ruleman

Hello Guys,

I am looking to get a CPO ML63 and have a few questions about it. I am hoping collective forum experience will steer me in the right direction. As far as MB ownership goes, I don't have much experience with modern MBs. I'm only exposed to the brand though my lovely 1967 250 SL, and some friends/neighbors who own a range of Mercedes.

Anyway, here are a few questions that come up when looking at the ML63. Your answers will be greatly appreciated.

#1 - My budget is $45K - I was thinking I could get an 08 under 40K miles. I like the renewed looks of the 09 but don't think I could get one within my budget. - Am I too far off?
#2 - Definitely looking to get a CPO. I want no trouble with out of warranty issues. Anything in particular I should check before pulling the trigger? (I read shocks and Air-Ride could be problematic. What about the engine - cams?)
#3 - I'm interested in getting heated seats all around. Is there an air-conditioned seat option as well?
#4 - Also interested in the rear entertainment system. I noticed it changes aesthetically with the 09 model. Is there an upgrade with this new system.
#5 - Is the keyless access/start feature standard? Is Bluetooth standard as well?
#6 - I seem to find only silver and black ML63s - all of them with Black interiors. Can anyone tell me what other interior/exterior colors are there for 07 thru 09?

Finally, any other must-have features?

Thanks in advance for your help
Andres

pepboy1

I just bought a 2008 CPO last week with 14,000 miles and an extended MB warranty for just over $55,000. It was a custom verde brook & tan interior. It is hard to find them with tan interiors. But I prefer that color especially during the summers. I bought from a private party instead of the dealer.

I still have my 2007 ML63 that is black & tan, (I'm selling it for $36,500 btw). It has all it services and has no mechanical issues. You can buy an extended warranty with it. Yes, repairs might be scary but if you get a great deal on the car, it will be worth it.

1) You are not too far off, but $50K is probably a more realistic number from a private party. More through a MB dealer.
2) Ask MB service dealer to review VIN and check what has been done on the car. That's the most important thing, they dont give this info out easily. But have MB look at the car, inspect it for $150 approx and talk to service advisor. He'll look it up.
3) Heated back seats came standard with 2008 option, I think. my 2008 has it, my 2007 does not.
4) Yes 2009 av system has a different look. You would not want to pay the money for an upgrade. It would cost thosuands and it is not worth it for a DVD system. 2008 system is very nice as is IMO.
5) I think keyless go is standard on 2008. It was not on 2007. My 2008 has it, my 2007 does not.

Check autotrader or ebay for your ML63. I think you will find one. But the CPO will be rare, there are only a few owners that would have paid for the extended warranty past 2011. It is very expensive to purchase.

ruleman

Thanks for your reply. I like the insight from owners (particularly a repeat owner).

Regarding prices, I found that using the MB website tool I was able to locate a few interesting options in my price range. Always talking about CPO, here is what I found:

'07 - 39K miles - $44.900 (no DVD, not sure if rear heated seats)
'08 - 43.5K miles - $45.500 (no DVD, comfort access/keyless start)
'07 - 35K miles - $46.900 (all options)
'08 - 51K miles - $47.900 (no DVD, no rear heated seats)
'08 - 27.9K miles - $49.000 (all options)

I was thinking at these prices and paying in full, I'd probably be able to work the dealerships down anywhere between $3 and $4 grand...

Regarding the CPO warranty - How long does it actually extend the coverage? An 08 should be covered thru 12 with the factory warranty, so I assume CPO takes it to 14 or 15?

On your 07 - Just curious, what is the mileage on it? Price is attractive, but black/tan is not a combination my wife would be willing to live with.

Thanks again,
Andres

pepboy1

'08 - 27.9K miles - $49.000 (all options)
or
'07 - 35K miles - $46.900 (all options)

Those two stand out.

Remember the dealer is going to charge more for the paperwork (tax, license & prep) than you might be able to negotiate with private party so factor that in, which will add $4K approx. Let us know how willing to negotiate these dealers are.

