Going to buy a ML350 on friday
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
Going to buy a ML350 on friday
After getting a E350 for my wife I have been looking to get another MB vehicle for myself. I was looking at the E350 wagon and almost pulled the trigger on one yesterday but found a few things I didn't like. The big issue for me was the "rear area" can't really hide anything. The windows are not dark (easy to tint) but the cover doesn't go all the way back to the door so you can see what is underneath it. I also was not thrilled about the storage capacity but I did like the fact that it gets good mpg's. On the other hand, the ML350 just seems to be a better fit with more versatility but I am a little upset about the poor gas mileage they seem to be getting. I would consider a diesel but I do travel to cold climates to ski and do a lot of traveling around the country so fuel and cold starting might be an issue.
Are there any things I should be concerned about or should know before I pull the trigger. I plan on getting a P1 package with lane assistance and keyless. There are a few with the panamara roof and they all have running boards. Anyone have experience with the panamara roof? comments would be greatly appreciated
Are there any things I should be concerned about or should know before I pull the trigger. I plan on getting a P1 package with lane assistance and keyless. There are a few with the panamara roof and they all have running boards. Anyone have experience with the panamara roof? comments would be greatly appreciated
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
I have been driving diesels for a couple decades and the ones I bought in the past five years don't exhibit any cold start issues. Heck the ones bought five years before that rarely displayed enough for me to worry. I know people up in Canada with 2009 and newer MB, BMW, and VW diesels and they say even there it is rare to so much as have to wait on glow plugs.
I too do a lot of driving and quality of diesel fuel has yet to be an issue. I have had more gasoline quality issues, two of them to be exact which I don't think is too bad given the many 100s of thousands of miles under my belt after decades of driving.
Guess what I am getting at here is if those are your only worries about a diesel then I'd reconsider it. Now with that said I have no clue what a ML350 mpg is in the real world nor do I know what octane rating it needs. Diesel for me has been for the most part more money than 93 octane gas for the past 8 or so years. Some times it is the same price and rarely is it cheaper. So from a financial stand point not sure how things truly line up when factoring fuel, maintenance, and initial purchase cost differences.
I too do a lot of driving and quality of diesel fuel has yet to be an issue. I have had more gasoline quality issues, two of them to be exact which I don't think is too bad given the many 100s of thousands of miles under my belt after decades of driving.
Guess what I am getting at here is if those are your only worries about a diesel then I'd reconsider it. Now with that said I have no clue what a ML350 mpg is in the real world nor do I know what octane rating it needs. Diesel for me has been for the most part more money than 93 octane gas for the past 8 or so years. Some times it is the same price and rarely is it cheaper. So from a financial stand point not sure how things truly line up when factoring fuel, maintenance, and initial purchase cost differences.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
There are several threads here that go over all of the pros and cons of the pano and boards. There are people on both sides. It's all about preference and how the person feels about the particular execution of these options on the ML. Do some searches and you'll get many answers. Good choice on the ML.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 348
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
I forgot to mention on the boards. When I was shopping MLs I decided I did not want the boards because of various opinions I read online. After getting an ML, that lacks boards, something I never considered was how they would make it easier for small kids to get in. The entire time I will own my ML I will have small enough kids that the boards would proven to be helpful to them.
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
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From: East Bay Norther Cali
2004 CLK 55AMG
I would reconsider the Diesel. I just came back from South Lake Tahoe with below freezing nights and no issues with the diesel. I live in the Bay Area and did 27.5 mpg round trip. A lot of up hill going and down hill coming back. On a long trip, about 600 miles before a fill up, and I am only paying 3 or four dollars extra per fill up over super unleaded.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Pano is great. No issues with heat in summer, and I have a black car. Running boards were my preference 2 years ago because of herniated disks and small kids. Now im getting no running boards because of sports package looks and I no longer have the health issues.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 85
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From: Tampa
ML350 Bluetec
Get the Diesel! Great mileage and tons of torque! My 2012 ML350 is awesome and gets going in a hurry with all that torque. Mine doesn't have running boards and the dealer told me I could order them from them, but they don't do installs. Seems there are slips and falls because of them and they don't want the liability if they installed them. The new models all come with them already on, but they won't retrofit them. I like the look of the boards, but I don't think they are useful and cause more problems than they solve. Dirt on the pant legs and all that since you usually step over them rather than step on them getting in or out.
Last edited by Chasvs; Dec 5, 2013 at 08:16 AM.
