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Hi!! I traded IN a white with grey leather 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 [with about 37,000 km - 22,000? miles] for a new Nighthawk Black Pearl/black leather 2001 Acura MDX. I bought the ML new and owned it for just over 3 years. My ML320 was the 'elegance' model. It had three options. The Bose stereo, a 6-disc CD changer and the dark tinted glass. Here is a list [for those who care!!] of my likes and dislikes of each vehicle!!
What I liked about the ML320!!
- transmission
- brakes
- SEATS [especially the drivers seat!!!]
- Bose stereo
- handling [although it 'bobbed' a bit around corners]
- snob appeal [even though - in my opinion - it isn't a 'real' Mercedes]
- automatic locking/unlocking door locks
- REAL wood [on the center console]
- engine power [although it didn't SOUND very good]
- service intervals [up to about 10,000 miles or so between oil changes]
- intermittent rear wiper [even though it wasn't varible]
- side turn signal indicators
- heavy truck-like feel [felt like it COULD go off-road]
- wide 255mm wide tires
What I DID NOT like about the ML320!!
- steering [would not center itself after making a turn]
- VERY CHEAP feeling interior plastics [from the turn signal arm to the glove box, etc.]
- crunchy sounding suspension [especially when cold]
- sound of the horn [which I replaced with one from a 'C' class MB]
- DRL's [a 'must have' in Canada - ALL of the exterior lights would go on - as well as the dashboard lights - which dimmed the clock etc.]
- no variable speed intermittent wiper setting
- the rear seat [VERY difficult to fold 'down'. I even broke the release lever once]
- alarm system never DID work properly [had to have the 'anti-tow' feature disabled]
My particular ML320 had several things 'go wrong' or 'break'. [such as the hinge for the front door - the muffler strap - power window switches, etc. Keep in mind - I had one of the first ML's available in Western Canada]
What I LIKE about my new ACURA MDX!!
- engine [power AND sound!]
- brakes
- transmission [even though it DOES seem to 'hunt' for the right gear sometimes - epecially when traveling up hill]
- steering [very 'car like']
- horn [sounds classy]
- quality of interior plastics, etc.
- stereo [Bose - but not quite as good as MB Bose]
- IN DASH 6-disc CD changer [I love that!!]
- ride [very smooth on almost all surfaces]
- handling [very stable - at least at moderate speeds]
- rear seats [how easily they fold down and out of the way]
- A/C [automatic temperature control AND separate rear heating controls - great idea!]
- steering wheel mounted cruise control - unlike MB which has an 'arm' sticking out just beyond the turn signal arm]
- wipers [variable intermittent setting - for the front wipers, at least]
- 17" wheels [although not quite as wide as the MB]
- very wide body [relatively speaking - gives the MDX some 'on-road presence' - if that makes sense!!]
What I DO NOT like [so far] about my MDX!!
- driver's seat [uncomfortable and TOO small]
- driving position [seat, steering wheel AND dash board are NOT centered to each other]
- no automatic locking/unlocking feature with door locks
- foot operated [to set AND to release] parking/emergency brake
- big center screen constant reminder of what option you DIDN'T get!! [even though you CAN'T get the navigation 'thing' in Canada]
- steering wheel tilts towards dashboard [somewhat 'bus-like]
- fake wood [even though it looks 'OK']
- some controls [such as the A/C controls] are unnecessarily awkward
- headrests don't tilt [like they do in the ML320]
- center screen to bright at night [even when set at lowest setting]
- the MDX doesn't FEEL as though it would fair very well 'off-road' [not that this matters too much!]
- no 'manumatic' feature with transmission [but the '98 ML320 didn't have that either - even though the 2000 ML320 DOES!]
That's it!! I hope you're still awake!!
Craig!! :)
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| Will |
| I'm curious Craig, why didn't you go for a 2000 or 20001 M-class? ALL of your dislikes of your '98 ML320 were addressed in these two model years. |
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| Hi Will!! I never seriously considered the 2000 or 2001 ML320. The main reason is the fact that the latest ML's are not nearly different enough from the '98 model to justify [in my mind] the difference in price. I also do not like the new stereo they have in the ML's. Unnecessarily complex and confusing. I wouldn't have gained anything as far a power or handling is concerned - either. Mind YOU - now that I realize that the MDX's seats [driver seat in particular] is UNBELIEVABLY UNCOMFORTABLE - I regret that I went through all of this. I'm now in the process of trying to figure out the best way to get RID of my MDX. Very upsetting - to say the least. I'll lose some money by trading it in [perhaps on a new BMW 330ci or something - with the SPORT SEAT package!!] BUT there is no way I'm going to keep something that was obviously made [as far as I'm concerned] for someone MUCH shorter and smaller then ME!! Other then the [impossible for me to ignore] discomfort - I think the MDX is a great SUV. That's why I bought it in the first place. Oh well.... |
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| Will |
Hello Craig, interesting that you found the new radio confusing. When I sat a friend's new 2000 ML430, I had no problems with it. In fact, I thought that it was rather neat, with the GPS and cellphone integration and all. I also liked how easy it was to punch in a station frequency (* and then the 3 or 4 digits of the station). I also liked its ability to display all of the preset radio stations in one screen. These are two things that I wish that the MDX's radio has, since it is much more convenient than scanning through the frequency band.
