Possibly Buying 2008/09 ML350

[gray_es300]

As the title states, we may be in the market for a 2008/09 ml350 to replace out lexus lx470. Now we used to be a big mercedes family, and still own a 1991 560 sel with 15k miles, our last was a 1998 ml320, needless to say our experience with it was awful and the reason we switched to lexus. Now we are in the market for an SUV and it is between the ML and a gx470 (not a fan of the gx460 styling). I was just wondering what the reliability of the 350 would be like. If we get one it would be under warranty for another 2 years. I have driven one but only for a short time and it was better handling then the GX, but the GX seemed to be more comfortable. Other questions are what is the gas mileage like and how is servicing these things? Any input would be great, especially from someone who cross shopped the ML and the GX. Most cars on these forums that have had issues tend tobe 06-07, im wondering if by 08-09 they had worked out the issues.

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[paracutin]

Originally Posted by gray_es300

As the title states, we may be in the market for a 2008/09 ml350 to replace out lexus lx470. Now we used to be a big mercedes family, and still own a 1991 560 sel with 15k miles, our last was a 1998 ml320, needless to say our experience with it was awful and the reason we switched to lexus. Now we are in the market for an SUV and it is between the ML and a gx470 (not a fan of the gx460 styling). I was just wondering what the reliability of the 350 would be like. If we get one it would be under warranty for another 2 years. I have driven one but only for a short time and it was better handling then the GX, but the GX seemed to be more comfortable. Other questions are what is the gas mileage like and how is servicing these things? Any input would be great, especially from someone who cross shopped the ML and the GX. Most cars on these forums that have had issues tend tobe 06-07, im wondering if by 08-09 they had worked out the issues.

Our 08 ML hasn't had any issues so far. It just turned 65,000 miles.
Before making our purchase we looked at BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln. I'm not a Toyota fan so Lexus was never in the running for me. That being said, I like the exterior styling of the ML over the GX but the GX interior is nice. It is more inviting and comfortable looking. The ML, as with most other MB vehicles, has a very clean, hard, all business look to the interior. I don't think the Germans have it in them to build a vehicle any other way. I like our ML. It is our first "luxury" car. A tremendous step up from the Ford Escape the wife was driving prevoiusly. Would I buy another ML? Yes. Yes I would. But it would be a 550. BIG HP!
Good luck and keep us informed as to your choice.

[LOVEMYBS]

IMO get the refreshed 09. I don't have a 350 (mine is a 09 550). So far my 550 has been rock solid with no problems at 67K miles.

[MAmendola]

I have an 09 with 46k and I have only had two issues. The wires for the side view mirror turn signal indicator broke. I guess I fold in my mirrors two much. Fixed under warranty. The other issue was a small pinhole leak in the lower radiator hose @ 1500 miles. Again fixed under warranty and the dealer said this was a rare issue. Love the car. had an 06 and opted for the 09 when the 06 lease was up. The 09 had just about every option with the exception of air suspension. I am going to buy the car when the lease is up next May. I average 18 - 20 mpg around town and I am not a light of foot driver. Love the deep exhaust note when accelerating and I have the stock exhaust.

The only reason I chose not to buy the 06 was there were recurring transmission issues which I was told was resolved in the 09 models. Both a dealer and my independent mb shop who services the car told me to get the 09.

Good luck

[Global Autosports]

Check out our website: Mercedes ML - Mercedes ML For Sale

[AMG140.6]

Originally Posted by gray_es300

As the title states, we may be in the market for a 2008/09 ml350 to replace out lexus lx470. Now we used to be a big mercedes family, and still own a 1991 560 sel with 15k miles, our last was a 1998 ml320, needless to say our experience with it was awful and the reason we switched to lexus. Now we are in the market for an SUV and it is between the ML and a gx470 (not a fan of the gx460 styling). I was just wondering what the reliability of the 350 would be like. If we get one it would be under warranty for another 2 years. I have driven one but only for a short time and it was better handling then the GX, but the GX seemed to be more comfortable. Other questions are what is the gas mileage like and how is servicing these things? Any input would be great, especially from someone who cross shopped the ML and the GX. Most cars on these forums that have had issues tend tobe 06-07, im wondering if by 08-09 they had worked out the issues.

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