Current ML owner. I am considering purchasing a used 2008 ML350, and have a few questions that I have not been able to find answers to searching here and elsewhere online:

1. Is the "power tailgate" (meaning the key will remotely and automatically open and close it) standard equipment or an option? Many sales listings vaguely refer to "remote unlock" or something similar, and I don't want to drive all over the place (or call every salesman) to find out if a truck has this.

I am looking at ML350's in a range of 20,000 mi - 35,000 mi.

2. If I purchase a "non-certified" used ML350, what sort of extended warranty is recommended, based on commonly known reliability issues? And, how much should I expect to pay for a warranty and from what company?

3. Assuming I can find one with voice command, does/will this allow me to control the phone using only my voice to speak the phone number to be dialed?

4. I test drove two of these with 33K miles and the ride seemed very soft (almost swaying, "too" floaty). I currently own a 2004 ML350 and it does not ride like this - does this seem normal?

5. Some of these are listed as having "active damping" (which I understand may firm up the ride) in the online listing, but photos of the dashboard do not show the button shown in the online owners manual for switching the suspension to the sport setting - what gives?

Answers to any/all of these questions would be greatly appreciated!

Will try to help you. The power tailgate is an option that comes with I believe the P1 or P2 group. This raises and lowers the tailgate. The remote unlock and lock is standard.
I would not suggest any extended warranty but the one offered by MB. Too many scams out there.
Yes voice command will allow you to speak the number to be dialed at least it does so in my 2010 ML550.
The ride of the W164 vs the ride of the W163 is a bit softer. If the one you select has airmatic the ride can be selected to your liking. I use the "comfort" position and it is exactly what I want.
I don't believe that at least in the US active damping is available without airmatic and the comfort/sport switch is for controlling the ride of the airmatic system. I have had 2 W164's and I had 2 W163's all were OK but the 164's without question were excellent. Both my 06 ML500 and my current 10 ML550 were/are bulletproof and have never been in the shop for anything but routine service.l

Excellent information. Thanks!

One of the vehicles I am considering says it has "air suspension" is this the Airmatic? (I am a bit skeptical that it actually has this) Where is the switch located for the comfort vs. sport suspension setting? The online manual shows this in the row of buttons below the climate control - it is not in that place on this car, can I assume its not there?

If the ML has Airmatic the comfort/sport swith will be in the center of the dash on the row you stated and I believe its next to the drivers heated seat switch. If it ain't there it does not have it.

In my opinion, 2 must have options are the airmatic and the keyless go, also if you plan on ever towing, get one with a hitch and save yourself a headache.MB has about the best extended warranty and price is somewhat negotiable ...if you cant get a break at your own dealer on warranty, call around they will all offer different prices.

Thanks for the help everyone! I just picked up a very nice Certified PO 2008 ML350 with just 20K miles, Option group P3, airmatic, keyless go and nearly every available option. Looking forward to a (hopefully) good ownership experience.

How much you paid for it?
I am looking for a 2008 ML350 with p2 and leather...

Private message sent.

May I also ask how much you paid for it and in what state?

I'm also shopping for a 2008 ML-350 Certified Pre-Owned.

Does anyone here have idea how much negotiation room is there when I'm working with the dealer? I'm thinking 10% below the retail price is good?

I think it really depends on the local market and doing your homework. In my opinion I got a fair deal, and the dealership I purchased from generally had its cars priced a bit lower than 2-3 competing dealerships. So, I can't say that 10% off retail is an automatic rule of thumb, but you should be able to know what represents a fair deal by doing a bit of comparison shopping in your local market online and holding out for a fair amount if you are trading in a vehicle. Good luck!

Respectfully, if you plan to keep this SUV outside of warranty, I would never get one with an airmatic. It's a nice option but they have been so unreliable and so expensive to fix that a lot of people are staying away from them altogether.

When I was shopping for mine, I noticed that the ones with airmatic were often selling for about the same and sometimes even less than the ones with regular spring suspensions because the demand for them is just so much lower. Personally, when I was shopping for mine, I refused to even consider the ones with airmatics.