My ML350 -- finally
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
My ML350 -- finally
We took delivery on our ML yesterday, about 5 weeks behind what was expected on ordering in April. I had a May 10 build scheduled, but as we know, there were production delays with no acknowledgement or information from MBUSA or MBUSI.
The car finished production 6/7, was released to carrier 6/15, arrived here in Portland by train 6/28 and arrived at the dealer 6/30. Two hours before we were scheduled to take delivery on 7/1 I was notified that there was a problem when they ran diagnostics. As it turns out, they reflashed the transmission software and replaced a seat adjustment switch.
The car is configured as follows: ML350; 723 Pewter with 901 Charcoal Alcantara/Aluminum interior; 317 Comfort; 319 Lighting; 320 Entertainment; 322 Appearance; 323 Airmatic; 324 Sunroof; 530 Nav; 536 Sirius; 550 Hitch; 873 Heated seats; 890 Power liftgate. It came with Bridgestone Turanza tires.
Total MSRP, $53,790 (no tax in OR). We agreed to pay list--dealer later gave $500 off for the delay and a $150 gift certificate to some of the better local restaurants. We had a loaner ML350 for 5 days as well. I will also be sending in for the $500 gas card.
Early impressions to add to others':
- Perceived build quality and solidity is impressive.
- Airmatic is great compared to the standard suspension on our loaner. There is a distinct difference between Comfort and Sport modes. Both seem well-tuned. Sport mode also lowers the vehicle 0.6" which reduces the giant wheel gap.
- Appearance Package w/ Charcoal interior is very handsome.
- Power of the six is quite good.
- Transmission is behaving so far with smooth shifts, no wierd noises or abrupt downshifts when slowing. Column stalk and wheel buttons for downshift are very easy to get used to.
- Homelink was easy to program.
- TeleAid was easy to set up.
- 19" wheels look SO much better than 17s.
Here are a few quick photos; better ones to follow.
Rasmussen Mercedes-Benz of Portland:
My wife with the new rig:
At delivery:
19" wheels (Appearance Package):
Charcoal MBTex/Alcantara & Aluminum (Appearance Package):
The car finished production 6/7, was released to carrier 6/15, arrived here in Portland by train 6/28 and arrived at the dealer 6/30. Two hours before we were scheduled to take delivery on 7/1 I was notified that there was a problem when they ran diagnostics. As it turns out, they reflashed the transmission software and replaced a seat adjustment switch.
The car is configured as follows: ML350; 723 Pewter with 901 Charcoal Alcantara/Aluminum interior; 317 Comfort; 319 Lighting; 320 Entertainment; 322 Appearance; 323 Airmatic; 324 Sunroof; 530 Nav; 536 Sirius; 550 Hitch; 873 Heated seats; 890 Power liftgate. It came with Bridgestone Turanza tires.
Total MSRP, $53,790 (no tax in OR). We agreed to pay list--dealer later gave $500 off for the delay and a $150 gift certificate to some of the better local restaurants. We had a loaner ML350 for 5 days as well. I will also be sending in for the $500 gas card.
Early impressions to add to others':
- Perceived build quality and solidity is impressive.
- Airmatic is great compared to the standard suspension on our loaner. There is a distinct difference between Comfort and Sport modes. Both seem well-tuned. Sport mode also lowers the vehicle 0.6" which reduces the giant wheel gap.
- Appearance Package w/ Charcoal interior is very handsome.
- Power of the six is quite good.
- Transmission is behaving so far with smooth shifts, no wierd noises or abrupt downshifts when slowing. Column stalk and wheel buttons for downshift are very easy to get used to.
- Homelink was easy to program.
- TeleAid was easy to set up.
- 19" wheels look SO much better than 17s.
Here are a few quick photos; better ones to follow.
Rasmussen Mercedes-Benz of Portland:
My wife with the new rig:
At delivery:
19" wheels (Appearance Package):
Charcoal MBTex/Alcantara & Aluminum (Appearance Package):
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 999
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From: UG
2013 ML63 AMG PP
Nice ML!!!
Very Nice!! 
Also interesting to note that when you press sport it drops the suspension a bit!! I was wondering about that for a while. Can you show pics of the suspension in its various stages of height? Standard, raised, with the sport button pressed, etc. Thanks!!!! Enjoy your new ride! 
Also interesting to note that when you press sport it drops the suspension a bit!! I was wondering about that for a while. Can you show pics of the suspension in its various stages of height? Standard, raised, with the sport button pressed, etc. Thanks!!!! Enjoy your new ride!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Airmatic heights
Originally Posted by GMW
Very Nice!! Also interesting to note that when you press sport it drops the suspension a bit!! I was wondering about that for a while. Can you show pics of the suspension in its various stages of height? Standard, raised, with the sport button pressed, etc. Thanks!!!! Enjoy your new ride!
Also interesting to note that when you press sport it drops the suspension a bit!! I was wondering about that for a while. Can you show pics of the suspension in its various stages of height? Standard, raised, with the sport button pressed, etc. Thanks!!!! Enjoy your new ride! 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Appearance Package seat material
Originally Posted by hanniep
Beautiful, Love the color...what kind material is on the seats looks sort of like swede/leather combo? Good Luck!
Alcantara - automotive
