This 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 was sold new by Atlanta Classic Cars in Decatur, Georgia and has since remained in the state with the original owner until it was purchased by the current owner in 2025. This two owner example shows consistent service records throughout its history at the dealer and with a Mercedes-Benz independent specialist. Finished in Black (040) over a Sand Leather (205) interior, power comes from a 3.2-liter V6 paired to a five-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels. Recent service in preparation for the sale includes an oil change, transfer case fluid flush, differential flush on front/rear units, engine air filter, new front brake calipers, wiper blades, new Mercedes-Benz battery, Skyview roof service, and brake fluid flush. Features include the rare Skyview power folding sunroof, heated perforated leather front seats, leather steering wheel, a leather shift knob, burl walnut dash and console trim, trip computer, lockable safe under the passenger seat, Bose premium audio with 6-disc CD changer, all wheel drive with high and low range, and cruise control. The included Carfax report shows 28 service records, two owners from new, and "very minor damage" in 2015. This ML320 "Skyview" currently shows just over 53k miles on the odometer with 4k miles added by the current owner and is offered with manufacturer's literature, original window sticker, one infrared key FOB and one blade, service records, and a clean Georgia title.
This W163 is finished in Black (040) with gray lower cladding below the doors and matching gray cladding on the front and rear bumpers. This example is fitted with the rare Power Skyview Top which was a $2395 option in 1999 and primarily fitted on the ML430 making this ML320 particularly rare. This top is reported to be fully functional as showcased in the image gallery and on the video with a recent service in preparation for the sale. Black roof bars show in excellent shape along with the smoked clear plastic wind deflector before the lamella roof begins. "Very minor damage" was reported on the rear passenger corner of the car in the Carfax and the owner notes 1.5 mil thicker paint on the rear passenger quarterpanel. Detailed paint meter readings are shown in the gallery and point to original paint everywhere else on the body. Original OEM glass is shown all around the car with factory window tint throughout. A paint correction and top coat was performed in preparation for the sale. There is zero body rust on this example as it has lived in the metro Atlanta area its whole life.
This example retains the original 5-spoke wheels measuring 16x8 on all four corners. The wheels are wrapped in Cooper Adventurer H/T tires measuring in the original 255/65 which show ample tread remaining and no signs of uneven wear. Date codes read 2018 on all four tires and the seller shows there are no alignment issues in the video. The 4MATIC system powers all four wheels with a recent front and rear differential fluid change, brand new front brake calipers, and new brake fluid. Front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers were installed in 2022 at 46k miles and front brake pads/rotors and transmission service was done at 40k miles in 2018.
The cabin is trimmed in Sand Leather (205) across the seats, door cards, and head rests. The steering wheel and shift knob are trimmed in Black leather with a black dashboard and contrasting Sand lower plastics and carpeting. The center console, dashboard, and doors show original Burl Walnut veneer with no signs of cracking or wear which was part of the M1 Option Package that cost nearly $3,000 in 1999. This package also featured heated leather front seats with 8-way power, auto-dimming mirror, trip computer under the front reading lights, and a lockable safebox that comes with two keys. Additional features include functioning power adjustable mirrors, a folding second row of leather trimmed perforated seats with three leather headrests, and a dual speed transfer case. The cargo area contains an OEM retractable cargo cover, first aid kit, jack, and swing out 6-disc CD changer that is part of the Bose Premium Audio system which was a $1,050 option. Original Sand carpet floor mats are shown in each floorboard and are in excellent condition. The auto dimming mirror has some LCD damage as photographed but the car comes with a non-autodimming replacement mirror. The top left corner of the passenger airbag is lifting by a couple millimeters according to the owner.
The seller has included a detailed video documenting a cold start, underside inspection, walkaround, and driving video.
