My wife is considering trading in her 08 GL320 with about 45,000 miles on it for a demo certified 2010 ML350 (8000 miles) or a new 2010 ML350 BlueTec. We prefer the BlueTec, because of the better gas mileage and we drive about 20,000 miles a year, but it is about $11,000 price difference between the two. Don't think the BlueTec is worth that much more. They will give us $40,000 for our 08 GL320.

The 2010 BlueTec retails for around $59,000 and dealer will sell for around $51,000.

The 2010 demo ML350 retailed for $54,000 and they would sell for around $40,000.

Another option is keeping her GL320 (no issues so far) and buying the extended warranty for $4000.

Thanks for the advice!

 

I am also a diesel fan. If a Demo gas ML is an option(meaning that youre not needing brand new) then perhaps you can find a low mileage or demo Diesel ML in the same price range and be happy.

 

Since you drive about 20K miles per year then :

For ML350 20K miles / 17 mpg = 1,176 gallons of fuel per year (all mpg values are from www.fueleconomy.gov and they are combined city and hwy)

For ML350 BlueTec 20k/ 21 mpg = 952 gallons of fuel per year

Difference is 224 gallons @ $3.50 per gallon in my area = $784 in savings per year for the diesel
This actually is reduced by a few hundred dollars by filling up with adblue every 10K miles for the diesel, so let's say you save about $500 per year. It will take you 22 years of ownership to recover the initial difference of $11,000 !!!!!

So, between the two the choice is very clear, get the gasser.

Another choice you have IMHO, is to keep the GL320 you already own and as you say is problem free. The GL is a larger and roomier car. Also, if I am not mistaking your GL is not requiring adblue. Since you "ate" the depreciation already, it makes no financial sense whatsoever to buy another car for a few more years. If the repair bills scare you, consider a good warranty as you state, but you need to be careful. You are betting on the fact that you will have repairs (not maintenance) in excess of $4000 for the next couple of years! That may or may not happen. Statistically speaking it will not happen and that's why they offer it.

Good luck on your decision

 

It has to be the Bluetec. I love the power delivery and the character of the engine. If it was between the ML550 and 350 Bluetec I would still have to think hard but 350 gas vs. 350 diesel is no contest.

 

Dont be put off but the ''Adblue''. Its true if you let the dealer fill it or supply it, it will have the MB ''premium'' attached. Go to a local truck stop or VW dealer and pick up a few gallons and keep them in the garage and add your own, its like adding windshield washer fluid.Adding your own will only cost you less than 40 bucks every year given your mileage

 

Thanks for everyone's comments - I really appreciate it! Another thing to add is most of our miles are freeway miles.

 

We had an R350 (gas), and when the lease was up we got the ML 350 BlueTec. I was convinced the technology was the direction to go, and fuel was about the same as premium gas needed for the other Benz products. Yes, the mileage is great; and most of our miles are highway. We get about 26 combined when loaded.

What I didn't take into consideration was the extra costs of maintaining the BlueTec. It's not just the adblue as has been mentioned. But, since you already have a diesel you are likely aware of the fuel filter change, etc. The second service should be about $900 instead of the $300 for gas.

Basically, our ML diesel is great. We have no problem with it and would get it again (except my wife would want the GL, as the ML seems "small" compared to the R). My only caveat is that when leasing, as we do, it does not justify the total cost equation to get the diesel. If you buy, and keep it, then maybe it could make a better financial equation.

Based on what you say, and if you don't feel the "need" to have a new car, I'd go get the best extended warranty and get to know a nice service adviser!

 

I guess my wife is thinking that she could trade her GL320 in on the demo gas ML and not pay anything out of pocket and she will have a new car (albeit a demo) and 100,000 mile warranty, where if she keeps the GL, she will pay $4000 for the warranty and she still has 45,000 on it.

The GL is definitely a nicer car if you like space and our is fairly loaded. We got such a good deal two years ago, that we the car has only gone down in value about $10,000 and it is paid off.


Tough decision.

 

You might want to consider that three years down the road, the BlueTEC will be more desirable and worth several thousand more than the gas.

 

True but not nearly close enough to offset the added expense of $11,000!!!

I find interesting however that the dealer is offering the OP the 2010 ML350 gas version with 8,000 miles CPO at a VERY low price. I wonder why? Commonly, 3 year old MLs right after lease go for about $37,000 plus (in my area - Western PA which isn't that different from Ohio), depending on options. Why is this dealer dumping that car?

 

I think my GL is probably worth more than what they are telling me and that is why. It is hard to tell the true price of the car you are buying when you have a trade in. Plus, I think there is a new body style coming out this summer, which I am sure will affect values.

I think we are going to end up keeping our Diesel GL. For some reason,it seems to hold its value very well for a car and it gets better gas mileage than the ML gas SUV. I think the only way to change our mind would be if the price came down on the ML Bluetec. Plus, our GL is fairly loaded compared to the ML they are selling. It is ultimately my wife's decision, since its her car though.

I appreciate everyone's input!

 

I just bought an 09 GL 320 Bluetec and originally wanted an 08 CDI. I would not have spent all that money on a truck without the CPO warranty. The weak link in the GL is the airmatic suspension and that will go out at around 60 to 70k miles. The CPO warranty will cover it plus other small issues if it comes up. $4K to give the GL a complete 7 yr or 100K mile warranty is worth it. Plus you can transfer it to a buyer if you sell privately down the road. GL diesel is a keeper. I plan to keep my 09 for a very long time...

 

I just leased a ML350 Bluetec and am amazed by it's quietness, and gas mileage. Averaging about 26 so far - many trips I am getting over 28. Great vehicle - you can't go wrong. And lots of power.

 

I own both a ML350 & a ML 350 BlueTec. Both vehicles are driven approx 18,000 to 22,000 miles per year in a combination of city and highway. I took the total miles of each vehicle and divided by the total gallons of fuel used (yes I am that **** retentive to document all my vehicle expenses).

The 3.5L Gas averaged 17.7 mpg. The 3.0L BlueTec averaged 28.4 mpg.

I have been purchasing AdBlue from local auto parts store @ $11.99/2.5 gal container and filling the tank myself. Bought one 1/2 gal container from MB and removed the bottom to use as a spill proof funnel that screws onto the tank.

Using the previous post and real world MPG:

Since you drive about 20K miles per year then :

For ML350 20K miles / 17.7 mpg = 1,130 gallons of fuel per year

For ML350 BlueTec 20k/ 28.4 mpg = 704 gallons of fuel per year

Difference is 426 gallons @ $3.50 per gallon in my area = $1491 in savings per year for the diesel.

This actually is reduced by a less than 50 dollars by filling up with adblue every 10K miles for the diesel, so let's say you save about $1443 per year. It will take you about 7 years of ownership to recover the initial difference of $11,000. Not 22 years...

So, between the two the choice is not so very clear..., I prefer the BlueTec.

The extended range - I typically go approx 500 miles between fill-ups and still have plenty of reserve is a plus for me. The added torque for the times I pull the boat trailer is also a plus.

The astonished looks I get when I have passengers that see the MPG display and realize that my MB BlueTec kicks their Hybrid SUV's butt is priceless - and the initial purchase cost was less than their fully optioned hybrid to have the same stuff.

 

My comment regarding 22 years to offset the initial added expense was based on mpg numbers published by the government for each vehicle. In your calculation you are using your real life values which are 100% correct for your type of driving, number of passengers and cargo, climate etc. In any case, it is obvious the diesel cars will provide better mpg than gasoline vehicles at all times.

Regarding the other benefits of diesel (pulling power for pulling a boat, torque etc) you are correct, but not everyone has these needs. I personally don't tow, so it would be an unnecessary feature to have.

I do have a question however, since you have both and are able to compare! How does the diesel perform in high speeds? I don't own one so I honestly don't know. Obviously given the high torque numbers the car is quicker than gas at low rpms, but how quick is it going from 60 mph to let's say 85 mph? Older generation diesels from 80s and early 90s where sluggish at best especially on long uphill highway stretches. Any improvement on that front with modern diesels?

 

Good question.

I have not actually timed the difference from between the gas and the BlueTec at speed.

From the seat of the pants perspective, the gas engine is faster; but the diesel is not far behind. The gas version drops several gears when speed is demanded at highway speeds (i.e. floor the accelerator to pass) or pulling up a long steep grade and passing. The diesel does not rev as high (redlines at 4600) and the transmission does not shift as much... but still pulls hard.

 

the turque of the diesel is almost the 150% of the gasoline ones

 

You try very hard to make a case to go with a gas motor and now you finally say you have no experience with modern diesels....go drive one before you put your foot any further in your mouth

 

Thanks - very informative. We did not end up buying the gas ML. Since we have a GL320 it was hard to go to gas ML, because the gas mileage would not be as good as our GL. Your post makes me more interested in the BlueTec ML. Those are great gas mileage numbers!

the worse gas mileage.