DC-IT

Today I signed the lease for a 2011 ML350 BlueTEC:
Ext. Colour: Chromite Black Metalic.
Int. Colour: Black w/Contrast Stiches.

ML 350 BlueTEC AND ML 350 4MATIC™ GRAND EDITION PACKAGE:
PARKTRONIC.
Power adjustable passenger’s seat. 3-position memory package.
Exterior power folding mirrors.
COMAND APS with hard drive-based navigation, LINGUATRONIC voice control, DVD changer, 4GB Music Register and SD memory slot.
Luxury front headrests.
EASY-PACK power tailgate.
Rear view camera.
Passive Blind Spot Assist.
Media interface.
KEYLESS-GO.
115V power socket.
Anthracite Poplar wood trim.
Ambient lighting.
ARTICO leather dashboard.
Black ARTICO leather with contrast stitching.
Black roof liner.
20" 10-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels.



Here are some pictures of the ML:









The ML is joining my two other Diesel vehicles:
2011 VW Jetta TDI



and my 2010 BMW 335d


I'll be taking delivery on Thursday and then going on a 2,400 KM road trip with the family.

lkchris

Diesel is the way to go for sure. Especially if they're German.

DC-IT

I fully agree with you Ikchris.
If I may ask how are your two Diesels holding up?
Are there any issues I should be aware of?
This is my first M-B Diesel and I hope to buy it over after the end of the lease.

C43AMG

DC-IT - How do you like your Jetta? I am looking to get one for my GF ,can you give me a quick review - likes/dislikes? TIA.

DC-IT

The 2011 Jetta TDI is a great value for the $$$.
The 2.0L TDI 4 cyl generates 140 HP + 236 Lb-Ft TQ so it pulls like a V6 and although I drive it like I stole it I average 40 USMPG in real world driving.

I am passing it to my daughter to use and she drives it gentler than me and now she's getting mid 40s MPG.

Many Jetta owners of the MKV complained about VW decontenting the interior dash quality and it's now hard plastic.
But having not owned the MKV I did not miss anything.
In fact I did not buy the MKV 'cos the smaller and odd exterior wasn't my cup of tea.
But when the MKVI came out with a more generic design + larger interior space I was sold and got one.
The hard dash wasn't a big deal since one doesn't touch the dash when driving anyways.
But the increased rear seat leg room is of greater benefit than a hard dash!

For daily driving the Jetta TDI is probably the ideal car as it's not expensive and has the FE of a Hybrid yet you don't have to drive it like a Grandma to get great mileage.

Now for the negatives:
1. The US Diesel fuel has lower lubricity than our Canadian Diesel and there were over 75 cases of HPFP failures in the US. There have been only one reported case here in Canada.
2. Since I got my TDI in Feb '11 there has been two recalls to fix an electrical problem and wind noise at the front side mirror.
3. I also had a leaking fuel line connecting to the #4 cyl. Fixed by the Dealer under warranty.
4. The DSG tranny does hesitates @ low speeds but if that bothers you simply switch on the Sports mode.
5. The BT phone voice commands works great but when you activate it the lady shouts at the top of her lungs at you!

I have pulled out the Radio + BT unit and installed a Pioneer in-dash GPS+BT+Stereo & Rear-View Camera which I pulled from my last vehicle that I traded in for the TDI. See image below:



Overall it's a great vehicle. You should go test drive one as well as a Golf TDI which is smaller and nicer than the Jetta but might be more expensive.

If you want more luxury try the Audi A3 TDI or look for a used BMW 335d.
Hope this helps.

Cheers

gforaker

Around 10 years ago I took the family to Europe for 3 weeks and rented a VW Passat Wagon TDI. It was a fantastic car. It carried 4 people and their luggage easily and cruised at 120 on the Autobahn. I was getting around 35 to 40 mpg. It was a wonderful car and when I came back I looked into buying one here. I was saddened and amazed that they didn't sell it here.

vegeta

I also have 3 diesels....loving the diesel!! If i can ask, what are your impressions on the 335d?? I'm thinking about that being my next car but haven't decided yet. Thanks in advance!

DC-IT

I just took delivery of my ML this morning and am now leaving on a 2,400 KM road trip with the family to Quebec + Martane (Lobster season).
I was pretty impressed with the FE on the Highway 401 heading back from the dealership as it was showing 9.2 L/100KM (2.5.5 USMPG).

I will try and post my thoughts of the 335d later at the Hotel if that is OK with you.

Man I'm loving my ML!
Cheers.

DC-IT

Vegeta here's my views on the BMW 335d:

The 3.0L inline 6 cyl with twin-turbo generates 265 HP + 425 Lb-Ft Torque and when fitted in a vehicle the size of the 3 series makes it a hell of an exciting machine.
It's almost 50:50 weight distribution allows you to enjoy a great performance vehicle and yet get the FE of a sub compact car!

That TQ makes driving in urban traffic very effortless and when the situation arises you can merge into highway traffic or overtake those semis or slower vehicles in a split second.

I've never had so much fun in a vehicle as the 335d can provide.

In the US you have the benefit of eco rebates which can bring down the price by $4,500.00 thus making it a very attractive buy.

I would not think of giving up my 335d any time soon unless the next generation F30 D is a significant improvement.

My D has given me over 53,000 KM of great motoring and has been totally reliable so far.
BTW, the D easily gets 33+ USMPG and you don't have to drive like a Granny to achieve that FE.
A 335i on the other hand can at best get 18~20 USMPG and on premium gas. The 335i also has many cases of HPFP failures while the D so far hasn't had this issue.

I highly recomend that you take one for a test drive and see for yourself.
What have you got to lose?
But be forewarned that once you've tasted that TQ you might get hooked like I was.

Cheers

vegeta

thanks for the detailed review on the 335d. hopefully in the next couple of years, i'll get one.

DC-IT

You're most welcome vegeta.
By then it'll be the new F30 which should be worth waiting for.
If only BMW brings over the 2.0L Diesel as the 3.0L twin-turbo is an overkill while the 2.0L gets over 50 USMPG!
The 320d has been known to get over 1,000 Miles on a single tank of Diesel (60L)!

CDNROCKIES

I've got two diesels as well.

The major issue we had with our ML was that the Bluetec delivery lines/pump froze when the weather got to -30 C. I know you don't get their often out East, but something to consider. Other than that, the mileage is fantastic and, other than a few early glitches, it has been very solid since.

DC-IT

Thanks CDNROCKIES.
Would it help to add some additives to your Diesel to prevent freezing?
I park my vehicles in my garage and have no issues with cold temps so far.
My TDI also comes with a block heater.

Wow you also have a X5 35d. My BMW dealer was after me to get one but I went for the ML instead.
Can you give a review of the X5 in comparison to the ML?