sancann

I have read that there will be a difference in towing capacity for the 2015 ML250 Bluetec, but wanted to know what the difference in the engine will be. I would like to order a ML350 Bluetec but I am willing to wait if the main difference will be towing capacity which I do not really care about.

I also want to know if it is too late to order a 2014 ML350 Bluetec.

PureNick

I'm 99.9999% it's too late to order an ML350 Bluetec since the factory will be shutting down in the next couple of weeks to make the updates to the 2015 ML's which will include the change from the ML350 to the ML250. There may be a small window still so I'd start calling every dealer in a 150mil radius if you're REALLY wanting a 350 but start tomorrow as every day is getting closer to the last.

I would take a very educated guess that the new ML250 Bluetec will have a 3,000-3,500 pound towing capacity.

In terms of the engine... a lot is changing. 350 is a six-cylinder, 250 is a four banger.

27T

"main difference will be towing capacity which I do not really care about."

Not sure why you believe that going from the 350 down to 250 will only result in lower towing cap. As mentioned it'll change from 6 to 4 cyl and that affects everything and not in a good way like power, acceleration, noise, etc. But you do get better MPG. Every car is a compromise.

GregGebhardt

Might want to check dealer stock in surrounding cities as I think it is too late to order a 350.

audi40

Agree, when I ordered mine @ end of March, my dealer had no more ML build allocations available for 2014's and had to do a "swap" with another dealer to get one of their open build allocations - I believe at that time there were maybe 10-12 open (un-sold) build allocations available that dealers could still modify.

Regardless, if the OP specs out the exact car he wants, any dealer should be able to search US dealer inventories to see if there are any cars out there that are close matches to what he wants.

GregGebhardt

After looking at the change in specs, I am glad I got my 2014 ML350BT now than waiting. I do not tow often but know I would miss the performance of the 350.

Barry45RPM

I'm really sure MB is making a serious mistake in replacing the 350BT with the 250BT. Its a heavy, expensive vehicle and should not drive like a Sprinter work van.

GregGebhardt

I am afraid many of the auto makers are being forced to comply with the EPA standards. I suspect we will see more and more of this. After all the most popular selling BMW is running a 4 cylinder engine.

PureNick

I don't think they're making a mistake. Online forums combined for the ML I would bet make up less than 1% of total ML owners out there. The majority of ML owners I've personally seen as well as discussed with my dealer about are middle aged women who are seeking 3 things:

1). Comfortable daily driver
2). A Mercedes
3). Cargo room for kids, groceries, dogs, junk, etc.

Take that average buyer who probably makes up a decent chunk of ML drivers and sell them on another advantage that's a hot topic (Gas Mileage) and you have a slam dunk in this class of cars compared to ANY brand. Sure it'll probably be under powered but to that specific class of buyer... they probably do not care one bit. And if they do, guess what? Upsell to a 350 or 400.

"Oh... I can have a Mercedes, an SUV, and still make close to or over 30mpg? SOLD" This is what I think MB has in mind when it comes to the 250BT change.


*I am not in favor of the change nor does it really effect me since I own a 350 gasser but I'm just looking at this from strictly a business aspect and nothing more. If it was up to me, I'd make the AMG motor standard in all the ML's and the actual AMG version be a V12 out of an Aston Martin Vanquish but hey. (MB will be making motors for Aston next year by the way :O!

sancann

Thank you for all the replies. My question was answered rather quickly as I wanted to know if the ML250 Bluetec would be a 4 cylinder engine which my husband is completely opposed to. Since I now know that the 250 is a 4 cylinder, I will have to either settle for ordering a ML350 or attempt to find a close match with a 2014.

ciparis

It's unfortunate that there aren't more small-displacement 6-cylinder engines. Lexus is the only company making a 2.5 liter 6-cylinder that I'm aware of (there could certainly be others), and it's one hell of a smooth engine -- they use it in the IS (dunno if they use it anywhere else). Easily my favorite small engine I've ever owned.

I don't think I've ever seen a small-displacement 6-cylinder diesel, though.

GregGebhardt

If you are wanting to find a 2014 ML350BT, do not wait and have you dealer start looking now as there are many having their dealer look for the last remaining ML350 units available.

ningster

I test drove the ML250 and was sold on how responsive the 2.1L diesel was. It drove like a gasser... no lag at all. I ended up buying a GLK250 tho....

HAILERS2

Mercedes made a mistake getting rid of the ML350 Bluetec and also the E350 Bluetec.

I took delivery of a 2014 ML350 Bluetec in mid Feb of '14. I like it. Then I wanted to buy a diesel sedan. The E250 Bluetec does not cut the mustard, so today I bought a '14 BMW 535D that was a loaner with 6k miles on it. About 255 hp and 413 lb/ft of torque plus 38mpg on the hwy, which it will be used for a lot. Bad for Mercedes.

rmesola

we bought a 14 ml350bt and 14e250 in dec 2013...

the ml is fun to drive.. adequate power and able to tow my 20" boat with no problems.. 27-30mpg on highway 22/23 mixed

now the e250 was great gas wise, solid 40mpg on a 3000 round trip and in sport mode had enough power to pass on the freeway...

that said, the e250 has since been traded, it just wasn't the same as the ml350 in terms of noise, performance and fun factor...

most people won't care, but for those that do, find an ml350bt if you can... the extra torque is well worth it..