ML or GLK...existing C owner can't decide
#27
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2010 GLK 350, 09 ZX6r race bike, 06 YZ250f
My wife and I are going through the same thing. We both love driving the GLK as its much sportier feeling and the size is a good balance for us. On a whim we drove an '08 ML320 CDI as I really love diesels. It rode quite a bit smoother but didn't wallow around so it was a nice balance. I like the extra torque but I just keep thinking if they put this motor in the GLK it would be awesome. We aren't exactly turned on by the looks of the M class where we like the GLK quite a bit. The interior is very different but both are great. We do like the Command system a little better though.
#28
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I forgot about the runflats on the BlueTec diesels. I hate runflats. I swore off BMWs because they not only use RFTs and have no spare, there isn't even a place for one, not to mention the full-size tire you take off when it goes flat!
So, here I am, driving a 2010 BlueTec with all of the same characteristics!!!
But, as part of the purchase deal, I had the dealer swap the RFTs for 19 inchers of my choice and include the temporary spare from the gas versions (and the lug bolts that go with it).
Since then I have added 1. a 12V compressor, 2. a tire repair kit, and 3. a jug of BMW M-Mobility puncture sealant (won't hurt the TPMS), to use in that order, depending on the severity of the problem.
I have roadside assistance from M-B as well as my insurance company ($12.00 per year).
The temp spare is only intended for trips into the deep boonies where I can't get any other help.
In my mind, the only feature the gas MLs or GLKs have over this setup is a place to put the spare and the take-off.
One of the advantages of this arrangement is that "M-B approved" tires purchased through the dealer include road hazard coverage. OE tires have no road hazard warranty unless you buy the $6-900 package from the dealer.
So, here I am, driving a 2010 BlueTec with all of the same characteristics!!!
But, as part of the purchase deal, I had the dealer swap the RFTs for 19 inchers of my choice and include the temporary spare from the gas versions (and the lug bolts that go with it).
Since then I have added 1. a 12V compressor, 2. a tire repair kit, and 3. a jug of BMW M-Mobility puncture sealant (won't hurt the TPMS), to use in that order, depending on the severity of the problem.
I have roadside assistance from M-B as well as my insurance company ($12.00 per year).
The temp spare is only intended for trips into the deep boonies where I can't get any other help.
In my mind, the only feature the gas MLs or GLKs have over this setup is a place to put the spare and the take-off.
One of the advantages of this arrangement is that "M-B approved" tires purchased through the dealer include road hazard coverage. OE tires have no road hazard warranty unless you buy the $6-900 package from the dealer.
#29
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2011 DIESEL ML
Well, I took my first ML 350 BT test drive and I totally get it now. What a beast. The BT is very cool, the mid to high range power isn't what I am used to in my C, but the low end is amazing. The coolest part is the view of the bulging hood and fins from the drivers seat. The NAV wasn't as bad as I thought, I like how the zoom is a button, its always been a pain on the dial and it shows way more secondary streets than my existing NAV system. The graphics aren't as cool as the C in the dials, etc.
Very impressive. I am just not sure whether I am going SUV or not...Its either ML now or 2012 C350 in Sept.
Very impressive. I am just not sure whether I am going SUV or not...Its either ML now or 2012 C350 in Sept.
#30
Member
Get the ML. Drove a loaded GLK this past summer for 2 week while on vacation in AZ. and CA. Hertz gave me a deal I could not pass up so I figured why not. There were 3 adults with all of our luggage. If there wer 4 of us not sure who or what would have been strapped to the roof. I am on my 2nd ML350. It is an 09 and it is loaded to the max. After turning in the GLK after our two week vacation, my wife said whe th elease is up on the ML, don't get a GLK. Fit and finish was as expected. Ride and comfort was OK. I am actually going to get the ML63 when my lease is up in 2013 and will buy out the lease on our current ML. I have had zero issues with my first 06 ML350 and none to date with the 09. I get great mileage 20 city 24 highway. I live in upstate NY and we are currently burried in snow. I have never had a problem and run all seasons.
Good luck in making your decision. If you go with the ML you won't regret it
Mark
Good luck in making your decision. If you go with the ML you won't regret it
Mark
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
We have both. C class and ML.
We take the ML camping, long trips, and it's the dog car.
C Class so much easier to drive, the ML is a chore except on
freeway where it excels on long trips.
C is great on backroad, especially since I've modded the suspension, which makes
it less desireable for longer hauls.
The ML is sooo comfy, lots of room, front and rear.
The storage area could be larger but then it would look like a Suburban
like the GL.
We take the ML camping, long trips, and it's the dog car.
C Class so much easier to drive, the ML is a chore except on
freeway where it excels on long trips.
C is great on backroad, especially since I've modded the suspension, which makes
it less desireable for longer hauls.
The ML is sooo comfy, lots of room, front and rear.
The storage area could be larger but then it would look like a Suburban
like the GL.
#32
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ML350 2008 10th anniversary edition
I actually test drove the GLK, ML, and GL before I purchased my ML. The ML is larger and manlier than the GLK but the GL was way to big for me since I don't have kids. It handles great as I have taken it in the snow and minor off roading. Decent power when you need to pass on the freeway as the computer knows to downshift 2 gears when you really need it! Gone about 110mph in it before and it is quiet and smooth. The cargo area is a decent size as I've placed 2 mountain bikes in it. Go with the ML550 if you're concerned with power, too bad the wife didn't let me so I'm actually getting a custom intake and exhaust built! Oh yeah, I ave 20mpg with my commute to work being 21 miles each way. Good Luck
#33
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2011 ml350 Bluetec
Go for the ML. The GLK is too small to give you that "king of the road" feeling and you'll always look up to the ML. Honestly I was ambivalent about buying an ML but after four weeks of feeling like a god I would never turn back.
#34
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2011 DIESEL ML
Well, its a done deal. I actually didn't even drive a GLK. It felt like a down grade from my C for some reason. It was a stretch financially and more than I have ever spent on a car, but I went a 2011 ML350BT, Avantegarde with running boards and 20" twin fins. I get it next week. Given the fact it is nearing the end of its life the MB dealers around here are not discounting much. I think I got an OK deal...but I am not jumping for joy. I am sure I will enjoy the quality long after I forget the price. I got about 3800 off. I went for the rim and tire insurance, which in unlike me, but given the cost of a rim/tire and proliferation of potholes hopefully it pays for itself.
I can't wait to get it now. I really didn't spend a lot of time behind the wheel
I can't wait to get it now. I really didn't spend a lot of time behind the wheel
#35
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2011 ML 350, 2009 Smart Passion, 2004 Audi TT Quattro
Congrats!! Enjoy your new car. I am on my second one and I love it. (First one was a lease, this one is bought) I know someone with a GLK. I have driven it around before. It didn't seem to be all that much smaller than the ML until I got inside. I felt like a giant so I can only imagine what it would be like for a guy. Happy Driving!
#36
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2011 DIESEL ML
Ya, the buyer's remorse is wearing off a bit.
Does anyone know anything about Media Interface Plus? Does it work on the ML? None of the Canadian dealers seem to know anything about it. All I really want it for is the text and email reading.
Does anyone know anything about Media Interface Plus? Does it work on the ML? None of the Canadian dealers seem to know anything about it. All I really want it for is the text and email reading.