Sparky

Hi,

I just ordered the new 2006 ML500 in pewter with macadamia leather. Do you guys think this is a good combination?

I got the following options:
Comfort Package
Lighting Package
Entertainment Package
Air Suspension Package
Sunroof Package
Premium Package
3 Zone Climate Control
Keyless Go
Parktronic
Trailer Hitch

I opted to stick with the standard ML 500 wheels.

Any feedback would be appreciated... THANKS!!!

Fastbuck

That's the combo that I'm thinking of until I see the Alpine Rain colour in the metal.


Sounds great. When do you expect to take delivery?

Phoebusvh

Sparky, you gotta take some pic for us to see when your cars arrive ok?

Sparky

Yes... I struggled with whether to get the Alpine Rain or the Pewter. I love both colors. I think the Alpine Rain is similar to the Lexus light blue color that they offer on the RX330. It is a very nice color.

However, I'm hoping that turns out to be the ONLY similarity between the two SUV's.

I've been told it should be delivered end of June.

Sparky

I will take some pics for you when it arrives.

Also, I forgot to mention that the corporate MBUSA office told me that the alpine rain color has been delayed until July. Verde Brook has been delayed until December. I don't know about Barolo Red, although I'm guessing it's also delayed until July.

GregW / Oregon

Do you know if they meant July order or July production?

Sparky

The customer service rep's exact words were "alpine rain won't be out until July, and Verde Brook won't be out until December." I truly don't know if she meant ordering or production. My mind was working around the ordering process, so I interpreted her comment to mean I couldn't order it until then.

Also, another CSR told me that the off road package will not be available at all this year, and might not ever be available. (I'm referring to the off-road configuration of the airmatic suspension package which would include locking differentials, transfer case, and 3 choices for suspension height.) Apparently, the "decision-makers" are still deciding whether to offer it at all in the US. That was quite disappointing for me, but "they" seem to believe there's nothing the ML500 can't do that the Cayenne S can do. So, I ordered it anyway. I had narrowed my choice down to the ML500 and the Cayenne S. Hard choice!

GregW / Oregon

Did you get any information on when the new 4-valve V8s will be out? If anythingl like the 6, they should be excellent (325 hp from 4.6 L).

Curious George

Yes, Sparky, I too am hoping that the M350 doesn't have incredible reliability, attention to detail and the highest rating in customer satsifaction like a Lexus.

Sparky

Hi,

Greg, I didn't ask about any of the other engines.

Curious George, I hope I didn't offend you. I should have been more clear with my words. The Lexus RX330 is not meant to have off-road capability, which is extremely important to me. The previous ML's were always compared to the Lexus GX470 which does have off-road capability. The new ML's are now being compared to the RX330 which again is NOT off-road capable. So, I got a little nervous as I hadn't heard of this comparison until after I placed the order. I called the corporate MBUSA office to discuss and they reassured me that the M-Class is comparable to the Cayenne S which does very well off-road. Hence, I am hoping that the ML500 does much better off road than the RX330. Also, I think the on-road handling is supposed to be much better.

Anyway, I saw an ML-500 today at my dealer. I couldn't drive it, as I had my two-year old daughter with me and with no car seat for the ML, it wasn't possible. The one I saw was black with the Appearance Package. It appears to be larger than the Cayenne S, and I thought it was very nice inside and out. There were quite a few people there checking it out. It seems to be a "hit" already, given the comments I heard from several potential customers.

Sparky

We also ordered the SLK55 AMG which should arrive at the same time as the ML500.

GregW / Oregon

My salesperson just checked and said Alpne Rain is available to order now.

Sparky

I guess that answers it. It must be available to order now, but production is in July??? Or maybe it's changed since I've spoken to them??? Good to know, however. Thanks for the update!

abk

I am placing our order today for a 350 ML...We test drove a 350 yesterday and really liked it...it didn't have many packages or options, but I was mainly interested in the engine...My dealer does not have any 500's to test drive...Although I am sure the 350 engine is fine, I am hoping to test drive the 500 engine before car goes into production. Sparky, I am going to order almost the same options and packages: Color: Capri Blue; Full leather Macadamia: Comfort, Lighting, Entertainment; Air Suspension; Sunroof; Premium; 3 zone Climate Control; heated seats; parktronic; rear side airbags; sirius radio; hands free communication; plus another 1000 in accessories. Has anyone test driven the 500 and compared it to the 350? Also, what is your opinion on sticking with the 17" stock wheels on the 350? Should I upgrade to the larger wheels ( eg 18")? I currently own an 03 E500 which is just fantastic and which is my daily car. My wife drives a 91 300E which is in great condition with only 130,000 miles. She wants to sit higher up and we need a vehicle to replace our older model Volvo Wagon which has great room inside for hauling. My wife prefers a 6 cyc. and says she doesn't want or need the power of an 8 cyc. engine (she says my E500 has too much power). Good luck with your order Sparky..I am also interested in the light blue "rain" color, as we are partial to "blue" (my E500 though is Jade Black which is a great variation on black). Any feedback would be appreciated.

