Question for all ML350 owners - Does the ML350 have enough power?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Question for all ML350 owners - Does the ML350 have enough power?
In the market for a W164, thinking about selling my W211 E350.
Drove an ML550 over the weekend, and the power band in my opinion is insane. (Compared to what I am used to from my E350).
Watched a few YouTube videos, and read some comparisons of the ML350 and the ML550. I read a lot of times, that the ML350 is underpowered for the size of the vehicle, and one should only consider the ML550 with the V8 instead. Curious to know what you ML350 owners think? I would only use the vehicle to tow 2 dirt bikes on a little trailer to go riding with my son, other than that, it would be my daily driver. So again, question to all ML350 owners, do you feel that the vehicle is somewhat underpowered for its size and weight?
Thanks very much in advance, your input is greatly appreciated.
Drove an ML550 over the weekend, and the power band in my opinion is insane. (Compared to what I am used to from my E350).
Watched a few YouTube videos, and read some comparisons of the ML350 and the ML550. I read a lot of times, that the ML350 is underpowered for the size of the vehicle, and one should only consider the ML550 with the V8 instead. Curious to know what you ML350 owners think? I would only use the vehicle to tow 2 dirt bikes on a little trailer to go riding with my son, other than that, it would be my daily driver. So again, question to all ML350 owners, do you feel that the vehicle is somewhat underpowered for its size and weight?
Thanks very much in advance, your input is greatly appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
2011 ML350
In the market for a W164, thinking about selling my W211 E350.
Drove an ML550 over the weekend, and the power band in my opinion is insane. (Compared to what I am used to from my E350).
Watched a few YouTube videos, and read some comparisons of the ML350 and the ML550. I read a lot of times, that the ML350 is underpowered for the size of the vehicle, and one should only consider the ML550 with the V8 instead. Curious to know what you ML350 owners think? I would only use the vehicle to tow 2 dirt bikes on a little trailer to go riding with my son, other than that, it would be my daily driver. So again, question to all ML350 owners, do you feel that the vehicle is somewhat underpowered for its size and weight?
Thanks very much in advance, your input is greatly appreciated.
Drove an ML550 over the weekend, and the power band in my opinion is insane. (Compared to what I am used to from my E350).
Watched a few YouTube videos, and read some comparisons of the ML350 and the ML550. I read a lot of times, that the ML350 is underpowered for the size of the vehicle, and one should only consider the ML550 with the V8 instead. Curious to know what you ML350 owners think? I would only use the vehicle to tow 2 dirt bikes on a little trailer to go riding with my son, other than that, it would be my daily driver. So again, question to all ML350 owners, do you feel that the vehicle is somewhat underpowered for its size and weight?
Thanks very much in advance, your input is greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
I'm a new ML350 owner and I really like it! but I would agree its underpowered :-( not by much but its definitely more relaxed then I'm used to, I think it would be fine for hauling stuff around (which is what I bought it for) but its not what I would call fun if that's what you want..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
I really have to say that the W164 owners are NOT responsive at all. Can't be that only ONE Forum member has input in regards to the power band of an ML350? 
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 396
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From: Ontario, Canada
2006 ML500, 2008 ML350
Just came across your post.
I have both ML350 & ML500, not 550. The powers are not comparable. ML500 is way way more powerful and responsive. However ML350 is much tamer to drive, much more smooth and quieter. Personally I like the latter more. For what you're going to use though, ML350 will be more than enough. It will give you a smoother everyday drive plus your outdoor activity. When I go from 500 to 350 the power and acceleration are quite noticeable.
Hope this helps.
I have both ML350 & ML500, not 550. The powers are not comparable. ML500 is way way more powerful and responsive. However ML350 is much tamer to drive, much more smooth and quieter. Personally I like the latter more. For what you're going to use though, ML350 will be more than enough. It will give you a smoother everyday drive plus your outdoor activity. When I go from 500 to 350 the power and acceleration are quite noticeable.
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Just came across your post.