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
Thanks for all of your suggestions and experiences. Here in NJ, premium (where I do most of my driving) diesel fuel is substantially more then premium. I realize that the cost difference over the long haul is about the same when you figure in the additional up front cost as well as the cost of fuel. I just don't want my wife to get stuck someplace and not have a working vehicle. My brother has a F250 with a diesel and he loves it except he complains how long it takes for it to warm up in the winter and how important it is for him to always change fuel filters, urea etc and to make sure that he does his additives as needed. I love the durability of the diesel but I am more familiar with gas but you have all given me something to think about.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Boston area
2019 GLS450
This is my first diesel as a personal vehicle. Finding stations w/ diesel has not been a problem. For most of the year(in my area), diesel has been the same as mid grade gasoline & a few times the same as regular. Only the past month or so going into heating season have I been paying about the same as premium gasoline. Exception being gas stations in areas where there's heavy trucking, those tend to be almost .20 more per gallon than premium because they can get from the truckers. 2 stations less than 5 miles apart can had one at $3.73 & the other at $4.19. The higher one was just off the highway exit and near a Uhaul place. I was advised not to use any fuel additives, esp while still under warranty. As for the cold, I have keyless go & never had it not start just after pressing the button. Heat blows out in about 4mins. Maintenance costs are a lil higher as the fuel filter is changed every 20k miles, costed me $413 last weekend to have the dealer change the fuel filter and change the brake fluid. Considering that the filter itself is $150, I thought it was a fair deal. Gets even better if you opt for the pre-paid maintenance.
So in short, don't dismiss the BlueTec just yet, you might like it, or you may still end up w/ gas engine. Can't go wrong w/ either. BTW, I'm in the opposite position from you. Have the ML & am now looking at possibly getting an E350 to replace my Honda.
So in short, don't dismiss the BlueTec just yet, you might like it, or you may still end up w/ gas engine. Can't go wrong w/ either. BTW, I'm in the opposite position from you. Have the ML & am now looking at possibly getting an E350 to replace my Honda.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
Thanks for all of your suggestions and experiences. Here in NJ, premium (where I do most of my driving) diesel fuel is substantially more then premium. I realize that the cost difference over the long haul is about the same when you figure in the additional up front cost as well as the cost of fuel. I just don't want my wife to get stuck someplace and not have a working vehicle. My brother has a F250 with a diesel and he loves it except he complains how long it takes for it to warm up in the winter and how important it is for him to always change fuel filters, urea etc and to make sure that he does his additives as needed. I love the durability of the diesel but I am more familiar with gas but you have all given me something to think about.
I can say though with the ML if you care about mpgs then I'd certainly look into the diesel as a possible route to take. I got 31mpg in mine a couple weeks back when had to drive from Houston to Plano and back. I got I think it was 27mpg when I drove from Ohio to Texas and that was with some very high freeway speeds. Around town to/from my clients I tend to get 23-25 mpg. I honestly did not buy it with a care in the world about mpgs so never compared cost differences with the gas sister. I just got it because I like how diesels drive and tend to either get more power orientated gas powered vehicles or a diesel.
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
I think the bigger issue with my brothers F250 is that he is a fireman and in the middle of the night he hast to get to the fire house to drive the trucks. He is the kind of person that will not let anyone do anything since he can always do it better. I think his expression is "they don't do it the way I would do it"! He is 67 and he is not going to change. I would not have even considered a diesel unless he kept bugging me to buy one because a number of his neighbors have them and love them. He also lives upstate, does nothing but highway driving and his truck is 3 or 4 years old and only has about 25k miles on it. He did get rear ended once responding to a MVA and the other fireman who drove into him had his car totaled and his super duty had a little scratched paint on the bumper! As he said, weight is survival.
For me I still have problems paying what we pay for gas. When I started to drive in the 60's gas was $0.23/gal for premium and my big V8 got about 10 mpg if I was lucky. It isn't really a money issue now but a mental issue...............All I want is something to hump around here and when I go on vacation stick the bicycles in the back along with luggage, perhaps throw the scooters on a trailer and take them along also, something I can't do with the E350
For me I still have problems paying what we pay for gas. When I started to drive in the 60's gas was $0.23/gal for premium and my big V8 got about 10 mpg if I was lucky. It isn't really a money issue now but a mental issue...............All I want is something to hump around here and when I go on vacation stick the bicycles in the back along with luggage, perhaps throw the scooters on a trailer and take them along also, something I can't do with the E350
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
I think the bigger issue with my brothers F250 is that he is a fireman and in the middle of the night he hast to get to the fire house to drive the trucks. He is the kind of person that will not let anyone do anything since he can always do it better. I think his expression is "they don't do it the way I would do it"! He is 67 and he is not going to change. I would not have even considered a diesel unless he kept bugging me to buy one because a number of his neighbors have them and love them. He also lives upstate, does nothing but highway driving and his truck is 3 or 4 years old and only has about 25k miles on it. He did get rear ended once responding to a MVA and the other fireman who drove into him had his car totaled and his super duty had a little scratched paint on the bumper! As he said, weight is survival.
