Mercedes M class ??

Paul Ouellette · 01-18-2008, 09:30 PM

Group :

Are any of you using a Mercedes M'class SUV as a tow vehicle ??

Just curious.

P.

Wayne&Sam · 01-19-2008, 05:31 AM

I use a 2005 ML500 to pull my 20' Safari. I love it. It's my second ML. I got the 2005 because it was the last year of the old style. My next one will be a GL with the bluetech diesel.

Road Ruler · 01-19-2008, 07:23 AM

Last October we parked beside a couple with a ML350 with a newish 25'.

They were on their 3rd year with the combo. They told us they liked it a lot and have been south and back with it.

We followed them for a 4 hour drive the following day through some hills and crosswinds. It was impressive to watch as it appeared to have no sway or negatives.

Wayne&Sam · 01-19-2008, 07:30 AM

Sway is not an issue with our setup. We do have sway bars. Tows very easily and we get 12 mpg while towing.

Kajtek1 · 01-19-2008, 11:40 AM

Only 10 mpg with our setup. But I am passing 50% of cars with it.

Kajtek1 · 01-19-2008, 12:05 PM

Word of precaution about tongue weight. On our ML320 I installed aftermarket tow hitch, that has only corner reinforcing brackets for the bumper. When I pulled the boat with big tongue weight from the ramp, the stress flexed collapsible bumper reinforcement to the degree, when I could stick my hole hand between the bumper and taillights. Fortunately after taking the load off it come back.
Factory hitches have reinforcing brackets going thru the bumper reinforcement, therefore holding it from collapsing a bit better. Pictured ML55 had the brackets factory installed even without the hitch.

Wayne&Sam · 01-20-2008, 11:33 AM

Factory installed hitch is always a good idea but is a must for 2006 and on. In that year they lost the frame and went to unibody.

cameront120 · 01-25-2008, 09:50 AM

How reliable are these vehicles? I read that they can be in the shop a lot.

Wayne&Sam · 01-25-2008, 10:01 AM

Yes, they have a bad rap for reliability, but my experience has not proven it. My first ML was a '98, the first year. It had a few recalls and a quirk or two, but it was reliable.I put 165k miles on it. My '05 has only had routine service except for a transmission leak that was caused by a bad o-ring in an electrical connector. It was easy and cheap to fix. It has 60k miles on it.
I'd get another, but I think I'll look at the GL next time.

Kajtek1 · 01-25-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

How reliable are these vehicles? I read that they can be in the shop a lot.

It seems to be hit and miss issue. Our ML320 is turning 10 years this year. The only thing that failed in this time was MAF sensor, what cost $129. Still on all original batteries (engine and remotes).
Others spend big $$$ at stealerships on try by error diagnostic.
IMHO it is more service, that manufacturing issue.
Once you find a mechanic who knows how to work on those wheeled computers (I am DIY guy) it is perfect car.

2airishuman · 01-25-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

How reliable are these vehicles? I read that they can be in the shop a lot.

the early years for this model had more issues than other merc, and were below average for all new vehicles...

also the interiors had a cheesey/poor finish (they used the same plastics trim vendor as ge'em)...

most recent version is much nicer on all accounts,

but still once the warranty is up, all merc parts are expensive.

cheers
2air'