reddye500

After a few years away from Mercedes, I'm planning a return to a new ML350 BlueTEC. I had tried a BMW X5d for the past few years but too many issues and having our e500 for 10 years and still going we decided its best to try the new ML.

I just got back from the local dealer and the numbers worked out to be 7.1% off MSRP. He would need to order it and says it will be a 2013 which they will modify to fix what we are looking for prior to the build.

The main questions are:

is 7.1% off MSRP a good deal for a 2013 that needs to be ordered?

Should I order for a 2014 and wait (they state the expected wait time will be late Sept/early Oct)? We didn't work the numbers on this idea - one dealer said price increase next year will cost an extra 1500 to 2000, so he was willing to do 3.5% from MSRP...which puts it +/- 2013 MSRP.

Also just curious, when you go looking for a new car, do you visit a few different places prior to purchase? I'm expecting the hear back from two other dealers tomorrow to see what they can come with for prices, I feel kind of guilty about it but it is a bit of cash that is involved here.

Only question in regards to the ML is can the dealer add the rear view camera without getting it in a package? Its the only question I have because I know the new ML is pretty damn awesome haha.

Thanks in advance to any help or suggestions you all may have.

marvron26

I was able to order my MY13 for June 1 delivery for under invoice which is about 9% below msrp.

7.1% under msrp is good but I'm sure there is still some wiggle room there.

SInce the MY14 will be $1500 to $2000 more and dealers will only give 3-4% discount under MSRP.. You'll looking at about $5k to $6k more for the same built car.. But of course the MY 13 will be depreciated more when it comes to selling the car..

I personally couldn't wait for till Sept/Oct since I already sold my previous car . BUt if I had the luxury of waiting, I would wait for the MY14 just to get the AMG styling package ($2500) BUt this would be an extra $7500 extra in my case since I have the extra $5k already to begin with by getting the MY14 instead of the MY13..

If the extra AMG styling package, surround camera, and heated and cooled cup holders aren't important to you then the MY13 is fine.

marvron26

"

Also just curious, when you go looking for a new car, do you visit a few different places prior to purchase? I'm expecting the hear back from two other dealers tomorrow to see what they can come with for prices, I feel kind of guilty about it but it is a bit of cash that is involved here.

"

You shouldn't feel guilty at all for doing your homework and shopping for the best deal. I personally emailed and visited a few dealers to get the best deal possible.. Just be careful when it comes to the Finance guys... they have sooo many things to sell to try to get you more money from you...

reddye500

Thanks for the help marvron26. We actually wouldn't be getting the AMG package even if it was available for 2013 - although it looks good I prefer the looks of the regular package unless I was buying the proper ML63. Nor is the surround camera, or special cup holders necessary for us.

I'll try to work the numbers some more with the dealer today based on what you've helped me out with. We plan on keeping the new ML for several years hopefully so it won't make a difference to us if it is a 2013 or 2014 and the saving for a 2013 at the moment definitely make a difference. There also is a trade involved in which the numbers haven't really been worked up yet.

Thanks again.

marvron26

Hi, also based on my experience with these dealers, it seems like every dealer is different in valuing trade- ins. I suggest informing the dealer about the dealer up front while negotiating your buying price for the new ML because once you agree on a price, they have all the power to manipulate the trade in value they will give you. I 've had a couple salesman tell me to not even trade in a vehicle with bmz and just sell it to CarMax to get the best value. If have the time and patience of selling to a private party, you will at least get 20% to 30% more than trading in.. at least. I had my bmw E60 that I wanted to trade in.. MBZ offered me $14k, Carmax $15 and I just ended up selling on Craigslist for $19.5k after a couple days..

jnejah

reddye500 - if you want a MY13 ML350 Bluetec to your liking, I would think you'd want to get that ordered immediately as the window of opportunity for MY13 production must be nearing the end? Also, are the dealers telling you that they can order you a MY14 ML350 Bluetec? As far as I know, MB was discontinuing the 350 and going to a ML250 Bluetec as its replacement for MY14. So if my memory is correct, your real decision needs to be about whether you want more horses and torque or want to move into a more "efficient" engine by ordering a MY2014.

haroldsogard

I too had read much about how for the 2014 model in the USA, MB was moving the ML Bluetec down to the 4 cylinder that is now in the GLK. However, I was told today by the San Francisco Mercedes dealer (and shown paperwork from MB USA confirming it) that this is no longer the case -- they apparently have come to their senses and will stick with the six cylinder for now anyway. You can order it now for delivery in September.

fabbrisd1

No, in US 2014 GL350 production will start September - but release will not be until mid-February due to additional US Federal and California regulatory approvals required for the new model year..

jnejah

fabbrisd1 - the original post was an inquiry about MY14 ML350 Bluetec. Did you mean to point out production start date for a "2014 GL350?" Do you have any information for ML250 Bluetec?

haroldsogard

I placed my order on 5/24/13. Definitely the 350, not the 250. Production date on the paperwork says 2013/08/2D. Dealer is estimating the car will arrive by mid September.