The early 2000s marked a significant shift in the automotive landscape, particularly in the realm of luxury vehicles. SUVs were rapidly gaining popularity, and Mercedes-Benz, traditionally known for its sedans, stepped into the ring with the M-Class. For families needing space and a touch of premium comfort, the 2002 Mercedes Benz Ml320 emerged as a compelling option. Coming from a smaller Toyota 4Runner and anticipating the needs of a growing family, the ML320 became our solution, and here’s a look back at what made this vehicle stand out.
Image depicting a silver 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 showcasing its refreshed exterior design.
Initially, minivans seemed like the most logical choice for accommodating three car seats in the second row. However, the minivan concept didn’t resonate with my wife. Traditional body-on-frame SUVs were the other primary category, but many felt overly large or cumbersome for everyday use. While brands like Chevrolet with the Tahoe and Suburban were considered, their size and perceived bulk, particularly the Suburban’s length and the height of both models, were quickly deemed unsuitable. Then, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class entered the conversation.
My wife, not usually focused on vehicle specifics, surprisingly pointed towards “that Mercedes thing.” It turned out she was referring to the first-generation ML, and specifically, the refreshed 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320. While positioned as a luxury vehicle and carrying a higher price tag, it wasn’t exorbitantly expensive, with a starting MSRP around $37,000 in 2002 (roughly $50,000 in today’s money).
Image highlighting the pre-facelift styling of the first generation Mercedes Benz ML-Class, contrasting with the 2002 model.
The 2002 model year brought a noticeable mid-cycle refresh to the Mercedes Benz ML320. Compared to the earlier 2001 models and prior, the updates were subtle yet effective. The headlights, taillights, front and rear bumpers, side trim, and wheel designs were all refined, giving the 2002 ML320 a more modern and appealing aesthetic. The silver model pictured at the beginning exemplifies the 2002 enhancements, while the burgundy ML320 illustrates the pre-refresh styling.
The internet was becoming an increasingly useful tool for car shopping in 2002. My search led me to a silver 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320, identical to the lead image, with grey MB-Tex (vinyl) upholstery located a few hours away. We decided to make the drive in our 4Runner, considering it as a potential trade-in.
The Mercedes-Benz dealership, conveniently sharing ownership with a neighboring Toyota franchise, showed interest in our 4Runner. However, they were quite inquisitive about our reasons for trading it in so soon. They even brought in their body shop personnel to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, ensuring it hadn’t been in any accidents.
Interior view of the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 dashboard, emphasizing the burl trim and functional design.
Ultimately, a deal was reached, and we drove home in our new 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320. Crucially, the three car seats fit across the second row as planned – a detail we confirmed by bringing them along to the dealership. This ML320 was also our first vehicle equipped with factory satellite radio. While it included standard all-wheel drive, unlike later ML models, it wasn’t heavily optioned. It featured MB-Tex upholstery instead of leather, the standard V6 engine rather than a V8, and lacked body styling upgrades or larger wheels. Despite this, the interior presented a noticeable step up in quality for us, with genuine burl wood trim and generally excellent fit and finish throughout the cabin.
Engine bay of the Mercedes Benz ML320, showcasing the 3.2-liter V6 engine.
Under the hood, the 2002 ML320 shared a newly developed V6 engine with the E-Class. While Mercedes-Benz was renowned for its inline-six engines, this V6 was a departure, being a new and relatively untested design. It incorporated a somewhat unusual three-valve per cylinder configuration, a single overhead camshaft per bank, and two spark plugs per cylinder. This design choice seemed unconventional compared to the more common four-valve, twin-cam, single-plug layout. Mercedes-Benz eventually transitioned to the four-valve, twin-cam configuration in subsequent V-engine generations, suggesting that the benefits of the three-valve design may not have fully materialized in real-world performance or efficiency. However, both the V6 and V8 engines of this generation proved to be remarkably durable and reliable over time.
The 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 also marked our first experience with synthetic oil. While conventional oil might have sufficed, the vehicle’s oil change monitoring system purportedly required synthetic oil to function accurately. The standard oil change interval was set at 10,000 miles, which initially seemed quite extended. The computer system, however, dynamically adjusted this interval based on driving conditions such as cold starts and trip lengths.
Image displaying the optional third-row seating in the Mercedes Benz ML320, folded and stowed in the cargo area.
The first-generation ML-Class offered optional third-row seating, but it felt like an afterthought in the 2002 ML320. These seats could be folded up against the sides of the cargo area, as pictured. When in use, legroom was virtually non-existent, making it suitable only for very short trips or small children. Furthermore, cargo space behind the third row was minimal. We never utilized this third-row feature and often removed the seats entirely to maximize cargo capacity.
Overall, the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 served our family needs effectively. The three car seats fit comfortably, and the cargo area was adequate for daily life. For longer trips, a roof-mounted cargo container became necessary. The all-wheel-drive system proved beneficial in snowy conditions where we lived. We experienced no significant issues or mechanical problems during our ownership.
However, by 2005, with our children growing older and needing more space, we began considering a larger vehicle. The eldest child was now old enough to utilize a third row, and the idea of family camping trips with a trailer started to take shape.
Image of a Ford F-150 pickup truck, a common vehicle for towing trailers.
Pickup trucks, like the Ford F-150, were and remain popular choices for towing. However, owning a truck solely for occasional towing wasn’t appealing, nor was a full-size truck as a daily driver.
Image of a Ford Excursion SUV, representing a larger vehicle class considered for family and towing needs.
My sister-in-law and her husband opted for a used Ford Excursion, aiming for a vehicle that could serve as both a family car and a tow vehicle. However, the Excursion proved cumbersome for daily driving, leading them to acquire a Plymouth Voyager for everyday use, reserving the Excursion for towing and extended trips.
Image of a camper trailer with a bunkhouse, illustrating the type of trailer that families might consider for camping.
While we were content with the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 and its reliability, our evolving family needs pointed towards a vehicle with greater towing capacity for larger trailers with bunkhouses. The ML320, while capable of handling smaller trailers, wasn’t ideally suited for the type of camping we envisioned.
Image of a car seat, representing the family-oriented use of the Mercedes Benz ML320.
During this period of considering larger vehicles, a friend inquired about our experience with the ML320. Her realtor mother was interested in purchasing one. After discussing our potential plans to sell or trade, we ended up selling the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 to her mother. Remarkably, she still owns it today and lives nearby. Despite a couple of minor accidents over the years, the ML320 remains in great condition, a testament to its build quality and longevity.
Image referencing a “new look,” metaphorically representing the shift in vehicle preferences and needs.
The effortless sale of the ML320 paved the way for us to explore vehicles better suited for both family needs and towing. My wife, having appreciated the Mercedes Benz ML320 and the overall ownership experience, recognized the value of quality and brand experience, making the decision to move to a slightly larger and more capable vehicle a natural progression.
