Picked up my US-Spec ML320 CDI

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Oct 21, 2006 | 09:29 PM
  #1  
We finally picked up our ML320 CDI from the dealer. Pics to follow. We bought it to replace our '04 VW Touareg. Touareg just had too many niggling problems, not the least of which was a horrendous A/C, so we decided to go ahead and swap out for something different.

We ordered with Premium 3, AMG Package, Parktronic (MBUSA website says its not available with AMG, but ours is equipped with both), Rear-seat entertainment (Not as nice as I had hoped, but I have had issues with aftermarket installs...), heated seats and some other small stuff I can't remember.

I haven't romped on it (going to follow recommended break-in), but the torque advantage over other SUV's is clearly apparent.
Pics to follow shortly.
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Oct 21, 2006 | 09:34 PM
  #2  
I just ordered mine today with a mid to late December build date.

I'm looking forward to it already.
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Oct 21, 2006 | 10:27 PM
  #3  
Show pics as soon as you can, I am dying to see the blue color ML320 CDI with the amg package. Thanks!!!
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Oct 21, 2006 | 11:14 PM
  #4  
really wish the dealer here had one to test drive.
would love to see the difference between the motors

Just about ready to pull the trigger on one and have it ordered.

$63,600 almost 11g's more than our 06 ml350, and it's pretty well loaded.

Keep us posted on your thoughts of the motor.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 12:03 AM
  #5  
test drove cdi yesterday!!
did a road test on one that just came in to the dealership,millenium merc. in nj,and l am now regretting getting my loaded up 2006 ml 350 after this test drive!!The torque is really noticable and it felt stronger than the v8 ml!!
Asking the dealer if he will swap it out as l only have 1500 miles on mine,it has the rear dvd,ipod,upgraded mb 20inch wheels front and side bars,nav etcl paid 51 k plus tax,l expect to take a hit on it but l want to see how much of one and wether it is worth it to me,if any one has any ideas what sort of trade in deal l should expect from a dealer please let me know!!

One note at very low speed or with the gas pedal slightly pressed you can here that it is a deisel however that soon goes away as soon as the accelleration kicks in!!Highly recommend!!!!
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Oct 22, 2006 | 12:48 AM
  #6  
I'd like to see the pics too, especially parked next to the Skyline
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Oct 22, 2006 | 10:48 AM
  #7  
How did you order Parktronic with the AMG? I have repeatedly brought this up with MBUSA particularly since the ML63 in the official brochure comes with Parktronic, but was told that it must have been a prototype...what a bunch of BS!!
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Oct 22, 2006 | 12:50 PM
  #8  
Nice car, awesome color. Enjoy your vehicle and congrats.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 12:56 PM
  #9  
Question on realized pricing for the ML320 CDI. How much are all of you new owners getting as a discount, best measured as a % under MSRP/Retail. Or % over the invoice price of the configured car. If you only know the dollar discount from MSRP or profit above invoice, then provide what option you have so I can calculate the % discount.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 01:45 PM
  #10  
Quote: Question on realized pricing for the ML320 CDI. How much are all of you new owners getting as a discount, best measured as a % under MSRP/Retail. Or % over the invoice price of the configured car. If you only know the dollar discount from MSRP or profit above invoice, then provide what option you have so I can calculate the % discount.
I ordered mine right at 4.5% off the total MSRP.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 03:03 PM
  #11  
My local dealer was firm on MSRP. No buyer's remorse, but if I had known I could have recieved a discount elsewhere, I would have gone there. I had spoken to a few people and everyone said firm MSRP for the first models. Unfortunately, being the first in town with one, the local dealer didnt give me a choice either. Everyone we called couldn't guarantee me anything until next year, and would hint at no discounts. When you have a wife you've been promising a new car forever on your a$$, you'll do anything it takes, lol.
Regardless, even at MSRP, we are absolutely in love with the combo!!
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Oct 22, 2006 | 03:20 PM
  #12  
Quote: My local dealer was firm on MSRP. No buyer's remorse, but if I had known I could have recieved a discount elsewhere, I would have gone there. I had spoken to a few people and everyone said firm MSRP for the first models.
Three of the four Atlanta dealers were all in the 4-4.5% off MSRP range. The fourth Atlanta area dealer wouldn't quote me on the phone or by Internet; and when I pressed them on it, I was told that they didn't need my business and wouldn't miss not getting it. Obviously, they didn't get it.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 03:25 PM
  #13  
My CDI is at the dealer and will be driven off later this week. I, too, paid msrp since it was ordered with an unknown price 6 months ago. I would do it again since the local dealer is much better than the ones that I visited out of the immediate area. I would not have paid msrp for one off the dealer's lot.