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34 Comments
Big value. Well-bought. Go find another...@PricklyPearAutoClub Yeah it's arguably the only one. Congrats @MSerpe! I'll call you again.Congrats!Congrats to the winner! We'll probably never see another one again.Such a neat little W163.$13,000 bid placed by @MSerpe
Dayum!$11,750 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
$11,500 bid placed by @MSerpe
$10,500 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
$10,250 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$10,000 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
$9,750 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$9,500 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
$9,250 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
@GenevaMotorCars Do it I know you want it.$9,000 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
$8,750 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
Good luck everyone! This is a car that's probably not repeatable. If you're a W163 fanatic or a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast that just wants a new-used car this is the one. I cannot wait to chat with the winner here soon!Trying to keep my finger off the bid button! Unbelievable example. Exquisite presentation.$8,500 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
With just a few hours left, I want to thank everyone for the great comments and interaction we’ve had. This is a very rare and quite original car with some utterly strange options paired together. I’ve never seen one like this before. We’ve daily driven this car since last summer and did some services on it to get it tip top. I also did a paint correction to get the 040 paint looking nice. This really is a turn key collector level W163. I try to build my auctions so people are not hesitant to buy it sight unseen and I hope I achieved that here. Whoever wins the truck which is selling NO RESERVE today I’ll forward the full resolution gallery to your email to download so you have them on hand to add to its provenance. I took some cool pictures and had fun shooting my truck and I’m going to miss it. Good luck everyone!$8,008 bid placed by @OriginalAndRare
@MSerpe ...I actually didn't get a good picture of it closed from above -- shame on me! Let me grab one tomorrow when I'm next to the car again. Thank you for pointing that out! I'll tag you when it's uploaded. It'll be in the morning.$7,750 bid placed by @Deslpwr
@Stuttgart_Steel Great answers, appreciated. I will look at the video again, sorry I missed that part. Ok yes, I see at minute 28, thank you. I do see photos 312/313 of the roof closed from inside (panel does look very nice).... which photos show it closed from the outside from above? thanks again you are doing an excellent job with this listing!@MSerpe I have it opening and closing near the end of the video linked below. I also have pictures of it open and closed in the gallery. We opened at close it about 7 times during the photoset and zero malfunctions. We have a theory the complaints come from your typical driver who abuses cars. We always used the roof on level ground with the car in park as if it was a soft top. I also greased the whole assembly so I’m thinking most people never did either of that and that’s where the complaints come from since most drivers have zero mechanical sympathy. It’s not as quiet at highways speeds as a hardtop (for obvious reasons) but you can have a normal conversation at 85 MPH. Imagine any one of your cars with the sunroof vented at 35 MPH and it’s about as loud as that at highway speeds. Transfer case has been actuated several times and was one of the first things we tested when inspecting the car to buy. I also did a fluid flush on the case (and diffs) a few weeks after purchase since I like to know what brand of fluid is in there and that the weight is correct to OE specifications. We also left the car out during a few rainy days to make sure there were no leaks, parked on both flat terrain and slanted forward/backwards. I did clean the drains just in case and they had like no buildup in them. The car was very obviously garage kept.@Stuttgartsteel Might you have a video of the option code 417 LAMELLAR ROOF in operation and does it make noise when closed at highway speeds or well sealed? Any leaks of air/water when closed? Do you have a photo of the roof closed from top/bottom? I have not driven in one before and noticed complaints on MBWorld about these, but I don't know if its just drama or real....... Lastly, have you tested the shifting of the transfer case (motor known to fail/grind on these) low / high ratio? thanks reference link https://www.benzworld.org/threads/how-to-repair-a-skyview-lamella-roof.1230460/$7,500 bid placed by @Martin1983
@MSerpe Yeah it’s currently registered. And I’m in Marietta at the southern end of Dobbins Air Reserve Base.@Stuttgart_Steel. What I meant was, is this ML street registered, like, could it be picked up and driven home (with my insurance) or do I need to bring a trailer / or pay to ship it? I'll check with my friend near you about Monday. Is the location Alfaretta GA>?? Thanks....@MSerpe The car isn’t registered for the show since I have no idea where it’s going when it ends. I’m bringing a personal car down there that’s registered for the show, so don’t really have a means to get the ML down there. It would be pretty cheap to ship though and it’s just a 5 hour drive from Amelia. And I’ll be around Monday all day working on getting my car prepped for the show, so more than happy to meet someone to show it. PM me if you want to set something up!@Stuttgart_Steel Already bringing 3 cars to Amelia, but thought about picking this up on the way home unless you might be willing to bring it down there for delivery (pre-paid of course). Is the car registered ? Is it possible to send someone to see the car this weekend or Monday AM?FYI Amelia Island is next weekend and the ‘80s and ‘90s car show, RADwood, is happening on the 7th. Registration is still open and this truck would kill there. If you happen to buy it, it would be fantastic to fly in and take it down to the show. I’ll be going as well in something cool and rare — not sure what car yet. Just a fun idea to pitch. You could go trophy hunting with this one…$7,250 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$7,000 bid placed by @Martin1983
Rats -my Head cracked in my near perfect 87 300SDL w/102K miles -hope my luck changes with winning this one!$6,500 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$6,250 bid placed by @IM_INNASHVILLE1
@CarConcierge You just never see them anymore and they were rare when new. It's just so cool. It's a perfect vibe car.I've personally spent some time in this ML and know the owner all too well. This is who you want to buy a vehicle from. There are no words to describe how nice this ML is and drives. The color combination is absolutely stunning and the Skyview option is such a pleasantry. I've had numerous W163's over the year and still own one currently. It's mind blowing how clean this one is. The 3.2L and 722.6 transmission combination is dead reliable. These are very under the radar today and are aging incredibly well. The next owner, whoever you are, is going to be extremely happy.Obsessed with this car! The Skyview is such a great option!$6,000 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$5,000 bid placed by @2fat2furious
$4,750 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$4,500 bid placed by @2fat2furious
Lovely comment Dean, I appreciate it. I love the fact that you have a beater W163 -- it's like me with my beater W210 E55 and E300D that I use as a "work truck." I adore this era of Mercedes-Benz as they are tough AND reliable. Also I should mention to everyone that we daily drove this ML through a Georgia summer and it did see rain. That was intentional however since we wanted to make sure the Syview roof did not leak. I do like to spend a lot of time "torture testing" cars to get them ready for market that way I'm confident common issues won't occur for the next owner. This example is as tight as a drum. It's seen autumn and deep winter (as deep as it gets in GA), and the cold doesn't effect the roof nor does the car get unhappy when it's below freezing. It's such a fabulous four season vehicle.LOVE the W163, and I truly believe these trucks are flying under the radar. My ownership of a 2001 ML320 has been a complete joy. I have known my mechanic for about 15 years, and when I met him he was driving a 1999 ML320. He is STILL driving that truck daily today !!! His opinion of the vehicle is what prompted me to buy a sub-70k mile example about 5 years ago. My personal use ML now has about 150k miles and my intentions are to get 500k miles out of it. NOT FOR SALE !!! In the past 5 years I have updated the valve cover gaskets, replaced the alternator and the AC compressor and not because it wasn't still functional, but the Mrs. complained it was not cold enough for her. LOL !!! The CD changer stopped working about a year ago, and the driver door lock must be locked with the key. Outside of that, it has been insanely reliable and a absolutely perfect truck for my daily usage. The second row seats drop down effortlessly and I have has as many as 3 full sets of refinished wheels and tires in the truck at one time. Such a solid and well built SUV !!! The M112 3.2 V6 and 5 speed transmission is bulletproof. I would not hesitate to drive my ML320 to California today. This particular example in this color combination, condition, and the uber rare Skyview roof even has me thinking about throwing my hat in the ring here. I could NEVER throw tires, wheel, and parts inside of this truck, but it sure would be nice to have another vehicle like this in my fleet. This is a practical and uber reliable SUV but in this condition it is also a vehicle I would drive to a wedding or other "Sunday's Best" affair. Current owner is a like minded Mercedes-Benz enthusiast who doesn't just follow the crowd when making a vehicle purchase. This is such a great vehicle. I love mine and I already know that the new owner of this W163 will feel the same way. Best of luck. DeanSeen this thing in person several times and it’s a time capsule. Beautifully maintained and just a gem, truly. Good luck with sale@GoBoGo The chassis is TOUGH on these. Looking at them from underneath, its true MB through and through and they are FUN to work on! The interiors were the biggest let downs, but this one is in freakish condition.