Bluetec - First 3000 miles
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Bow, NH
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2009 Audi A4 Cab,2003 Harley Road King
Bluetec - First 3000 miles
I can't remember looking forward to driving a vehicle more each day than my new ML. I just took it on a business trip yesterday and got 32.7 MPG cruising at 75MPH. Combined city/hwy is 27MPG.
The only thing that is slightly irritating is that there is a blind spot when the driver's seat is set back all the way since the exterior mirrors are a tad too small. The headlights are more than adequate and I don't miss the bi-xenons of previous cars (I know some on this forum have concerns).
Nobody has winter wheels for the 2012 ML yet so I am going to try the stock tires this winter. If it gets totally unbearable, I wil install Nokian Hakkapelitta winter tires on the stock wheels.
Build quality is excellent and much better than previous year models. M-brace sucks and I will not be renewing after the six month trial.
The only thing that is slightly irritating is that there is a blind spot when the driver's seat is set back all the way since the exterior mirrors are a tad too small. The headlights are more than adequate and I don't miss the bi-xenons of previous cars (I know some on this forum have concerns).
Nobody has winter wheels for the 2012 ML yet so I am going to try the stock tires this winter. If it gets totally unbearable, I wil install Nokian Hakkapelitta winter tires on the stock wheels.
Build quality is excellent and much better than previous year models. M-brace sucks and I will not be renewing after the six month trial.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
car
I agree on the side mirrors. I also find that the driver's side mirror does not adjust outward enough for me to put it in my ideal blind spot position.
Build quality seems good so far. The only issue I've noticed is that when I opened the flap covering the AC outlet in front of the back seat, the whole receptacle unit popped out! I can sort of pop it back in, but it seems like the mounting receptacle behind is also loose, so that will be a service department item.
Called the dealer for winter floor mats yesterday. He said they're back ordered due to demand right now, unless I want dark brown.
I"ve used the Send2Benz feature of Mbrace and like that, but otherwise I'm not sure I would pay for the service once the trial runs out.
Build quality seems good so far. The only issue I've noticed is that when I opened the flap covering the AC outlet in front of the back seat, the whole receptacle unit popped out! I can sort of pop it back in, but it seems like the mounting receptacle behind is also loose, so that will be a service department item.
Called the dealer for winter floor mats yesterday. He said they're back ordered due to demand right now, unless I want dark brown.
I"ve used the Send2Benz feature of Mbrace and like that, but otherwise I'm not sure I would pay for the service once the trial runs out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
The only time I've ever "called" the service is to download directions I've sent so neither sound quality nor hold times are an issue for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
1) If this is your first diesel you may not know that your mileage will probably improve noticeably as you put some miles on the clock.My BMW's mileage was about 10% better when I traded it at 30K miles than it was at 2K miles.I've seen it written that this is typical of diesels in general but,so far,can only speak for the BMW (my Blutetec is at only 6K miles) but don't be surprised if you find this to be true.
2) I've found the trip computer on my Bluetec to be quite optomistic when calculating highway mileage (most of my miles are highway so I can't speak for city mileage).So,for an accurate figure,you might want to use the old fashioned calculating method.....fill,drive,fill again.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Bow, NH
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2009 Audi A4 Cab,2003 Harley Road King
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Bow, NH
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2009 Audi A4 Cab,2003 Harley Road King
A couple of points regarding your statement..one good and one not so good:
1) If this is your first diesel you may not know that your mileage will probably improve noticeably as you put some miles on the clock.My BMW's mileage was about 10% better when I traded it at 30K miles than it was at 2K miles.I've seen it written that this is typical of diesels in general but,so far,can only speak for the BMW (my Blutetec is at only 6K miles) but don't be surprised if you find this to be true.
2) I've found the trip computer on my Bluetec to be quite optomistic when calculating highway mileage (most of my miles are highway so I can't speak for city mileage).So,for an accurate figure,you might want to use the old fashioned calculating method.....fill,drive,fill again.
1) If this is your first diesel you may not know that your mileage will probably improve noticeably as you put some miles on the clock.My BMW's mileage was about 10% better when I traded it at 30K miles than it was at 2K miles.I've seen it written that this is typical of diesels in general but,so far,can only speak for the BMW (my Blutetec is at only 6K miles) but don't be surprised if you find this to be true.
2) I've found the trip computer on my Bluetec to be quite optomistic when calculating highway mileage (most of my miles are highway so I can't speak for city mileage).So,for an accurate figure,you might want to use the old fashioned calculating method.....fill,drive,fill again.
Last edited by GreginNH; Dec 3, 2011 at 01:15 PM.
