Trying to figure out what will come in the facelift... here is what I'd like to see.

Improved interior materials (leather inserts on door, etc)
New Navigation system (like shown on the new CL, CLC, and CLS)
Better interior color choices.

 

Well you seem in luck as the rumors floating around suggest the refresh is going to center around a new interior and less around the exterior. I've read that new head lights and tail lights, wheels, and mirrors are in store as far as exterior changes. As for interior changes, leather wrapped dash, new seats, new trim, new center console, new color choice for interior (Cognac)? seems to be a popular Benz choice as of late. And this is just my opinion but I think there will be some sort of third row seating configuration option, the GLK is going to be moving into the same price range as the ML, so to further set it apart and keep sales of the ML going they might offer a third row, probably a jumper seat setup like the w163. Keep in mind this is all rumor and opinions at this point, nothing has been officially posted from Benz.

 

i dont think they will add a 3rd row... this would cause a lot of changes for the ML (new dies for stamping the metal, new seat designs, safety testing, etc.) It would be quite an investment for them to do that. MB wouldn't incur much cost changing the NAV and interior materials (already designed and used on other models)... just cost per unit no real overhead like the 3rd row seats.

 

Not really..they have the R class frame..wouldn't take much to just stretch the rear quarters a bit...keep in mind they make two versions of the R over seas, a long version and a short version, so that leads me to believe the frames could be interchangeable. Thats the severe route though, I was thinking more along the lines of using the current version and just adding the jumper seats like in the old version. Everyone that has read my idea of the third row seating in the ML has shot it down on other threads, but really the ML HAS to do something when the GLK hits or its going to lose sales fast. The GLK will have the same number of seating, same engine choice (350) and offer better options for a cheaper base price. BMW had similar problems when they introduced their X3, so to solve them they added the third row option for their X5...this leads me to believe if the ML doesn't get a third row for 09..it will the next redesign for sure.

 

and the GLK is built in Germany vs crappy Vance AL quality.

Regarding adding the 163 style 3rd row to the 164. If you recall the 163 had an open dip in the floor pan behind the 2nd row of seats... they used those annoying 2 or 3 plastic covers depending on what MY you had to cover it up when the 3rd row wasnt present. The 164 has no where to put your feet for a 3rd row... hence the need for a die/stamping change. They may be able to use the SWB R-class? who knows I am not sure of the dimensions.

 

I think the 09 ML's will be slightly updated on the exterior and no serious changes on the interior, I have my doubts about them upgrading the leather etc. especially changing over to the new Navi's...but that's just me, havent looked too much into it.

 

I would have said that too a while ago, but the SL just got the latest nav system and even the CLS' system got an update for its facelift, so it might happen for the ML. I think it has too if they want to keep selling it beside the new GLK, which on paper makes the ML pointless. They really need to work on material quality and fit and finish and Mercedes seems to always do this come facelift time. I don't think they have a choice because as some have pointed out the GLK is going to be built in Germany, not Bama. This means better build quality for the most part or at least suggests it.

M

 

...the new 300+ hp 3.5 V6 they are upgrading the SLK 350 with. Would probably hold off making any ML350 purchases until it comes out...

 

They could use the space occupied by the spare tire and fit a small jump seat like in the E class wagon. They could go to run-flat tires (which is what BMW did) or offer something like the outboard swing away spare tire carrier I've seen pictures of somewhere on this board.

- FD