MB Marko

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!

350MH83

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.

MB Marko

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.

DanD.

OP. If most of your driving highways get BT else gas. I personally have 2014 BT, can't tell how much I love this car, so far 58K miles on and 0 problems.

xxbenzc230kxx

you can find a 2012 ML63 PP for under $50k

mrmotoguzzi00

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

mrmotoguzzi00

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..

MB Marko

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.

theboogers

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.

DanD.

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.

rjpeaks

we have a fully loaded 400 with airmatic suspension, upgraded leather dash etc - been a great car - esp for trips to Mammoth. handles well in the snow.

The G Man

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.

rjpeaks

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.

The G Man

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.

rjpeaks

333HP is not that much power. to answer your question - why wouldn't you want power for all the $ you are spending? We test drove the GL350 - wife's reaction - it is a dog. Spending over $50K for a car that cannot get out of its own way? we drove three yukon XL's during our kids young days - you have to at least be able to keep up with those 7K lb SUV's.

again - it is a personal thing. Most do not care about HP.

or Hewlett Packard.

MB Marko

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.

mrmotoguzzi00

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

DanD.

OP. Make sure you get one with HK, its must have in ML.

MB Marko

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.

DanD.

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.

MB Marko

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

The G Man

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.

MB Marko

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.

The G Man

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.

easyedwin

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]