Not going to say I haven't. I was not a MB owner before, I am a fairly cheap individual so the Jeep GC was actually at the top of my price range that I wanted to spend on a SUV. Our last SUV was a freakin Saturn Vue (2008)..lol

When I drove the Jeep it was okay, I was very impressed for the fact the Jeep I test drove before that was a Kia Sportage (which I would buy over the Jeep if I was not going off road), not work 40K+ something even with all the gadgets - I was looking at the overland. I was looking fact this is a Jeep that starts at 26K, however 22K more is a nicely equiped GC. Lets see I am spending almost 100% of the car starting price on freakin options that most I won't use anyway. People are averaging 15 mpg in the midsize SUV - Dodge Ram MPG

I am not saying the Jeep is a bad SUV, its actually pretty damn good. However, after driving the Benz ML there was no comparison, and I slapped myself for even attempting to compare the two. Just kidding.

I think it all comes down to how much you want to spend. I was looking at a 21,000 SUV...I felt I didnt need luxury, or power, or refinement. After sitting in the ML in the showroom, I wanted to steal it. So I did the next best thing, I bought it.

 

Only the following parts are common to the GC and the ML:
Parts integral to the concept (not common parts): front end structure and main floor (not rear floor), but different materials, own tooling and separate production units
Front axle/rear axle subframe (excluding axle kinematic components)
Seat structure, front (steel structural components only, not elements which determine comfort such as foam or cover)

 

I think this settles it. Most people are not going to know what these parts are.

 

Underside of a JGC Overland


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Hi YYZ-E55

I was able to snap these pics with my phone. If you have similar shots of the ML 350 can you post them up. I haven't had a chance to get pics of the ML 350. If you can comment on what upgraded parts are that would be great.

Thanks! and, yes, I do realize that a BENZ is a BENZ is a BENZ. But would like to know what Daimler and Chrysler created when they were in bed together.

 

I posted exactly what parts are common. You're welcome to climb under a W166 and snap similar pics; I'll enjoy my Benz from the driver's seat, thanks

Regardless of what the media and forum junkies have to say, the truth is that co-development ended at a very early stage as the goals of the two vehicles are very different (luxury SUV with heavy focus on road manners vs mainstream affordable SUV with strong off-road capability).

The Jeep GC is a great truck and I believe a great value. Regardless of the common parts (or lack thereof), the GC and the ML are targetting very different buyers, and are priced, equipped and finished as such. Enjoy whichever you choose.

 

I will try to help you out buddy, I have a pretty well let garage, and will snap some for you tonight.

This is a great idea, and I will take the pictures I believe may be applicable to this thread.

 

I know that the Benz is more expensive. Like I said I am a cheap *******...

How I looked at it was this, the Benz is more expensive we know that - however it starts at 48K -

You don't have to add for 4x4, or DSR, Auto rear door, or the attention assist, or the fog lights, or the 19in rims, the new blue engine, or the power seats, leather, auto-dimming mirrors - you dont have to add for a sunroof, you dont have to add a lot of things that are expensive upgrades like on the Jeep.

Way I thought is a 45K Jeep, with bad service and the warrenty is not as good.

Vs.

A 50K Benz, that in itself is good. Pay the extra 5G, and get it back with good service department, and less scheduled visits - its once every year with the ML.

50K basic service for the ML also vs. 36K for the Jeep.

 

300D did you take those pictures with a phone? I want to know if I will be able to do the same with good results...I have a Droid 4G

 

It's with an hTc evo 4g. Make sure the flash is on and you hold really still.

 

YYZ Can you provide links/references to back up your information.


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These are some pics I snapped of the ML... Definitely a better build on the front suspension. The rear seems to be the same as a JGC.

 

Something to consider, as I know I did, if you have a high end luxury trade, I am sure that the Mercedes dealer will most likely give you better money for the trade as compared to a Chrysler dealer. Also, you must have forgotten to take pics of the empty beer cans and doobies inside the jeep frame from the factory workers during break time....I kid, I kid...LOL

 

Thats funny, I am sure most of the guys here won't - I do though, and its funny as hell.

Not just once, not twice, but three times it has been caught

 

You're not content despite the fact that your research corroborates my story? Would you feel better if I told you that further evidence of the early co-development separation can been seen in the location of the fuel door?

 

Hope this helps.
As I drive around, my head turns more to glance at 2012 ML's and the new body style than it does for 2012's Jeeps and their new style.
I owned 2 Jeep Cherokee's and 2 Dodge Ram's prior to buying my 2007 ML, and if I were to buy again it would be another ML. This being said after I drove both the 2012 V8 air suspension Jeep, 2012 V6 regular suspension Jeep and followed it up with a test drive of a Bluetec 2012 ML.
The ML was superb in drive, fit, feel and ergonomics, and being the "mechanical type", the engine compartment of the Bluetec ML was assembled the way I would expect of a custom built car.
I would happily pay the extra over the Jeep and wait till the lighting package is available.

