Should I be worried about the first year production ML?
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03 M5
Should I be worried about the first year production ML?
Generally I do not buy first year models, especially from German cars because the first year models has little bugs here and there which are generally worked out during the second MY and later. I'm looking to pick up a new car in the next 2 months and I don't think I can wait another 4-6 months. When will the 2013's be hitting the dealers and are there many known issues with the first year production model of the new ML? Thanks.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Generally I do not buy first year models, especially from German cars because the first year models has little bugs here and there which are generally worked out during the second MY and later. I'm looking to pick up a new car in the next 2 months and I don't think I can wait another 4-6 months. When will the 2013's be hitting the dealers and are there many known issues with the first year production model of the new ML? Thanks.
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2012 ML350
Based on my experience I'd definitely wait (or skip MB and get a nice reliable Lexus). Stuff may be covered by warranty, but even with a great dealer who makes it as effortless as possible to drop-off, get loaner, and pick-up, you still have a bunch of hassle and in the case of the random stalling, the fear of it happening in much more dangerous scenario than when a light turns green and all the cars behind you start honking or on a steep uphill intersection.
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2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
Generally I do not buy first year models, especially from German cars because the first year models has little bugs here and there which are generally worked out during the second MY and later. I'm looking to pick up a new car in the next 2 months and I don't think I can wait another 4-6 months. When will the 2013's be hitting the dealers and are there many known issues with the first year production model of the new ML? Thanks.
Besides possibly working out some bugs, the MY13 has some new features. When you read others posting on this message board about the off-road package, active curve, multi-contour seats, or the upgraded mbrace system (mbrace2), you might end up regretting that you didn't wait to buy a 2013.
But if none of those options interest you, then it probably doesn't make sense to wait. Since you're not buying it at the beginning of the production year (i.e., last June), I would think there should be little difference between a recently produced MY12 and an M13....all the other parts should be the same, don't you think?
Since I definitely want the multi-contour seats and Active Curve, I will have to wait for the MY13s. Since the multi-contour seat are delay, I might have to wait until September for delivery. (ugg...)
Last edited by gplank; Apr 30, 2012 at 04:50 PM.
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03 M5
Thanks for the input. There are no options that I want in the 2013 that I can't get in the 2012. I think it maybe easier to find the 12' with the configuration I want(base model with xenon, parking sensors, and running board) and I bet the discounts will be better on a 12' also. My only concern is the reliability difference between the 2 years.
A separate question. How hard is it to install OEM running boards? Is this something I can do myself? Does Benz have a conquest program?
A separate question. How hard is it to install OEM running boards? Is this something I can do myself? Does Benz have a conquest program?
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From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
[quote=sshu930;5174503]Thanks for the input. There are no options that I want in the 2013 that I can't get in the 2012. I think it maybe easier to find the 12' with the configuration I want(base model with xenon, parking sensors, and running board) and I bet the discounts will be better on a 12' also. My only concern is the reliability difference between the 2 years.
I don't know if that is true. I just found one of the few 2012s in my area (within 120 miles) with Xenon lighting package. I asked my local dealer if he could get it from the "big city" dealer and I just found out that he can get it. However, he said there are no May incentives, at least not for the BlueTec.
He said he could get it but it would cost me $57,500. The MSRP is $59,525, so even though it is the end of the model year they are only discounting these things $2000. I've been reading here and at Edmunds people saying they are paying 8, 10, even 14% off MSRP. Some are using USAA and conquest but not everyone. I was always suspicious of these figures because in many cases they were below invoice. I now see that in reality, if you want something and they can actually find it for you, it will cost you an arm and leg even at the end of the model year. Looks like I'll end up with the SRX afterall or just wait for a 2013 which I'm sure I can get for at least the $2000 off they are asking for the ML350 I was looking at.
I don't know if that is true. I just found one of the few 2012s in my area (within 120 miles) with Xenon lighting package. I asked my local dealer if he could get it from the "big city" dealer and I just found out that he can get it. However, he said there are no May incentives, at least not for the BlueTec.
He said he could get it but it would cost me $57,500. The MSRP is $59,525, so even though it is the end of the model year they are only discounting these things $2000. I've been reading here and at Edmunds people saying they are paying 8, 10, even 14% off MSRP. Some are using USAA and conquest but not everyone. I was always suspicious of these figures because in many cases they were below invoice. I now see that in reality, if you want something and they can actually find it for you, it will cost you an arm and leg even at the end of the model year. Looks like I'll end up with the SRX afterall or just wait for a 2013 which I'm sure I can get for at least the $2000 off they are asking for the ML350 I was looking at.
