A couple weeks ago I found a 2012 ML350 just about like I wanted on a dealer's website. However, someone had placed a deposit on it and was on the fence about buying it. They pressured him to make a decision and he did go ahead and buy it. The SA said they could get me another before the end of the month very similar to the one I was interested in. They said it was almost at port at the time.

I wanted white (either diamond or arctic, made no difference which) with almond/beige interior in either MB-Tex or leather, again made no difference to me, lighting package was critical as was the HK upgraded audio system. On those last two options I was not flexible. Everything else was negotiable. We worked a deal and it arrived yesterday. Unfortunately, I live in the country and the dealer is over 125 miles from me so I can't get in to pick it up until sometime after the holidays next week. In fact, because of the distances involved, I have never even been to the dealer as all my contact and correspondence has been via email with the internet sales manager.

My question is, from your experiences, what should I check and be on the watch for during my walk around of the ML350 before accepting delivery? I have requested a couple things be done before I even get there such as double checking to be sure all firmware updates have been made and are current and set cold tire air pressure to 35 lbs all around with adjustment to the tire pressure monitor to reflect this. I have read they sometimes deliver the vehicle with over 40 lbs air pressure based on B pillar recommendations but that of course is too high, at least when unloaded which it will be for my drive back home.

I will do the usual visual inspections inside and out and check all fluid levels before driving off but what do you feel I should be on the watch for, based on your experiences when you picked up your ML350? Is there anything in retrospect you wish you had done differently or double checked when you took delivery? Was there anything you wished they had explained better during the orientation? Any questions you wished you had asked? To help in advising me what questions to ask and what to check and be on the look out for, here is the description of the major items:

ML350 gas version, diamond white with almond/beige interior, lighting package Bi-Xenon with adaptive curve headlamps, PO2 package, running boards (don't want but had no choice and I can at least live with them), wheel locks, heated steering wheel which I also did not really want (I live in Texas!) but it was included and I suppose might come in handy one or two days a year, lane tracking and blind spot assist package.

Speaking of the heated steering wheel, the spec sheet that was emailed to me showed this vehicle was originally assigned to a dealer near Boston, MA. I suppose that explains why it has the heated steering wheel. They must have re-routed it to Texas from the assembly line as I can't believe they would have paid to have it shipped from the Boston dealer to Texas just for me. That they used the term "at port" also seems to imply the vehicle was coming off the line rather than from another dealer's showroom. Not that it makes any difference to me where it came from but I'll have to ask about that to be sure and I will check the build date on the vehicle itself.

Anyway, any advise you all have about what to ask, check and watch for when I go pick it up would be most appreciated.

 

Check that the ambient lights change colors. Mine didn't change on the drivers door and they had to replace it. Check that the receiver for the trailer hitch is in the trunk if you got the hitch.

 

Thanks, I will make a note about those lights as I did not even think to check if they changed colors.

 

Make sure the puddle lights under the exterior mirrors work! Needs the SCN(?) re coded if not.

 

Thanks! That is another thing I would never have thought of. In fact, I had completely forgot we even have puddle lights!!

 

In addition to checking that all of the lights are working in addition to the above replies, check fog's, check rear fog, satellite radio subscription set up and working, mbrace is set up and working. Check heated seats, and AC. This may sound crazy but check the radiator hoses. I took delivery on an 09 and after 1,000 mile the lower hose sprang a leak. I was on vacation and 1,000 miles from home. Luckly there was an MB dealer in Myrtle Beach that took care of me ASAP. Turned out the hose was kinked, possibly during the attachment of the hose to the lower radiator inlet. My experience is that fit and finish on ML's is superbe, but look it over. I think we all have a tendency to want to get in our new ML's and drive off. Take your time on your walk around. Congrats on the new ML. You will love it. I am on my 2nd and ordering a new one next March when my lease is up.

 

Endicott? I've been there several times. I was born and raised in Geneva on Seneca Lake, a bit north from you. Anyway, thanks for the tips but I picked it up Tuesday and I love it. I did not check all those things you mentioned but I will tomorrow morning for sure!! Especially the hoses. I did check the air conditioner at the dealership - it was 95 degrees! And of course Sirius which is important to me. I am just now starting to get through the manual and working on setting things up chapter by chapter and step by step. That is the only way I can comprehend most of the technology this thing has! If I read the whole thing at once I would forget 90% of it! Thanks again.

 

Congrats again on the new ML. We visit Geneva ans Seneca often to take in the beautiful views of the lake and the wineries. I have spent many hours sitting in the car reviewing the owners guide. I am on my second ML and often find myself looking through the book as a refresher.