I have both ML350 & ML500, not 550. The powers are not comparable. ML500 is way way more powerful and responsive. However ML350 is much tamer to drive, much more smooth and quieter. Personally I like the latter more. For what you're going to use though, ML350 will be more than enough. It will give you a smoother everyday drive plus your outdoor activity. When I go from 500 to 350 the power and acceleration are quite noticeable.
Hope this helps.
I have both ML350 & ML500, not 550. The powers are not comparable. ML500 is way way more powerful and responsive. However ML350 is much tamer to drive, much more smooth and quieter. Personally I like the latter more. For what you're going to use though, ML350 will be more than enough. It will give you a smoother everyday drive plus your outdoor activity. When I go from 500 to 350 the power and acceleration are quite noticeable.
Hope this helps.
input. So you are saying the 350 is good enough?
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 396
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From: Ontario, Canada
2006 ML500, 2008 ML350
If the heaviest thing is couple of bikes on weekends and the rest of time you want to enjoy a smooth mellow drive, yes 350 is for you. But if you want to chart the mountains and feel invincible, go for 500 with much more might and acceleration. Have fun either way!
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Thanks very much.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
I can only say that the ML550 is great fun. Plenty of grunt for any situation. Effortless torque means you cruise past just about anything and with a smile on your face. Am so glad i bought it and not the 350. And its more reliable. But its thirsty so if thats a concern then maybe think twice. The big difference isnt just the power, its that you'll love the 5.5.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 108
From: PA
E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
The 3.5 is a solid engine, I like it in the ML. I'm not trying to drive it really fast anyway. Plus, it already sucks gas.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Gas in the States is cheap, and what difference make 2 to 3 miles per gallon, if you have plenty of power to spare.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
2009 ML350 4matic, 2017 GLS450
I agree with many here the 350 isn't underpowered at all. I've driven underpowered (H3 with an i5) and this is nothing like that. Yes the 550 has much more acceleration, but I've found the 350 tows what I need, and can run >120 mph just fine all day long. No race car but good enough for many.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 108
From: PA
E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
The 550 must be nice to own, but they are pretty rare. There's a clean one in Palm Bay in baby blue if anyone wants me to dig up the link.
I explained in my thread how some tweeks can help the 3.5 be all it can be.
I sprayed Gumout into the intake with the MAF removed. Then I cleaned the MAF with proper MAF cleaner. Installed air filters too, but the trick is really the fuel. I use a gallon or two of E85 to boost octane and clean the internals. E85 will dry out the fuel system and clean everything. I don't even buy Techron anymore. My engine is running WAY better than a week ago when I got it.
Actually I got away with 3 gallons of E85 in the huge 25G tank without a check engine light for running lean. I also use some 2-cycle oil in the gas too, 3.5 oz per 10G gas, a bit more the first time. It's an awesome fuel additive that is dirt cheap if you buy gallons, I use one or two a year.
I explained in my thread how some tweeks can help the 3.5 be all it can be.
I sprayed Gumout into the intake with the MAF removed. Then I cleaned the MAF with proper MAF cleaner. Installed air filters too, but the trick is really the fuel. I use a gallon or two of E85 to boost octane and clean the internals. E85 will dry out the fuel system and clean everything. I don't even buy Techron anymore. My engine is running WAY better than a week ago when I got it.
Actually I got away with 3 gallons of E85 in the huge 25G tank without a check engine light for running lean. I also use some 2-cycle oil in the gas too, 3.5 oz per 10G gas, a bit more the first time. It's an awesome fuel additive that is dirt cheap if you buy gallons, I use one or two a year.
Last edited by Audi Junkie; Mar 13, 2021 at 02:05 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
2010 ML 350 4Matic, 2006 C 230 Sport
My 600 mile opinion.
I've had my 2010 ML350 for about 3 months now and have maybe put 600 or so miles on it. I can't say that I've felt it is under powered for what I've been using it for (conservative city and highway driving). I've never driven an ML550.
With that said, if you gave me a choice between an identical ML350 and ML550, I'm certain I would pick the ML550 if it didn't cost too much more.
With that said, if you gave me a choice between an identical ML350 and ML550, I'm certain I would pick the ML550 if it didn't cost too much more.
