We looked at one once, had it on test overnight. It was comfy enough, but very expensive and very much underpowered, compared with the Jeeps we were used to.
Didn't even have low range, that was extra, which for me is unacceptable in a large four wheel drive.
Only my opinion, but it just wouldn't do for me. Can't remember what the bhp was, but certainly less than 200.
It was a big relief to get back in the Jeep.
If you look on whattowcar you can see reviews from people who have one and what they tow with it, that should,give you an idea of what people think, they seem to love them. :)
Post last edited on 25/02/2013 18:09:30
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
don't know what Greendemon been driving but my ML is a super tow car it has pulled my twin wheeled Bessacarr all round this country without any effort at all. I have sold mine today as i have bought a much lighter caravan, But i would reccomend then 100%
I could set the cruise control at sixty miles an hour and drive and forget i was towing and the comfort was second to none. I have bought a Hyundai Tucson 4 wheel drive and i hope i like it as much as the ML. The servicing/repair costs are not cheap but as all mercs they are very reliable. Towing the heavy van i was getting around 25mpg and without the van around 32mpg so not too bad for a large luxury 4x4. All i can say is go and buy one you will not regret it. I know i will miss mine!!!
PS you will not get stuck in muddy fields as we have seen Landrovers/Nissans do
Did it have low range, and do you happen to know the bhp? What was the weight of the caravan?
I'm not saying they are no good for anybody, but they wouldn't do for me. The moment my wife got behind the wheel he remarked on how underpowered it was. It was the 2.7 diesel, but I'm not sure about turbo. In act, it felt like there wasn't one.
When I asked the main dealer about low range, he asked what that was. When he went away and found out, it turned out that is cost over £2k extra.
I'm a bit scared to comment on this, but here goes. I drive the ML's cheaper cousin, a top of the range Ssangyong Rexton SPR. It is a great tow car, it has taken us down to Southern France on more than one occasion with no bother at all, you would hardly know the van was back there. The SPR is 186 BHP.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Hi me and other half used to have one each mine was 2000 (100k) hers 2002 (52K)both had tiptronic. They were like 2 different cars in some respects older one felt more nimble younger one used to have oil topup between services - only do about 5k per year each.
We only have a trailer tent so can't really advise on towing
Howerer I would say the electronic gearbox can be a bit random - both have had issues where autobox would not change gear, had to switchoff and on again then it would be ok, this only happened occasionally.
Need to find a good independant Mercedes specialist to keep servicing costs down
Would I buy another - not sure - I'm a mercedes fan but prefer the build quality of the older models
Oh no, really? That is a shame. I picked up an 02 plate with a genuine 56000 on the clock last Autumn, an auto which is what I needed. So I sold mine on the same plate year wise but with 94,000 on the clock.
The ML270 hasn't been made for 9 years, when it was in production it used the same engine as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, oddly the Jeep was built in Austria and the ML in the USA, the W163 model ML had a bad reputation for reliability and build quality, if you want an ML, go for the W164 model that came next, but be prepared for hefty running costs, I've owned versions of all 3 and still have an ML350, tyres/servicing around £1500 pa, towing mpg is 19!
The one we tried was only about 180 bhp. I'm sure it would pull the 1800kg caravan ok, but not enough power when you get a big boat on the back.
215bhp sounds more like it. The latest Jeep is 237. We get 26-28 mpg, and 23 with the caravan on.
I've had Jeeps for many years, but having a lot of electrical problems with this one. Wouldn't have another now. I'm blaming Fiat for that. We're in endless correspondence with Italy, hardly convenient.
Runs really well though. The plan is to keep this one a long time, in view of my reduced mileage, but I'm still concerned about windows that open themselves. The alarm seems to be sorted now. The end of the warranty is a concern.
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