2013 ML350 or 550?
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Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 209
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2025 GLE450
2013 ML350 or 550?
I currently own a 2011 ML350; my lease is up in March so I'm looking at getting a 2013. I test drove one and I love the satin ash wood -- does anyone know if you get the wood steering wheel, does that also come in satin ash?
I'm also torn between the ML350 and the ML550. I'd love to have a V8. But the V6 I drove is peppy (34 more hp than my current ML), $10,000 cheaper than the V8, and 2-3 mpg better, plus it will cost less to insure. If you have the 350, do you feel it's strong enough? If you have the 550, what's your experience with it?
Thanks.
I'm also torn between the ML350 and the ML550. I'd love to have a V8. But the V6 I drove is peppy (34 more hp than my current ML), $10,000 cheaper than the V8, and 2-3 mpg better, plus it will cost less to insure. If you have the 350, do you feel it's strong enough? If you have the 550, what's your experience with it?
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 51
From: Orange County, CA
'16 Jaguar F-Type R, '21 GLE63s
the wood steering wheel will match whatever choice of interior wood you have in the rest of the car.
I ordered the satin ash wood trim also for my vehicle and was going to get the matching wood steering wheel until I saw it in person. IMO, the satin wood steering wheel didn't look right, so you might want to see it in person first.
I ordered the satin ash wood trim also for my vehicle and was going to get the matching wood steering wheel until I saw it in person. IMO, the satin wood steering wheel didn't look right, so you might want to see it in person first.
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
I currently own a 2011 ML350; my lease is up in March so I'm looking at getting a 2013. I test drove one and I love the satin ash wood -- does anyone know if you get the wood steering wheel, does that also come in satin ash?
I'm also torn between the ML350 and the ML550. I'd love to have a V8. But the V6 I drove is peppy (34 more hp than my current ML), $10,000 cheaper than the V8, and 2-3 mpg better, plus it will cost less to insure. If you have the 350, do you feel it's strong enough? If you have the 550, what's your experience with it?
Thanks.
I'm also torn between the ML350 and the ML550. I'd love to have a V8. But the V6 I drove is peppy (34 more hp than my current ML), $10,000 cheaper than the V8, and 2-3 mpg better, plus it will cost less to insure. If you have the 350, do you feel it's strong enough? If you have the 550, what's your experience with it?
Thanks.
But I would actually suggest avoiding the wood wheel entirely. The hardness and coolness makes it uncomfortable to the hand and diminishes the grip. So, it's all for looks. Better off spending the money on another option, like the multi-contour seats.
As for 350 vs 550, I started of wanting the 350 for the reasons you mentioned. But once I drove both in comparison, I was sold on the 550 despite the drawbacks you mention.
For me, the ML is all about safety, and I feel the 550 is more solid of a ride and the extra performance will make sure the ML will not let me down in a pinch.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
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From: LA
2013 ML550
I'm looking into getting the new 2013 ML as well. I test drove the 350 (2013) first and thought it was much better ride than my current ride (2007 4runner) of course. I was curious about the 550 and took it for a test drive (2012) as well. Well, I'm set on getting the 550 now because the extra HP was so much fun.
The guy at the dealership told me that 2013 550 won't come out until November, but I'm hearing about it already out on this forum??
The guy at the dealership told me that 2013 550 won't come out until November, but I'm hearing about it already out on this forum??
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Plano, Texas
2013 ML550; 2018 C43 AMG; 2016 Porsche GT4
I test drove a 2012 ML350 and felt the engine was a bit taxed. My research revealed the approx $7K upcharge (if memory serves) for the ML550 would likely result in the vehicle retaining the vast majority of the $7K through the next many years. In other words, yes, it's $7K more out of your pocket today, but 5 years from now, you will get most if not all of that $7K back in resale value over and above a comparably equipped ML350. I drive about 8k miles a year so frankly the loss of 2-3 mpg isn't a big annual $$ factor. So I ordered a 2013 ML550 without even test driving the V8. I received it a couple of weeks ago and I LOVE it. Why? Power. Compare the V6 to V8 torque ratings. Big diff. Many believe MB is understating the HP level of the 550 in the ML. Trust me, there's a big difference in acceleration capabilities, **IF** that's an important attribute to you. And it's easy to turn (tune) the wick up on a twin turbo system if that desire comes your way down the road. Friends of mine in the auto business estimate there's 1 ML550 for every 9 ML350 sold, so when it comes time to sell the ML550, the demand is there. Just my .02
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
All good points above. I feel like my 550 is a little more prestigious than a 350 but really its all about the power for me. There isn't a single day I don't enjoy mashing the go pedal a little.
My baby is at the dealership today getting a tiny rock mark on the wheel fixed and they just called me to find out if I mind them taking off the other three wheels to clean the brake dust off the INSIDE of the wheels so they all look the same (clean as new). NO CHARGE!!!
How is that for service??
