As much as I hate to leave
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 35
From: Atlanta, GA USA
2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 105
From: Pacific Northwest
2022 GLE450
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
A meeting with my CPA convinced me.
I loved the ML, like driving a sports car compared to the LX570. I am just more comfortable in the larger vehicle. It is one of the few body on frame units out there. The frequest trips to Atlanta are nothing in the LX.
I know it is a boat!
But a VERY comfortable boat!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 35
From: Atlanta, GA USA
2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
I've mentioned many times here why I'm not happy with the ML - enough so that I was told to shut up about it.
My loaded 2014 ML350BTC will be available to purchase in mid to late January.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 105
From: Pacific Northwest
2022 GLE450
I am on my second ML and have to say I am very happy. So each experience is different I suppose.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 991
Likes: 86
From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
A meeting with my CPA convinced me.
I loved the ML, like driving a sports car compared to the LX570. I am just more comfortable in the larger vehicle. It is one of the few body on frame units out there. The frequest trips to Atlanta are nothing in the LX.
I know it is a boat!
But a VERY comfortable boat!
I loved the ML, like driving a sports car compared to the LX570. I am just more comfortable in the larger vehicle. It is one of the few body on frame units out there. The frequest trips to Atlanta are nothing in the LX.
I know it is a boat!
But a VERY comfortable boat!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: NYC / LI
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
You idiot! this is the dumbest thing I've ever f-ing heard of! You turning your back on MB is a slap in the face to me, and will not be forgotten.
just kidding of course, best of luck to ya, nice to have to make such choices.
come back and post a pic or two.
just kidding of course, best of luck to ya, nice to have to make such choices.
come back and post a pic or two.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 35
From: Atlanta, GA USA
2000 MB G500 NMLE, 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
S500
I love the LX, I actually just put a deposit on a 2015 ML350 as my Lexus RX350 is going back from lease by the end of the month. I personally think the Lexus brand is a bit boring, lets hope the ML will be a bit better.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
While agree that Lexus may not be as exciting as Mercedes, out of the 4 LX units and numerous Lexus cars, I have never had the first problem with any of them. Only time I have had to take them in for anything was just for their regular service.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
S500
I can agree with this 100%, I never had to take any of my last 2 Luxus' in for any warranty work.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Why do people imply that the ML will be less reliable than a Lexus RX350? I see problems pop up here now and then but compared to the thousands of MLs out there the percentage is very small. I realize that forums such as this represent only a fraction of owners but if there is a dissatisfied owner, you can bet they will find a forum to air their complaint or ask for advice - that is what forums are for after all.
My experience over the 2 1/2 years I have owned my ML has been great. In fact, I would say that overall, this car has been the best I've owned in fifty years of driving. In that time I have driven most everything, both foreign and domestic, and actually owned many of them. All cars have problems and yes, some are more reliable than others and even the "bible" for reliability (Consumer Reports) says so. Both Lexus and MB are considered "luxury" brands and the reputation of both is quite good, albeit for different reasons.
If in fact, MB is less reliable, the question that has to be asked is why? Are Lexus cars better built? Do they use better materials? Are their engineers better than those at Mercedes? Are their cars put under better quality control standards? Etc., etc. I have not visited the Lexus forum (I assume they have several), but I bet if I did I would find some complaints too. I guess what I'm saying is that although there may be problems here and there, I do not believe MB cars can be considered unreliable.
My experience over the 2 1/2 years I have owned my ML has been great. In fact, I would say that overall, this car has been the best I've owned in fifty years of driving. In that time I have driven most everything, both foreign and domestic, and actually owned many of them. All cars have problems and yes, some are more reliable than others and even the "bible" for reliability (Consumer Reports) says so. Both Lexus and MB are considered "luxury" brands and the reputation of both is quite good, albeit for different reasons.
If in fact, MB is less reliable, the question that has to be asked is why? Are Lexus cars better built? Do they use better materials? Are their engineers better than those at Mercedes? Are their cars put under better quality control standards? Etc., etc. I have not visited the Lexus forum (I assume they have several), but I bet if I did I would find some complaints too. I guess what I'm saying is that although there may be problems here and there, I do not believe MB cars can be considered unreliable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 56
From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
I also own a new 2014 Lexus RX350...they are both very different but on par with each other I'd say as far as engineering, fit finish..of course the ML is much more of a vehicle and 50% more $$..where Lexus seems to one-up MB is with service,sales experience and the dealership infrastructures..the Lexus dealership is state of the art as far as shop..and customer pampering...golf simulator, get your nails done shop..and general mentality of the staff..if asked they would come to my home to get the vehicle for it's service..you can leave your car at the dealership..they will shuttle you to airport and put the vehicle through their spa...things like this simply aren't offered at the MB dealership who in my mind seem to have an "air" about them..that said I'd still own my ML63 as only maybe Audi would have something I might look at..or maybe an X5 M
Last edited by Nanook; Dec 21, 2014 at 01:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
My new sleigh!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
2014 ML350 BlueTec
Why do people imply that the ML will be less reliable than a Lexus RX350? I see problems pop up here now and then but compared to the thousands of MLs out there the percentage is very small. I realize that forums such as this represent only a fraction of owners but if there is a dissatisfied owner, you can bet they will find a forum to air their complaint or ask for advice - that is what forums are for after all.
My experience over the 2 1/2 years I have owned my ML has been great. In fact, I would say that overall, this car has been the best I've owned in fifty years of driving. In that time I have driven most everything, both foreign and domestic, and actually owned many of them. All cars have problems and yes, some are more reliable than others and even the "bible" for reliability (Consumer Reports) says so. Both Lexus and MB are considered "luxury" brands and the reputation of both is quite good, albeit for different reasons.
If in fact, MB is less reliable, the question that has to be asked is why? Are Lexus cars better built? Do they use better materials? Are their engineers better than those at Mercedes? Are their cars put under better quality control standards? Etc., etc. I have not visited the Lexus forum (I assume they have several), but I bet if I did I would find some complaints too. I guess what I'm saying is that although there may be problems here and there, I do not believe MB cars can be considered unreliable.
My experience over the 2 1/2 years I have owned my ML has been great. In fact, I would say that overall, this car has been the best I've owned in fifty years of driving. In that time I have driven most everything, both foreign and domestic, and actually owned many of them. All cars have problems and yes, some are more reliable than others and even the "bible" for reliability (Consumer Reports) says so. Both Lexus and MB are considered "luxury" brands and the reputation of both is quite good, albeit for different reasons.
If in fact, MB is less reliable, the question that has to be asked is why? Are Lexus cars better built? Do they use better materials? Are their engineers better than those at Mercedes? Are their cars put under better quality control standards? Etc., etc. I have not visited the Lexus forum (I assume they have several), but I bet if I did I would find some complaints too. I guess what I'm saying is that although there may be problems here and there, I do not believe MB cars can be considered unreliable.
Also from MY own experience dealing with the Lexus people is so much nicer that dealing with the MB people. They have with out fail always had a Lexus loaner when it was service time and not like the MB service people who stuck me in a Nissan Sentra for a day with a back seat of someone else's barf! The difference in attitudes between the Lexus people and MB people is night and day!
The are both great brands!
Last edited by GregGebhardt; Dec 22, 2014 at 06:05 AM.
