[daepp]

Mine is an 01 V8. The original window stickers on the V6's only showed 1-2 mpg improvement over the 8. The problem with ML mpg is weight. The car is a tank. I have been rear ended twice in the ML - once by a kid who was texting in a Suburban and never hit his brakes. I could still open the back hatch after the crash!!!

The ML is a very solid, safe tank. I know there are plenty here who will bad mouth SUV's simply for their rollover potential, but I get a lot of peace of mind knowing my daughter is in such a tank.

As for other owners, there is as much discussion on these vehicles as any other, and MBWorld is a good forum for DIY help. Like the Pelican 911 Tech board, the MBZ board has saved me a lot of dough. For example, the dealer want $680 for a new Mass Airflow sensor and install. The forum gave me instructions on where to get one ($105 - original Bosch) and how to install (10 minutes plus one trip to AutoZone for a special socket).

I admit I am biased - but when I get back in the ML I realize I still miss. Not the harsh ride (I drive a GS350 now) but the solid, nimble, upright experience. FWIW.