M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

2015 ML350 4MATIC Build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2014 | 10:28 AM
  #1  
TxBenzIn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 12
From: Indiana
2003 SL500 (70,000)
2015 ML350 4MATIC Build - DELIVERED!

I'm looking to build this: 2015 ML350 Dakota Brown

What options should I give more consideration to? We are already at the top of our budget, but for the right things we could extend.

Dakota Brown
20 in 5 Spoke wheels
lighting package
auburn brown/black leather
Open pore brown ash trim
Wood/leather steering wheel
Premium package
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
H/k sound system
Keyless go
4Matic
Lane tracking package

Considering rear side airbags and heated/cooled cup holders.

What options do you like/not use/reccomend?

Last edited by TxBenzIn; Nov 13, 2014 at 10:06 PM. Reason: Fix URL
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 12:06 AM
  #2  
fabbrisd1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
With total $250 SPC option charge on top:

U09 MB-Tex wrapped dashboard/upper front door panels $450
875 heated washer reservoir for MUCH improved windshield cleaning 365(bugs) $150
242 power passenger seat memory/lumbar $365
550 trailer hitch for MUCH increased rear collision protection $575

If it was me - for TX drop heated rear seats to free up some dollars if you need to - above add-on's are 365/24-7 benefits.

If it was me - another unepxected "great" option 876 ambient ligting and lighted door sills... you have a awesome interior, it feels "great" getting into at night.

Order sport pedals as dealer add-on items... like $85 ... great interior add-on
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 10:32 AM
  #3  
TxBenzIn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 12
From: Indiana
2003 SL500 (70,000)
Thanks for your input!

On the lot was one very similar to our build but it had a trailer hitch. We don't tow anything so that was the main reason for placing an order, to remove the hitch I never considered the safety aspect of it though.

What is U09? Never heard of that. I'll google it.

Is there a standard interior ambient lighting package? We have an E350 that looks great at night, but I though the ambient package was more o let you change the color and the car has some ambient lighting standard?

We are in a colder climate often during the winter, so the rear heated seats was the other reason we went with a build.

I'll discuss these with the dealership as well, thanks again!
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 06:41 PM
  #4  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by TxBenzIn
....Is there a standard interior ambient lighting package? We have an E350 that looks great at night, but I though the ambient package was more o let you change the color and the car has some ambient lighting standard?...
Ambient lighting is leds under the wood trim (3 colors to choose from at any time) and light up door sills. Frivolous... but a nice touch that should provide entertainment for years.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 09:25 PM
  #5  
TxBenzIn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 12
From: Indiana
2003 SL500 (70,000)
Yeah our E350 has it, minus the door sills so I'd miss it if I didn't order it. hopefully it will get added to my build.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2014 | 09:53 AM
  #6  
sheepdog's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
One other thing that you might consider (even though it will cost more) is ordering an ML400. Even though the initial cost comparision with the ML350 looks significant, given the options you are considering it is not as large as it may seem. ML400 has 4Matic, premium pkg, leather, ambient lighting and keyless go,lane tracking, and harmon kardon included. According to the EPA, about 10% better gas mileage. In a 400 your build would come to about $68,625 before any discounts. Just a thought given the options you are choosing and you would get an engine with about 10% more horsepower. Personally I would also add the Parking Assist Pkg with the surround view camera. Good Luck

Last edited by sheepdog; Sep 29, 2014 at 10:23 AM. Reason: typing error
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2014 | 02:50 PM
  #7  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I like the aluminum running boards. Visually enhances the car. Also, the idea of the ML400 is one worth considering. Sounds like a great deal once you option out a 350.

