MD Boy

Well, finally had a chance to test drive a ML with the Dynamic Handling Package this weekend.

The Handling package, to me, definitely seemed a little smoother and maybe a little, 'tighter' going into the exit ramp. At the same time, to me, it was not that much of a difference between the two. Definitely not a ~$5k premium of a difference over the regular suspension.

I did however, love the 20" wheels. They looked to fill in the wheel well better and gave the ML a more aggressive stance.

So, I ask, is there a way to opt for the 20" wheel set without getting the entire Dynamic Handling Package? For instance, with BMW on the X5, it's only a $950 option to upgrade to the 20" rims/tires. This would be a great add on if possible.

I asked our sales advisor and GM and they did not think [know if] this was possible; they also were not aware of the sports interior either

I guess I could always go after market, but I would rather have purchased the wheels/tires from MB directly.

As always, thank you in advance for any help and insight.

geeaccord

No that the only way to get the ML350 with 20's on it with the Dynamic Handling Package..that I think is crazy.

MD Boy

Thanks for the reply

Eh, that's frustrating I would have to order an entire package to just get the wheels. Not a fan of going aftermarket.

At least the 19" look good; With no other option, I'll just stick with them.

But hey, if anyone with 20"'s ever wants to trade for the 19" wheels, let me know

twodivers

You need to find a better dealer!! Check this out - it is the 2012 ML Accessories E-Brochure. No shortage of MB supplied 20" wheels for your ML!
http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/Files/eB...index.html#/4/

MD Boy

Thanks, Man. Those 20" 5-Twin spoke wheels looks great. Would love to have them directly from the factory, as long as they don't gouge on the pricing for the wheel/tire set.

I love the look of the AMG wheels but not a fan of having an AMG, 'kit' on a non-AMG vecicle. Same as ///M packages on non-M BMW's - Personal preference.

Anyone know what the order code for only the wheels in the Dynamic Handling Package or the above mentioned 20" 5-Twin spoke wheels?

Thanks again.

EDIT - I think the order code for the 20" wheels (from the DHP) is, R33. If someone has something different, please let me know

GregW / Oregon

R33 is correct (on my build sheet) - don't think you can order them separate from the DHP, except as a part number.

GregW / Oregon

This from a dealer friend:

"Both the 5-twin spoke wheel and the 5 spoke AMG wheel are available thru the MB Accessories program - but you won't be happy with the costs: $665 ea and $1160 ea respectively; if drop ship add surface freight. On this size parts orders for 4x could be 10%-15% off with the right parts dept.

The 5-twin spoke is available - the 5 spoke AMG has not been shipped yet ever, and shows on backorder."

You could probably sell the stock 19s easily, but still will be an expensive proposition.

MD Boy

Thank you for all of the info., Greg. Yeah, you're right, not happy with the cost of the upgrade for wheels. 20"s would be nice as they look better but I'm not that big a wheel(s) fan to spend $2k+ just to swap them out. If it was similar to what BMW was offering to upgrade ($950 on the X5), I'd be all over it.

19" will work just fine. I'm assuming the ride would be a little softer when the stock 19's over the 20's?

Wondering if MB will release an, 'Appearance Package' for the ML? Not an AMG kit but something with upgraded wheels, side/rear valance, etc. I'm pretty sure they did that for the outgoing ML.

craigk

I'm having a helluva time coming up with a part number for the 20" Twin 5-Spoke wheels which come with the Dynamic Handling Package on the 2012 ML. Even my dealership can't seem to figure it out. Do any of you know how to come up with it? It wouldn't make much sense that they can't be ordered separately from the DHP...what if one got damaged and needed to be replaced?

iankayem

This pisses me off. Our ML350 comes standard with R33 20" wheels. Problem is they will not take chains, but I need to be able to fit them, so I have to select the R41 option of 18" wheels. This is what MB calls a "no charge" option.
On the ML250, they charge $1200 to upgrade to 20".

GregW / Oregon

Looks like it's #40 here: A166 401 09 02 (494) or (7X10). Bet there are none in stock, though.

GregW / Oregon

Why not take the 20s and trade someone for 18s or 19s + cash? Second option is to take the 20s and get a second set of 18s or 19s for chains.

iankayem

Don't worry Greg, I have certainly thought about it. To find someone looking to upgrade would be difficult except through the dealer who gets the profit of the sale.
I do not believe the ML250 is going to be a top seller here, and all the V6 & V8 models have 20" or 21" standard.
I even thought about swapping them with the 18"s on my present W164. But I would like to have new tyres on the new car. And I will sell the W164 to whoever says please at the right price without waiting for the new car delivery date.
Further I do not know if the offset would be the same.

In the past I did have two sets of tyres for the Nissan but even with the airgun it is a tedious job to swapover especially as I am partly disabled.

I do like the look of the R41 18" rim so I will accept the no charge deal.

GregW / Oregon

What do you use chains for? Us yanks think Australia is pretty dry (I have been there twice, though).

iankayem

Certainly don't use chains for the sand!

I have a chalet in the high plains, and during winter the Rangers insist all vehicles carry chains and 2WD must fit them.
Sometimes they even say the 4x4's must also fit them and drive to the top to get a permit to drive without them. I know it sounds petty, but after a spate of Subarus etc fell off the mountain due to super slick racing rubber you see their point. They also love to award $500 bonus prizes when someone pulls out some 24" chains to fit 32" tyres.

So I prefer to have rims which will not be damaged by chains hence the 18".
Also I appreciate that little bit of extra comfort they give. I accept there may be a loss of handling, but the ML still hangs on brilliant.