Scruffyone

I happened to be at my dealer today and I was told that I can fill out my build slot order now. The base ML63 is already mostly loaded. Only options he mentioned were Distronic, Parktronic, Keyless go, Rear sear heaters, rear seat climate control, and rear seat entertainment control.
Parktronic and Keyless go are the only things I am interested in, other than accessories and color choices.
WOOT! WOOT!

PhilS

Scruffyone,

Are you aware that it doesn't come with Bi-Xenon headlights? I thought that was an odd thing to make an option since it comes with just about everything else. They are a $900 option.

The Parktronic is $760 and the Keyless GO is $1100.

I have had a deposit at my local MB dealer for over 6 months for the opportunity to be the first on my block to get an ML63.

I decided to go for a Cayenne Turbo instead. I found a new $93,000 2005 that I could buy for $78,800 which is less than the anticipated base price of $80k for the ML63. Even with all the goodies on the ML63, the Cayenne still comes with even more stuff. The only thing the ML63 has that I won't get is the rear-view camera and I really don't want it anyway. I am not sure I like the look of the AMG package, mainly the Hummer looking front end and the tacked on fender flares. I also would prefer it without a running board. Not enough to make me not buy one, I just think I would prefer a Porsche.

One can never be 100% sure they made the right decision. At the price I paid for the Cayenne I certainly won't get hurt as bad if I decide at some point to trade it for something else.

Phil

m123456

seems like a great vehicle. I'm on the other end of the cayenne debate. I just don't like the looks of the exterior (though for 78k new I might just close my eyes until I get inside). Interior of cayenne great. MB looks much nicer IMO. I even like the jeep cherokee srt8 (exterior, interior cheap looking, again IMO)

good luck and enjoy.

Scruffyone

Nothing is assured till the fat lady sings. I think the bi-xeons are part of one of the standard packages. I'm thinking that we will see these before August though. Stock orders for dealers or something like that. August is fine for me because as I have posted earlier, I already have a summer car.

m123456

that nightvision thing (a la s series) is an option?

PhilS

The Bi-Xenon headlights are not included in any package. They are available only as a stand-alone option. Here are the three option packages that come on the ML63:

P1 Package: Electric sunroof, rain sensing wipers, power lift gate, harmon/kardon Logic 7 system, Sirius satellite radio, hands free communication system, Teleaid & Homelink - $3500 ML350/ML320, $2800 ML500

P2 Package: Includes P1, plus DVD navigation, Auto-dimming mirror, power folding mirrors, rear-view camera, power steering column and memory seat function - $6500 ML350/ML320, $5800 ML500

P3 Package: Includes P1 & P2, plus Air suspension, Active damping shocks, parameter steering, 3-zone climate control, infared glass, rear seat controls, cargo management system, cargo net - $9000 ML350/ML320, $8675 ML500

The order guide lists when the various ML models will be released in the USA. They are:
ML350 - July/August
ML320 CDI - Mid October
ML500 - July/August
ML63 AMG - August/September.

Phil

PhilS

I am also not crazy about the looks of the Cayenne. I love it from some angles but am not real excited about it from other angles. Overall it is a pretty nice package with lots of features. It handles very well for a SUV, it is plenty fast and has a nice interior. I am also not crazy about the ML63 AMG. I actually like the non-AMG ML better. Something about that front end and tacked on fender flares that bothers me. That was my dilemma. Both are great vehicles. Both are very powerful. When I found a new $78800 Cayenne Turbo, the exact color and optioned the way I wanted it, I couldn't resist.

I was also concerned about the problems people continue to have with the ML. Even some initial defenders later changed their tune when their ML started to suffer from some of the problems others had experienced. The areas of concern for me, the transmission, the self-closing rear tailgate, airmatic, check engine messages, etc.

Hey, I still have a deposit at my local MB dealer for a ML63. If I hate the Cayenne I can always order a ML63 at some point. The Cayenne is due to arrive by next week. I will report back on initial impressions.

Phil

m123456

might pick up the cherokee srt8 to hold me until the fall until 63 is avail. Give me a chance to see if I like the SUV thing, never had one more of a low to the ground guy.

enjoy.

E55Freak

I know i'll get flamed for this one..but have you thought of the tailblazer SS? It has 400 hp and a trip to lingenfelter could get you to 500hp. You would have about half the cost invested VS the ML 63. But, you do have the cheap looking interior and the Chevy tag on it.. The SS already hits 0-60 in under 6 seconds, not as fast as the SRT. But is bigger.

Yes, this is an MB board but I don't have the serious cash to throwdown on brand new ones. I have to look for the handme downs from you guys..

Scruffyone

I wrote my final order yesterday.
ML63 in Alpine Rain
Charcoal leather with walnut burl.
P3 package is not an option, it's standard.
Keyless Go
Parktronic
Ipod thingy
Bi xeons with cornering lights
And maybe one other option that I am forgetting. Just gotta wait till August or September to take delivery.

AsianML

That rear seat heater sounds really good right now. It's pretty cold.

Militant-Grunt

Nice scruffy, what color is alpine rain?

Scruffyone

Between iridium silver and platinum blue I think.

AsianML

I think this is Alpine Rain. The color looks different in different lighting conditions, so I can't really tell.

Militant-Grunt

Found another. Good choice scruff.

PhilS

If the base price is $80,000 as mentioned in a couple of magazines with your $3125 in options this will come out to $83,125. Still about $7000 less than the base price Cayenne Turbo. A base Cayenne comes with everything you will get with the exception of the rear view TV and the Keyless Go. Yours is a very nicely equipped vehicle.

I am still anxious to see what the final base price will be. If Mercedes does like they did with the new S class, the price won't be official until about when the first cars arrive at the dealers.

I have seen the Alpine Rain on other Mercedes and it is either a real light blue with silver in it or silver with some blue in the mix.

Phil

Toog4me

What happens if you decide in two months that you no longer want the ML??? I've always been too scared to ORDER a car. Can't imagine "not wanting it"
a few weeks later.

To be honest though, I'm not really a fan of the new MLs either. I think that older ML55s look better. I am a fan, though, of the Cayenne. Just my opinion.

P.s.

Go with Irridium Silver on the ML. I have IS on my CLK with ASH interior. The new ash is so much darker than the old and the two together look AMAZING!

ClayJ

Nicely done, Scruffy.

I am doing an ML63 also - but haven't even built it yet.

I am doing Alpine Rain on an R, and may have it in about a week. I will post pics of it for you....

Scruffyone

Go with IS? And look like half of the MLs out there? Not that I do not like it, I like the Alpine Rain better. Note the color of my SL55. Most are Silver or Black, not mine.

Scruffyone

Factory or stock order? Pics too.

ClayJ

R off the ground in the USA; ML will be ordered while at the factory in Germany as ROW-spec -- that's why I haven't built it yet.....

I will post-up pics of the Alpine Rain on the R for you.

55fanatic

MLs are built in the US... the 6.3 engines are built at the factory and shipped to the US...

ClayJ

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssss - we all know that, don't we?

I will be ordering mine ROW-spec while at the factory in Germany- like I posted - nothing to do with a USA dealer, USA order, or a USA car....

55fanatic

ROW spec?

ClayJ

Sorry: 'Rest-Of-World' -- not a car coming to the USA ('US-spec'), but going to a home somewhere else in the world.

I'll get an ML63 sooner that way....