From whome30@yahoo.com: Well, As some of you may remember I was given the opportunity for MB to buy back my early 98 ML320. I did a lot of looking and finally bought a 99 RX300. I currently have 300 miles on the RX and have the following comparisons (don't flame me - these are my opinions with 24K in my ML and .3k in my rx). 1. RX cargo area is smaller. No brainer here, but it really isn't significantly smaller (most area seems lost due to height. 2. Blind spot - there is a big blind spot in the ML, the RX does not have this and it is easier to drive in city traffic due to this. 3. Handling - I prefer the ML handling - It is crisper and closer to my wife's BMW. However, on the highway it is much easier to maneuver the RX - mostly due to lack of a blind spot. 4. Ride - The RX wins this hands down. It is much smoother and more car-based than truck based. 5. Power - They seem about the same to me - ML is more torquey and the power is at different revs in the RX - took some getting used to but it is a draw on that one. 6. Seats - this is interesting - I loved the 3 seat design of the ML, but honestly it was a rattle nest and kind of a pain to figure out. The RX slides forward like a regular seat (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 inches). Then you can RECLINE the rear seat. This is wonderful. 7. Mirrors/headlights - The ML autodims inside but the RX autodims all (inside and out). Also the RX has auto headlights on function that is real nice. 8. Temp controls - RX has a number and is automatic - Doesn't have dual-zone like the bimmer but what can you do. 9. Gauges - I like the optitronic instrument panel in the RX, don't really care for the TV screen though. Of course the MB was more classic and was easy to read. I also liked where the MB had the clock and temp display, on the RX they are on the TV thing. 10. Fit/finish/quality - Well this depends on whether we compare to the 98 or 99 ML I had - To make it closer I will use the 99 I drove for about 1K. Fit/finish are much improved on the ML - I would give it an 8 now, the RX would get about a 8.3 (so they are close). quality - the leather IMHO is much better in the RX, I never liked that perforated leather, and I like having LUMBAR in the RX. 11. Storage - Well, I don't like where the shifter is in the RX, I did like the gated shifter in the ML. However due to the placement in the RX you do get a lot of storage space for McDonalds bags and such. 12. Windows - All windows and the sunroof are one-touch open and close on the RX, also you can use the key fob to open/close them all. 13. CD player - In the glove box on the RX. Bottom line - As some of you are aware, I was going to get a 99 ML320. This did not occur and now I have an RX. I liked my ML, up until recently, and if they can get out some of the quality issues - would probably buy another one (once the manufacturers bad taste gets out of my mouth).