MERCEDES BENZ ML350: Which Version Do You Like for Used Car?

First Generation W163 Model (2003-2005)

The MERCEDES BENZ ML350 went on sale in 2003 as a mid-size model of the W163 M-CLASS, differentiating it from the ML320 that had been on sale. Up until then, the G-CLASS had been marketed as a MERCEDES BENZ SUV line, but in comparison, the ML350 was developed with a focus on on-road use. In terms of the exterior design, compared with the hard and tough impression that the design of the G-CLASS conveyed, the ML350 utilized a design that was similar to that of the MERCEDES BENZ sedan, particularly around the headlights, front grille, and taillights.

The manufacturing was done at a U.S. factory-a first for MERCEDES BENZ vehicles. The body size measured in length, width, and height at 4,645mm, 1,835mm, and 1,820mm respectively. Though designed with on-road use in mind, a sturdy rudder frame structure was used for the chassis, making it suitable for off-road driving as well. Its weight was increased by 20kg when compared to the ML320, making it 2,100kg.
In terms of the interior, two-tone color dashboard areas, walnut wood panels, and metal-plated door knobs were installed, boosting the luxurious feel of the model.

Thought was placed on the rear seat arrangements as well; by utilizing a board to fill in the gaps between the steps, the cargo space was made almost completely flat.

The engine carried was the 112M37 V-type six-cylinder 3,724cc engine with 235 horsepower, which was combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The drive system was 4WD combined with 4ESP (Electronic Stability Program), thereby making it possible to prevent the tires from running idle and securing driving power.

Fuel consumption measured at 6.9km/L-a decrease when compared to the ML320. However, the torque was increased, leading to a smoother driving experience. The standard tire size was 255/60R17.

With the ML350 as the base, the “Option Package” and the “Sports Package” were made available in the lineup. In the “Option Package,” genuine leather seats, seat heaters and power seats in the front, and a genuine leather steering wheel and gear shift were introduced as optional settings. For the “Sports Package,” in addition to the aforementioned features, AMG styling aero parts, Bi-xenon headlights, and privacy glass were added as optional installments.

With the aforementioned minor changes, for the standard equipment, when compared to what was available for the ML320, such new additions as the 6-disc CD changer, a luggage room cover, and a safety net in the trunk were introduced.

In October 2004, changes were made to the exterior, such as the addition of metal-plated parts and newly designed aluminum wheels and tires. For the interior, changes were made to the seat covers, and a special edition went on limited sale, which boasted a meter panel with chrome rings.

Second Generation W164 Model (2005-2011)

In October 2005, the ML350 underwent a full model change to its second generation model. The design of the first generation model was carried over for the exterior, but a distinctive characteristic of this full model change was that the quality of the interior greatly increased.

The car body measured in length, width, and height at 4,790mm, 1,910mm, and 1,815mm respectively; compared to the first generation model, the length increased by 145mm, the width by 75mm, and the wheelbase by 95mm, greatly enlarging the interior space. And yet, increase in weight was able to be limited to 20kg.

As for the chassis, a monocoque body was utilized, increasing safety in the event of a collision. Careful attention was placed on designing the interior for maximum quality; metal-toned parts were positioned in various areas, increasing a sportier atmosphere. Moreover, in terms of the automatic selector, the steering column was newly situated on the right side. For the equipment options as well, a multi-function display with VICS-compatible DVD navigation was installed, further enhancing riding comfort.

The 3,497cc 272 gasoline engine with 272 horsepower was carried.

This engine was combined with the electric 7-speed automatic “7G-TRONIC” transmission, thereby leading to an enhanced fuel consumption of 7.9km/L.

Minor changes were implemented in October 2006, leading to enrichment of safety features. Neck pro-active head rests, which protect passengers' heads in the event of a collision, were installed to front seats as standard equipment. Moreover, side- and rear-view cameras were installed to support drivers' visibility when parking.

In May 2010, in addition to the gasoline engine, the 642 V-type six-cylinder DOH diesel turbocharged engine with 2,986cc displacement and power output of 211 horsepower was added to the lineup.

In November of the same year, minor changes were made to the interior and exterior. The design changes to the exterior centered mainly on the front area, such as the installment of LED driving lights. In terms of the interior, efforts were made to increase quality, as well as improve the navigation system and install the KEYLESS-GO to all vehicles as standard equipment.

Third Generation W166 Model (2011-)

In June 2011, the ML350 underwent another full model change to the third generation model, which was introduced in Japan in June 2012. The design was further refined, increasing an air of high quality. Moreover, another feature of this model was a design that was more in line with that of the passenger vehicle series; however, it still boasted a powerful and thick C pillar, carrying over the traditional design elements of the M-CLASS, making it a great icon for MERCEDES BENZ.

In terms of the interior as well, the materials used were reevaluated, further increasing riding comfort.

The engines saw increased power output, consisting of the 276 V-type six-cylinder DOHC 3,497cc gasoline engine with 306 horsepower, and the 642 V-type six-cylinder DOHC 2,986cc diesel turbocharged engine with 258 horsepower.

The transmission combined was further improved, newly evolving to the “7G-TRONIC PLUS.”

In September 2013, the “Radar Safety Package” with a collision prevention system utilizing a millimeter wave radar and the “360属 Camera System” with parking assist were installed as standard equipment.

Moreover, the “ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic” carrying the 642 V-type six-cylinder DOHC 2,986cc diesel turbocharged engine with 258 horsepower saw changes in its aluminum wheels to 19-inch wheels with 5 twin spokes.