Project LoGiK

Restoring the Forgotten Mercedes ML

My Mercedes W163 ML 350 'Inspiration Edition' will be exhibited at the NEC Classic Motor show 13-15 November 2026 at the Mercedes-Benz Car club stand. Come and visit us we will be happy to see you!

Hi! My name is Dhilan; I am a 16 year old petrolhead who is obsessed with cars. I like to visit car shows. However, I have noticed a declining trend of young people attending car shows over the years. So, I have decided to change that by establishing my website on how older cars are still  interesting and just as exciting as new ones.

Ever since I was born, I have been interested in cars. My fascination has grown over the years, through attending car shows, reading articles and manuals as well as watching car restoration programmes.

Some cars are more than transport — they're family

For three generations, Volkswagens have been part of ours. Beetles and Karmann Ghias. Our pride and joy is a 1969 Karmann Ghia Coupe, built in Germany, sold brand new to Oregon, USA. It was then relocated to the UK, we are the second owners.  It's been lovingly restored: a car with character and history in every panel.

But as every petrolhead knows, there's always another project waiting in the wings. And this time, the badge is different — it's the three-pointed star of Mercedes  




          MEET "LoGiK - Mercedes W163 ML 350 'Inspiration Edition'

Our newest addition is a 2004 Mercedes M Class – The ML (W163) with 144,000 miles — the "Inspiration" model, finished in brilliant silver. This Inspiration model is a hybrid of the Mercedes ML 320  and ML 500 AMG

Original Specification: M-Class "Inspiration": Special-edition model with exclusive, high-class specification

  • Limited Edition of the internationally popular Mercedes off-road model
  • 17-inch Aluminium alloy wheels, 275/75 R 17 wide tyres
  • Sports seats for driver and front passenger
  • Anthracite leather upholstery and exclusive Designo trim features
  • Powered by a smooth further-improved V6 petrol engine (M112) with 13 per cent more torque
  • 5-speed automatic gearbox
  • Space for seven passengers (optional extra-family package).
  • Rear power windows
  • Heated seats 
  • Power folding Mirrors
  • ULEZ Compliant

We owned one of these Mercedes ML's before and named it YoDa,- again due to its registration plate, we loved it; the comfort, the practicality, the solid feel. It had the same engine and finished in the same brilliant silver. But an SE spec that had many optional extras. We purchased this to tour the UK . When we finished the tour, we sold it, we regretted it almost instantly. So, when another one-owner, example came up for sale, complete with a full Mercedes service history, smoke / vape and pet free, we didn't hesitate.

We've named it LoGiK after its registration, and it's already earning a place in the family fleet.

In my opinion, the W163 ML is one of Mercedes' best-ever models — simple, spacious, and strong. Yes, they had their share of rust spots, but they are proper, honest cars that stand the test of time.

Why am I doing this Project

For me, this isn't just about fixing a car. It's about, sustainability, preserving a bit of motoring heritage, learning new skills, and bringing people together through a shared passion.

The three points in the Mercedes logo represent land, sea, and air — and that history adds to the fun of keeping a car like this on the road.

LoGiK has done the miles, but it deserves a new lease of life. And with your help, it'll be back in show condition — ready for the next chapter of its story.

Join Us

If you'd like to get involved and join us on the journey, with Project LoGik, sponsor a part, offer a service, or even share advice, please get in touch or contact me directly through my parents. We will keep you updated on the journey.

Let's keep the classics alive — one restoration at a time.



Background of the ML

The Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class was launched in 1997 as the company's first modern luxury SUV, and the ML350 became one of the most refined versions of the range. Built at Mercedes-Benz's then-new factory in Alabama, USA, the W163 combined the comfort and safety expected of a Mercedes with genuine off-road ability, thanks to permanent four-wheel drive and sophisticated electronic traction systems. Unlike most of today's SUVs, it was designed to deal with off-road capabilities whilst remaining comfortable for everyday driving conditions. The W163 proved hugely successful, helping to establish Mercedes-Benz as a major player in the premium SUV market and paving the way for the many luxury SUVs that followed.

Photo gallery