mjz3348

We bought the new ML400.

I noticed the rear fog lights only work on the driver side. Is this normal? or are the rear fog lights supposed to work on the passenger side also? I wanted to run this by the Forum first before calling the dealer to take in. I most likely will never use these lights. The new ML runs great and has a lot more performance than our former 2012 ML350. I can't compare it to the 550, but will say the bi-turbo's have no lag I can detect. The car jumps off the start when needed.

Thanks

equetefue

congrats !!

xMB007x

Congrats!! Yes, Mercedes is known for only having one rear fog lamp.

mjz3348

I thought as much. It's strange to see only one side light up like that. I assumed it had to be deliberate, but wanted to check.

The car runs great and the bi-turbo really solves the ML350 low power problem. We just didn't like the 350 hesitation when you need to jump on it to accelerate out of a bottleneck, lane change or entry ramp. The ML400 solved that problem completely. It just goes.

I suspect the bi-turbo's are not something you want to keep beyond the warranty period. I'm sure they put a lot of stress on the small 3.0 liter engine and burn quite hot. Keeping the car beyond warranty won't be an issue for us. The Ml63 is the likely next one after this that we would keep longer, but we'll see.

My old Lexus though is 14 years old and I keep it because it just works and I can take it everywhere and not be concerned. But not with my wife. She won't be seen dead in that car - hence the new ML every 3 years.

HAILERS2

Same on Jaguar (USA). Only fog light on the rear is the one on the left side. In some other countries it's on the right side. Like Britian, for obvious reasons.

another_geek

If you are concerned about the long term durability of bi-turbo engines, you do know that the current ML63 is a bi-turbo v8, right?

MDMercedesGuy

I wouldn't really be that concerned about longevity that much if you treat it with some respect. Turbos of today aren't as fragile of the turbos of a few years ago.

• Keep the oil changed regularly (get an analysis done, but I personally do mine every 5K - cheap insurance comparatively)
• Let it idle down a minute before shutting down if you have driven it hard (not required by newer turbos but can't hurt).
• Warm it up properly by starting up and driving away gently soon thereafter without getting on it until it is up to operating temperature (remember, just because the coolant is up to operating temp doesn't mean the oil temp is up there yet though).

ntwillie1

OP, yes, only one side lights up for the rear fog.

And, yes, it does move quite nicely. We like ours a lot.

I bought mine because we drive a lot of miles so leasing is not an option. I hope to not have any issues w the BI-turbo engine as I plan to keep the car 4-5 years.

SantanaNYC

My ml400 cut off at the light. I only have 150 miles on it. When the light changed to green the car would not move. I looked And the engine light on the dashboard was yellow.... And the car was in neutral. I had to put the car in park and started it. I am thinking to make a report. It is loaded with everything. Could this be a problem long term? Help.

mjz3348

We have about 4,000 miles on our ML400 now. I hate the "eco" light/button. It shuts the engine down in the most inopportune times. So I just shut it off when I first start the car (It's activated by default). I wish I could make the off condition the default.

I have not had the problem you described at all. But then again - I really don't use this feature much. The only time it gets used is when I forget to shut it off.

SantanaNYC

I don't like the ECO...I will turn it off

mjz3348

I did do this once, however ... while sitting at a train crossing and waiting ... and waiting ... I looked at that green ECO button ... and I .... Pressed it. The ML400 shut down in ready mode and for the next 5 minutes, I listened to great music, AC running, and the car silent - no motor running (the two batteries no doubt draining ...) and when the train passed, I pressed the gas pedal and the SUV came to life and moved without the extra time to start the car in Park.

That time ... and only 'that' time is what ECO is good for.

I don't wait at many trains.

Obenmb

That eco button sucks big time...big governments wanted to improve on gas mileage and Mercedes gave it the eco button! Mercedes should have given the owners a time frame of when engine turns off if car is in complete stop and when it's on eco. I just press it and drive

prsguy

As others have pointed out, it's absolutely normal for a US spec'd Benz to only have a rear driver's side fog light. The reason for a single lamp is based on the assumption that drivers would follow etiquette by driving in the right hand lane except for passing situations. I've owned an Audi, BMW, Jeep and an MB and they all had a single rear fog lamp. Enjoy your new ride.