HiRez

Greetings,

I really like the ML350 BlueTec but cannot get over the fact that it does not come with a spare tire, nor does it have the usual well where one can be placed due to AdBlue tank.
How do you deal with this?
1) Buy a tire (not wheel) and carry it in the back so as to avoid spot dealer price for a new tire.
2) Buy a spare tire+wheel and jack. From where and how much?

Any other suggestions are most welcome.

Also, does the rearview camera display update your trajectory as you turn the steering wheel?

Thanks in advance.

eeferber

I considered all the same things, but eventually decided to just go with the gas version. Didn't like not having a spare at all (I do drive in some pretty isolated parts of the country) and trying to answer the issues you raise just wasn't worth the hassle.

Keyser Soze

"Also, does the rearview camera display update your trajectory as you turn the steering wheel?"

No...............But it does have guidance lines superimposed on the monitor that are very helpful in predicting your track and distance of an object from the rear bumper as you back up. It's a vast improvement over the camera in my 2007 ML that lacks any guidance lines.......
If you mean, does the camera move with the steering wheel? No. I see no advantage in a camera that would swivel.

RayPag

Hello,

We have an '09 ML320 BlueTec. They come with run-flats and they work.
We had a nail in a tire for about a week and the low tire pressure indicated came on. I could not tell which tire by looking at it was flat and I did not believe the indicator. When I had it to the dealer for an oil change, they found the nail in the tire.

Although at first I was leary about having my wife/kids drive around without a spare, run flats do work. AAA is Plan B.

Ray
Northeast Ohio

HiRez

Thanks.
By trajectory, I meant the guidance lines not the movement of the camera.

HiRez

Thanks Ray.
Can they fix a run-flat tire or replace it?

listerone

I had a nail puncture in a run flat and the dealer said that run flats cannot be fixed.I've seen debates on this subject with good points made by both sides but my attitude is that the design and manufacture of a tire...particularly a run flat...is so complex that I won't take the chance.If I get a flat in a run flat I replace it.Thank God I've only gotten one in 2+ years.

DC-IT

I just bought a 2011 ML350BlueTec and got the Rim+Tire warranty for 5 years.

My 2010 BMW 335d is also fitted with RFT and with over 50,000 KM in 1.5 years I have not had any puncture.

The ML's 20" RFT are over $800.00 to replace so for around $1,000.00 for the 5 year insurance is well worth the $$ for peace of mind IMO.

Also in the event of a flat you can drive the RFT for 100 KM so you can at least get to a M-B dealer to have it taken care of.

And you can always call for roadside assistance?

My only issues with the RFT is they are not very comfortable in the BMW and you can feel all the road bumps.

But in the ML it was very comfortable when I test drove it.
One M-B dealer claims that 19 out of 20 ML sold at their dealership are Diesels! They are flying out the door as fast as they can get them.

lkchris

Problem is, where I live I can easily be 200 miles from the nearest Mercedes dealer. This also means 200 miles from anybody that may have a replacement in stock and 200 miles from anybody qualified to dismount/mount runflat tires. Runflats are for urbanistas for sure.

DC-IT

I hear you.
But the vehicle also comes equipped with a pump + repair kit for fixing a puncture.

And you have Roadside Assistance in case of an emergency.

zemun1234

if you compare 18 mpg (gas) vs 30+ mpg (diesel) and today gas price, you don't have to be too smart for making decision

For me - it's diesel or take rent-a-car ...

listerone

I'll never own anything but diesels ever again.The few disadvantages of diesel are *far* outweighed by their many,many advantages.

DC-IT

Hi Listerone.
Good to see you here at the M-B Forum.
Could you please post your thoughts on the E350BT vs the 335d?

I actually paid a $2,000 deposit for the E350BT in the summer of 2009 when the M-B dealer gave me a delivery date of Dec 2009.
But the release date of the E was delayed for a year so I cancelled my order and got the 335d in Nov 2009.
I've since test driven the E twice and was waiting for the F10 535d which is still no where in sight.
Pending that I've since added a 2011 VW Jetta TDI and now the 2011 ML350BT. I love the D too much to give it up just yet.

Since you've now driven both your comments would be greatly appreciated.
What kind of FE are you getting in the E?

Cheers.

listerone

Two entirely different animals,IMO...both of which do what they're designed to do very well.The Bluetec is noticeably more "luxurious" than is the "d" and is noticably more welcoming to grown adults,in the back seat,than is the "d".OTOH,the "d" is noticably more "sporty" and has a more exciting excelerator than does the Bluetec.I liked the "d's" nav system better than the Bluetec's and a few other small things are done better by the "d"...electronics,etc.I loved my "d" and grow to enjoy the Bluetec more each day.


I know that feeling.I waited quite a while for the F10 diesel after having first heard the rumors but was willing to wait no longer.BMW lost a certain sale by dithering...mine.

I'm still at just over 3K miles so I haven't done any detailed analysis.However,by tomorrow evening I will have completed a total of 340 miles (Interstate) after starting with a full tank and I'll do an official calculation then.The computer consistantly shows 41-42mpg at the end of a 65 mile Interstate trip that I regularly make.About 80-90% of my miles are Interstate miles with most of the rest being suburban (I almost never drive in the city).

DC-IT

Thanks for the feedback Listerone.

I'll hang onto the D till M-B change the E350 BlueTec to the new more powerful engine which is introduced in the 2012 ML. By then if the F10 535d is still not available I will probably trade in my D for the E.

Cheers

bdyyz

Does the ML actually still us Run Flats (2011). I have no reference on the sidewall or manual to this effect. Nothing but a can of goo and a pump in the trunk

eeferber

if you're referring to the '11 Bluetec, yes it has RF tires.

dminahan

I thought I had read before that the Canadian vehicles don't get RF tires but the can of goo instead. Don't hold me to that though.

I definitely have the RF tires and I don't believe I have the goo kit.

eeferber

excellent point. I didn't notice the poster was in Canada. you very well may be correct.

YYZ-E55

The only run-flat in the 2010 or 2011 MB passenger car line-up in Canada is the GL with 20" wheels.

bdyyz

Ya I checked...I definitely do not have run flats.

gsohi

does 2010 ml350 blueteck has a spare tire or not

eeferber

not.

jdarling

I have a Blue tec and was concerned with no spare, went to softer tires than the run flats, much better ride. Bought a wheel and tire form Discount tire ($180) , covered it with a black tire cover and strapped into the side of the luggage compartment. Easy solution, rides well and is not in the way....