Thinking of getting a ML what one to choose?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
Thinking of getting a ML what one to choose?
Hey all,
I was thinking of getting an SUV mainly for my wife used by me sometimes, I figured I might as well stick with the MB family.
Looking at 2012-2014 ML's
I'm unsure of what to get and how reliable they are. I know there safe but I need reliable and something decent to maintain like my C300 is.
from what i've seen theres lots of models to choose;
ML 350 4 Matic
ML 350 Bluetec
ML 350 Bluetec 4 Matic
ML 550 4Matic
ML 63 AMG (to expensive at the moment so not an option its about 20K more than the rest for a mint example)
I know nothing about any SUV this would be the first... what one should I get? and why? any must have options? what are common problems?
I know the 550's usually come fully loaded.
I'm just starting to read up in the W166 section so i figured I'd post first and see what other owners say.
Thanks for the help fellas!
I was thinking of getting an SUV mainly for my wife used by me sometimes, I figured I might as well stick with the MB family.
Looking at 2012-2014 ML's
I'm unsure of what to get and how reliable they are. I know there safe but I need reliable and something decent to maintain like my C300 is.
from what i've seen theres lots of models to choose;
ML 350 4 Matic
ML 350 Bluetec
ML 350 Bluetec 4 Matic
ML 550 4Matic
ML 63 AMG (to expensive at the moment so not an option its about 20K more than the rest for a mint example)
I know nothing about any SUV this would be the first... what one should I get? and why? any must have options? what are common problems?
I know the 550's usually come fully loaded.
I'm just starting to read up in the W166 section so i figured I'd post first and see what other owners say.
Thanks for the help fellas!
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 224
Likes: 28
From: Western Europe
2017 GLS 350d
I'd go for the 350 BT 4matic, or the 550 4matic. That's from a driving experience point of view. But then the BT comes with its problem, you want to make sure that seal on the turbo isnt leaking, and that there is no issue with the ADBlue system. Both are known issues and expensive to fix. Then there is the distribution chain tensioner thing, but that should have been fixed by a recall if the car was affected. And I believe this issue also concerned the 350 Petrol.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
Thanks for the info! It's a tough choice I usually buy cars and keep them for at least 10-15 years 300,000+ Km. I really want to make a good choice with an SUV whether it's MB or not. There are so many 350 bluetec's for sale as well as 550s so I have time to make the right choice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
As I did 
Here is a good link to compare them all, guessing specs are similar but may not be exact :
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...features-specs
Here is a good link to compare them all, guessing specs are similar but may not be exact :
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...features-specs
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 204
From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
I just got this less than a week ago so i don't have any longterm info.... but I did avg about 20mpg if i keep my foot of it around town... not too bad I think..
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
Ya It will be a 50/50 split between highway and city.
I'll need to look at cost to repair and if I can do some of the work myself like I do on my c300.
The cars I've are about 50,000km/80,000km ( depending on the age) I'd like to get a 2013 as I see them from about 35k CAD to 50K.
First I need to go test drive one and see how comfortable the seats are lately my back has been an issue in my c300 on very long drives.
I'll need to look at cost to repair and if I can do some of the work myself like I do on my c300.
The cars I've are about 50,000km/80,000km ( depending on the age) I'd like to get a 2013 as I see them from about 35k CAD to 50K.
First I need to go test drive one and see how comfortable the seats are lately my back has been an issue in my c300 on very long drives.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
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From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
Get one as loaded as possible w air suspension, leather and active curve etc. make it worthwhile if you are keeping it a long time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
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From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
There is nothing better than ML on the long trips. I take my wife and a kid on the road trips almost every weekend. Our trips between 300-500 miles, and I feel good not tired at all.
I do some maintenance myself, this forum has a lot of good information how to do things.
I do some maintenance myself, this forum has a lot of good information how to do things.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 292
2019 E300
Ya It will be a 50/50 split between highway and city.
I'll need to look at cost to repair and if I can do some of the work myself like I do on my c300.
The cars I've are about 50,000km/80,000km ( depending on the age) I'd like to get a 2013 as I see them from about 35k CAD to 50K.
First I need to go test drive one and see how comfortable the seats are lately my back has been an issue in my c300 on very long drives.
I'll need to look at cost to repair and if I can do some of the work myself like I do on my c300.
The cars I've are about 50,000km/80,000km ( depending on the age) I'd like to get a 2013 as I see them from about 35k CAD to 50K.
First I need to go test drive one and see how comfortable the seats are lately my back has been an issue in my c300 on very long drives.
The ML's seats are very comfortable, but the 2014 and earlier ML350 do not have lumbar support on the passenger seat. If you have a bad back, that might be problem. I am not sure if the leather seat option add lumbar support for the passenger side. As far as reliability, the ML350 has a NA engine which tend to be more reliable than turbo.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 4
From: Huntington Beach
GLA45
our seats are very adjustable and comfortable - adjustable lumbar support.
For us - the 350 was a non starter, not enough power. But it is a personal thing, based on how many people drive the 350, most do not care about more HP.
For us - the 350 was a non starter, not enough power. But it is a personal thing, based on how many people drive the 350, most do not care about more HP.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 292
2019 E300
The ML is a 5000 pound top heavy SUV that handles horribly, why would you want so much power? In my opinion, the ML is more of a highway cruiser, not a high performance mini ute.
Last edited by The G Man; Jun 6, 2017 at 04:50 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 4
From: Huntington Beach
GLA45
again - it is a personal thing. Most do not care about HP.
or Hewlett Packard.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
ML63 would be Ideal but I'm scared of the maintenance cost of the ML AMG line.
