PharmMB

Hi, everyone. New member and first-time poster.

I'm expecting delivery of my 2012 ML350 in ~6 weeks. I ordered it with running boards to help my wife with getting in/out (she's fairly short).

My concern is that all the pics I've seen of MLs with running boards look like the lower bumper is black plastic (all the way around the vehicle). I'm wondering if it's because these MLs don't have the AMG styling package or if it's because of the running boards.

Any thoughts, especially from any Canadians who already have a new ML with running boards?

Pics would be great too. Thanks.

YYZ-E55

For Canada (with AMG styling), only the running board itself is unpainted textured plastic.

Standard Left, AMG Right:


If you ordered the sport package, you don't need the running boards as the truck sits much lower. All they end up doing is getting your pants dirty.

PharmMB

Thanks for clearing that up.

No sport package, so we'll have a higher ride. I was ambivalent about the running boards, but my wife insisted.........happy wife, happy life!

I understand the pants issue because we have running boards on our GLK. Guess I'll just have to be careful with entering/exiting......

Cheers!

YYZ-E55

Touche

The GLK running boards are the worst for soiling your trousers. ML isn't quite as bad.

You'll have a great stable when the ML arrives. Enjoy!

Vancity

My wife is fairly short and we have the sport package. She doesn't have any problems getting in & out of the truck.
IMO I would not get the running boards it kills the look. here's a pick of my ML without the running boards...

RJR

That looks hot. Very clean looking

emesap43

YYZ - could you share more with/without AMG styling package photos with us. The rear ones are great. You can really tell the difference.

Thanks

jean7of9

YYZ: How much lower with the sport package (1" or 2").

YYZ-E55

Standard Left, AMG Right:

YYZ-E55

Standard Left, AMG Right:

MD Boy

As always, great information, YYZ. Thank You

YYZ-E55

Just took some measurements.

From center of hub to wheel arch:
W166 with Steel Suspension: 18.5"
W166 with AIRMATIC in SPORT: 17.25"
W166 with AIRMATIC in COMFORT: 17.75"

These are rough numbers and vary depending on surface, etc. The cars with steel suspension and a hitch sit a bit (1/4"ish) higher in the rear.

In general, the AIRMATIC stance is about 1" lower.

emesap43

Yes... Thank you very much!

jean7of9

YYZ: Many thanks for your efforts and the valuable details which guide us toward the right decision. ML-550 with Air and Sport will be 31.7 mm lower than standard. Sport Package for ML-550 is still worth it even without the Active Curve System.

YYZ-E55

For Canada, there is no sport package for the 550 anymore, just the optional 21" wheel.

PharmMB

Very nice. Fair point on the aesthetics. I'm getting palladium silver, so I'm hoping that they won't appear as obtrusive as they might on black/dark grey.

jean7of9

What will happen to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System? Will it become a Standalone option. Unfortunately MB Canada did not update their Configurator yet. We are so lucky to have you here to put some light in this tunnel.

DriveAMG

Our ML has the sport pkg and running boards. I saw it last week and I honestly can't remember too much detail about it. I can however shed some light on the running board issue. It appears if you want to remove them and reinstall the rocker panel it can be done. The panels themselves however don't just clip in the same place, there are some brackets that come with and need to be welded up. This might bother some of you. We are going to try it with the boards first then see. As an aside, the panels and clips are just over $800 then they need to be painted and installed. Which should add another 6-800$. And the mb parts dept lists the 350 as standard with running boards even though they are a $750 option...

2012 ML 350 bluetec tenorite grey premium pkg w/pano, hitch, boards, passive assist group, sport pkg, black artico inside w/light grey headliner.

PharmMB

Good to know. If I end up hating them then it is something to consider. Post some pics when you have it. Cheers!

YYZ-E55

I thought the active TPMS was forced with the 21" wheel, but according to the product profile, you can order the 21" as a stand-alone without the active TPMS. MSRP for the upgrade to 21" is $1000.

jean7of9

YYZ: Thanks. I also need the TPMS, is it part of a new option package for ML-500 or stand alone. Also do you know when MB will update its configurator to enable us building a comprehensive and complete configuration before submitting the order to the dealer.

YYZ-E55

My mistake, the active TPMS was forced with the Active Curve System, not the 21" wheel. The active TPMS are not going to be an option; you could probably special order it from MB Canada for approx $500 plus $750 special order fee.

Why would you need to see an updated online configurator? Waste of time, IMO, since you already know more than most. The dealer has all of the up-to-date info in their ordering system (DFE).

jean7of9

YYZ: Thanks.

serge01

got my ml yesterday with runningboards.d' ont get them

jean7of9

Serge: Congratulations for your new ride. How was your experience with this Dealer.