rlucas

I love the styling of the 2011 ML550 (AMG front and rear appearance) but for the same $ I can get the new body style 2012. Both are certified and have about 20k on them. Same color, etc.

What would you guys do? Will I loose more $ by going with the older body down the road or will the 550 hold it's own?

Thx!

UR2SLO

Yes you most likely will loose more value down the road with the 2011, but a substancial amount since it will be considered the last year that generation (W164) was made.

I would wait out till MB does their minor re-design like do with most models (2012 C and 2013 GLK), the current model does not really look very appealing in my opinion. Or even wait out for the new BMW X5 which should be out any day now, look at other alternatives like the 2012+ Cayenne.

troby

I will not comment about the $ aspect, because it can get complicated. But what about the "wow" factor?
I do own the 2011 ML550. It is an amazing car. The acceleration, agility, speed, power, are unique and amazing. When I purchased it new, I had to spend a substantial $ amount over the new ML350. I never had any kind of regret for the $ difference. (The only minus are the electronics & navigation which are outdated and lack new features - but the mechanical part of the car compensates).
Did you had a chance to drive both cars and to evaluate the differences between ML550 & ML350 sitting behind the steering wheel of each car? If possible I strongly recommend to do it.
Good luck!

Cyber GS

My thought is if you go with the W166 you will getting into a design that will look relatively current for approx another 5-7 years while the W164 is already the “older” model. I am not knocking the W164, I think it is a good looking truck,especially a 550, but it is the previous model. And as MB makes minor changes to the W166 during its life cycle the W164 design will just look older and older.

I am not going to compare the acceleration, power etc. of the 550 to the 350 (apples to oranges). But I will say that the acceleration in my 2012 ML350 is stronger and smoother than it was in my 2011. IMO the 2012 ML is much more refined than the W164, the more you drive it the more you will feel the difference.

I agree you with troby above you should drive both, some dealers will allow you to take "extended" test drives.

Good luck.

troby

Cyber GS,

If you do not mind, I would like to ask you a question. Please note that I do not intend to be disrespectful or argumentative. IT IS PURE CURIOSITY. Every person has a different experience and/or opinion. So I am just curious to ask what do you mean by "I am not going to compare the acceleration, power etc. of the 550 to the 350 (apples to oranges)".

The reason for asking is that, in my opinion, the bottom line or conclusion to a car selection process is the "driving experience". So in my personal opinion is the comparison is between apples to apples and/or oranges to oranges, of different taste, shape, size, color, ...

I am not 'touching' the $ aspect, since it seems that the value of an ML goes down pretty fast. I'm sure that my car's value after 2 years is about half of the price before driving it out of the dealership doors.

Please understand that is just curiosity, and that I would like to know, if possible, your opinion.

Thank you

chikoo

Drive both and see which one feels right to you.
Don't just go with numbers. There is more to it.

rlucas

Went with the 2011 ML 550. Got a great deal $44,000 CERTIFIED has 20k on it and in perfect shape. Performance is very good! I think I made a wise choice! The AMG front and rear makes the vehicle look great compared to the new ML350. I'll hold this one a couple of years then upgrade. THx for all comments.

Cyber GS

Troby,

No offense taken. Let me try to explain my “apples to oranges’ comment the best I can.

IMO it is very difficult to fairly compare a 2011 ML 550 with a 382HP, 391 ft/lb 5.5 V8 to a 2012 ML350 with a 300 HP, 273 ft-lb 3.5 V6.

I mean, of course the acceleration will feel much stronger in a ML550 with more power so therefore I consider comparing the driving experience, power delivery of a ML550 to a ML350 like comparing “apples to oranges”.

I was not comparing the size, shape or color of the ML’s, sorry if I confused you.

I always feel that in most cases you should buy the newest car you can for the money. So IMO, if I had a choice between an older style ML (even though it’s a 550) I would get the newer model if they were the same money.

Again this is just my opinion.

troby

CONGRATULATIONS & ENJOY THE RIDE !!!
(I know that I cannot be impartial, but I'm sure you will not regret your choice. It's not just the 'looks'... )

chikoo

Good choice. I would have done the same.

medic

Well done. You will love the acceleration and seemingly endless power. The car is thirsty, but you did the right thing

C-rod

I own a 2011 ML550 and I love it. When I purchased it, I considered waiting for the W166, but after seeing the vehicle, it did not suit my tastes. The W164 with the AMG styling is stunning, no comparison to the newer model. With the "no tail-pipes" look in the rear, the odd looking tail-lights and the fairly flat stance of the vehicle as compared to the more rakish W164, it was a no- brainier for me. The W166 in my opinion is too soft, too generic and does not stand out at all. I hope the mid-model upgrades help this vehicle.