gvaughn

I just got back from the dealer and found out some info about the new 2008 Model Year M-classes (orderable packages info). I don't know anything about the spec changes, body/styling changes, and/or pricing (it's all TBD as of now).

First, as of March 23, the MY '08 are supposedly orderable (at least in some fashion), and the MY '07 are no longer orderable (by that, they mean they are no longer taking NEW orders, but current ordered cars in the system can still be changed and reconfigured. The online Dealer Ordering Guide states that they expect them to begin availability in August 2007.

For the 2008 ML-350, here are the new orderable option packages as they currently appear on MBUSA's Dealer Ordering Guide Website (all prices TBD):

Note: I have tried to highlight any significant changes to options packaging compared to MY '07, but there may be some additional changes/modifications to the options that I haven't noticed.

318 - Leather Seating Surfaces Package:319 - Lighting Package (*now included in Premium II/III):322 - Appearance Package:323 - Heating Package:324 - Sunroof Package:922 - Interior Appearance Package:P01 - Premium I:P02 - Premium II (includes everything in Premium I, plus):P03 - Premium III (includes everything in Premium I and II, plus):Noted omissions to previous options specs (possible changes or mistakenly ommitted?):
For the 2008 ML-550, here are the additions differences to the packages for the ML-350 (above) as they currently appear on MBUSA's Dealer Ordering Guide Website (all prices TBD):

Additions:

321 - AMG Sport Package:Omissions:

319 - Lighting Package (not listed in ML-550 specs sheet)

P03 - Premium III:

NickIndy

I ordered a 320cdi the end of March...Wonder if it'll end up being an '08? Supposed to be delivered in May sometime so I doubt it...

gvaughn

Unless your dealer told you something to believe it might be an '08, it's not likely. Oftentimes, dealers have cars on order before you order them. Once they get your specs, they just apply them to the car already "on order", so even if it was after the above date, your order was most likely done on a previously ordered car (especially since you say you are expecting it in May - you won't be seeing any MY '08s in May).

hrdude

If this is correct, I would bet pricing is going way up on the Premium 1 pkg. now that NAV is being offered. That sucks for those of us who don't want or need NAV but want the other features. Looks like a way for MBUSA to extract more $ from us. I liked the '07 pkgs better.

carpersn

It will definitely be interesting to see...the new Lexus LX has standard NAV, so maybe they won't try to reem you...yeah, right!!!

gvaughn

FYI...I talked to my dealer again (I am ordering an '08) and after going to the ordering manager and actually placing an order in the system, he said that Keyless Go CAN be ordered now for the ML-350 (it used to be available on the 500 only). I am very happy to hear this (and hope that it is indeed true). He also confirmed through the ordering system that sunroof and rain sensing wipers are no longer part of the Premium packages and need to be ordered separately (that's a shame).

Still no word on costs...

kimcork

I just ordered a 2007 ML 320 CDI, but I saw the same "packages" for 2008 as are listed above. In addition, I can shed some light on the 2008 ML 350/320 CDI "standards" from my research:
- Glass sunroof
- 19" 5-spoke wheels with all season tires
- Chrome door handles, chromed square exhaust tips and silver and chrome grille
- Blue glass
- smoked tail lamps
- rain sensing wipers

There are also three color changes, but I only have two: Jade green instead of everest green, and Arctic white instead of alabaster white.

Placed an order primarily because I absolutely wanted Capri Blue with Black MB-Tex, P1 and a Hitch, which was not available anywhere. I also chose to get the 333 sport package, Nav system and the iPod integration. I expect to get it around Jul 4th.

Sebastian3249

Interesting. I just received my 2007 last week from order, I did not request the xeon lights, but it has them. Would like to have had the wipers on the lights as sounds like nice feature. Got the Pre II package with exterior package, chrome door inserts, and 19" Rukbat 6 spoke wheels. Sounds like some after market research and switch by MB to incorporate the most common package features ordered. Sounds also like price hike. Mine took almost 3 months to get delivered from date of order. Build date was week of March 30th.

gvaughn

What are you referring to when you mention wipers for the lights sounds like a nice feature?

If you're referring to rain sensing wipers...rain sensing wipers are not for the lights, they're just auto wipers for your windshield that automatically turn "on" and adjust their speed based on the amount of rain they sense (provided you've put them in "sensing" mode)...

IS300

So does anybody know the price difference on the ML500 vs the ML550

Christy

I read somewhere it starts at a $5000 price jump

gvaughn

As far as I know, MY 2008 prices are still TBD...

2001BMW330xi

you can assume the premium for a while since the launch edition 550's will all have AMG package standard.

Christy

Sigh... oh well, I didn't have the patience to wait for the 550's so I picked up my 07' ML500 in white that was already sitting at the dealership. Nothing but white Mercedes for me!

2001BMW330xi

i did the same, although i wish i had waited for the 550, quite a performance increase. I don't think it was a good idea for Mercedes to launch the 550 with AMG package as a required option - it's going to make it so common now. i felt unique before.

Christy

Well, what's really going to be a downer is for the few here in Vancouver that drive the ML63. I know the ML550 isn't quite the AMG ML63, but heck, there sure are going to be alot of look-alikes driving around town Its not going to be quite the exclusive thing soon!

gvaughn

It seems that people are making the assumption that the ML-550 will require the AMG sport pkg based on one person's post. Can someone point to anything online that definitively states this from MB? This sounds like complete conjecture and I doubt it's true.

gvaughn

Well...I guess I am wrong. But it's not considered an "option" despite what I've seen for options...according to the press release...it is now standard:

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Apr07/0...US_Market.html

Base MSRP for the ML-550 is ~$55,000:

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...enz-ml550.html

Germancar1

That 55K quoted by Car and Driver is just an estimate.

M

gvaughn

yes.

IS300

$55K with the AMG pkg already , but if that the base price I am going have to go for the Cayenne S

Christy

I test drove the 08' Cayenne S a few times. It wasn't really all that impressive. They didn't touch the interior at all either, which was a disappointment. Guess I'll have to wait for the complete re-design for the Cayenne to ever spark my interest.
Oh btw, the key for the Cayenne's looks identical to that of the VW key. That sucked!

2001BMW330xi

that AMG package being standard is only for the launch right... they'll eventually make it optional??

i agree, the facelifted Cayenne isn't like a revolutionary change that's improved the car a whole lot.

kimcork

For what it's worth, I have a printout from the Dealer's Ordering Guide that matches gvaughn's original post and says the four standard options for the ML550 will be:
- Glass Sunroof
- AMG styled bumbers
- 19" 5 spoke AMG wheels with all season tires
- Running boards

(counting down to first week in July, when I get my CDI!!)

spnslc

I have a 2008 ML550 AMG on order; black exterior, macadamia interior. It will be produced in August and at the dealership in September. I ordered the Premium Package II. Included in the options are a sunroof, bi-xenon lights, running boards, heated seat package, Keyless-Go, IPOD integration kit, and of course, the AMG package. I have the same data as previously posted by gvaughn for 2008 options. No firm price, yet. Just rough estimate. The base price of $55,000 seems about what we figured. I am fairly certain that I saw on the dealership computer (when I placed the order) that production on these models doesn't start until June.

It will be a beauty and will be a pleasure to drive. But it will never overtake my passion/obsession for my SL! The ML will be my car for rainy/snowy days, replacing my 2004 Toyota Highlander.