GregW / Oregon

Drove an '11 diesel today to get a feel for it. Not as fun to drive as the gas, but given its use (and the fact I have an M3 for daily driver), I'm going with the BlueTEC. These are the specs I just sent to my sales advisor:

ML350BTC - $50,490
650 Arctic White - $0
Packages:
P02 Premium II Package - $5,370
315 Dynamic Handling Package - $5,150
319 Lighting Package - $1,290
Options:
550 Trailer Hitch - $550
P95 Sport Interior Package (Special Order) - $0
244 Sports Seats Front (Special Order) - $0
282 2nd Row Pass-through - $160
739 Aluminum Trim (Special Order) – $0
801 Black Premium Leather - $1,370
866 Rear Seat Entertainment Prewiring - $240
942 Cargo Management System (Special Order) - $300
U09 – MB-Tex Wrapped Dashboard (Special Order) - $300
Other:
Special Order Charge - $250
Destination & Delivery - $875
________________________________________________

TOTAL: $66,345

I've been working with one saleperson I bought my last ML from. I expect to get a Fleet Discount, Conquest Discount (own a BMW), and Loyalty Discount. In addition I'm eligible for the MBCA rebate. If he comes back with a reasonable offer, I'm ordering tomorrow. Procuction is expected late January-early February. He did tell me that the handling package is now delayed until January.

MinnBobber

Congrats. Sweet!!
I'm tempted.Currently have 2005 ML500 SE.
I haven't seen new MLs in person/test driven yet.
Man, those options add up quick $$$
Bob in MN

Jim Brady

I just drove the '12 Bluetec and compared to the '11 is a huge improvement in performance and driveability. You will be impressed.

I've got to take delivery before 12/31 to get the tax break (vehicles over 6000 GVW) so my order lacks the lighting package. I've decied also to forgo the air suspension. My sticker came in at 59k and expect a competive deal since I've purchased over 20 cars from him.

GregW / Oregon

Good to know about the '11 vs '12 comparison. I just missed the oomph when you floor it of the '11 diesel compared to the '12 gas.

YYZ-E55

Agreed on Jim's comment on 11 vs 12. The changes to the BlueTEC powertrain for 2012 are significant and noticeable, especially with respect to turbo lag (though still evident).

cellik

Yeah '12 diesel is much improved. I drove one last weekend and was very impressed with the 0-60kmph (40mph)...I think its as fast as my m3 for that short off the line sprint in the city. The acceleration really drops off at that point though, where perhaps the gas V6 would be quicker from 60km-120kmph. The 7.0-7.5second 0-60mph seems relatively accurate, and off the line you REALLY feel the 450lbs-feet of torque.

Only a slight bit of diesel chatter is noticeable, pretty impressed with how quiet the truck is at WOT.

So all in all, diesel would be my choice, the only weakness would be top end acceleration on the highway.

DCubed

You have three certificate program rebates (Conq/Fleet/MBCA) only one cert program can be applied to a vehicle deal. Pick which one has the highest $$$ value.

GregW / Oregon

Placed my order today. Added Y90 black headliner. Got $2,265 off plus $3k "fleet" discount.

papaz

Sweet!! Nicely done.

jtorrebl

This is exactly how'd i'c configure my next car in 2 year. Color and interior wise. Nice choice. I'd think about diamond white too. Love the sporty interior you're doing. So sport interior and seats are $0 cost options. Good deal!

YYZ-E55

Great call on Y90 Greg. It will be a beautiful and unique truck.

GregW / Oregon

I looked at Diamond White in person. In the end I thought it was a little too luxury & pretentious for a truck. Sport interior is no cost except for the one time fee (I had 6 special order items).

GregW / Oregon

Thanks. Now I'd just like to pick up some 19" take offs for snows. And eventually replace the front valance with the AMG one.

jtorrebl

Yeah it is flashy

YYZ-E55

The code for the AMG front end is 772. You should ask your sales guy if he can add it.

dougiebear

So can we get Y90 black roof?
I know we can with brown leather

GregW / Oregon

Yes, Y90 is black headliner in lieu of gray. Not available with Almond Beige upholstery.

GregW / Oregon

From my saleperson:

There is no 772 on the order site.
Nice try!!

Perry Thompson
Mercedes-Benz of Wilsonville

cellik

Do you actually work for a company on their fleet discount list, or is this something that can be negotiated?

GregW / Oregon

The fleet discount was offered through Runzheimer, the firm the handles my wife's car use reimbusement for her employer. The reimbursement rules require a vehicle no older than 5 model years.

YYZ-E55

Greg, I really think you should grab the basic assistance package (234 and 476). For the small additional cost, it will pay for itself if it prevents one minor collision and it will undoubtedly help resale. It can be selectively disabled if you so desire (I dislike the lane tracking part, but blind spot assist is a must-have for me).

For stock in Canada, we are building virtually all 2012 ML and E-Class with these features. It is a high demand option, to say the least.

DCubed

Fleet discounts must be proven, your local dealer will have a list of eligible companies and for what programs they qualify for. It takes 3-4 days (MB Corp can be a little slow at times to verify employment) to generate the appropriate information and get the completed incentive form. Your HR person would probably know as well as MB does reach out to selected companies to participate in the fleet program.

GregW / Oregon

You can't order these separately in the US. They only offer the #997 Driver's Assistance Package at $2,950! This includes DISTRONIC PLUS w/ PRE-SAFE, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. All that is way to much assistance for me - I prefer to drive the vehicle rather than it driving me!

papaz

993 includes 234 Blind Spot and 476 Lane Keeping Assist and is $850. I think that's what he meant. This is US available.

rcf8000

I have the blind spot warning system in my GL450, and it works extremely well. I will not buy another vehicle without it.