May I suggest that you take an extended test drive for your next vehicle to make sure that the seats fit you 99% of the time at least. The sports seats in the BMW have large side wings and you may find them restrictive, so try it out!
Good luck with your choice! |
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| Hi Craig, mind if I ask your physical size? I am concern about the seat, I am 6'2 and 165 lbs. Thanks. |
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Hi!! I'm 6'3" tall and about 240 lbs. You should know that I own two other cars. A 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle and a 1991 Acura NSX. BOTH of those cars are VERY comfortable. [especially the NSX] BECAUSE the NSX IS so comfortable [along with every other HONDA I've owned] it never entered my head to worry about the seat in the MDX. I'm still trying to figure out what I should buy NOW. A big [unexpected] pain the the ass. [in more ways then one!!]
PLEASE - whatever you do - insist on a VERY long test drive. Never feel pressured to buy anything. It's JUST a 'car'. Your life doesn't depend on whether or not you buy it!!! Make sure you're COMFORTABLE!!!!! [a lesson I'll never forget - hopefully!!]
Craig |
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I am a bit late addressing your comparison CanadaCraig, but I too traded a 1998 ML320 on an MDX. I am a bit surprised with your comparisons, since I had a little different experience.
I find the seats in the Acura more comfortable than the Mercedes, but I am 5'10" and 175 #, so it may be a matter of size. My wife refused to ride or drive the ML320 because she didn't like the seats, the "snob appeal" or the steering (even though it was registered in her name.) As for off road, the ML 320 was better than my Pathfinder, but the ML lacks the wheel travel to climb over rocks, etc. My main use for 4-wheel drive is in snow and ice, and I think the ML, BMW and MDX are the best choices.
That said, I think 7 passengers in the MDX is worth a lot, the steering, engine and transmission are superb. I may have something different, but my transmission is NEVER "seeking" and climbing hills is FAR superior to my ML320's performance. I can't tell when the MDX shifts from 5th to 4th except by watching the tachcometer.
The piece de resistance of the MDX, however, is the ULEV engine and the gas mileage! I could never get 20 mpg on a 5-mile drive to my office with the ML320. More likely, 12 mpg. Now, the MDX does get 12 mpg if "pushed", but with the gorgeous readout on the navagation screen (no nav on mine--couldn't get it,) I can track every 100 feet! On my first tank I tried hard to maximize the mileage--fast downhill and slower uphill (just follow a fully loaded truck), but I got only 20.5. that was a 250 mile trip with interstate, secondary and some city driving combined, varying from 35 to 90 mph.) On the second tank, I used the cruise control nearly exclusively for the 250 mile trip back, and got 21.5 as I recall.
As for the wiper, you maynot have realized, but the ML did have adjustable wipers, but it was automatic. Below 30 mph, low speed was 1 cycle per second, and high was 3 per second. Above 30 mph, low was 2 per second and high was 4 per second. Personally, that was one feature I liked about the Mercedes. So far, I have been disappointed with the rear wiper on the MDX. I was in light snow and lots of calcium chloride. The rear window was so smeared that I had to get out twice and clean it! I took it to the dealer, who tightened the spring, but compared the ML320, it just doesn't seem to clean the window!
As for sound, I am an audiophile and wouldn't give a nickel for a Bose system. I'm happy with the base system until I can upgrade it. I never got around to upgrading the ML320.
By the way, how much did you get for a trade? They gave me $27,500 for my base ML320.
J Wilson
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Hi J Wilson!!
I really enjoyed reading your message. It was interesting to hear from someone who ALSO traded in an ML320.
The dealer 'gave' me $36,000 CDN for my ML. [I'm not EXACTLY sure what that is in U.S. dollars!!] I paid list price [which is the LAW in Canada] of $47,950 for the MDX. [minus the trade - of course!!] Oddly enough - my dealer WAS going to give me only $34,600 for my ML but then decided to see if he could get more by selling 'it' to a dealer in the U.S. He WAS able to do that and that's HOW I got $36,000.
I WAS aware that the ML had an intermittent front wiper BUT, to be honest, I never noticed the change is 'speed'.
