2013 ML Build Advice
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Gresham, OR
2020 GLE 450
You can use the USAA incentive as previously mentioned and also, if you have been a member of the M-B club for over a year you can get a grand from them. Leather for seats is nice but if indeed you will be doing a lot of kid hauling M-B tex might be the way to go. I understand it is easier to keep clean.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
Not so sure about the automatic assumption that just because the pre-wiring is a stand-alone option that it doesn't include other features, e.g. head rest adjustment. Yes, I read "Greg" and am not sure that he is the end-all-be-all answer to this question. Because I too noticed that it was a stand-alone option that cost me $170 I saw no reason to add it since I was never going to add rear seat entertainment. This is why I inquired with the dealership to see if there was any benefit to adding it. In the end, the control options on the passenger seat (and head-rest adjustment) WERE added with the rear seat entertainment pre-wire option. Maybe the test is to NOT order it and see what you get.
Didn't understand the acronyms, sorry. (SWMBO or YMMV)
Didn't understand the acronyms, sorry. (SWMBO or YMMV)
2013 = prewire does not, you have to select 242 Passenger Seat w/Memory & Lumbar Support $365
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
Absolutely agree. Only question is what people think about leather as a resale option -- is it the kind of thing people will look for? We actually wanted MB Tex, but ended up with leather -- at first I wasn't happy, but maybe in the end, it's for the best. (Although I don't plan on selling for at least four years.)
As far as the rear-seat entertainment pre-wire, our sales person advised us to get the option because of the passenger seat memory -- we did our research, but he did even more, because I questioned him about it because I was going to cancel it from the build.
Great points Wayne.
As far as the rear-seat entertainment pre-wire, our sales person advised us to get the option because of the passenger seat memory -- we did our research, but he did even more, because I questioned him about it because I was going to cancel it from the build.
Great points Wayne.
MB really pushes MBtex because the majority of sales come from leasing and the cost to replace the worn looking leather/seat after the lease comes in really eats into their margin.
Unfortunately, you cannot order vent/air seat with MBtex. However for 2013, MBtex now has perforations on seating areas which makes it much nicer and premium than in 2012.
I her many owners and dealers that claim that MBtex stays cooler under the sun and warmer in the cold than leather.
Last edited by 27T; Nov 29, 2012 at 06:10 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 1,269
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I bet 99% of used MB buyer have no clue that MBtex is not leather. Heck, I bet 99% of new MB buyer can't tell the difference. Plus, MBtex will hold up well and look relatively like new at time of resale.
MB really pushes MBtex because the majority of sales come from leasing and the cost to replace the worn looking leather/seat after the lease comes in really eats into their margin.
Unfortunately, you cannot order vent/air seat with MBtex. However for 2013, MBtex now has perforations on seating areas which makes it much nicer and premium than in 2012.
I her many owners and dealers that claim that MBtex stays cooler under the sun and warmer in the cold than leather.
MB really pushes MBtex because the majority of sales come from leasing and the cost to replace the worn looking leather/seat after the lease comes in really eats into their margin.
Unfortunately, you cannot order vent/air seat with MBtex. However for 2013, MBtex now has perforations on seating areas which makes it much nicer and premium than in 2012.
I her many owners and dealers that claim that MBtex stays cooler under the sun and warmer in the cold than leather.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
Fletcher has never been upfront on pricing with me and shuddered when I gave them the number I wanted. They might give good pricing but it doesn't come easy and I doubt they're the best. The other problem with Fletcher is that they are too layered with too many approvals needed and a few of their sales guys have a bit of an "do you know who we are" attitude.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
The Dynamica is a great option, too. I wish that we could get it for our headliners as a stand alone option. I think Dynamica is standard for ML63 headliner. I'm loving the black headliner and wrapped MBtex dash so no big deal.
And as far as the most auto leather goes, it has a coating of plastic because of the process of "splitting". I'm guessing that the designo leather is amazing but the base MB leather was just decent, IMO. Does anyone know the base leather production process for the MB leather?
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2013 ML550 Paladium Silver/Brown Satin Ash
Fletcher has never been upfront on pricing with me and shuddered when I gave them the number I wanted. They might give good pricing but it doesn't come easy and I doubt they're the best. The other problem with Fletcher is that they are too layered with too many approvals needed and a few of their sales guys have a bit of an "do you know who we are" attitude.
Forgot about FJ. They say they are, but they really don't believe they have to be competitive because of all the rich people in the local area not wanting to bother shopping and haggling. They would rather spend their time selling to this demographic than a competitive shopper. I suppose you can't blame them.
So, as you mention, they have a certain attitude...and they'll say absolutely anything to get you in the door and make the sale, as long as it's not a good deal for you.
Check out this posting at Edmunds.com's discussion area about buying experiences. House of Imports seems to be the consistent SoCal leader in both the best deal and the most integrity...with other area dealers willing to match.
I'd be interested to hear if you could work a similar deal:
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...717/664#MSG664
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
'24 GLB250. Previously '23 GLB250 '17 GLS500 '14 C250 '13 ML500 '12 C250 '08 ML500 '07 E500 '03 A160
Yeah, from what I understand MBtex really is impressive because it is weaved with cotton. Not sure about the other technical aspects of it but it is much nicer than I expected. Before getting my ML I never thought that I would get a car, especially an MB, without leather. It was inconceivable.
The Dynamica is a great option, too. I wish that we could get it for our headliners as a stand alone option. I think Dynamica is standard for ML63 headliner. I'm loving the black headliner and wrapped MBtex dash so no big deal.
And as far as the most auto leather goes, it has a coating of plastic because of the process of "splitting". I'm guessing that the designo leather is amazing but the base MB leather was just decent, IMO. Does anyone know the base leather production process for the MB leather?
The Dynamica is a great option, too. I wish that we could get it for our headliners as a stand alone option. I think Dynamica is standard for ML63 headliner. I'm loving the black headliner and wrapped MBtex dash so no big deal.
And as far as the most auto leather goes, it has a coating of plastic because of the process of "splitting". I'm guessing that the designo leather is amazing but the base MB leather was just decent, IMO. Does anyone know the base leather production process for the MB leather?
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