infomadness

Hello everyone,
I would like to introduce myself. A new owner of 2012 ML 350. This is my first Mercedes. Just want to say hello to community and need some pointers/to-dos and don'ts of M Class.

I bought it from a dealer and got it for $34K + tax & change ~ 38K. Its 36K miles and still has about 9 months/12K miles left under manufactures warranty.

What do you guys think about this deal? Appreciate your time reading and thanks in advance.

shortspark

I have owned cars, trucks, vans, etc. for fifty years and my ML350 (gas version) is the best overall vehicle of them all. I bought it exactly three years ago and it has not given me a bit of trouble, other than caused by me. I programmed the hatch to a certain height but then would manually open and close it, rather than use the remote button or the "stop" button on the hatch itself. This of course messes up the memory over time and the thing would not close shut properly. The dealer but a new right shock in it under warranty and all has been well since.

Other than that, I can't thing of another "do or don't". As far as the deal you got, I would have to say it sounds pretty good but I don't know that for sure. What I do know for sure is that you will enjoy your ML very much - good luck!

infomadness

Thank you ShortSpark. Appreciate your welcome.

What I wanted to know is.. what kind of Gas should I putting in? I know they require premium.. but would 89 work? or do I need 91 or 92?

thank you.

burnout

I only put premium in mine.

shortspark

I only use premium as well. In fact, 99% of my fill ups have been either Conoco or Chevron, both top tier gasolines that are suppose to have a good additive pack. It might not make any difference but my average has been nearly 22 mpg for the last three years so I'm happy.

Barry45RPM

How much money do you think you will save over the lifetime of the vehicle by putting lower octane fuel in the car? Maybe $700? and the engine computer will retard timing and power to prevent pre-ignition by doing so... so you will have a less exciting ride. Your choice.

What other Manufacturer specified maintenance do you plan on not doing?

In the end though again, its your choice.

cmasten

i have been following this type of thread, for a long long long time for my various german vehicles.

There are two methods of calculating the octane rating, one for the US and one for Europe (Germany) for the purposes of this conversation. There is a good thread on this site for the details.

The rating for octane for "minimum" that is listed on the gas cover door (german) is "91" which translates to 89 here in the (US).

I run 89 when its there and 91 when its not. I would not use 87 for this level of vehicle, but, as others have said it will work.

Answer for me here in the US... is 89. 91 doesn't seem to do anything different than 89 for .10 cents more a gallon for top tier gas, like Chevron or 76 etc here in California.

shortspark

If I am going to own a MB, any MB, I want to treat it as well as I can. So top tier, premium gasoline is what I use. I may not get a whole lot better performance and maybe not a sizable difference in MPG, but its like food - I prefer a filet over a burger. The money is not an important factor and I think that is true of most MB owners. So why not give your ride the best you can afford? It is the same with polish and wax/sealants. I use Sonax and Wolfgang. I have proven to myself that they are better looking and longer lasting than Turtle Wax. Accordingly, the extra expense in using these products is worth it, at least to me. The same goes for gasoline.

infomadness

Thanks guys for your input.

One more question.. Does anyone know if I can buy a second Smart Key Fob? how much would it cost? I saw someone selling Keyfob selling on Ebay. How much does it cost to program the key?

Barry45RPM

They CAN NOT be programmed by anyone other than MB. They must ciome from a dealer when you produce a registration.

Last time I followed what they cost (For a 211 E Class Chassis) they were about $225. for a regulor key and about $100 more for a Keyless Go key. (Prices do vary from market to market due to competition or lack thereof.)

ChuckinTucson

Following the service intervals as if it were a religion. Welcome to the MB family. They're awesome cars. I just bought number #9 or #10 (lost count) last December.

BluetecKING

I know you a few weeks ago but you could have gotten a better deal than that. The same car with at least 10k miles less.
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=107044080

infomadness

Oh Man!!. its indeed a good deal. I paid $1000 more + tax (NY ) and other fees came out to be 38K.

infomadness

How do you do that? What's the secret of keep buying Mercedes cars? I always thought Mercedes cars are kind of out of reach. Is there any secret formula that I am not aware of?

infomadness

Thanks Barry.. I will check out the local dealer here. The thing is..based on the reviews.. looks like our area dealer sucks big time. And they are the only one in the 150 miles radius. Sucks.

Barry45RPM

You can get a key from any dealer anywhere.. just supply your drivers license and registration photocopy.