Does anyone have any experience in using both the built-in hands-free system AND the Bluetooth system. Both seem like good solutions. Just curious if anyone had any real world experience with both.

If you commute about an hour or more and use the phone a lot, go with a cradle because you get battery charging and external antenna. If you are in and out of the car a lot, and don't want to bother docking your phone all the time, Bluetooth is an advantage.

Does the new ML come with Bluetooth?

Bluetooth plugs into the optional MHI handsfree connector.

Ok mine ML did not even come with the MHI conector.
By the way do you know if the ML radio is equiped witg the RDS system that names the station on the display i know it displays the song names and artist on the CD.
Thank You

In North America the ML radio doesn't have RDS since there is no real-time traffic offered. In Europe it has RDS and real-time traffic.

Here's a TravelPilot with RDS.

Unless you need the built-in antenna, I would go with the bluetooth. MB has and option for it or you can purchase an Argos unit for half the cost