Our ML350 was over $60k without leather interior/wood steering wheel. I like the blind spot assist but the basic lane tracking functionality is basically garbage compared to the active lane tracking ability (driver assistance package).
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2014 | 09:48 PM
  #8  
TxBenzIn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 12
From: Indiana
2003 SL500 (70,000)
I know, if you've seen one, you've seen them all, but this one I get to see daily


Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 14, 2014 | 08:25 AM
  #9  
SmokinReefer's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
ML350
And change the door pins..... be sure to get the new ones flush mounted

I second the wrapped dash. That was a recommendation I got on here and the look is worth way more than cost. I love it
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2014 | 09:48 AM
  #10  
Strafzettel's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 377
Likes: 40
From: Chicago, IL
2023 EQS 580 SUV
I would not get it without airmatic! The ride is so much more comfortable with airmatic and with a push of a button the car turns into a sporty car with stiffer steering and suspension. Should you get lots of snow, you can raise the car with a push of a button by 6 centimeters.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2015 | 11:25 PM
  #11  
PopDisplay's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
F150
Originally Posted by TxBenzIn
I'm looking to build this: 2015 ML350 Dakota Brown

What options should I give more consideration to? We are already at the top of our budget, but for the right things we could extend.

Dakota Brown
20 in 5 Spoke wheels
lighting package
auburn brown/black leather
Open pore brown ash trim
Wood/leather steering wheel
Premium package
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
H/k sound system
Keyless go
4Matic
Lane tracking package

Considering rear side airbags and heated/cooled cup holders.

What options do you like/not use/reccomend?
I would not go with the brown ash wood trim:

We went to the dealer to inspect the OPBA trim and wood steering wheel.

I found both highly objectionable.

The wood is so heavily grained that it formed a distraction.
The steering wheel is so slick that it could be problematic during normal driving maneuvers. Beyond the slick wood, the wheel has no "nubs" on the rear surface to improve grip.



The trim above the glove box was significantly more grained than any of the door trim.





If you like your MB looking like the side of an oak coffin or a Louisville Slugger baseball bat, their Open Pore Brown Ash is just what your doctor ordered.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2015 | 01:47 AM
  #12  
rtw_travel's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
2012 ML350 BT, 1998 BMW 540i/6
Originally Posted by TxBenzIn
Thanks for your input!

On the lot was one very similar to our build but it had a trailer hitch. We don't tow anything so that was the main reason for placing an order, to remove the hitch I never considered the safety aspect of it though.
I'd second the trailer hitch.


It is (relatively) cheap as a factory option, yet very expensive to install afterwards. You might find you use it for a hitch mounted bike rack or ski rack too.


One of the attractions of the ML is the super towing capacity of > 7000lbs. We just bought a 2012, and our main criteria was that it must have a hitch. When you go to sell in a few years, you may not increase the resale value by having it, but you should certainly increase the number of people who'd be interested in buying it.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2015 | 02:48 PM
  #13  
greasykid's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
What to order

1 have ash wood but not on steering wheel.
many compliments

2 take steering wheel $ & instead get heated wheel. Have it & rear seat heating.Great combo.

3 also recommend 360 degree parking feature. Works both night & day.

4 Like your color choice. Mine is Cinnebar red/black. Glad to get away from black/white/silver etc.

5 I also considered M400 but could not wait 2-3 months

6 I ended up w/250 diesel & love it. Smooth & strong enough for me,plus great fuel mileage. I must stress that fuel mileage had NOTHING to do with my choice. A plus,saved $1,000.

7 You can save a bundle by getting TEX rather than leather & it will last forever-plus nobody knows the difference. I have had both.

Last edited by greasykid; Jan 4, 2015 at 03:09 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2015 | 11:09 AM
  #14  
rtw_travel's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
2012 ML350 BT, 1998 BMW 540i/6
Originally Posted by greasykid
2 take steering wheel $ & instead get heated wheel. Have it & rear seat heating.Great combo.
That's a good point. My recollection is that only the leather steering wheel has the heated steering wheel option - which is very nice if you are in winter temperatures.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2015 | 02:52 PM
  #15  
hutch300's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 105
From: Pacific Northwest
2022 GLE450
I love the heated wheel... more than I could imagine. The ash is beautiful, had it on my last ml.

I would NOT want leather. The alternative looks great and is way more durable.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:20 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE