ML55 AMG

[hunt_the_fox]

Guys, hello. I have never posted on the Merc section so this is a hello. Also I have a nipper on the way and am thinking of a second car, I am impressed by the ML55 AMG and especially the prices but have read a couple of bad reviews esp re the build quality.

Ultimately I have kind of set my heart on one unless someone gives me a good reason not to buy which is why I have posted here, a bit of advice would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

HTF.

[Classy6]

163? Have to be I suppose!

Definitely right about the build quality. Built in America so that explains a lot :lol: If you sit in a 163 & then in a newer 164 ML the quality & overall look is worlds apart IMO.
Not really that fast for an AMG either to be honest!
Can get problematic with expensive bills like all activity modules going down to.

Drive one and see what you think, but don't rule out any other SUV's until you've tried them.

[Enigma AMG]

I have owned one for a year now and whilst the build quality is not up to that of other mercs the engine and drivetrain appear strong. Also makes an excellent towcar pulls 3 ton with ease.
Performance is good for an suv feels decently rapid on the road and handles well for a big bus very little body roll but the payoff is a hard ride.
One thing that surprised me was the relatively good mpg I usually return around 21mpg with a low of 17 and a high of 24 but it will drop back if you thrash it.
Overall I think that there are better suv's out there especially the latest generation ML63's etc... but if you factor in sheer value for money nothing beats an ml55 for around 8k.

[355spiderguy]

here comes the controversial post!!

i have owned our facelifted ML55 AMG since it was 3 years old.
as with our E55 AMG estate, i have put of replacing it for a good few years now because it has been a fantasic reliable piece of kit.
like our E55, it only averages approx 5K miles a year, so the wear and tear issues are low, likewise with the fuel bills and servicing bills.
so far, apart from 2 services @ MB( 'A' & 'B', with the latter being haggled down to £280 all in with me supplying the mobil 1 ), the car hasn't cost me anything on repairs.
due to the full MB service history, it qualified back in nov last year to get a full respray courtesy of the mobilo life anti corrosion warranty ( excluding bumpers and bonnet, although bonnet was painted before by them for signs of corrosion in '07 ) where the battery, which, to be fair was on its last legs ( and to be replaced when it was booked in to get a 'B' service in dec ) went dead, so they very kindly replaced it free of charge!

it is on 54k miles now, and none of the horror stories you keep reading about have happened to me...

i appreciate that a tiny minority of owners have had problems with cars they bought new, but i don't know how many posters either bought a 'bargain' which turned out to be a dog that has never been maintained well, or others are posters whom have never owned one but post up what they have read and is maybe an exageration of someone elses issues.

my advice is that you put as much cash together you can muster and buy a good one that has been looked after; it will pay you back in spades. don't skimp and buy a cheaper one that is shabby and keep money back for a 'contingency'...it will be most likely you will be buying someone elses seriously expensive problems.

both my AMG's should of been replaced with the newer versions ages ago, and indeed in dec 2008 i was about 5 mins away from replacing them with used E63 estate and ML63 respectively as prices had crashed due to the banks wee problems, but being a canny/tight scot overuled my vanity; i decided not to be so extravagent as the current motors were serving me so well, and unsurprisingly enough, they still are!

hope my post helps someone.