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Mercedes-Benz M-Class

WDC163154Stock varies — page stays live

The ML 320 (W163.154) was the launch model for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, it featured a body-on-frame construction, double-wishbone independent suspension, and the innovative 4-ETS electronic traction system instead of traditional mechanical locking differentials.

Engine
3.2L M112 V6
Displacement
3,199 cc
Drive
4WD
Gearbox
5AT
Fuel
Petrol
Body
SUV
Mercedes-Benz M-Class WDC163154Mercedes-Benz M-Class — representative 1st gen (W163) image

Chassis variants of the M-Class

WDC1631543.2L M112 V63,199 cc4WD5AT
WDC164183.5L M272 V63,498 cc4WD7AT

Dimensions & shipping volume

Length
4,587 mm
Width
1,834 mm
Height
1,776 mm
Weight
2,010 kg
Shipping volume
14.94 M³

Manufacture year vs. registration year

Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:

Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
WDC163154-1AXXXXXXSep 1997 – Aug 2001Pre-facelift ML 320
WDC163154-1A (FACELIFT)XXXXXXSep 2001 – Jun 2002Facelift ML 320

Import eligibility by country

Age limits are counted from the month of manufacture, not first registration. This WDC163154 was produced 1997–2002; the statuses below are checked against Jul 2026.

KenyaNot eligible
8-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.
UgandaNot eligible
15-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.
TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.
ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.
MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.

Common questions about the WDC163154

Does the W163 ML 320 have a low-range transfer case?
Yes, it is equipped with a two-speed transfer case providing a true low-range mode, activated via a button on the dashboard.
What are common build quality concerns with early W163 models?
Early production models (1998-1999) were criticized for interior trim quality and minor electrical bugs, which were significantly improved in the 2001 facelift.