The dealer had a black ML63 in the showroom and it sure had all the parktronic bumps in the bumpers, but I did not look at the sticker. I can try to look at the sticker, aniantchev, tuesday or thursday when I pick up my CDI if you are still interested.
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Oct 22, 2006 | 11:49 PM
  #14  
Yes, I am curious to see how parktronic appeared on the ML63...
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Oct 23, 2006 | 01:03 AM
  #15  
Here's the pics, finally:




You can see it has both AMG Package and Parktronic.
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Oct 23, 2006 | 02:39 AM
  #16  
Awesome! Now I wonder why MBUSA would allow for larger wheels/tires to be specified on the ML, but not the GL or E320 Bluetech. A E320 Bluetec would look just as good in sport trim too. Oh well, that is an awesome ML.

Do you have trouble finding filling stations with the ULSD?

M
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Oct 23, 2006 | 09:34 AM
  #17  
So what was the total price you paid? Great pics, looks stunning.
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Oct 23, 2006 | 09:44 AM
  #18  
Very nice car, wonder why it says 4MATIC since it always has 4wheels drive...????
I've got 320 CDI as well, no 4matic badge though.......
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Oct 23, 2006 | 12:59 PM
  #19  
All US ML's, R's and GL's have the 4matic badge to tell Americans that they are 4-wheel drive standard.

Could you post some interior pics also?
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Oct 23, 2006 | 01:13 PM
  #20  
Thanks for the compliments, guys.
PHYBENZ, Our car was HEAVILY optioned and the total came out to $66k and some change +TT&L. TBH, I wouldn't use it as an indicator for the average ML320 CDI pricing since we didn't leave much out and most will not opt for Premium 3 and AMG package. Just these two items, add up to $12k+ in options. Throw in bi-xenons, parktronic, rear-seat entertainment, etc. and it adds up much too quickly. I'll try to post some interior and engine pics later.
Germancar1, I have to say, the AMG package (although not to everyone's taste) made a huge difference. I kind of felt our ML would need an extra dose of sportiness to offset the "geek factor" of the diesel, lol. I haven't looked around much, but I found one filling station nearby with ULSD. It is less than a mile away from my house so I am not worried about availability. It isn't at every diesel station though. We plan to look at all diesel-carrying stations nearby so we can prepare a list of which one has ULSD.
GMBALL, I found the 4Matic badge wierd too, although I recall seeing it on the ML350's at the dealership. I guess it's a US thing, like PHYBENZ said.
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Oct 23, 2006 | 02:51 PM
  #21  
The car looks fantastic, thats the only other one I've seen in the same colour as mine.
Enjoy the car it gets better the more you drive it.

Heres a few pictures I took when I picked mine up a few weeks ago



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Oct 23, 2006 | 03:00 PM
  #22  
It's my understanding that the 4-Matic badging is a marketing thing here in the USA.

I wholeheartedly agree with you that the AMG Sports Appearance Package adds alot to the car's appearance.

Enjoy!
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Oct 23, 2006 | 07:50 PM
  #23  
ULSD is mandatory
even if tank is not marked, it is my understanding (and was reported on the national news last Sunday, 10/15) that all diesel stations in the US are required to carry ULSD.
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Oct 24, 2006 | 02:05 AM
  #24  
Quote: How did you order Parktronic with the AMG? I have repeatedly brought this up with MBUSA particularly since the ML63 in the official brochure comes with Parktronic, but was told that it must have been a prototype...what a bunch of BS!!
Go to the www.mbusa.com website, ml350, photos and videos, wallpaper, look at the one with the two ml's on it. Shows the amg package with parktronic.. i believe.
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Oct 24, 2006 | 07:39 AM
  #25  
Quote: Thanks for the compliments, guys.

Germancar1, I have to say, the AMG package (although not to everyone's taste) made a huge difference. I kind of felt our ML would need an extra dose of sportiness to offset the "geek factor" of the diesel, lol. I haven't looked around much, but I found one filling station nearby with ULSD. It is less than a mile away from my house so I am not worried about availability. It isn't at every diesel station though. We plan to look at all diesel-carrying stations nearby so we can prepare a list of which one has ULSD.
Enjoy! I agree, with the small wheels that come on all MLs they all need a larger wheel or the AMG package to look right. That list is a good idea. I cringe when I think about someone filling up with the old stuff and then saying that they got a lemon or "bad" ML.

M
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