Review: Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class (1998-05)

Review: Mercedes-Benz W163.I M-Class (1998-01)

Overview

Released in September 1998, the Mercedes-Benz W163 Series I (W163.I) M-Class was a mid-size, four-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the W163 M-Class range initially consisted of the ML 320, but was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the ML 430 (March 1999) and ML 270 CDI (March 2000).

Please note that the Mercedes W163 ML 55 AMG has been reviewed separately.

ETS 4WD system

The Mercedes-Benz W163 W163 M-Class had a permanent four-wheel drive in which power was distributed in a 48:52 front:rear distribution from the Borg-Warner 44-06 transfer case (which had an integral centre differential). Instead of differential locks, the ‘Electronic Traction System’ (ETS) of the W163 M-Class could detect wheel slip and would automatically apply brake pressure to the slipping wheel to transfer torque to the wheels with grip.

For low-speed operation, a 2.64:1 low-range ratio could be engaged at the touch of a button. In this mode, the transfer case provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split.

Body and dimensions

The chassis of the Mercedes-Benz W163 ML was based on a box-section, ladder-type frame that comprised two offset longitudinal members welded to three cross members. Damping to reduce transmission of road noise and bumps in the road surface was provided by the sub-frames for the front and rear suspension in combination with ten rubber bushings.

The W163 M-Class was 4587 mm long, 1833 mm wide, 1807 mm tall and had a 2820 mm long wheelbase, while its drag coefficient was 0.39 Cd.

Suspension

The W163 M-Class had double wishbone front suspension with the upper control arms and shock absorbers attached directly to the frame, while the front sub-frame carried the lower control arm and the steering gear. The front suspension also incorporated torsion bars that were supported by the centre cross member, in combination with an anti-roll bar on the lower wishbones.

The double wishbone rear suspension had a similar design, though torsion bars were replaced by a combination of coil springs and shock absorbers with progressive-rate springs. Similarly, the rear axle upper control arms and spring/damper assemblies were mounted directly to the chassis frame and the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar were carried by a sub-frame.

Both front and rear suspension utilised twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers.

Steering

The Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class included dual front airbags, door-mounted front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

From October 1999, the outer rear seatbelts were fitted with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W163 ML 320 and ML 320 CDI

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W163 ML 320 and ML 270 CDI Classic variants included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter (‘Speedtronic’), front and rear fog lamps, 1/3 to 2/3 split rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, roof rails, a cargo cover and an immobiliser.

The Luxury variants were further equipped with leather seats, power adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror, burr walnut wood trim and a trip computer.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W163 ML 430 Luxury

The Mercedes-Benz ML 430 Luxury was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres, a seven speaker sound system, heated front seats and an alarm system with tow-away protection.

October 1999: M-Class update

From October 1999, features were revised to include redesigned front seats with seatback pockets, 60/40 split and folding rear seats with a centre arm rest, sequential shift gear changes by moving the selector to the left or right and courtesy lights in the doors. Leather trim – for the ML 430 and other Luxury variants – was also extended to the doors and surface door handles.

Review: Mercedes-Benz W163.II M-Class (2001-05)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the Mercedes-Benz W163 Series II (W163.II) introduced improved safety equipment and cosmetic updates. The range was also revised as the ML 430 was effectively replaced by the ML 500 and, in May 2003, the ML 350 replaced the ML 320.

Visually, the Mercedes-Benz W163.II M-Class could be identified by its new bumpers, clear polycarbonate lens headlights, door mirror indicators and body-coloured bumpers and side protection strips. Inside, there was a new centre console with wood trim and chrome-ringed controls for the climate control air conditioning system.

Other changes for the W163.II M-Class included:

• ‘All Terrain’ tyres were replaced by ‘All Season’ tyres to reduce road roar and tyre vibration;
• An upgraded braking package for the ML 270 CDI and ML 320 (previously restricted to the ML 430); and,
• For the Touchshift transmission, holding the selector lever in the ‘-‘ (i.e. downshift) position would cause it to shift down until the gear that could best slow or accelerate the vehicle was engaged.

Safety equipment

Compared to its W163.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W163.II M-Class was extended to include full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants) and two-stage deployment for the dual front airbags.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Mercedes-Benz W163.II ML 270 CDI received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.64. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious head injury for the driver and marginal risks of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. Maximum points, however, were achieved in the side and pole impact tests.

Features

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W163.II M-Class were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning and automatic headlights.

2004: M-Class update

From January 2004, the Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI and ML 350 featured a six speaker sound system with in-dash CD player and rear parking sensors (‘Parktronic’). The ML 500 was further equipped with COMAND – including satellite navigation – and a six-stack CD player.

2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Special Editions

In April 2005, Special Editions of the ML 270 CDI, ML 350 and ML 500 were released; these models were distinguished by their 17-inch aluminium wheels with 275/55 R17 wide-profile tyres, power adjustable front seats with soft leather and Alcantara upholstery, woodgrain trim, aluminium roof rails, ‘power dome’ bonnets, tinted tail-lights and chrome-faced door handles.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class