My baby is at the dealership today getting a tiny rock mark on the wheel fixed and they just called me to find out if I mind them taking off the other three wheels to clean the brake dust off the INSIDE of the wheels so they all look the same (clean as new). NO CHARGE!!!
How is that for service??
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
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2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
This is apparently what has delayed my order for an MY13 ML550 to no sooner than an end of September build...but likely now November, since there is reportedly no ML550s to be built in October.
Would be interested in seeing your whole configuration, if you could post it. Thanks!
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Plano, Texas
2013 ML550; 2018 C43 AMG; 2016 Porsche GT4
If you have a 2013 ML550 already, it didn't come with Multi-contour seats, correct?
This is apparently what has delayed my order for an MY13 ML550 to no sooner than an end of September build...but likely now November, since there is reportedly no ML550s to be built in October.
Would be interested in seeing your whole configuration, if you could post it. Thanks!
This is apparently what has delayed my order for an MY13 ML550 to no sooner than an end of September build...but likely now November, since there is reportedly no ML550s to be built in October.
Would be interested in seeing your whole configuration, if you could post it. Thanks!
Options:
- wood/leather steering wheel
- HK sound
- Multi color ambient lighting
- Keyless GO
- PO1 package
- Lighting Package
- Steel Grey with special order grey/black leather interior (black headliner)
- Pre-wiring kit
FYI, that last option was necessary in MY2012 to obtain front passenger seat lumbar/memory. For MY2013, there's now a stand alone option for the lumbar/memory. I picked up on the change too late in the ordering game, so I now have a worthless wiring kit for the back seat and no lumbar or memory for the front passenger seat. That won't bug me, but it will bug my wife when she's along for the ride. I ordered the car in mid-April and took delivery on July 25th.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
You are correct, it does not have the MC seats. I find the stock seats pretty comfortable, and while I did consider the MC seats, I finally passed. Time will tell.....
Options:
- wood/leather steering wheel
- HK sound
- Multi color ambient lighting
- Keyless GO
- PO1 package
- Lighting Package
- Steel Grey with special order grey/black leather interior (black headliner)
- Pre-wiring kit
FYI, that last option was necessary in MY2012 to obtain front passenger seat lumbar/memory. For MY2013, there's now a stand alone option for the lumbar/memory. I picked up on the change too late in the ordering game, so I now have a worthless wiring kit for the back seat and no lumbar or memory for the front passenger seat. That won't bug me, but it will bug my wife when she's along for the ride. I ordered the car in mid-April and took delivery on July 25th.
Options:
- wood/leather steering wheel
- HK sound
- Multi color ambient lighting
- Keyless GO
- PO1 package
- Lighting Package
- Steel Grey with special order grey/black leather interior (black headliner)
- Pre-wiring kit
FYI, that last option was necessary in MY2012 to obtain front passenger seat lumbar/memory. For MY2013, there's now a stand alone option for the lumbar/memory. I picked up on the change too late in the ordering game, so I now have a worthless wiring kit for the back seat and no lumbar or memory for the front passenger seat. That won't bug me, but it will bug my wife when she's along for the ride. I ordered the car in mid-April and took delivery on July 25th.
Sorry to hear about that seat memory/pre-wiring mix up. It might help to know that the per-wiring will likely help with the resale value of the car, so you probably will get that cost back eventually. The pre-wiring can also be used for the iPad holder, to bring power to it.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: LA
2013 ML550
http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2012-mer...-35248854.html
hmmm.. This test drive review actually suggest people to consider the BlueTec version if you're looking into the 550. I've only test drove the 350 and 550, so I can't comment. Any comments from people who test drove the 350, 550 and BlueTec?
hmmm.. This test drive review actually suggest people to consider the BlueTec version if you're looking into the 550. I've only test drove the 350 and 550, so I can't comment. Any comments from people who test drove the 350, 550 and BlueTec?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2012-mer...-35248854.html
hmmm.. This test drive review actually suggest people to consider the BlueTec version if you're looking into the 550. I've only test drove the 350 and 550, so I can't comment. Any comments from people who test drove the 350, 550 and BlueTec?
hmmm.. This test drive review actually suggest people to consider the BlueTec version if you're looking into the 550. I've only test drove the 350 and 550, so I can't comment. Any comments from people who test drove the 350, 550 and BlueTec?
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: LA
2013 ML550
That recommendation was directed at people who are concerned about fuel economy. Hey if you want really great mileage just buy a TDi Jetta and be done with it. If your fuel bill is something you really think about you shouldn't be buying an expensive Mercedes. My annual gas bill costs me less than 1% of my income, I wonder what the average is?
"Actually, the model that probably competes the best with the ML550 is its diesel-powered sibling, the ML350 Bluetec. For a starting price that's about $7,000 less than the gasoline-powered model, you get more torque and better fuel economy. Sure, there's a slight drop in horsepower, but even I was unable to feel a difference in performance between the two models. Besides, if you were really after the best driving performance from a big SUV, you'd be looking at the 518-horsepower ML63 AMG and its competitors. (You'd also be a bit daft, but that's just my opinion.) So, just save the money and get the diesel."
