Hello,

I've been a longtime BMW owner and I am looking to by my first MB. I already test drove the 2011 X5 and I did like it a lot, but with already a BMW coupay and sedan in the stable I really wanted to get my first SUV as a MB.
I joined this forum hoping someone can give me real world advice on the ML series and possibly a MB dealer to refer me to in Northern California to deal.

I recently read from Consumers Report that the ML beat out the X5 with regards to reliability but they didn't say why each got the rating it got.
I know the ML has a tad bit worse gas mileage versus the X5 and might cost me more bottom line with the options I want. But I just want that three point star in my garage

Questions:

- 4matic means 4wheel drive all the time? Is this feature worth getting
- I plan to purchase mid to late 2011, should I just hold out for a 2012?
- Are the "metal skid pads" under the front bumper an option or part of a package like a "luxury package"?
- Is the KEYLESS-GO option worth it?
- The premium interior lighting just gives you LEDs versus normal lighting? But you get the same light locations regardless of what you choose?
- I think the heated headlamp washers area joke, can one have these removed from the lighting package to reduce the $985 package price?
- The 20-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, does that reduce the mileage of the SUV? are they worth it?
- Blind spot assist, and Parktronic worth it?

When I build my SUV I get the following from the MB webpage with the following options:

• PARKTRONIC$800
• Aluminum running boards with rubber studs$670
• Rear Seat Entertainment system$1,950
• Illuminated Door Sills$580
• Mercedes-Benz Star Service Pre-Paid Maintenance for 3 years or 30,000 miles$769

• Base MSRP:$46,490
• Additional Costs:$4,769
• Gas Guzzler Tax:$0
• Transportation Charge:$875
• Total Price:$52,134

I'm assuming there is a sticky here showing the cost price the dealers get and how much over cost most people are getting deals on?

 

After having an ML for 3 years I would go with an X5. Since you test drove an 2011 X5 and liked it you should go with one especially with warranty approved DINAN upgrades. But if your thinking about an ML wait till the 2012's come out. The X5's should be getting a redesign pretty soon here aswell.

 

If you want your ML to have any resale value at all, you'll specify 4Matic.

The metal "skid plates" are purely cosmetic.

ALL German cars are required by law to have headlight washing when HID lighting is installed. Headlight automatic leveling, too.

Larger diameter wheels mean more likelihood of wheel damage from road hazards.

The biggest "joke" of all is prepaying for maintenance.

It should be easy for anybody to get a better reliability rating than BMW, as BMW is the least reliable car sold in the USA. ONLY BMW requires complete cooling system component replacement every 60K miles, for example.

 

If you are eligible to join USAA you can get a good discount on the ML. You don't have to have USAA insurance or any other USAA financial product. Just join and use your membership number.

 

wait for the new...or if the price is really good...but it now!

 

really? This is a military type thing right?

 

You only have to have been in the military with an honorable discharge to be eligible to join.

 

Boy Scouts or Weeblos count?

 

No cigar.

 

This is OH SO true. On some models, suspension components like RTABs/LCABs (rear trailing arm bushings and front control arm bushings) and shocks that also need replacement quite frequently. I cannot believe how BMW enthusiasts consider a cooling system overhaul a part of "normal maintenance" (replacing radiator, water pump, thermostat, etc). The first time I ever heard about this was when I purchased a BMW. This is a common "maintenance" item since early model BMWs, and looks to be the same for late model BMWs as well. I guess that's ok with the owners so long as their cars are fun to drive.

 

I am on my second ML350. I had an 06 and now own an 09. The 09 is loaded and I love this vehicle. To answer you questions:

Questions:

- 4matic means 4wheel drive all the time? Is this feature worth getting
Get this. I live in upstae NY and have been able to go everywhere. Just put on Continential all seson Extream contact DWS's and they are fantastic in any conditions. In my opinion you won't gain a whole lot of MPG's with 2 wheel drive.
- I plan to purchase mid to late 2011, should I just hold out for a 2012?
Waite for the redesigned 2012 if you can
- Are the "metal skid pads" under the front bumper an option or part of a package like a "luxury package"?
I believe the skid plates are standard. I have never seen them as being an option and they are cosmetic.
- Is the KEYLESS-GO option worth it?
YES. But this is just my opinion. Once you have it you won't want to do with out it.
- The premium interior lighting just gives you LEDs versus normal lighting? But you get the same light locations regardless of what you choose?
- I think the heated headlamp washers area joke, can one have these removed from the lighting package to reduce the $985 package price?
I use this feature a lot in winter and can say it does the job. Also, I believe if you op to not get these you cannot get zenon's and the premium lighting package.
- The 20-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, does that reduce the mileage of the SUV? are they worth it?
I have 19" alloys and get 20 city 25 highway.
- Blind spot assist, and Parktronic worth it?
I do not have either of these features. I think they may be an added feature but not to replace your looking over your shoulder, using your mirrors, and being aware of your surroundings

When I built my SUV I get the following from the MB webpage with the following options:


PARKTRONIC$800
Aluminum running boards with rubber studs$670
Rear Seat Entertainment system$1,950
Illuminated Door Sills$580
Mercedes-Benz Star Service Pre-Paid Maintenance for 3 years or 30,000 miles$769

I have the running boards and my wife loves them. My 06 ML did not have them and when I ordered the 09 she requested them.

Not sure if the prepaid maintenance is worth it or not. I would check to see how much you are going to pay for routine maitenance at the dealer and how many times per year you will have he maintenance. Also what does this maintenance consist of?

 

Before I bought my ML I test drove the X5 extensively. I found the ride too harsh with the X5 and IMO the level of quality was a little below that of the ML.
I'm in Canada so there is only one package and it gives you all the options you mention. The brush guards aren't necessary but they look great, Keyless-Go isn't necessary but is cool, the 20" wheels looks great and aren't detrimental to the ride.
I was skeptical about the value of blind-spot assist but have found it to be a great safety feature which along with park-assist gives you that little extra piece of mind when operating your vehicle.
Are they worth the money? I'd say yes because when it comes time to re-sell most potential buyers will want those features.

 

Is there going to be that much of a facelift with the 2012s? Anyone have any pics of what they are going to change?

 

There may be a bit of a price spike too if there's a demand.

 

take a look at the 3d called 2012 ml just 2 o3 lines down this one

 

Depending on where you live; yes ! I live in Jersey where we have proper 4 seasons and in Winter 4WD does give me a piece of mind. Besides do you really want to be someone who has a 2WD SUV ? It just looks silly if you get stuck in the snow with only your rear wheels spinning

I would definately hold out for the 2012 models but if money is a concern you can get some amazing deals on 2011 models.

I belive the metal skid plates come with every package.

Absolutely. In my opinion the KEYLESS-GO is better than BMW's Comfort Access. It just operates smoother and more precisely.

Yes; the lighting package gives you LED lights instead on conventional bulbs which are in the same place as the conventional ones. I would definately get this package because you also get Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel (Active Curve Illumination) and LED DRLs.

I'm afraid not; but they do serve a purpose. I personally would not pay for them extra but since they are part of the Lighting Package I would take them. I wish that the windshield washer fluid was heated also; but that's just me...

I'm not sure about that one.

Yes and yes.

 

Can anyone recommend a dealership in Northern California and to go one step further, if anyone can recommend a Sales person to work with that would be AWESOME! I'm looking at mid-late Summer for my purchase...

 

You might see if a dealership has an internet sales manager and if the give an internet discount. The dealership that I bought my ML350 from gave me an internet discount.

 

How much was the discount?

 

5% Not much but better than nothing and it didn't require negotiation.