As an update to my saga - My MDX is now for sale. I've already had over a dozen responses to my ad. Hopefully it will sell sometime this week. I decided against altering the front seat for the simple reason that I, MYSELF, would probably NOT by a car with an altered [or changed] seat. I really don't want to get rid of my MDX but there is no point in driving a 'car' that is uncomfortable. I think I'll stop buying cars for awhile. Not having very much luck lately!!! :( |
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| Isaac |
$47,950 is list in Canada?
No, around Vancouver, it is $47,000 even at all the dealerships.
I just picked up my baby, and so far .... wooohoo!
Sorry, I can't complain about the seats. It works fine for me. It is, obviously, not the same as the seats in my GS-R. In fact, at first, I felt it was all wrong because there was too much space. I like the cozy cockpit in my GS-R.
Yup, I also have "gripes" about the fake wood. Brushed metal would've looked better, as I saw it in the X-5.
I liked the intermittent wipers on the MDX which slow down when you stop. The side mirror which tilts down when you put it in reverse. Actually, I hate to say it, but the interior seems to have gotten more "BMW-ish" which looks cool, but in practice, less practical than the standard "Honda" layout. (With respect to buttons, controls, etc).
I gotta say, it "feels" big on the road. Even next to other SUV's it feels like I'm towering over them for some reason.
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Hi Isaac!!
According to Acura of Canada - the 'list' price IS $47,000. [like you said] However, the freight and PDI charge of $950.00 is ADDED to that price and is the reason why I say the 'list price' is $47,950. Acura of Victoria - where I bought my MDX - uses the $47,950 price for their MDX's. |
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| I have a White '98 ML 320. My lease expires this month and I have decided to do one of the following (1) lease an MDX; (2) Lease a 2001 ML (3) buy my '98 ML. I am interested in hearing from other ML owners that have made the switch. Are you glad you did it? The main things I like about the ML over the MDX is (1) it has a truck frame so it is more durable- higher towing capacity etc.; (2) it has a GVW of 6000+ so it is not subject to US tax deduction limits on cars; (3) slightly better ground clarence and turning radius; (4) Maintaince included on new ones; (5) heaver frame and more safety features. Downside is the ML will probably get a facelift in 2002 so a 2001 will be dated soon. The MDX is about 3.5K cheaper and there is a dealer nearby. I really like the automatic dual HVAC controls. Also- I can't believe the MDX is not offered in white yet. |
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CanadaCraig,
Before you unload your MDX consider this. I had the same problem with my 1984 Audi Quattro and replaced the front seats with Recaros which were like having a Lounge chair in which to drive. I kept the original seats and included them when I traded the car in on a 1988 BMW 325ix with no problem from the dealer. I believe the Recaros still come in leather and even if the color does not match exactly it still would be cheaper than taking a hickey on selling the MDX. I found the MDX seat on the test drive to bother my back a bit but the passenger seat was ok so I chalked it up to maladjustment of the driver seat lumbar support. There are less drastic measures available than replacing the seat which might also solve your problem such as orthopedic cushions, etc. I am a lot shorter than you 5'7" and a bit lighter 185 lbs so I might be your best advisor. |
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by CanadaCraig
The dealer 'gave' me $36,000 CDN for my ML. [I'm not EXACTLY sure what that is in U.S. dollars!!]
>>> Simple if you know how to use the exchange rate which is approx. $1.50 CDN for $1.00 US...Therefore, $36,000 CDN = $24,000 US
I paid list price [which is the LAW in Canada] of $47,950 for the MDX.
>>> Which law is that, Craig? I live in Canada. There is no such law. We can negotiate price on anything. |
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Hi remery!! Too late!! I sold my MDX a couple days before Christmas. I even got a few hundred dollars OVER what I paid. [but I did lose most of the taxes] !! I considered Recaro seats but everyone that I sat in was VERY narrow. [which was one of the problems I had - already - with the MDX seats] Oh well.. I appreciate your advice
Pierre.. I'm aware of the exchange rate formula. [but thanks] I didn't know, as I said, EXACTLY what 'that' amount was in U.S. dollars.
As far as the 'law' regarding list price... let me clarify. EVERY Mercedes-Benz and Acura dealership I went to said that they can NOT "legally" sell a NEW car for MORE than the list price. They CAN, of course, sell for LESS. Whether or not this is an actual 'law' is something I can't personally say. |
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| It is the law in Canada. Naturally however, they can hit you with fees like dealer prep, etc. |
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quote:
Originally posted by saloveku
It is the law in Canada. Naturally however, they can hit you with fees like dealer prep, etc.
What do you mean? Surely you mean that dealers cannot charge you MORE than MSRP. You certainly can negotiate and pay LESS. Is this a federal or provincial law? |
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