I booked a '10 ML350 4Matic for delivery this Sunday. It is a full option with AMG body kit. It looks very good, but I am reconsidering it over the ML500 4Matic full option minus the AMG kit.

ML550 is not available here the engine in the ML500 seems to be different the ML550 is 382 where the ML500 is 388. This is likely due the the disabled Catalytic Converter over here.

http://www.mideast.mercedes-benz.com...ew.aspx?m=1031

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/expl...2010&vmf=ML550

Pros over the ML500:
Better Millage (doesn't matter where I am)
V6 so I guess better reliability and resale.
No Airmatic (I come from the troubled W220's where the Shocks cost me a fortune)
AMG Kit
Cheaper

Cons over the ML500:
More horses probably more fun to drive
Airmatic (I hear it has gotten better)


I like to drive fast and i need the car to be responsive. Can anyone tell me if the V6 suffer too much from the smaller engine. I had the ML350 (No 4Matic, No Airmatic) '06 that car was fast but I hated how the car would jerk on every shift. I tried the new '10 it didn't seem to have the same problem.

Thanks in advance.

 

Where is "here"? Somewhere in the Middle East, presumably. In most non-North American markets, the ML500 is exactly the same vehicle with the same engine as the ML550. In the US and Canada, you can't buy an ML550 without the AMG body kit -- it comes standard. And I can't see why in this day and age anybody would want to disable (ie: remove) the catalytic converter, since doing so will no longer guarantee better performance.

Most ML350 owners seem to be happy with the performance. You say you were happy with your '06. Depends what you expect. Personally, I think the ML350 is under-powered, but then I'm a power fan. I have only had my vehicle for a year, but I have had no problems with Airmatic (or anything else, for that matter). Airmatic and the V8 were the two reasons I bought my ML; I would probably have gone with an X5 if both those features hadn't been available.

Who cares about resale value? Too many people spend too much time worrying about something over which they have little control. When you factor in original cost, depreceiation, running and maintenance costs, insurance, etc, then don't be surprised to discover that an ML550 will cost more than an ML350.

 

"Here" is Kuwait, I am aware that the ML550 the AMG kit is standard just as it is standard on the ML350 here. The reason the catalytic converter is disabled or at least partially disabled is that the cars can't stand the heat over here.

As for the resale value, it is an indicator of how reliable the car is. If the resale value is **** then that would translate to the car being in the garage or in-service more than you like. Why do you think a Toyota has the highest resale value. Their cars are made to last. But yes your point is valid if I wanted a high resale value car I would buy a Toyota or Lexus, which is sad since Mercedes used to share this title. Since I am buying the car and will want to sell it when I want to buy the next car, having a good resale value is a plus.

I have an E70 X5 V8, E71 X6 I6, and an E50 X5 V6. When I drive the BMW it feels more safe and stuck to the ground. I feel like the car doesn't like to be pushed too much. The X6 I6 feels more nimble, more controllable, more fun but still doesn't do it for me. I think it's the size, maybe if the dimensions were smaller the car might have that extra feel.

My first ML was actually an '03 W163 ML350 it was a base model, I liked that car and preferred it over the '06 one. I wanted to drive that car just to drive it. I would love to get the same W163 ride but with the new styling and shifter in the correct place on the side.

The '06 ML I had was a Rear Bias, non airmatic, jerky transmission little toy. It just felt more alive than the W163 but the drive wasn't the same, but it wasn't worse either it was just different. It is like this for me in preference W163>E50>W164>E71,E70.

When I test drove the '10 ML it felt like I was sitting in the '06 but the drive was more like X5(E50) in the sense that felt more planted. I test drove with a family member that doesn't like my driving so I couldn't push it the way I wanted but I got the gist of it.

It is almost 24H since I booked the car now and I am having second thoughts. I am thinking of trying out the cayenne V6 tomorrow. I didn't know that they have a manual tranny now. It has more Horses but I have never tried the car I will test drive it tomorrow to see how the drive is and see where I am going from there.

Thanks for your reply.

 

My trip to the dealer was interesting.

The Cayenne S is 73,400 USD Navi, Keyless go, Back up cam, etc 385 Hps
The ML350 is 68,100 USD Full options, with AMG body kit 4Matic, etc 275 Hps

Both are within budget, but I can't make my mind. I had to book a test drive with the Porsche dealer, I hope one of them becomes a clear winner after that.

 

Sounds like you like speed/power. V6 ML won't cut it for you. Def need the 550. Suspension was improved in 09 FYI.

 

l enjoy the 2010 ML350 l purchased, but l do miss the power of a V8, as l did in my 2002 ML55....Nothing compared to that AMG...l would go with the Cayenne S, or the 2010 ML550.....Wonderful vehicles !!!!!!!!!!

 

Still surprised you didn't go with the 642L C-rod, seem to be selling well in the US.

 

To purchase a vehicle, that l would have to work on everyday, would bore me stiff....The RX350 is nice..but its not a "Benz"......

 

After a lot of thought I have booked a VXR for Mid-Feb delivery. What is 642L btw?

Thanks for all your help.