Project LoGiK
Restoring the Forgotten Mercedes ML
My name is Dhilan; I am a 15 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 writing this article on my website and 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
With your help regardless if you can supply advice, parts or offer a service on what we need please contact me link to page
MEET "LoGiK - ' the Analogue Mercedes SUV'
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, with enough space for seven passengers (optional extra-family package).
- Rear power windows
- 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.
Make no mistake this will be my future car !
Join Us
If you'd like to get involved and join us on the journey, with Project Logic, 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.
The Mercedes ML W163 was manufactured in Alabama USA.