GregW / Oregon

The V6 is "adequate," IMO. We are getting it also, since my wife is the normal driver. I would consider the V8 when the new generation 4-valves come out (year?). The 4.6 w/ 325 hp sounds very attractive.I like the efficiency of the new 3.5 six -- it is a far more advanced engine than the current 5.0.

The 17s with 235s are way too whimpy, especially considering the W163 came with 275s, and the new ML is larger. I'm sure they will work fine for docile driving, but they just look way too small. Get the 18s, or wait for an buy someone's when the upgrade (I will be getting Lorinsers, Brabus, or such when they come out and selling my stock 19s or trading for 17s for snow use).

Sparky

We've already established that the optional off-road package will not be offered (locking differentials, 2-speed transfer case). The new Car and Driver just hit the stands with an article on the new M-Class. Guess what... They've dedicated a good 25% of the article discussing the optional off-road package. Anyone have any insight into what's going on with this? Since I've already ordered the car, it's clear that this package is not being offered now. Mercedes Corporate has also told me that they're not even sure it will be offered in the future. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

GregW / Oregon

If they've let American press fleets loose with these, it will be offered, guaranteed. They would not do that and then not deliver--very bad press. I would guess within 1 year, maybe this fall. It seems pretty well worked out and tested. Usually all the goodies are not available at launch

abk

Greg..thanks for the feedback on the engine and wheels. My wife and I ordered our ML350 today...We changed from the capri blue (too dark) to the alpine rain (macademia leather)...Re: the V-6 vs. V-8, the dealer only got 3 MLs 3 days ago, one sold, and they were all 6's, so I told the salesman to call me if they get in the 8 so I can take a test drive, but after reading your comments, and since the car is primarily for my wife who is fine with the 6 after driving a 300 E 6 cyc. for 15 years, I am 99.9% sure we will stick with the 350; regarding the 17" wheels, my salesman said that they would be more comfortable for my wife than the 18's, but based upon your opinion, I will go back to the dealer to compare how the 17's and 18's compare on the new ML. I am curious to see how long it takes for the dealer to get more in and how long it will take to built my car...Thanks for the opinion. BTW, since I ordered the ML today, I have to call the Porsche salesman who was expecting me to order an 06 boxster today..I can't justify ordering two 60k cars in one day!!

GregW / Oregon

She and you will be quite happy with the 350, I'm sure. As far as wheel size and comfort, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between 235/65s and 255/55s as far as comfort--they will look far more in proportion, though--after all the W164 is large than its predescessor, but it had 275s. I'm aiming for 19x10s or so, as soon as Lorinser comes out with them.

Nevada Jack

I will be ordering a R Class R350 and the base has been set "below $50,000" but we all know that with a loaded car we are talking $15000 or so added option cost. Since the ML500 is listed about the same as the R Class R350, can you tell me what the total price came to with those options. I know the options will vary but they are very similar. I am not asking for the negotiated price or any discounts...just what the total tab came to. PM me if you would prefer not to discuss $. Thanks

Sparky

My total on the ML500 with all the options listed at the very beginning of this thread is $63K.

Nevada Jack

Thanks. Right in the ballpark...I was figuring $65,000 on the R with it loaded up to the gills based on the listings on the GCF site article "R Class in Depth." I figured the R500 is going to list base at $58,000 or so and will go loaded at around $72,000.

BTW...I hope Alpine Rain will be an option on the R...my choice if it has a hint of blue in it.

Thanks again.

Jack

Sparky

I saw an 8.5" x 11" paint chip of the alpine rain. It's a gorgeous color. It's sort of a silvery, champagne blue. I really strugged between it and the pewter. My husband and my brother voted for the pewter, so there you have it... I ordered the pewter. Good luck!

Nevada Jack

My E320 is Pewter and looking at the limited options, I wanted something different. From your description the Alpine Rain will be the selection, but if not then I would opt for the Pewter again. It always looks good even when dirty. I think you will like it. Good luck with the new ML.

Sparky

If you already have pewter, I would definitely get the alpine rain. It's really nice!