The early 2000s were a turning point for the SUV market, and among the vehicles leading the charge was the 2002 Benz Ml320. For families needing space and a touch of luxury, but perhaps wary of minivans or oversized trucks, the ML320 presented a compelling option. My own journey to owning a 2002 Benz ML320 started with a common dilemma: how to fit three car seats across the back of a vehicle without sacrificing comfort or style.
Coming from a smaller Toyota 4Runner, the need for more passenger room became urgent with a third child on the way. In 2002, the SUV landscape was different. Choices largely revolved around traditional body-on-frame SUVs or minivans. While minivans were practical, they were off the table for my wife. Large SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were considered, but quickly dismissed due to their sheer size and height, especially the Suburban’s length. Interestingly, despite not being particularly car-focused, my wife expressed interest in the “Mercedes thing,” which I quickly realized was the first-generation ML-Class.
The 2002 Benz ML320 occupied a sweet spot. It offered a premium badge without being excessively priced. While memory is hazy on the exact figures, online research indicates a starting MSRP under $37,000 in 2002 (roughly $50,000 in today’s money). Our local dealer had a leftover 2001 model, but the 2002 ML320 boasted a mid-cycle refresh that significantly enhanced its appearance. The changes, though subtle, were effective: updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, side trim, and wheels gave the 2002 model a more modern and refined look compared to the earlier versions, like the burgundy 2001 model.
By 2002, the internet was becoming a powerful tool for car shopping. Finding a specific 2002 Benz ML320 became an online quest. I located a silver 2002 model (identical to the lead image) with grey MB-Tex (vinyl) interior about four hours away. We decided to make the drive in our 4Runner, hoping for a trade-in.
The Mercedes dealer, conveniently owning the adjacent Toyota dealership, showed interest in our 4Runner but raised concerns about the trade-in. They were unusually insistent about checking for accident damage, even bringing in their body shop team for a thorough inspection.
Ultimately, a deal was reached. The Toyota dealer acquired our 4Runner, and we drove home in our new 2002 Benz ML320. Crucially, the three car seats fit perfectly across the rear bench – a test we had conducted before finalizing the purchase. This 2002 ML320 was also our first vehicle equipped with factory satellite radio. It came standard with all-wheel drive, a feature not always standard on later ML models. While not heavily optioned – lacking leather, a V8, or sporty styling packages – the interior was a noticeable step up in quality, featuring genuine burl wood trim and excellent overall fit and finish.
The 2002 Benz ML320 shared its newly developed V6 engine with the E-Class. Initially, I had some reservations about Mercedes’ first V6, given their reputation for inline-six engines. This new V6 featured a unique three-valve per cylinder design, single overhead camshaft per bank, and twin spark plugs per cylinder. It seemed unconventional, and I wondered about the benefits compared to a more standard four-valve, twin-cam design with a single spark plug. Interestingly, Mercedes later reverted to the four-valve configuration in subsequent V-engine generations, suggesting the three-valve design’s real-world advantages might have been limited. However, the V6 and V8 engines of this era proved to be remarkably durable.
The 2002 Benz ML320 also marked our entry into synthetic oil. While conventional oil might have sufficed, the oil change monitoring system in the ML320 was designed for synthetic oil. The initial oil change interval was a lengthy 10,000 miles, which seemed excessive at the time. The system, however, would adjust this interval based on driving conditions like cold starts and trip lengths.
The first-generation ML, including the 2002 Benz ML320, offered an optional third-row seat, but it felt like an afterthought. These seats folded up against the sides of the cargo area and offered minimal legroom, making them suitable only for very short trips or small children. With the third row in use, cargo space was virtually nonexistent. We rarely used them and eventually removed them to maximize cargo capacity.
For daily family life, the 2002 Benz ML320 proved to be a capable vehicle. Three car seats fit comfortably, and cargo space was adequate for everyday needs. For longer trips, a roof box was necessary. The all-wheel-drive system was beneficial in snowy conditions. We experienced no significant issues with the ML320 during our ownership.
However, by 2005, with growing children, the need for more space arose. Our eldest was old enough to utilize a third row, and the idea of family camping trips emerged. Towing a camper trailer became a consideration.
Pickup trucks, like the Ford F-150, were and are the typical choice for towing. However, owning a truck solely for occasional towing wasn’t appealing. Full-size SUVs like the Ford Excursion were also considered for combined family and towing duties.
While the 2002 Benz ML320 was reliable and met our initial needs, it lacked the towing capacity for larger camper trailers. Life circumstances shifted our priorities.
Around this time, a friend inquired about our ML320 for her realtor mother, seeking a reliable and comfortable SUV. We mentioned our potential interest in selling, and a quick sale ensued. Remarkably, the realtor still owns the 2002 Benz ML320 today, a testament to its durability.
The easy sale of the 2002 Benz ML320 pushed us towards finding a vehicle better suited for both family hauling and towing. My wife had grown to appreciate the Mercedes ownership experience and sought a similar level of refinement in a larger, more capable vehicle.
The 2002 Benz ML320 remains a significant vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s history, marking their entry into the luxury SUV segment. It provided a blend of comfort, capability, and Mercedes refinement that resonated with families seeking a step up from mainstream SUVs. While perhaps not perfect in every aspect, particularly the third-row seat and towing capacity, the 2002 ML320 delivered a solid and enjoyable ownership experience, as evidenced by its continued presence on the road today.