And yes you need to find out how much longer the CPO will get you. I think they may ask for an additional $4k-$5K to extend to 2014.

My interior is called Macadamia. I have 75,000 miles on the car.

What state are you in?

ruleman

I must be reading this wrong... $4K for paperwork from the dealer? I imagine what you are saying is that I could expect to pay $4K less for the same car buying private party vs. dealership. However, the prices above are pubished prices from MB dealerships, so that is why I'd expect to have some wiggle room - all of these cars are CPO.

I am still unclear of what the CPO warranty offers. My understanding is that a CPO warranty would extend coverage period for two additional years to the original 4 year coverage starting on the in-service date (or up to 100.000 miles). I also understand the coverage is not exactly the same as the factory warranty (trim and lesser details are not covered). Am I right about this?

I was planning on calling these dealerships later today. I'll let you know how my conversations go.

Finally, could I see some pictures of your 07? Like I said before, my wife doesn't like the color combo (and may be too many miles for my taste) but I'm curious to see what it looks like.

Thanks,
Andres

pepboy1

Yes, need to clarify. I did not mean that dealer would cost $4k more than private party, just to consider tacking on $4k for all the tax, license, etc. to whatever sale price you negotiate wit a dealer.

I dont know what's exactly included with the extended warranty. I do not know how long they extend it for.

Here is the ad with autotrader for my car for you to see.

You can Private Message me if you have any particular questions about it.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...id=AT-12e87bd0

I need to take new photos, as my iphone did not do a very good job and it was bright sunlight.

ruleman

Ok, so here is the update:

I spoke to a couple of dealers. Some of these got sold and were old ads, while others were not in really great shape. However, I was able to work my ways with two dealers and I am currently looking at a black 08 w/53K miles as well as a two 08 silver ones, one with 43K miles (no DVD or Rear HTD seats) and another one with 54K miles.

All of these are CPO and offered for the same price = $45.000.-

I plan on visiting the closest one to home for a test ride (the first one), and see if I can work out a way to get them for about the same amount with the additional 2 year 135K mile warranty.

I'll let you know how things go.

Becks Imports

It's interesting, mint loaded ones pull a big premium at the dealer auction.

Two 2008 ML63's sold recently, mint, southern cars, with 39K and 58K miles, for $42K and $44K resepctively before any fees or profit or prep.

But an average condition one with 58K sold for $38K plus fees.

The trick is YOU are the one that has to figure out which one is mint...no prior paint/bodywork, etc.

$45K for a mint one is steal. $45K for an average one is overpaying.

The data are not perfect, though, as there are not a lot of them going through the auction so it's hard to get a feel for what the 'average' price is.

There is a loaded black/black in CA running on 3/28 in San Fran, great shape, 52K miles, that might be interesting to you. Email me if any interest at brucem105@comcast.net

Bruce

ruleman

I also got the VMI report on one of these, as well as the list of work done on the vehicle prior to listing. I can try posting this here if I find a way to share it here.

Oh, and I found a 2009 with 49K miles listed at $47.9... going to check on that monday as I like the new version of the GPS software and the rims on the 09 much more than the previous version.

Andres

ULJets

Andres,
From all those choices I'd go for the 2009 model, those subtle changes make quite a big difference in person. Only downside is that for 2009+ DISTRONIC was not available, 2007/2008's had it as an option.
I would definately get the additional 2 years/135K CPO extension. It will cost an additional $4,500 but well worth it IMHO. So in the end you would get 3 years/135K for $4,500 additional. The beauty of the CPO warranty is that it's through Mercedes, not some 3rd party here today gone tomorrow warranty company. It's also pretty much identical to the factory new warranty, minus a few small exclusions. Best part...say that in 1.5 years you decide to sell the car and the new buyer doesn't want the warranty for whatever reason, if you did not use any part of your 2 year extension, meaning you didn't have anything repaired after the 1st included year of CPO, you can get your full $4,500 back. If you did get a repair covered under the 2 year extension, they will refund you a pro-rated amount if you choose. So there's really no risk.
Regarding the rear-heated seats...they are hard to find, especially out here in CA. I was searching for months and finally just bought one without them...afterall I never sit in the back anyways. Usually they have either rear heated seats, or 3-zone climate, or rear entertainment...just up to you what's more important.
I can tell you that it's a GREAT car! I just love the 6.2 engine and the lovely exhaust note it produces...never been an SUV fan but there is something special about a 500+ HP SUV that can out run (straight line) most sedans and sports cars.
Good luck and enjoy whichever one you end up choosing. Be sure to play pictures!