For me I still have problems paying what we pay for gas. When I started to drive in the 60's gas was $0.23/gal for premium and my big V8 got about 10 mpg if I was lucky. It isn't really a money issue now but a mental issue...............All I want is something to hump around here and when I go on vacation stick the bicycles in the back along with luggage, perhaps throw the scooters on a trailer and take them along also, something I can't do with the E350
For me I still have problems paying what we pay for gas. When I started to drive in the 60's gas was $0.23/gal for premium and my big V8 got about 10 mpg if I was lucky. It isn't really a money issue now but a mental issue...............All I want is something to hump around here and when I go on vacation stick the bicycles in the back along with luggage, perhaps throw the scooters on a trailer and take them along also, something I can't do with the E350
My one mental issue when it comes to fuel is range. I can be perfectly happy in something that gets 10 mpg but has a 50 gallon tank v. something that gets 30 mpg but has a 10 gallon tank.
I'd definitely look at both. I never looked at the ML350 "gasser" because already had in my head if I buy a gas powered SUV it will be the ML550 or Cayenne S for the power each offer and I did drive both of those. I did drive all of the diesel SUV offerings with the exception of the Jeep and each had their ups and downs for me. I do not think a new gas or diesel powered SUV is going to have any more or less likelihood of leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Unless you somehow figure out how to pump the entirely wrong fuel into it but I think all of the German offerings in the diesel department have fill necks to help prevent that mistake from happening.
Heck if you really want to get some crazy mpg ratings and it can fit your needs look at the GLK250.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I have researched the ML up, down and sideways. I have looked into all of the SPC Special Order options and I will order a car in the next day or so, just trying to screw down the best deal before I do so. The one option that I consider an absolute MUST HAVE, is an option that most dealers never order, and that's the Driver's Assistance Package. The radar cruise control with its PreSafe Brake feature is something that is just magnificent, especially when driving highways for any extended length of time. Should you happen to get distracted for even a split second and traffic in front of you suddenly slows or stops, this feature will save your hide. The blind spot warning sensors give you that extra bit of a secure feeling when you go to change lanes. I would not own a vehicle like an ML without these features. As for the BlueTec, by all means, GO FOR IT! MB has been building diesels for decades, for use all over the world. The engine runs like a gas engine, but with much more torque and significantly better economy. Good luck.
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments. The difference between diesel and gas on the M is really not significant and when you figure the cost of diesel is more, they are about even cost wise. As I indicated, this is a mental thing with me. Since I retired, I drove my car about 6k miles in a year but did put on about 20k miles on the new E350 because we took it for everything but local travel. With the M, I think we will end up putting about 12-15k on each in the year so the benefits of the long lasting diesel really aren't realized.
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments. The difference between diesel and gas on the M is really not significant and when you figure the cost of diesel is more, they are about even cost wise. As I indicated, this is a mental thing with me. Since I retired, I drove my car about 6k miles in a year but did put on about 20k miles on the new E350 because we took it for everything but local travel. With the M, I think we will end up putting about 12-15k on each in the year so the benefits of the long lasting diesel really aren't realized.
In my mind the only reason I'd get a diesel M would be because of the driving characteristics of the engine. Now not filling it up as often would be a big secondary reason. From an overall economic standpoint then not sure if it really saves anything significant or even perhaps is more money. I compared a new diesel F250 to a new V8 F150 this year and surprisingly to me the diesel was going to be cheaper to keep on the road in regards to maintenance and fuel costs. But that ignored the $10k or so higher price tag as well as most likely higher repair bills when something breaks.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Remember that the Diesel is $4K more, but it INCLUDES the 4Matic system, so the diesel engine is really only $1500.00 over the gas engine
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
After getting a E350 for my wife I have been looking to get another MB vehicle for myself. I was looking at the E350 wagon and almost pulled the trigger on one yesterday but found a few things I didn't like. The big issue for me was the "rear area" can't really hide anything. The windows are not dark (easy to tint) but the cover doesn't go all the way back to the door so you can see what is underneath it. I also was not thrilled about the storage capacity but I did like the fact that it gets good mpg's. On the other hand, the ML350 just seems to be a better fit with more versatility but I am a little upset about the poor gas mileage they seem to be getting. I would consider a diesel but I do travel to cold climates to ski and do a lot of traveling around the country so fuel and cold starting might be an issue.
