M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Purchase decision . . .

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Old Jan 29, 2013 | 09:02 PM
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'19 E63S
Purchase decision . . .

I don't spend much time on this forum since I've sold my AMG some time ago (sniff) but now I'm in the market to replace my aging 05 ML350. Its got almost 150,000 miles and its getting to that point . . . anyway, I'm debating between a gasoline version but I'm also considering a diesel. Looking mostly at '08, '09,'10 if I can swing it monetarily. What I'm doing with it the most is just general transportation. However, during the summer time I do pull trailer fairly frequently, short & long distances so I'm leaning toward the diesel version a bit more. However, I haven't read too many positive articles in favor of the diesel for a variety of reasons, the need for Bluetec being one, acceleration off the line, or the runflat tires, availability, pricing of them etc. And either one of the models isn't that easy to find on the used market . . .

Does anybody have an easy solution for this? Gasoline or diesel?
Thank you for any input on that matter
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Old Jan 30, 2013 | 12:47 AM
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ML350
I know this is not the answer you wanted, but I would like to hear about your experience with the ML350. I just got a 2010 ML350 because I loved the experience during my test drive and even after that.
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Old Jan 30, 2013 | 01:38 AM
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'19 E63S
I bought my ML about 5 years ago and I've enjoyed it very much! The one I currently own is actually my 3rd ML (all first generation) and there are many reasons why I keep buying them. They are comfortable for my size (I'm 6'5"), safe, I can tow trailers, you name it. If you have any specific questions or concerns feel free to get with me but I'm quite certain you will not regret your purchase. And yours is significantly newer, that's what I'm wanting right now . . .
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Old Jan 30, 2013 | 05:26 AM
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From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
If you want to stay away from Runflats and Adblue, look for a CPO 2008 320cdi. There are still a few listed on mbusa.com. Alternatively if you want an 09 or 10 Bluetec , you can ditch the runflats, purchase a compact spare and make a nice cover for it, then just use roadside assistance to change if needed. In the end the longevity and MPG of the diesel are what sold me to get mine.

Last edited by 06e320cdi; Jan 30, 2013 at 05:38 AM.
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Old Jan 30, 2013 | 12:28 PM
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06e320cdi, thank you for your feedback! I'm sorry about my ignorance, what does CPO stand for?
The Adblue I'm more or less ok about, the runflat tires are what I'm concerned about but your solution sounds actually pretty good. What do we pay AAA for every month, right? Definitely something to keep in mind. Now I just have to decide if I should spend the extra money that it would take to get the satellite radio working again in the car I'm looking at . . . an aftermarket item like the one I had installed in my old ML would certainly be less expensive but I would love to have it all working together . . .
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Old Jan 30, 2013 | 01:11 PM
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2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
Originally Posted by sixfive
06e320cdi, thank you for your feedback! I'm sorry about my ignorance, what does CPO stand for?
The Adblue I'm more or less ok about, the runflat tires are what I'm concerned about but your solution sounds actually pretty good. What do we pay AAA for every month, right? Definitely something to keep in mind. Now I just have to decide if I should spend the extra money that it would take to get the satellite radio working again in the car I'm looking at . . . an aftermarket item like the one I had installed in my old ML would certainly be less expensive but I would love to have it all working together . . .
CPO= Certified Pre Owned
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Old Feb 20, 2013 | 04:43 PM
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From: New England
2015 ML250 Bluetec, 2014 GLK350
If you buy a diesel, please make sure it is a CPO car. Too many issues with the OM642 engine (at least in my experience)!! Oil leaks are the main culprit and they are not easy or cheap to fix! I had one and ditched it ...
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Old Feb 20, 2013 | 05:01 PM
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'19 E63S
That's good to know, thank you. Well, the purchase of a new vehicle has been tabled for the time vein anyway but when I get ready I'll be better prepared knowing
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