SDGuy

Hi All,
I appreciate all the great info on this forum. I'm ordering a 2014 ML350 BlueTEC and assembling my options. I pull a 2 horse slant load trailer but don't go on rough terrain or offroad.

My definite options so far are:
Polar White
Trailer Package
Sport Package+One with AMG body styling and 20" AMG twin 5 spoke wheels
Lighting Package
Panorama Roof
Brushed Aluminum Running Boards with the lighting kit
Almond Beige MB Tex (we have a dog)
Brown Satin Ash wood with wood/leather steering wheel
Premium 1 Package
Harman Kardon amp
Keyless GO

I'd also appreciate opinions on the following in terms of comfort and safety
On/Off Road package with Airmatic
Multicolor Ambient Lighting
Multicontour Seats - I'm big and the bolsters in a C63 gouged my kidneys
MB-TEX wrapped dash
Heated and Cooled Cupholders
Parking Assist with Surround View
Driver Assistance Package
?? Anything else I should consider??

Thanks much. Howard

Shrdlu

I like the Airmatic suspension, which is self-leveling side to side and front to back, for towing a trailer with a heavy tongue weight. If you use a weight-distributing coupling, though, the steel suspension would probably be better. The weight-distributing action might freak out the Airmatic.

SDGuy

Thanks very much for the response on the Airmatic suspension. Sounds nice. BTW, did you install a brake controller in your ML or is this not necessary? I know in our Yukon, we needed a brake controller for which GM provided a harness that connected near the steering wheel.

Anyone have comments on the other items on my order list? Especially safety items? Are there any pics of MB-tex wrapped dash or multi-contour seats around?

Shrdlu

I did install an aftermarket trailer brake controller. Everything else you would like to know about TBCs is in this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...ng-diesel.html

NCMike

I would highly recommend the Driver Assistance Package. The Distronic Cruise is my single favorite option. I also like the Parktronic. I hardly ever have to parallel park, but the sensors telling me how close I am to something sure are nice. The lighting package is really nice, a major upgrade from the standard lights even on low beam.

SDGuy

Thanks very much. Do you happen to know if the male side of that X58/28 plug is available? That could make an aftermarket controller plug and play.

SDGuy

Mike, thanks. I agree. I just added to my order the Parking Assist with Surround View and Driver Assistance Package. My car is going to be similar to yours.

Now I need to decide on the following minor stuff - anyone have any comments on:
Multicolor Ambient Lighting
MB-TEX wrapped dash in Almond Beige
Heated and Cooled Cupholders
Lockable Storage Container

Shrdlu

My recollection is that the aftermarket TBC pigtails are also female, and that MB uses special "pins" to connect the two. The dealers can access the instructions in the MB Star computer system.

The DYI approach is to snip off both connectors and hardwire the circuit. The MB receptacle, which was folded underneath the driver's side footwell carpet in the 2012s, is the standard four-wire arrangement.

One poster on this board, or maybe another, can't remember, got the dealer to install a TBC free of charge as part of the sales order.

challer

On/Off Road package with Airmatic - If you can get this with BT now, I would.
Multicolor Ambient Lighting - Love it
Multicontour Seats - I'm big and the bolsters in a C63 gouged my kidneys - Check if you lose heated or cooled seats with this option
MB-TEX wrapped dash - Absolutely. Changes the whole appearance
Heated and Cooled Cupholders - a novelty in my opinion
Parking Assist with Surround View - I wish I could just get the front sensors
Driver Assistance Package - Distronic is amazing.

SDGuy

Thanks everyone! Just placed the order. I didn't get the Multicontour seats. I got everything else including the heated and cooled cupholders

Looks like my car won't arrive till first week in November if the order goes through OK.

As for a male version of that X58/28 electric brake controller plug, I'm going to look around for that. Worst case, if there is a demand I can make a 4 foot pigtail that goes from Tekonsha to the Mercedes style plug. I do that sort of thing for my plug and play Bluetooth wiring harness business.

fabbrisd1

Which dealer did you order from - SD - Hoehn or Escondido - if you let me know I can politely check the system.

By-the-way - early November production has not been allocated to the dealers yet - that's the other reason I ask so I might be able to help.

SDGuy

I trust my salesperson at Escondido. He tells me my production is November. I got a copy of the PO today so it is on the up and up. He tried to change an earlier gas ML allocation but couldn't change it to BlueTEC. What dealership are you with? I appreciate your offer but I got a good deal and am willing to wait.

fabbrisd1

I am not trying to sell you a car - just trying to tell you the truth - you have a copy of a order request - you are in queque if Escondido gets allocation - typical SoCal mumbo-jumbo tap dancing.. on the good side, maybe it will all work out - so you know trust is earned, not given, and sorry to have been told the truth rather than being over-presented what you want to hear...

Stop by Franz at SilverStar service in Escondido and tell him Terry from Arkansas says hello..

SavicevicBob

can you install multicolor ambient lighting in ML350 2014

DUTCH

During the build at the factory. yes.

Strafzettel

I've ordered my ML350BT in April and my dealer told me yesterday that if I tried to order now, he might not be able to get me a 350 anymore because it's going to be replaced with the ML250BT for model year 2015. Delivery date for mine is July/August and that's when they switch to model year 2015 I believe.