 

Oh and in looking at the photos, the Jeep's rear drive shaft is showing signs of surface rust, while the ML's drive shaft is painted and all the bolts are smeared in rustproofing grease. Also note the Jeep's use of electrical tape under the vehicle to wrap the electrical harness. You seem to get what you pay for.
Good luck on your decision. Let us know which one you get.

 

Surface rust on Jeep drive shafts are "undocumented features" and come to you at no charge!

 

I think I can speak to this topic fairly well having owned numerous Jeep Grand cherokee Overland models (if I recall, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010), including the GC with the MB diesel (2008, I believe) and an ML 350 Diesel (2010).

My brother works for Chrysler so I was and am able to buy Jeeps at a discount. I traded in my 2010 Jeep for a 2010 ML 350 bluetec, mainly due to the fact that the Hemi I was driving kept me at the gas stations too much and i was no longer able to get the MB diesel as an option for the Jeep GC Overland.

Had I been able to still purchase the diesel engine as an option on the GC, I would have continued to buy the Jeep GC, given that the Overland version was a very comfortable suv to drive and never gave me any problems, and of course, I was able to purchase it at a discount as well.

I found that the 2010 ML diesel, with run flat tires, was a stiffer ride than my Jeep GC Overland, the seats were more comfortable, and I also found that my GC was slightly better in cornering. The only option I had on the 2010 was the premium package (Nav/etc) and a tow hitch.

I sold my 2010 ML privately last year, after i inherited another car due to a death in the family. Because i wasn't towing anything at this time, i traded that car in for a 2012 loaded diesel VW golf wagon thinking that the excellent fuel economy was important these days, and I enjoy the extra time between fillups.

However, there are many shortcomings one sees when downsizing from a mid size suv to a car. The main shortcoming is the lack of performance in the winter time (I live in Ontario, Canada so that is important). Yes, I could add snow tires but that does not give any extra ground clearance when I drive on the cottage road and into an unplowed driveway.

In addition, the car is smaller inside, lower to the ground which enables bo the wash from the other vehicles and the front and the salt spray at the back window to accumulate much more than a taller vehicle.

So, I am now seriously considering trading in this VW diesel for a 2012 ML 350 bluetec with the 7sp tranny. I have looked at the Jeep GC Overland version but again, the choice in engines is limited--the Hemi v8 (gas guzzler and don't need the towing power) or the v6 with the 5 speed tranny--which will not give me the fuel economy of the ML diesel or the distance between fillups. As for tradein value, the ML diesel, I believe, would keep its value more than the Jeep GC as well---again, mainly due to the diesel engine, and of course, the MB name plate.

However, had the Jeep continued to have the option of buying an MB 3.0 litre diesel engine, along with a newer tranny( 7sp or 8sp), the choice for me would have been easy....the Overland...

 

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Thanks for the input frostyy. I completely agree with you. The JGC has the old MB 6 Speed from GERMANY and the new V6 from MEXICO. If I could get the JGC in diesel it would have been a done deal.

 

As I stated in another thread, the current Jeep GC does not have exterior power folding mirrors as standard (like the ML350) or even an option on the Limited or Overland versions, so that is another reason, I ordered the 2012 ML350. My garage opening is too narrow to easily get in an out each day and getting out of the vehicle once, or twice a day to close the mirrors manually gets old pretty quick.

Given that the diesel engine is apparently coming back in 2013 (apparently for Canada as well as the US), I hope Jeep also has a new transmission to go with it! News over on the Jeep site indicates that the current 5 speed will be upgraded to an 8sp for 2013.

 

just sold my overland because of this and other build problems. auto dim mirror didn't work and the dealership didn't know how to fix. driver seat squeaked while driving. the navigation screen was 1997 quality at best. the jeep is the fat girl that the mercedes picked up for a one night drunken fling... he is embarrassed and she won't stop talking about it. there is no comparison in quality.

 

This looks nice:


Though.... so does this :-):

 

That in the pictures of the front upper strut assemblies, the jeep's was stamped steel while the Mercedes was solid cast? The old saying holds true. You get what you pay for, and as a side note, if the ml diesel was still available on th jeep, I would probably bought that instead.

 

Do you really need someone else telling you how to spend your money and why?

 

benz is a benz is a benz is a benz, but you gotta PAY to PLAY!

 

The Jeep is a good looking truck.

You get what you pay for when buying either the ML or JGC.

Personally, I love the higher quality materials that I can see but safety is the kicker. Strength of steel and higher attention to crash worthiness means a lot to someone who had significantly less injuries in an accident due to buying the more expensive option. Despite being a surfer and snowboarder, driving in L.A. is probably the most dangerous thing I do.