VelociRaptor

On the way to dealers.

mreichmann

With dealer showings scheduled for the middle of the following week, makes complete sense.

Looks like deliveries of first orders will be the week of the 19th as well.

I've just traded in my 4 month old 2011 MB350 Diesel for a 2012 ML350 Gas, because I discovered that I can't buy ultra-low supler diesel fuel in Mexico, where I'm now going to be spending half the year.

This will give me an opportunity to compare the last of the previous generation M with the first of the new generation. At least the Canadian versions. I expect that I'll write up some first impressions on the differences once I take delivery.

Michael

jtorrebl

So next couple days/weeks. How do you know this info? Do you work in Alabama plant?

GregW / Oregon

Yes, he does. Takes 15-19 days to the Northwest, so we have to wait a little longer than most of you.

dhua

Looking forward to your firsthand comparison report on Gas and Diesel ML.

DCubed

Just received a note from Netstar, the ML350W4 has been officially released for retail as of today so they will be at dealer lots shortly. Now if I can get the few Aug production cars I have moving through the process it would help, we only have one ML left on the lot.

MoonLite

Love Love It! I feel like I was driving on a sedan, and my wife in the back seat feels like she's in the back of my S class. A whole world of different comparing to my 06' ML.
I love the rear light it looks like new X5 light a big PLUS and many tinies red signal light not yellow or white.
Chrome skid top and bottom pieces are very nice.

GregW / Oregon

How do you think the fornt diff is going to hold up?

jtorrebl

So the east coast got some at the dealer already? You didn't try the air suspension did you? If not then good. We were looking for a cushy ride without having to buy a boring Lexus.

MoonLite

No air suspension; We don't think needed for the truck. The ride so soft and smooth, the steering wheel and gas, brake pedals were amazing you feel exactly like Lexus; just P1 package, runing board, etc ... MRSP about 56k and Fleet sale manager said I have to pay for that price tag. Like to see other people how much they pay for theirs. There were 4 of them in the lot and 1 with sign SOLD.

GregW / Oregon

Not a good thing in my book. I've always valued German cars for their generally more connected feel than Japanese cars.

YYZ-E55

I've driven a 166 350BT (steel suspension) and 550 (AIRMATIC) and I can say without hesitation that neither drives like a Lexus, though both are greatly refined vs the 164. Much closer to an E-Class in terms of road manners, aside from the obvious effects of the higher center of gravity and softer sidewalls.

IluvS500

Anybody seen them here in the midwest yet? I'm on Chicago's North Shore and still waiting. I pass through the dealer every night after work!

jtorrebl

I agree. On a sedan I would never go Japanese, but coming from a sporty suv, I wouldn't mind a softer ride.

GregW / Oregon

OT: See you have a new A6. Seen this? http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...n=awdailydrive

jtorrebl

Havent seen that article. In fact there were no mainstream US spec reviews until after the car came out. I got the a6 July 2 a while before c&d and these articles came out. At least so I think. Good read though, thanks. This car is awesome. Google maps navigation,wifi hotspot, touchpad data entry, and led headlights really sets this car apart.

Now back to this ml.
Hey velociraptor, have you seen the xenon headlights around the warehouse or in any of the current builds? Since it seems like air suspension might already be available.

YYZ-E55

Last word around here was that Xenons would come available for January production.

jtorrebl

Yeah but air suspension was October production and it looks like it's already in showrooms

YYZ-E55

The two have nothing to do with one another; the lighting is a supplier issue. Every market in the world has complained and pushed on the Xenon availability issue - there simply isn't enough supply. And since MBUSA doesn't make Xenons standard on most cars (including ML350s), priority goes to the EU.

jtorrebl

Hence my question to velociraptor. He works at the plant in Alabama. He might have some insider information. Since the air suspension appears to have been bumped up, i'm just hoping/asking if xenons were bumped up.