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
Having owned both the 2012 ML350BlueTEC (for a month before trading up to the 550) and owning a 2008 ML320CDi diesel for four years prior, I think I can confidently say there is NO comparison in performance between the BlueTEC and the 550. Yes the diesel has great torque and I love the fact it can cruise a hilly road without gear hunting plus its amazing for towing but the 550 is FAR quicker and FAR more exciting to drive.
Again, loved the diesel and really only upgraded due to my hesitating when cold issue. If that had never occurred I would be happy BlueTEC driver today.
Again, loved the diesel and really only upgraded due to my hesitating when cold issue. If that had never occurred I would be happy BlueTEC driver today.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 981
Likes: 9
From: Switzerland
Mercedes Evo II
imo nothing beats a v8 ! Unless you want fuel economy lol... The ml 350 is really sweet but when i drove it, it felt slow compared to v8 cars. Bottom line is if you want real noise and performance get the v8. It will be easy to gain even more hp and make it sound insane. But again the ml350 is so comfy and doesn't drink much!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Plano, Texas
2013 ML550; 2018 C43 AMG; 2016 Porsche GT4
According to MB's 2013 Brochure for the M Class:
ML350: 0-60 in 7.5 seconds
ML550: 0-60 in 5.3 seconds
ML Diesel: 0-60 "as quickly as the ML350"
'Nuff said.
ML350: 0-60 in 7.5 seconds
ML550: 0-60 in 5.3 seconds
ML Diesel: 0-60 "as quickly as the ML350"
'Nuff said.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: LA
2013 ML550
I don't know what that CNET reviewer was smoking. However, I will need to test drive the BlueTec for myself before I go order the 550.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
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From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
After several very heated conversations with my dealership, hearing from their Master Mechanic that it was a known problem for months and yet they were still delivering these BlueTecs with said known fault, calling the GM of the dealership, they finally took back my BlueTec and got me into a new 550 with no penalty other than the cost increase for the more expensive model.
I cannot in good faith reccommend the BlueTec model to anyone who asks.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
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From: LA
2013 ML550
Well I do own a pretty successful business and I do make lots of money but even if I didn't I sure as hell wouldn't have put up with what was NOT "a very minor flaw". I am amazed that a single person on this planet would buy a new Mercedes Benz, the epitome of quality and luxury, and put up with an engine that hesitates and accelerates very roughly ever damn day when it's cold.
After several very heated conversations with my dealership, hearing from their Master Mechanic that it was a known problem for months and yet they were still delivering these BlueTecs with said known fault, calling the GM of the dealership, they finally took back my BlueTec and got me into a new 550 with no penalty other than the cost increase for the more expensive model.
I cannot in good faith reccommend the BlueTec model to anyone who asks.
After several very heated conversations with my dealership, hearing from their Master Mechanic that it was a known problem for months and yet they were still delivering these BlueTecs with said known fault, calling the GM of the dealership, they finally took back my BlueTec and got me into a new 550 with no penalty other than the cost increase for the more expensive model.
I cannot in good faith reccommend the BlueTec model to anyone who asks.
2012MLblue, now I'm torn about which color to get.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
That recommendation was directed at people who are concerned about fuel economy. Hey if you want really great mileage just buy a TDi Jetta and be done with it. If your fuel bill is something you really think about you shouldn't be buying an expensive Mercedes. My annual gas bill costs me less than 1% of my income, I wonder what the average is?
I care about all of the above but I also love cars and acceleration and braking and styling. I do my part in other ways that satisfies me and you only live once so 550 it is.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Houston
'13 ML550, '08 ML320cdi (retired) & '99 ML320 (retired)
Not much price difference
When I started looking to replace my '08 CDI, I was looking at another diesel. But after reading this thread, I decided to take a look at the 550. Bottom line, after adding all the little extras like 20" wheels, stitched dash, running boards, and a few distinctive body parts (all included on the 550 for only $750), I figured the difference in cost was closer to $2000 than $6000.
I ended up ordering a Cinnabar with black leather with a November delivery date. I do wish I could have driven one of the new models before I ordered, but you can't have everything.
I ended up ordering a Cinnabar with black leather with a November delivery date. I do wish I could have driven one of the new models before I ordered, but you can't have everything.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I test drove a 2012 ML350 and felt the engine was a bit taxed. My research revealed the approx $7K upcharge (if memory serves) for the ML550 would likely result in the vehicle retaining the vast majority of the $7K through the next many years. In other words, yes, it's $7K more out of your pocket today, but 5 years from now, you will get most if not all of that $7K back in resale value over and above a comparably equipped ML350.
Realistically, you'll be lucky to recover half of the cost delta between the V6 and the V8. Not saying that doesn't make the V8 worthwhile - your "research" may have convinced your wife but sadly it won't work when you go to sell!
Enjoy the bi-turbo!
