We have a 2013ML and are getting ready to take a long trip. We need extra storage so I am trying to figure out who makes the best luggage bars and carriers for this vehicle. I heard luggage racks make a noisy ride, so I want to get the best set up and I do not mind paying a little extra for quality and less noise. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

I've got the Rhino Rack Sportz bars. Love them. They're shaped like Thule aero bars and pretty quiet. You can see photos in another post of mine in this forum ("Things I would tell a new ML owner "). I'm on my phone at the moment, otherwise I would give you the link.



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I would like to buy Mercedes benz bars and carrier so I know it fits correctly, but I am concerned with the wind noise with Mercedes bars........

I added WhisBars and they are great. Good fit, look like they are made for the ML, and do not protrude or hang over the main rails. Have noticed no increase in noise. Easy to install and remove, and sturdy. Expensive, but a great solution if you car about looks.

I have the MB bars and they are not completely silent but quite good.

No big "wind noise" with the MB bars (made by Thule) - I understand about "Whisper Bars" but have not expereinced them - no complaints with 8-9 customers who have mounted MB bars on their GL/ML's new generation.

The MB "pods" work great - and understand they are covered by MB 2yr accessory warranty - the larger pods open from either side - which for dedicated trips really aids to convenience - just my 2 cents...

I have the MB bars with a MB luggage carrier (large) and though there is some noise and somewhat more when the panarama roof is open. I can live with that for the convenience of the extra carrying capacity.
Yes they open on both sides, I had mine installed dead center. I figured since I'm 6'7", there would be no problem accessing the carrier. Wrong! Thank god I have running boards and even then I sometimes have to stand on the rear seat to tie down what I'm carrying. I tried NOT tying down the contents too! A bad idea, I won't go there again. If you are installing the luggage carrier place it close to the passenger side and hopefully the curb will provide you with a step if you don't have running boards. The only practical purpose of the carrier to open on both sides is in the threading of the tie-downs, then you dont have to use the other side much at all.
I have also noticed (like most of the time) the front of the carrier closes down, but the back remains open.
Fortunately, being 6'7" allows me to reach over the back of the ML to close the back of the carrier.