Anabolic Frolic

I placed the order this week for my 2012 ML350. The spec has one option on it that I am not sure of. It is option code 888 - Rear Storage Compartment. Does anybody know what this option is? All ML's already have the lift-up compartment that houses the spare tire. What could 888 be?

2012 ML 350 (gasoline)
Steel Grey Met/Black MBTex

Packages:
P02 - Premium 2
864 - Rear Seat Entertainment Package
993 - Lane Tracking Package

Options:
R55 - 19" Twin-spoke Wheels
235 - Active Parking Assist w/ PARKTRONIC
550 - Trailer Hitch
734 - Eucalyptus Wood Trim
846 - Brushed Aluminum Running Boards
888 - Rear Storage Compartment

caf

It's a hidden compartment for drugs and contraband used whenever you cross the border. Ordering that option almost certainly triggers a visit from the authorities.

Anabolic Frolic

Perfect! I was planning on using my Benz to mule drugs across the border.

caf

Sorry I don't have a real answer, but I couldn't resist!

katiesdad7

I believe that the rear storage compartment is part of the P2 package. It should not be a stand alone options with the P2.

vetfed

It's nothing more than the spare tire compartment with a key lock next to the handle. The order automatically adds option 888 when you spec Package 2 UNLESS you order the Driver Assistance Package in addition to Package 2.

Anabolic Frolic

Thanks Vetfed!

GregW / Oregon

Does the DA package take up space in that compartment?

twodivers

Actually, I think Vetfed means the Handling Package. I've order the driver assist pkg, and P2 still comes with 888. The handling package I believe does take up some room.

GregW / Oregon

Thanks for the clarification. I did order the Handling Package, but don't really care if I have a lock on the rear compartment.

ursinebuilder

I have a P2 with the rear storage compartment. It is located in the left corner of the car next to the speaker, and looks like a sunken tupperware container. No lock either.

27T

Does anyone have photos of this option? I forgot to check this out on the MY12 with P2. I'm wondering if I should select it on the MY13 that I'm ordering.

katiesdad7

Save the money. If you lock something in that compartment you will probably lock the vehicle. Now if someone breaks in the car is already trashed and all they will do is cause more damage. Its not Ft. Knox.

27T

What do you mean exactly?

I'm wondering what the size is and its location. It sounds like it would be a convenient feature when getting it serviced or washed.

katiesdad7

All it is a lock on the spare tire door. There is no additional storage. To be honest. I don't even know what key locks it. It came as part of the P2 pkg in my ML. The ball for the trailer hitch is stored there and there is some space around the spare. I keep the owners manual there.

As for when the vehicle is serviced you give them the key anyway.

27T

That sounds disappointing. I wonder why this conflicts with cargo management.

shortspark

What Katiesdad7 said is correct, this feature is no big deal. I put a couple things on top of the spare tire like an air inflator and a few tools around the sides of the spare but the "locking" feature is useless.

twodivers

I too wanted cargo management, but couldn't get it because of 888. I was told that M-B didn't want to have to deal with too many compartment covers. The cover for vehicles equipped with cargo management are narrower to facilitate the rails on each side. As it is, they have the "standard" cover, the narrower cover for cargo management equipped vehicles, and the locking cover in 888. I mean they've got 3, how could a 4th be that much more trouble.

As I said, that's what I was told by my dealer, don't know it to be a fact though. BTW, I have never locked my cover, partly because I never take my key out of my pocket anymore!

frtdog

My dealer said the "Cargo Management System" is now available as an option but nobody seems to know what it is. I had a cargo system in my 06 ML and I got alot of use from it.

27T

I'm thought that cargo mgmt is just the rails with slidable bar. anything else?

Does the trunk area change with cargo mgmt?

dougiebear

There are 2 posts with a tension strap as well for side wall pull

iankayem

Rather than hiding your hash or whatever in the spare tyre compartment, why not save the money on the lock and put it under the rear seats. Nobody would look in there!

Theres even enough space for the handbags you've recently snatched.

27T

Well under the seat is searchable during a routine traffic stop. Anything behind a lock may need a warrant.

iankayem

Guess I should always have my lawyer with me...

katiesdad7

Its only searchable if you give consent to search. I'm in law enforcement and I told my kids just say "i do not consent to any searches". I tell them to say it twice. Also, if you get stopped and are asked to exit the vehicle. Open the door, put the windows up, exit the vehicle, close and lock the door and put the key in your pocket.

Cops DO NOT have the right to just search your vehicle. They need a reason that they will need to defend if it is challenged. As a veteran I gave my service to defend the Constitution. That includes the 4th amendment.

But the best way not to be in that situation is to just follow the law. Now if I could only get my son to understand that. :-)