cte430

Thinking about an ML for my wife. Wondering what kind of deals (if any) MB would do since the new ML is due out soon (Feb.-March?). I would think they would be more flexible with a 350 vs. a 500? Also, will I be sorry with the 6 cylinder? It was much easier buying my E55: "That will be MSRP"!!

saturnstyl

I vote for a 500. Especially since you got an E55 too.

pointman

350 feels very VERY sluggish after a 500. go 500.

00ML430 Bulldog

ML500 all the way

greenm

Paid $1,500.00 under invoice for my wife's 2005 ML500 SE in September. At that time MB was offering $2,000.00 in trunk money to dealers, so without the MB incentive, it would have been $500 over invoice.

benzboy

The ML350 is a nice six (much better than the 320) you did say it's your wife's car...

mbprince

my E55 is in for warranty work and the dealer loaned me an ML350. It is a good driver and has 'enough' power but, were I to buy one, I would opt for the V8. the 6 seems to be working fairly hard and may not get much better mileage than the 8. (IMHO)

ViKTORiOUS

Wait for the new ML to come out... it's very nice IMO.

cte430

I think i've had my share of "new" MB's, thank you very much LOL. Besides, my wife will not have nearly the patience I do in running to the dealer every other week. It's bad enough I gotta hear it with my car. There's no way I want to hear it about hers!

cte430

aarggh! you guys are killing me! I was hoping to save some money! I'll have to drive it and see. I wonder if you could say the differences are similiar to an E320 and E500?

saturnstyl

Its a really simple equation. If it says 230, 320, 350, or 430 on the trunk lid, it has no *****. If it says 500, 43, 55, 600, or 65 on the trunk lid, then it does. This rule of thumb applies to all models. Thank you and have a nice day.

cte430

LOL. But why do I see so few 430-500's? Remember, this is not for me it's for my wife. I might not like it, but maybe it will be ok for her. Boy, i'm really trying to convince myself, huh? I thought of nothing dropping 90K on my car, but God forbid I go an extra 5K on an ML!!

saturnstyl

320's Far outnumber all other ML's. 430's were introduced in '99 and were never as popular. Most Mercedes models that are offered with the choice of V6 or V8 engines are the same way. V6 models will sell many times more than the V8 ones will. The ML430 was replaced by the ML500. That will make their individual numbers less, as it divides the V8 models in to two groups. The ML500 was introduced in 2002, with some notable differences. The ML430 has a clutch driven engine fan like the ML320, the ML500 uses an electric fan like the ML55 AMG. Both V8 Model ML's come with more standard equipement than the V6, but anything you can get on a V8 can be optioned on a V6. I often wonder why someone will buy a Sport package ML320 with all the options, then add even more accessories, but not get the V8 model instead. I opted for a 500 with only the sunroof and comfort packages, which was priced very close to a loaded 350. I wanted the V8 more than anything, and a 500 comes with Navi and heated seats standard. The V8 models are usually much more expensive, not only to purchase but the maintenance and labor costs are often higher. Its more difficult to work on V8 models due to space constraints.


The only exception to the V8 vs. V6 thing is the 129 Model SL. There are a lot of 6 cylinder SL320's, but probably more SL500's. It IS a sports car after all.

Hope this helps!

hecdog

Listen, I have an ML350 and I love it. Mind you, I hear Saturnstyle, and I love V8's, but even after driving my 345hp Escalade, the ML350 Doesn't feel as bad as people say--and I love fast cars. Bottom line is, most ML users aren't looking for the power in as much as the function/utility, as is evidenced by the sales numbers. This car has plenty of power, and if you can stash the extra $8-10k you save in a savings account, then you're in good shape. Consider leasing one, though. That way you might be able to beat it's depreciation curve...cause it's pretty steep I hear.

Btw, the extra options on the ML500 are no big deal. Don't know why they make such a big deal about heated seats, park assist and trip computers...My 10 year old BMW had all those options (excpet nav) included.