 mpg was more than acceptable. Eventually the wheelarches became scruffy. I luckily found a very low mileage (over serviced) ML500 - I like the W163 and that fact that it has a proper Hi-Low ratio gearbox, which is useful to me on fishing trips in the highlands. Its a properly quick comfortable motorway stormer, covering big mileages with no effort. Good amount of interior space without being too big to park in regular parking spaces as many newer model SUV's now are. For the money, I now have effectively, a new W163 in mint condition. Its a steal!

Mine is a 1999 ML320 and was manufactured in Alabama USA AWD with 4x4 low .....It just hit 159,000 miles and it drives like day one and the A/C freezes you out in the lowest position......My car is a one owner and has never left Arizona ! and something a lot of people don't realise is that it has a closed sealed automatic transmission it never needs to be serviced .....ever

Very nice video. Really informative!

Great review. I live near Seattle,WA and still drive my 1999 ML320 with 148000 miles on engine and I love it, even dough that I have few other SUVs. This ML320 especially good in the winter time. I just put new set of Michelin tires to get ready for winter. Cheers mate :)

Love this car , u make me want one now 😂👍🏽

“Hank and Chuck” hahahahahaha my favourite channel on this platform

This is a great intro to this video. Very cleverly done for a terrific car really.

Very nice review and yes very good car , very robust and reliable the ML is.

Fantastic review 👌

Always loved the ML, love then GLE now too. Just a Mercedes man I guess. My C180K has served me well for the past 11years

Hi High Peaks. But one thing I must say. TOP MARKS for the most Ugliest unshapely of wagons. No Lustre all phallic. I always enjoy your vids. You are a real Gentleman. Keep up the good work.

My ML320 at 104k is easily the most reliable and useful car i have ever owned and i have had a lot. great review.

I bought one 10 yrs ago an ml270 cdi 0 mile new and it still runinng great

I had a silver ml270cdi with the factory AMG kit loved it brilliant car apart from the dreaded injector washers leaking

Had a 2001 facelift ML 270 CDI in Adelaide South Aust. It had not been all that well looked after and had a few issues but it was a lot better than the Holden JS2 Vectra I had before. It had the luxury pack and was a 7 seater. Sold it to the wreckers last year as it was needing more to fix than it was worth.

Very good review, thinking about ML55 amg amzing cars!

Like always, a great review. By any chance, could do the GLE or GL?

Congratulations on 16k Matt. I love a spare wheel on the back. Really looks cool on some of the older jeeps.

Nice genuine reviews 👍

Best motoring advice on the www😎👌🙏

Bought Ml270 (2002) last year for 3000€, It had 300k km already done, I had to change rear suspension, breaks, oils,filters thermostats...had a big issue with one abs sensor that was broken and was slowing the car down randomly and fuel pipes bursted because in car service they did shitty job(i have a bad luck on car services, 3 out of 4 fucked up something)...but overlooking these issues its the best car I have driven...in terrain or the road, it doest care and looks majestic, super confortable...it does however sound like the can with change lol and its thirsty a bit but you cant expect to have 5l/100km with over 2t car. The trunk is huge, slept in it couple of times. Every friday after work I drive couple of km on muddy field roads just to let off some steam and it brings me so much joy...and the cupholders...sweet jesus...nobel prize shouls have been given to the designer who thought of that. 😄

Thats a lovely review!

The 320 got replaced with a 350 after the facelift with 3.7 liter v6, suspension and how it drives is due to the fact that it has a body on frame construction so it will drive a bit like a truck, also speaking of electrical things, there's a low range box on these things and switching to low range is done by a button on the dash but because most people who bought these never used it, that electric motor that actually does the switching does get stuck, not essential for daily driving but it's nice when everything works

6 months ago I bought one from first owner with 95 000 km or 60 000miles, love it ,great in the bush too..

I have a 2001 ml320 love it, capable off road too

Nice review of a massively underrated TRUCK , I say truck because these are much more of a truck than a car, although I don't agree regarding your opinion on the diesel version, they are still the undisputed king of towing due to the powerful 5 cylinder 20 valve OM 612, it was/is a superb powerplant and was used extensively across the range in the early 2000's. The post facelift version (2002) was a huge improvement on the early models which were a bit shonky and probably deserved their bad reputation. However... people often don't appreciate the sheer durability of these vehicles, if you can find one that's been even a little bit looked after it will reward you with cheap reliable and luxurious motoring for as long as you want.

I love my Ml350 it has some rust but it keeps on moving along. 247K miles and still kicking all original.

I bought a ml320 2002, only thing inaccurate is the gas mileage. It can never get to 26 mile even in highway. Other then that love the truck.

Congratulations on 20k subs, :) Roll on the next 20 thou, to keep it real, maybe give an indication for repair prices for those who think they are cheap to run when they break down, I'm a big believer in thinking if you can't afford to buy it new, you will really struggle to pay for repairs if the thing konks out, even huge tyres on newer cars can be £500 a corner so if you can only afford to spend £2k on a car, you really will be in the shite, if you don't know what you are getting in to :)

great video -looks like a great example that one

@High Peak Autos did you have any issues with the accelerator peddle at all? I have a 2004 ml350 , love the car but the peddle gets quite annoying in traffic. Update. Now sorted it, just needed to stretch the accelerator control spring, works perfect now.

great video again, I look at all these 2000s suvs and I think definitely the one that aged best is discovery 3.

I’ve got a 2001 model made in America fully imported on the Gold Coast 320. I had Exhaust system replaced for the sports system which really thumps it sounds like a truck coming down the road and gives me a lot more power. I’ve beaten an EXR6 Turbo falcon Ute in mine I can beat a Commodore V8 off the mark in the wet with the four-wheel-drive and like you said they are so easy to drive and comfortable and I surprisingly don’t have much body roll.

‘You just had a conservatory built” 😂 cracks me every time lol

They don't seem to make cars like this anymore never owned one but they do seem class😊