@UncleFred1 I loved reading your comment -- thank you so so much for taking the time to type it out. I grew up around old Mercedes. My uncle worked at a shop that specialized only in MBs since he was 16 and still does it and I partially grew up there. My dad was super into them as well and he taught me how to buy, look at, and inspect cars when I was like seven as he only bought the cleanest examples of classics. My brother is also a talented MB technician who helps me out from time to time on harder jobs, but I'm a pretty decent wrench turner. Stuttgart Steel brand is literally only me at the moment -- I'm a one man army... for now and running it out of my house. It's pure grassroots at the moment with some big plans in the works. I've actually been driving around and wrenching on @blakleyleonard A160 (W168) which is a slick top but we have the press photos of them coming optioned with the Skyview roofs like you mentioned. We're actively searching for one with that option since we LOVED living with this ML320. And I ADORE a W203. My brother and I owned a C32 AMG with a Stage 3 Kleeman kit on it and it was a riot. I would love to represent it. You and anyone else can contact me at [email protected]. A website is coming here soon. Again, very grassroots. I quit my job as reconditioning specialist at a very, very high end dealer last year to do this full time. I love doing what I do and I get to do it my way. And we're seeing the old guard change the flags here in Atlanta. They are getting to that age where it's just too hard on the body to keep working on them and I'm realizing it's up to people like me, my bother, and other shops that I'm friends with that are brave enough keep these on the road as maintaining and wrenching on them, while pleasurable, is hard work. It's just very important to me. @EFIII Thank you. I don't know how to halfass anything -- it's only fullass here.Wow. Very well presented.ah, memories.... ours was burgundy; sold it after over 200K miles. Solid vehicles!I have to say this is a very cool ML. I wouldn’t have probably even looked at it if the Daily Vroom didn’t call it out!😬 The condition is stellar…folks that know me from BAT know I adore low mile fully original cars that have been maintained. And I am melting over the skyview roof…I have never seen one, and have always been a fan of the Webasto fabric roofs of the 1950’s. They did use that design on the early “A” class cars in Europe, but this is new to me… Wanted to compliment you on your amazing video… I always complain on BAT that folks don’t show enough live details of a car, always asking for at least a functional video and some driving. But you really did the best I have seen in awhile, covering every piece of the driving experience, the underside, and all the functions. It’s the best way to sell a car when somebody can’t be there to see it physically. Good on you!👏 I think I’ve seen a couple of your cars previously… it would be good to let people know who you are and how you are involved with these cars. It’s rare to see a youngun with this level of knowledge and interest in classic Mercedes… It warms the old heart to see that the hobby will be in some good hands going forward. Old guys are fading away from the market, especially those that repair and rebuild these classic Mercedes, so love to know more about you folks ! My bidding finger is twitching, but I’d have to get rid of something to get this… Interested in a 35,000 mile 2005 C240 with the original wrapping still on some of the parts? Let me know…😄 Best to all.🖖✌️🤘$4,250 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$4,000 bid placed by @MSerpe
@MercedesDad Thank you! Really happy with the photoset on this one.Holy smokes; I've never seen a 163 ML like this. Great presentation for a great car.$3,200 bid placed by @Mbb79184
Welcome everyone to a personal car of mine that I'm begrudgingly let hit the market. First off, I actually own this car with a really good friend of mine and this has been a grail car of our for years a this point. We never expected to find it in M112 trim however since they were all seemingly ML430s that came optioned with the lamella roof. M112 is just fine as we both grew up in E320s. While I've owned a ton of super rare cars in the past with a S211 E63 and a Avantgarde Rosso 190E currently in the fleet, this miiiiiight be the rarest car I've owned. I can't find production numbers on ML320 Skyviews, but I can't imagine many exist (and yes, we already asked the Classic Center). Rarity aside, the condition is achingly nice. The W163s have been cheap cars for decades at this point and if you see one on the road, it is usually clapped out. The color combination is wonderful and the services are all up to date. I keep saying this on my W163 listings, but this is the NICEST ML I've ever interacted with... and I'm proud to call it my own. The listing is thorough with no stones unturned. If you have any questions or need additional photos I can provide them. I'm more than happy to show the truck in person and take phonecalls or have a Facetime session. Weird to say this, but this is a concourse condition ML320 and I've been kicking myself I listed it as soon as I did or I wold have taken it to RADwood at Amelia Island here in a few weeks.