koobah

I've been researching the SUV market for quite some time as I'm planning on getting rid of my 4.6is X5 soon and the ML's design is still the most impressive to me, however I'm not sure if I shoud get it now or perhaps wait for any possible new engines. Ive read about a new 450 and 550 engines to be introduced, so can anyone speculate on timeframe? Is it worth the wait?

sosh

I personally do not think you will see the 550 in the ML in any time soon. Perhaps the 450, however I would prefer the 500 to it as I feel that there is no substitute for displacement. I have had now 2 500's and never experienced a minutes trouble with either and have never had to add a drop of oil to either between changes. The 450 at least in the GL does not have the low end torque that I experience in my ML. The torque seems to come in at a much higher RPM. I an very fond of the engine in the 500. If you are the mind set that you are one who waits for stuff that is roumored you will never buy anything. You can always trade up if something new comes along that you want

medici78

If you're in a 4.6is, you would probably be happiest in an ML63.

nantucketsleigh

I agree you should probably be thinking ML63. I am in a similar position, ready to trade in my a 2003 X5 4.4. Visited dealer yesterday he said that the 5.5 liter engine will be in ML, GL and R soon with the 5 liter 3 valve phased out. The 5.5 made a very significant difference in the E and S and I would expect the same in the ML. In any event I would be sure to test drive an ML500 before I pull the trigger. Try doing a slow speed slalom in an ML, I did, in an ML without air suspension and decided to wait. Dealer did not have a ML63 to test. Coming from X5 4.8 you may find it quite an adjustment.

koobah

The ML63 is a very nicely designed truck, but it's just too much. In fact, I rarely use my current X5's power and wouldn't really miss the gas pump. The current ML500 is a bit underpowered for its displacement imo. I drove the ML350 and it felt adequate.

META

I agree. I have just had my new 2007 ML350 for the past 3 days and I think the power will be plenty if you drive within the legal threshold in the city/country. Now, this is from someone who lives in Autobahn Land – I did drive it for a small stint, the fastest I went was 140 (due to limit of 130), but next week, I'm driving up north and will see what it does when I hit a piece of unlimited tarmac.
Either way, so far in city and outskirts the car performs wonderfully.

medici78

I'm very happy with our ML320 CDI. While the WOT acceleration is not the best, it is perfect in around-town situations and passing where WOT would not be required. You don't need to flog it to get moving the way you would a gas model since the diesel makes the torque lower in the rpm range and there is more than in the US gas models, save for ML63. If you don't race, then the diesel is an excellent choice. Of course, you do need to account for the diesel availability in the States, as not every station has it.

DUTCH

"WOTM" ??

medici78

Sorry, fixed it.