nantucketsleigh

Speculation on GL site that GL 550 is imminent. Anyone have any info on ML 550?

sosh

I do not think that this will happen any time in the forseeable future. Perhaps they will offer the current GL V8 in the ML. The GL needs the 550 or 5.0 with the additional weight. Drove one and with no scientific basis I feel that it does not perform anywhere near my ML 500's performance.

NVR_L8

Would be a nice project, ML500 w/550 engine swap.

Germancar1

I can't see how Mercedes could go on any longer with the old 5L V8 in the ML or R when rest of the lineup has way more modern V8s. The G500 should get the new engine also, IMO. I can see the ML being offered in both ML450 and ML550 trim, but not the R. Just R550 because it is a slow seller. Anything less than the 5.5L V8 in G would be a shameful, a G450 doesn't even sound right.

M

nantucketsleigh

I agree. MB will likely make switch to 550 with 2008 models with availability in July '07. If they could make it a running change for 2007 models, they should.

Germancar1

Well they can't make it a running change for the 07 model year because all the current 07 owners would be more than upset and rightly so.

M

nantucketsleigh

You are right the 550 won't be a running change.

carpersn

HOwever, i think it was '03 or '04 when they DID make a running change from the ML320 to the ML350...why is it so impossible?

Germancar1

That was still a model year change not a running change. If Mercedes really wants to **** of their customers they'd do something like that. New engines call for new model years - always no matter what time of year they arrive. I've never seen different.

Of course it is possible, but to change the engine especially in this case as a running change would just infuriate 07' ML500 owners. There is no way people would buy a 302hp ML500 if they new 382hp ML550 was coming next month also as a 2007.

M

carpersn

Again, I disagree...looking back, it was the 2003 ML which was offered first as the ML320, then a RUNNING CHANGE to still a MY 2003 ML350. THe MBUSA site doesn't mention this, but go to Edmunds.com or someplace, you will see a choice when looking at used models for 03-at the time, i was amazed, but it did happen.

VAHML350

That is correct. My ML350 is an '03 MY, however there were also '03 ML320's available on the lot as well

jangy

Mercedes does many running changes as do most german manufacturers. It is normal. MB could care less what some sore loser thinks about a car they already bout. they prefer to have a new hot itme out instead. the point is that the 550 is being used up for now and the 500 is made on a separate line. Once the 550 demand slows down, you may see them appear on the current 500 lines.

Kar don

yep but the last change from E320 to E350, they just released the E350 very early in 2005 as an 06 model.

carpersn

If MB gave a da$n about what the customer impact was about that kind of stuff, they'd mail back rebates to early purchasers of the 06 R

nantucketsleigh

Rebates to buyers of 2007 unlikely. More likely as demand for ML500 dries up in anticipation of the ML550, they will put money in the trunk to clear inventories. If pattern of switch from E500 to E550 holds up for ML, current buyer of ML 500 are looking at a $20K to $25k first year depreciation hit. By next summer, new 2007 ML500's could easily be availble at $5k below invoice (not MSRP).

Germancar1

I don't remember that one, but you aren't going to see it done this time around. The 5.5L V8 will get more than a quiet running change upon its introduction. Do you have a link about this running change from 320 to 350? Anyway that type of change isn't nearly on the same level. The 3.2 to 3.7L V6 was just a larger version of the same engine, not a whole new engine like the 5.5. MB isn't going to **** off 07 ML500 buyers like that.

M

2001BMW330xi

my dealer confirmed ML550 should be out by next August as an '08.

he also showed me a sheet that had the GLK listed! New BMW X3 competitor is coming in

Germancar1

Did he say anything about a R550? Just a ML550, no ML450? Of course, is there a GL550? Sorry for all the questions, but I don't get MB's engine strategy with their SUVs. MB suv buyers deserved the new engines for 07 like MB car buyers. I wouldn't touch a ML500 or R500 at this point.

M

sosh

Don't know why you would not touch a well proven, very reliable, and very good performing engine like in the 500?? Do you want them to experment on you with the 550?? I am not even certain that the 550 will be in the ML I was told that perhaps the 4.6 as in the GL. If anything needs the 550 its the GL as it seems to me to be a bit underpowered with its 4.6.

DUTCH

I'm taking delivery of my 2007 ML tomorrow (12/18); and I will be getting the new engine in the US. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the 320CDI !

Germancar1

Proven yes, outdated yes also. The new 5.5L V8 has been in production since early 2005 and has been put in everything else across the board so there is nothing to worry about there. It isn't like MB's problems with reliability in recent years centered around their engines. The 5L V8 is outdated and outclassed in the ML's segment. Period.

M

koobah

I wonder what kind of fuel economy can be expected from ML if MB decides to put in 450 motor. in the GL it's listed as 15/19, but ML is much lighter.

nantucketsleigh

My salesman said that 550 will totally replace 500 in 2008 model year. Hope he is right, I am due to replace my X5 4.4 next fall, I'd prefer an ML550 or GL550 to an X5 4.8.