twodivers

5 days post-build, still showing on system as "produced not shipped". Does anyone have a sense of whether or not this is normal? I suspect that it is in that it would take some time to marshall all the product for a specific destination.

iankayem

According to my dealer, that happened with most of the initial Australian demo stock. They were all built, left the line, and were parked in the yard without headlights, awaiting delivery of the bi-xenons.

dougiebear

Wow I knew about them waiing for 20" wheels

paupauchu88

anyone heard 2013 has 7 seats option?

gplank

I haven't heard of it. I think they just want to sell you a GL in that case.

BTW: I think the online manual might be a good indicator of what's to come:
http://www4.mercedes-benz.com/manual...6/en/home.html

For example, the new 350 degree Surround Camera appears in this ML online manual, when really it is suppose to be offered only on the MY13 GLs. I would guess its in there since MB plans to introduce it to the ML eventually (or I guess it could be a mistake...who can say for sure?)

I looked in this manual and didn't see anything about a third row seat.

YYZ-E55

3rd row is delayed until at least MY14.

xxGenericSNxx

There's actually rumors of a 3 row ML? I thought that's been deleted so MB can sell GLs.

GregW / Oregon

YYZ should know. The W164 had an optional 3rd row. The ML, even with the option, would be nowhere close to the GL in terms of accommodation, and I'm assuming the spare tire would have to go, meaning runflats.

xxGenericSNxx

The W164 never had a third row option, only the W163 did.

I'm just trying to understand YYZ's source, I've heard of no such thing to this point.

GregW / Oregon

You're right-that's what I meant to say. YYZ has good info within MB Canada - he's usually right.

paupauchu88

The fact is GL is so expensive in HK. It cost at least USD 171,000 for GL500, while the ML350 (Petrol) is from USD 77,000. If a 3rd row is an option as like the previous old ML320, then it will become very attractive!

xxGenericSNxx

Okay good point. I didn't really mean to say that third row on the ML would be unattractive to consumers. All I was saying is from MB's standpoint, it might cannibalize their own sales. I would be all for a third row, in fact I have it on my W163 and it's great for people around 5 feet tall and smaller.

Tony007

Whats the odds of the 360 degree camera being offered for the MY13 ML?

gplank

Good question. So far, it's not in any ordering guide for MY13. Maybe they'll introduce it later once they catch up to supplying the parts for the GL....not sure if MBUSA ever does that, though...that is, introduce a new option mid-year.

27T

I built a 350 at a dealer recently and the soft close doors came in at about $600.

And FYI- Ticking the 'rear window screens" box caused a pop-up stating that the screens will not be avail until 12/3/12.

jean7of9

27trout: Thanks. My ML-63 is due for a 14 August 2012 build date. ETD by mid September 2012. I would not risk any move which can delay the delivery date.

GTscrub

This is not another leather vs MBTex, but if I'm getting this MBTex dash, would it look weird to get leather seats? Or should I get Black MBTex seats to match? Would appreciate any input. I have tomorrow until I can change my order per dealer.

GregW / Oregon

Your eye will not discern the difference in materials. Here is mine with leather and MBTex dash.

gplank

I agree with GregW...you will not notice the difference in materials, but you may notice that your seats don't look or feel like real leather if you go with MB-tex.

I'm anxious, though, to see how they did the MB-tex for 2013. It has perforations in the seats, like they are ventilated (but MB-tex still can't be). I think the perforations upgrades the look significantly, but wonder it it also make the material feel more relaxed and more like real leather.

GTscrub

Thanks guys, I'm gonna keep my order as is then. I have leather in my pickup truck so I cannot justify not upgrading to leather in my first MB.

I was fooled by the MBTex until the sales guy said it wasn't leather.