qadhi79

I recently bought a 2009 ML63 Black/Black with 15k miles..I was previously driving a BMW 5 series and actually wanted to buy a C63 (never liked SUVs at all) but then the extra space for family..almost sedan like drive in sports suspension and the ability to literally smoke most sports sedans on red light..I bought it then and there

One of my neighbor owns a 2007 ML63 and my 2009 can be immediately distinguished with the LED lights and 21" AMG wheels..also the upgraded interior, specially the steering wheel looks far better

MB introduced the all new ML63 in 2012 and 2009-2011 (W164) being the recent outgoing model is a safer bet for a resale..it wont be "too old" in 2-3 years

pepboy1

Did you end up buying an ML63 after all your research?

ruleman

Hello Pepboy,

I am definitely after one... I decided to work with Bruce Mendel to find the right one for me, and I am crossing my fingers hoping one with the right specs and color will come up soon.

I had a separate question about the keyless-go button on one of the ML's I saw, so I will be posting a separate topic on this.

Thanks!
Andres G

AWDman

Re warranty covg- check vehicle in service date to start timer on warranty period. Some of these cars sat on dealer lots and you can see as much as 1 year diff on same model yr.

One of the best features for me is std, the ventilated seats. Also appreciated is the keyless go option. Corner sensing self leveling lights are great when towing as is the self levelling suspension. No more lights pointing to the sky with race car in tow.

Fun to play around in snow, the rear bias gives a modicum of sports car characteristic.

I got 19.9 mpg driving my truck from purchase in Atlanta back to Connecticut. If I take it easy and just go with the flow I will get 18 plus mpg, longer the trip the better. Simply amazing.

My second amg and the interior is wearing very very well. Amg hides are the best.

Love the stealth factor and the 24/7/365 utility.

ruleman

Hello Guys,

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. We finally pulled the trigger on a Blk/Blk 09 w/ 47.5 K miles that was in great condition and offered with the remainder of the factory warranty (15 months) and CPO warranty for another year.

Got it home already and it is now undergoing the necessary waxing/polishing procedures required by my OCD. It runs great and sonds even more gutural than I remembered from test driving others.

I is scheduled to go to the dealership for them to work on the front suspension links as I feel it is a bit noisier than expected on rough terrain.

I will post pictures as soon as I get it shiny.

Thanks again to all, and particularly to Bruce Mendel, who was great to work with and willing to put up with all of my demands.

Andres G

dacatz

what is the mpg with this suv in the city....i am planning to trading my c63....also does your 63 have a spare tire in it?
thx

ruleman

City MPG on ours is about 12 - highway is probably 18 or so, but we rarely ever do more than two miles at a time at highway speeds.

I do have a spare tire, but it is the collapsable one and comes with a compressor to inflate it. The well looks large enough to accomodate a full size spare in terms of diameter, it just isn't deep enough to allow for the width of a full size.

Hope this helps.
Andres

dacatz

thx for the info....

xxGenericSNxx

vinyl bump

dacatz

any idea what is the different between MY09, MY10, and MY11....
i know MY11 have blk housing headlight and new style mirror!

xxGenericSNxx

The first year of the facelift the ML63 had a regular flat hood. One year after the facelift they added the more aggressive and bulging hood from the Hybrid ML450.

Global Autosports

If anybody is shopping, we just got this listing today - 2007 Mercedes ML63 AMG for Sale in Newport Beach, CA 92661