In the early 2000s, the SUV market was booming, and for families needing space and versatility, the choices were expanding beyond traditional minivans and truck-based behemoths. Facing the imminent arrival of our third child, the need for a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate three car seats side-by-side became paramount. My trusty Toyota 4Runner, while reliable, was simply not wide enough for the task. Minivans, despite their practicality, were off the table for my wife, leaving us to explore the world of SUVs. This search led us to consider the 2002 Mercedes Ml320, a vehicle that offered a blend of luxury and capability in a manageable package.
Initially, larger American SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were considered. However, the sheer size of the Suburban, particularly its length, and the overall height of both models felt excessive for everyday driving and parking. My wife, surprisingly, then expressed interest in “that Mercedes thing,” which I quickly realized was the first-generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. While Mercedes-Benz was known for luxury sedans, the ML320 represented their foray into the SUV segment, offering a more premium alternative to the mainstream options.
Discovering the Refreshed 2002 Mercedes ML320
The price point of the 2002 ML320 was reasonable for a luxury SUV, with an MSRP starting under $37,000 in 2002 (around $50,000 in today’s money). The local Mercedes-Benz dealer had a leftover 2001 model, but it was the refreshed 2002 Mercedes ML320 that truly caught my eye. The mid-cycle refresh brought subtle but significant improvements, particularly to the headlights, taillights, bumpers, side trim, and wheel designs. These changes gave the 2002 ML320 a more modern and refined appearance compared to the earlier models. The lead image in silver showcases the updated 2002 Mercedes ML320, while the burgundy ML320 pictured above represents the 2001 and earlier design.
By 2002, the internet was becoming a powerful tool for car shopping, and the 2002 Mercedes ML320 was the first vehicle I actively researched and located online. I found a silver 2002 Mercedes ML320, identical to the lead picture, with grey MB-Tex (vinyl) upholstery at a dealership about four hours away. We decided to make the trip in our 4Runner, hoping for a trade-in, and after leaving the kids with family, we set off to see if this 2002 ML320 was the right fit for our growing family.
Making the Deal and Living with the ML320
The Mercedes-Benz dealership happened to be adjacent to a Toyota dealership, which streamlined the trade-in process for our 4Runner. The Toyota dealer, however, was quite thorough in inspecting our trade-in, even bringing in their body shop team to check for any hidden damage, reflecting perhaps a slightly unusual trade-in scenario for a relatively new vehicle.
Ultimately, a deal was reached. We traded in the 4Runner and drove home in our new 2002 Mercedes ML320. Crucially, we had brought our car seats along to ensure they would fit, and indeed, the three car seats fit across the rear bench seat without issue. The 2002 ML320 also introduced us to the novelty of factory satellite radio, and standard all-wheel drive was a welcome feature (unlike later ML models where AWD became optional). While our 2002 ML320 wasn’t loaded with options – lacking leather, a V8 engine, or sporty styling packages – it felt like a significant step up in luxury compared to our previous vehicles. The interior boasted real burl wood trim and high-quality finishes throughout, creating a pleasant and upscale cabin environment.
The V6 Engine and Synthetic Oil
The 2002 Mercedes ML320 shared its new V6 engine with the E-Class sedan. This was Mercedes-Benz’s first foray into V6 engines, moving away from their traditional inline-six configurations. The engine design was somewhat unconventional, featuring three valves per cylinder, a single overhead camshaft per bank, and two spark plugs per cylinder. While the rationale behind this design might have been debated, Mercedes-Benz eventually reverted to a more conventional four-valve, twin-cam design in later V-engine generations, suggesting that the initial approach may not have delivered significant real-world advantages. However, the V6 and V8 engines of this era in the ML-Class proved to be generally reliable and durable.
The 2002 ML320 was also our first vehicle to require synthetic oil. While conventional oil might have sufficed, the engine’s oil change monitoring system was designed to function optimally with synthetic oil. The standard oil change interval was a lengthy 10,000 miles, adjustable by the car’s computer based on driving conditions like cold starts and trip lengths. This long interval was a departure from the more frequent oil changes common at the time.
Practicality and Cargo Space
The first-generation ML-Class, including the 2002 Mercedes ML320, offered an optional third-row seat, but it was clearly an afterthought. These seats folded up against the sides of the cargo area, and when in use, legroom was virtually nonexistent, making them suitable only for very short trips or small children. Furthermore, with the third row in use, cargo space was severely limited. We opted to remove the third-row seats entirely, as they didn’t suit our needs and freed up valuable cargo space.
For our family, the 2002 Mercedes ML320 proved to be quite practical. Beyond accommodating the three car seats, the cargo area was sufficient for daily errands. However, for longer trips, like beach vacations, a roof-mounted cargo container became necessary. The all-wheel-drive system was also beneficial during snowy winters in our area, providing added traction and confidence.
Moving On and Lasting Impressions
During our ownership, the 2002 Mercedes ML320 was remarkably trouble-free. However, as our children grew older (ages 7, 5, and 3 by 2005), the need for more passenger and cargo space became apparent. Our eldest child was now old enough to utilize a third row, and family camping trips with relatives became a consideration. This shift in needs prompted us to think about vehicles with greater towing capacity and overall size.
While pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series were and are popular for towing, a full-size truck wasn’t ideal as a daily family vehicle for us. My sister-in-law explored the Ford Excursion, a massive SUV, for towing and family duties, but found it cumbersome for everyday use, eventually opting for a minivan for daily driving and reserving the Excursion for specific tasks.
As our family’s needs evolved towards camping and towing, the 2002 Mercedes ML320, while capable, lacked the towing capacity required for larger trailers with bunkhouses that we were considering.
During this period, a friend inquired about our 2002 Mercedes ML320 for her realtor mother, asking about reliability, service costs, and our overall experience. This conversation led to a quick and easy sale of our 2002 Mercedes ML320 to her mother, who, remarkably, still owns and drives it today. Despite a couple of minor accidents over the years, the 2002 Mercedes ML320 has held up well, a testament to its build quality and durability.
Selling the 2002 Mercedes ML320 paved the way for us to find a vehicle better suited to towing and larger family needs. My wife’s appreciation for the Mercedes-Benz brand experience and the ML320’s overall quality influenced our future car buying decisions. The 2002 Mercedes ML320 served our family well during a specific period, offering a blend of luxury, practicality, and reliability that made it a memorable and positive ownership experience.
