tluke

I ordered my ML550 on 04-16-12. I was told by my dealer that it was built on 07-10-12. I have not been able to obtain any projected delivery info. The dealer said that once it is built they can't get additional information about the delivery. According to them it's a matter of just waiting until it shows up. That seems a bit out of touch with today's technology. Does anyone have an idea as to how to find the info I want?

iankayem

Get them to send it by parcel post. US mail has an excellent tracking system.

tluke

I got "the call" at 10:39 AM with the good news that it came in. Going there within hours to pick it up. Hopefully all goes well.

Stoneseller

Very nice!!
What color & options? I'm in preliminary stage of ordering another ML for my wife. She had an 05 ML500, and now drives a 08 ML550.
Having trouble making up my mind on the 350 with new increased power compared to the 550. I'm curious to hear how your new one feels/drives.

gplank

I was set on ordering the ML350, due to its lower cost and better fuel mileage, until I drove the ML550 (MY12) just out of curiosity. It felt very different, even just when turning the corner.....just more 'substantial' overall. If you live in Kansas, the 350 should be fine, but if you have any hills to climb, you'll want to stick with the power of the 550. It delivers super smooth power without hesitation. The SA said the suspension is also a little more beefed up, as the 550 is a little heavier, which gives it the different feel, like around corners.

The bluetec diesel was just the opposite. It seemed to hesitate too much too often and the extra engine noise while idling didn't make it sound like a luxury vehicle. Can't argue with the gas mileage, tho.

I only wish I could afford the ML63....test driving that was simply amazing. So, it seems the 550 is in the sweet spot. Only issue I have is the mandatory running boards on the MY13 ML550..wish I could order it without them.

BTW: If you order the MY13 ML550 now, it probably will not be built until November, given all the builds before then are now locked down, according to the inventory manager of a local dealer.

tluke

I got the Diamond White with beige leather. As far as options mine has;
Parktronic
Harman/Kardon
Ambient lighting with illuminated door sills
Keyless-Go
Passenger seat memory
Premium package #1
Lighting Package
Lane Tracking

I also had an 08 ML550 prior to this one. The wife prefers the styling of our '08 to the new body style. I guess she'll get used to this one. The new ML seems tight and rides quiet. It's going to take a fair amount of reading to figure out all the new gadgets within this one. After we picked it up we went for a 100 mile dinner trip and all went well, except for the fact that I didn't know what all the new lights, bells and whistles meant. I rushed the delivery team last night when I picked it up. We were on a tight schedule. I will be going back to the dealer this morning for my "new car training." Already love the Keyless-Go and Blind spot assist (contained within the Lane Tracking Package.) I didn't consider the ML350 when deciding which car to order. If you already had the ML550 your decision should be easy. The new engine seems at least as strong as the last.

Stoneseller

I'm wondering about the new 4.6 engine.
Downsized by almost 1 liter, yet more powerful by 12% per MBUSA.
I'd love to hear some MB certified mechanic's evaluation of this engine.

2012MLBlue

Uhhh... do you know what adding two turbos does to an engine?

Its the new engine in the ML550, SL550, S550, CLS550, etc. not just the ML and its a BEAST with tons of torque, fanastic power and better fuel economy to boot.

Stoneseller

I'm certain it vastly improves performance.
My concern is what it does to maintenance costs after 4 years/50k miles.
I may not be able to continue buying new vehicles every 4 years once retired.