TX-ML

We should be taking delivery of our new 05 ML350 Special Edition today and wanted to know if anyone has a good source for a cargo liner?? I have searched all over the net and can't find a nice one. I would like to get one that is carpeted not just the rubber.

Also, do you guys supplement the standard oil change frequency or just go with what MB recommends? Any othe suggestions would be appreciated as well. I am really enjoying the Forum!

Swiss Nick

What kind or cargo liner are you after? MB in europe sell a plastic/rigid moulded one.
Is it to protect it from a dog?

I stick with the oil change as per MB. I have free servicing for 10 years or 60000miles, so I am happy to keep it like that. If I didn't I would at least make sure I changed the oil once a year regardless of when the service indicator comes on.

Frummurf

I am still under warranty also but 12000 miles is a long stretch for an oil change. I at least try to get as close to 6K as possible but depending on whom you speak with, thats a stretch too. I would ask any reputable mechanic to get a professionals opinion on it. I am a mechanic of the shadetree variety.

benzboy

I bought a cargo liner from my dealer's parts dept. It's molded plastic/rubber but it fits well and does the job. I carry plants and other dirty stuff from time to time and it's nice to be able to remove the liner and simply hose it off. Carpet over carpet will require you to clean it more often or else it will look bad quickly. Oil - sitck with the MB service plan!

Swiss Nick

My first oil change was at 13500miles. The dealer was not concerned about this. The oil filter on a new engine is different to the regular filter they will fit after the first service. After the first service the intervals are shorter I think.

If you want another type of boot liner check out: http://www.lintran-products.co.uk/fabric/fabric.shtml

jwalther

Oil changes are cheap insurance. I change the oil in all my vehicles at 5k miles, even with synthetic. If you are leasing the car, and don't care about longevity, sticking with the manufacturer's recommendations is ok. If you intend to keep your car for 100k, the cost of extra oil changes is minimal over the life of the vehicle. There is certainly no harm done by changing the oil frequently, and it could help extend the life of the vehicle.

Jeff

Darkmann

I believe MB has a decent cargo liner you can purchase from your dealer or any of the sponsors of this board. As for the oil change there are varying opinions on this as you have already observed. Your MY05 doesn't have the free warranty service as MY02-04. You do have the 13K service after the first oil change. Stick with the schedule. There really hasn't been any proven problems with these service intervals since the FSS/synthetic oil combo was introduced in MY00. I have yet to read about a MB car or truck with after MY00 with oil related engine problems. Stick with the schedule. I actually had mine lab tested after the first oil change at near 13K. The result of the quality of the used oil was actually quite impressive - I could've driven another 3K before the oil quality would've degraded significantly.