Are there any things I should be concerned about or should know before I pull the trigger. I plan on getting a P1 package with lane assistance and keyless. There are a few with the panamara roof and they all have running boards. Anyone have experience with the panamara roof? comments would be greatly appreciated
Are there any things I should be concerned about or should know before I pull the trigger. I plan on getting a P1 package with lane assistance and keyless. There are a few with the panamara roof and they all have running boards. Anyone have experience with the panamara roof? comments would be greatly appreciated
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
The Panorama Roof is an expensive option. What you need to consider, is will you EVER use it? So many people almost never open their sunroofs. Secondly, if you want a white or other light color, the pano roof really changes the appearance of the vehicle, since MB runs that black glass all the way to the windshield header, which I happen to find extremely unappealing. Lastly, regardless of the fine safety record MB has, I would prefer to have as little glass as possible above my head, should I ever be involved in a major accident. I wish MB had a "Sunroof Delete" option available on all their vehicles, as I never use mine.
I totally agree about the panorama roof......I dislike it and the mix of options that the dealers have include that option. Only ones with HID lights are 2013 leftovers. I wished they put the LED lights in like the E350 but no big deal, I can put in a set of HIDs without issue just as I did with the E350 and all my other vehicles. Only challenge is getting the little clips out of the fender liner to access the back of the housing. The way it looks, I don't think the M class has those little clips to adapt the bulb to the housing but rather it is a direct insert of the H7 bulb into the housing. The options I am seeing are Lane tracking assist, keyless, running boards and the panorama roof. The ones without the roof had about 1500 of other options like the HK radio, heated cup holders, the chrome package. Of course, they all had the P1 package
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
Not getting the light package is a major mistake. It seems expensive however it is very reasonable for the performance over the standard lights. Plus it has an added bonus of great aesthetics. I purchased the ML because it has an awesome diesel and is probably the safest SUV in its class. The light package is part of the increased safety.
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
I think MB not putting either HIDs or LEDs for the level of vehicle is just bad. All the other SUVs I looked at had them. I do plan on installing HIDs, if the ones they had in stock had the HIDs I would get it but unfortunately, the only ones that do have them are very loaded 13's which I don't want. I think here in NJ, people really don't care about seeing where they are going specially the typical MB driver or should I say operator since most of the people on the roads her can't really "drive" (I am going to pay for that comment but it is true just like Florida has all their cue-tips NJ has all the butt heads that park themselves in the left lane) One option I never thought would be worth it was the blind spot or backup camara until they came on my current vehicle and I have learned to love those options.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I think MB not putting either HIDs or LEDs for the level of vehicle is just bad. All the other SUVs I looked at had them. I do plan on installing HIDs, if the ones they had in stock had the HIDs I would get it but unfortunately, the only ones that do have them are very loaded 13's which I don't want. I think here in NJ, people really don't care about seeing where they are going specially the typical MB driver or should I say operator since most of the people on the roads her can't really "drive" (I am going to pay for that comment but it is true just like Florida has all their cue-tips NJ has all the butt heads that park themselves in the left lane) One option I never thought would be worth it was the blind spot or backup camara until they came on my current vehicle and I have learned to love those options.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 348
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
After having a BMW with it's lighting package, I thought it would be a must for me on any vehicle I ever bought. My ML does not have it, honestly do not miss it like I thought I was going to. But I own a number of older vehicles which I truly would say their headlights are not safe for viewing out of the car. So my opinion is probably tainted just a bit.
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From: Houston, Tx
2015 C63S
I'd not buy "off the rack" unless it came at a hefty discount over ordering a vehicle. Regardless of the make/model of the vehicle I am looking at. I have been lucky in that the ML and before that the 335d both were vehicles that had been sitting on lots for extreme periods of time and got very hefty discounts on both and both lacked any real options worth mentioning which I was fine with when considering the purpose each vehicle would be used for. Only reason I'd buy off the lot and not with hefty discounts is if for some reason I needed to have a vehicle in my hands before one could possibly be ordered and arrive.
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
I thought about special ordering but with the exception of the HID lights and perhaps the black headliner, the ones they pre-order seem to be what I want. When I got the E350 last year, it came with goodyear rubber so I had the dealer switch to Michelin tires that were on a different car. That car had everything I wanted. The biggest problem I am having is every time I use the car I find some other thing I didn't know about. I am sure I am going to run into the same issues with the ML. To bad there isn't a posting someplace that lists all the cool things that these vehicles have and how to take advantage of them
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E350 4-Matic, GLE350, Harley Davidson Electra Glide
Well, I went into the dealer getting ready to pull the trigger on a wagon but just couldn't do it. For what I need the extra space the wagon just didn't do it. I also didn't like that there is a gap between the cover that goes over the storage area and the tailgate. Not much security with everyone able to look in. So, today I purchased a ML350 which I will pick up tomorrow. Thanks for all of your suggestions and comments
