SebringSilver

I've been a pretty strong detractor of SUVs in general for as long as I can remember. But lately, I've been having a change of heart, and the ML is starting to look pretty appealling. I've seen numerous pre-'09 MLs, and the look has begun to grow on me. I particularly liked those little silvery-coloured slats in the grill, but I just discovered that in every picture of an '09 ML, those slats don't look like they're there anymore.

Did Mercedes just black them out or did they redesign the grill altogether? I was wondering if you folks here could just give me a general idea of what the differences are between the '08s and '09s for the ML63.

Thanks!

SebringSilver

Okay, maybe not.

red00lght

I'm also going to be interested in the ML63 when my lease is over on my G35. I had a black 06 ML500 and miss the Benz (although the G35 has been a delightful car).

To answer your question, I recommend doing a google on "2009 ML63 changes" and you'll find enough info to become an expert! There are also some threads on here you can search through that discussed the new look of the 09 63's. I'm probably going with an 08 just because the price of the 09 won't drop as fast and I can't afford a new one!

Good luck!

Blk04cobra1

The front grille, wheels, headlights, and parts of the rear section have changed for 2009. Also, the 2009's have the new command setup for navigation, bluetooth, ipod, etc.

SEXYBEEST

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/03...-facelift.html

SebringSilver

Thanks.

SebringSilver

Yes, I've picked up on some of the cosmetic changes, and I kind of knew about the revisions to the COMAND (which I believe is similar to the one on my C63).

It's a bit of a dilemma...I like the '08 look, but I guess the '09 has better innards.

Oh well, more contemplation is in order.

SebringSilver

Thank you.

red00lght

I do like the fact that the mirrors are bigger on the 09's....that SUV needed them badly. Also, I got a few comments that the nav looked antiquated on my 06, so it is about time they upgraded that too!

SebringSilver

Hmmm...I wonder if the grill for the '09 is basically the same as that for the '08, with the exception of it having been blacked out. Would it be possible to either order the car without the grill being blacked out, or to just fit an '08's grill on there?

It's kind of a silly thing to do, I suppose, as people might not immediately clue in to the fact that you've got an '09, but it just looks better that way, to me anyway.

pepboy1

The differences between 08 & 09 are fairly minor cosmetically, and IMHO, not worth the extra $ (perhaps $25,000 difference). Most importantly the car's engine is the same. Dont do it for the bigger mirrors. All ML63's are very rare. I live in LA, the land of the high end car, and I rarely see them (one or two , every 6 months) and never in black & tan like mine. Viva the ML63, would not want any other car in the world as my everyday one.

Maverick1975

Hi Sewbringsilver, soon we will both have ml63 and c63! pretty cool. I reckon the best thing about the new mlo63 is the new wheel design and the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The 2008 ML only has buttons which are just not ergnomically the best in my opnion, particularly if you are changing direction repidly while shifting. Having siad that i hate the new front grill and the low mounted led lights at the back

Only 3 weeeks till my c63 arrives....

SebringSilver

Wow, that's quite an endorsement. Now you've got me really intrigued!

SebringSilver

Those are the exact same cosmetic differences between the '08 and the '09 that has me somewhat irked. I do rather like the new wheel design, as you've also mentioned. I'm wondering if I should trade in the S4 if I get the ML. Oh...decisions, decisions!

red00lght

Yeah...I'm not a big fan of the new lights on the back either. Sort of messes up what was once a clean look? I keep thinking they'll grow on me, but so far....

mk7766

hi i own 2007 ml63 with kleemann headers and ecu , lowering moudle (555 hp) and the handling is good but ididnt like the new bupers front and back with metal every thing else is fine.

SebringSilver

They should have just left well enough alone.

slick //m

I've had several problems with my 08 ML63....I purchased the car new . . and it's been a disaster (6,000 miles so far).

Software failures
transmission failure
Power steering failure
Suspension problems / rattles..


I'm currently starting communication with MB America - - hoping they will do something for me.

SebringSilver

Wow, sorry to hear of your car troubles. I hope MBUSA will take good care of you. Please keep us posted on what's happening with your car. I'm a few months away from placing my order.

ldangeli

Check out the ML AMG forum, a lot of us have had a lot of problems. Mine is now going in for Shocks as well.

SebringSilver

Okay, now you guys have me worried.

ldangeli

Don't be. For the most part the car runs like a topp! I for one wait as long as I can before taking it in for service and dealing with all little issues at once. I went in week after week for a while. Got sick of getting toyotas as loaners..

SebringSilver

But overall, would you say your ML has lived up to your expectations?

Stiggs

Go for the used one. Save yourself some money.

ldangeli

Over-all, sure. If you realize that she is a fat lady who has a lot of juice and requires some tender care from time to time. You know, rub her bunions and what not.. I am not impressed with the mechanics but as said in previous movies "Sometimes the squeeze is worth the juice"