550 has the V8 which i've read is pretty stout and reliable.
the 350 seems like the best bang for your buck luxury/space/quality/fuel economy wise.
they are all great cars and still look good. I hope to make my final decision after the test drives.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
I was thinking ML550 also, but our last and youngest just graduated from college so I went a little nuts.... ML550 had good power, but the ML63 with Designo interior is surprisingly very comfortable... I felt it handles very well for what it is... will I track it ? No, but it sure sounds/feels great to kick it a little going up a ramp
The ML350, felt a little underpowered, but then again my wife's nick name is Maria Andretti...
When we test drove the E350 Cab she said she didn't want a grandma's car... saleman didn't know what to say... she is in her 60's lol
Ended up with the E550 Cab...
Mike
The ML350, felt a little underpowered, but then again my wife's nick name is Maria Andretti...
When we test drove the E350 Cab she said she didn't want a grandma's car... saleman didn't know what to say... she is in her 60's lol
Ended up with the E550 Cab...
Mike
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
thats a must i'm going to try and get one fully loaded..lol
I went with the base C300 and regretted it even tough I've upgraded a few things.
Must haves so far
1.lighting package (even though each headlight probably costs like $2500)
2.lane tracking package/blind spot assist
3.Black Headliner LOL
4.HK Sound
a lot of the ML's in Canada for sale are almost fully loaded.
I'd like to get a palladium silver or black if possible.
I went with the base C300 and regretted it even tough I've upgraded a few things.
Must haves so far
1.lighting package (even though each headlight probably costs like $2500)
2.lane tracking package/blind spot assist
3.Black Headliner LOL
4.HK Sound
a lot of the ML's in Canada for sale are almost fully loaded.
I'd like to get a palladium silver or black if possible.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Lane tracking, not sure about, I have it turned off.
BSM and HID are very good things. But I did replace HID bulbs with different temp and brand.
And like white ML
especially when it's clean and waxed.
BSM and HID are very good things. But I did replace HID bulbs with different temp and brand.
And like white ML
especially when it's clean and waxed.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 120
From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
another question about the 2012 ML63 pass or try and get the 2013? I know they changed engines.
These two look interesting
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mercedes-...howcpo=ShowCPO
I don't think this ones a contender but I love the look of it.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mercedes-...&orup=12_15_21
These two look interesting
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mercedes-...howcpo=ShowCPO
I don't think this ones a contender but I love the look of it.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mercedes-...&orup=12_15_21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,583
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2019 E300
I'm just terrified if the air suspension breaks I know that can be very very costly.
ML63 would be Ideal but I'm scared of the maintenance cost of the ML AMG line.
550 has the V8 which i've read is pretty stout and reliable.
the 350 seems like the best bang for your buck luxury/space/quality/fuel economy wise.
they are all great cars and still look good. I hope to make my final decision after the test drives.
ML63 would be Ideal but I'm scared of the maintenance cost of the ML AMG line.
550 has the V8 which i've read is pretty stout and reliable.
the 350 seems like the best bang for your buck luxury/space/quality/fuel economy wise.
they are all great cars and still look good. I hope to make my final decision after the test drives.
I would never own a vehicle with air suspension without warranty, but there are some aftermarket air springs out there now that cost around $500 if you are a do it yourself kind of guy. The V8TT engine is very nice, I have it in my CLS550. Very reliable for a 400 HP+ turbo engine. As with any turbo engine, long term reliability is questionable. I agree that the ML350 is best bang for the buck, it will not blow anybody away but it has enough passing power on the highway. I guess I will never understand this big SUV with powerful engine segment, the suspension and the center of gravity is simply not design to support that keep of speed.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
Ya that's my only problem. I'm wondering if I can find a ML350 BLUETEC with designo package if that even exists. my hunt begins I guess! But I'd love to have the the V8TT It's not super bad on gas unless you push it, Has a 93L tank tons of power and grunt.
I feel if I end up picking a 550 I'll just jump up to the ML63 I'll be going on a few test drives this weekend.
I feel if I end up picking a 550 I'll just jump up to the ML63 I'll be going on a few test drives this weekend.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 292
2019 E300
Ya that's my only problem. I'm wondering if I can find a ML350 BLUETEC with designo package if that even exists. my hunt begins I guess! But I'd love to have the the V8TT It's not super bad on gas unless you push it, Has a 93L tank tons of power and grunt.
I feel if I end up picking a 550 I'll just jump up to the ML63 I'll be going on a few test drives this weekend.
I feel if I end up picking a 550 I'll just jump up to the ML63 I'll be going on a few test drives this weekend.
Designo package in any ML is very rare, especially in a Bluetec. The ML63's suspension is stiffer than the ML550, It might be a more appropriate setup. The ML63 has active away bar, adaptive suspension as well as air suspension, a lot of stuff to break
Also, the 5.5L V8TT is a gas guzzler unlike the 4.7L.
Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 118
Likes: 8
From: Birmingham
GLE 350 4matic-Porsche Cayman
hk sound is awesome
park pilot [if you are parallel urban parking]
lighting pkg if you drive alot at night
any warranty if you can get it [I have 5yr 100,000]
love the pano roof
ml 350 4 matic [great in sand and snow]
park pilot [if you are parallel urban parking]
lighting pkg if you drive alot at night
any warranty if you can get it [I have 5yr 100,000]
love the pano roof
ml 350 4 matic [great in sand and snow]
