dmolson21

I'm looking at getting my first MB M Class, I have narrowed it down to two, and don't know which to pick. The first is a 2015 ML350 4Matic with 22k miles. The second is a 2014 ML550 with 37k miles. The 550 is listed for about $2k more. Both have a little bit of manufacturers's warranty left, but neither are sold by an MB dealer. Is the maintenance on the 550 a lot more than the 350? Is the V8 awesome, because that's what I am thinking it would be and the 550 has real leather vs the MBTex. Both a 2-3 hrs away so I can't do a good side by side. I'm not a rich guy by any means and want a nice cool car, I just want to make sure I'm making a good decision. Any help from the experienced owners would be appreciated. Thanks.

pcy

Depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for power, 550 is the way to go. 550 maintenance will be higher.
Either way, if you can do preventive maintenance yourself after the warranty period, you will save lot of money.

If I were you, I'd choose 2015 with lesser miles.

shotgun_banjo

If you dont care about paying a little bit more for gas and want a lot of power then go for the 550. I would say you will pay almost 1/3 more gas compared to the 350. The 350 has descent power and should be enough but if you have a power, speed hungry right foot you might feel it will lack the omph. I would prefer the MB tex over than the leather as it is a more stronger material. The leather will get wrinkles over time which the mb text won't. You also need to maintain the leather were as the MB tex will only need plain water to clean. Again a choice between a real cow skin vs man made skin. I would look at the options of the car as well. Dont let mileage be the primary factor in getting a used car as long it is not more than 10k miles apart as 10k miles is very easy to accumulate when you drive a lot of highway miles.

pjw1967

My '14 ML350 with leather and a/c seats.


MBTEX puckering on newer GLE's
Excellent points for you to consider. We bought a '14 ML350 with leather as that's what you get if you want ventilated seats. The leather has creases in it, especially on the left side of the driver's seat. We also bought a '14 GL450 with beige MBTEX. Nice but it has puckered a tiny bit, but not like the folks who got later model GLE's where the puckering is extensive. We just 19.5 mpg on the ML with 60% highway driving. I'm barely getting 15.5 mph with the GL's V8. I don't care as I love the GL.....

dmolson21

Thanks for the input, now I am really leading toward a cpo because I tend to keep my vehicles for more than a couple years. I am hoping that I can offer list price on the cpo I like and get them to throw in the extended mb warranty on top of the extra year that comes with the cpo for little to no extra $. Is this just wishful thinking on my part?

pjw1967

The dealers separate the sale of the car itself from the extras like extended CPO coverage, wheel insurance, etc. These items are handled by the finance mgr after you've already agreed to the price of the car. So you'll have to try for a whole package while negotiating with the salesman.

Isawelvis

In your case I would buy the ML550 since neither are from a MB dealer and not CPO. With everyone one going to smaller engines, i.e. 4 cylinders with turbos, I think having a V8 would make your car an exception and alot of people would be envious of you. If one was a CPO over the other then I would go for the CPO. I purchased a 2015 ML350, CPO and have been happy with it but the idea of a V8 is really tempting. As I have lamented on this site not buying a ML550, I have heard from several ML550 owners who say the power increased is not that dynamic, but the ML550 has other features beside the engine that are options on the ML350. I guess I just need to grow up and stop wanting a ML550. I would bet when the new version of the GLE comes out in 2018, it will have a 4 cylinder like the Volvo XC-90, Which I feel are under powered.

Koenig1

Hmm... where are you situated?Can or US? I too, back in 2015, looked for a nearly new ML. While down in Florida, I test drove a US2015 ML.... didn't even drive it off the lot! ...It was a 4 banger!!! Turned me right off. Months later, tried a ML350 here in Canada, was impressed with the 6cyl Diesel, and looked for one with low kms. Found one with less than 5000kms(Demo), asked if they would consider extended warranty within the price? Salesman at 1st said NO, but upon my providing proof of others(dealers) doing this, wrote his owner, who approved the deal!!! So, yes, they will do extended with minimal kms/miles, but if you're in the USA, the 4 banger belongs in a 'puddle-jumper', not a heavy SUV. I love my 6cyl diesel, mind you, I have a pretty loaded car. When you go for more optional packages, the dealers will bend more easily in negotiation... If not walk away, leaving your contact info with them.... they will call back within a few days with something better, be patient! LOL! GL

dmolson21

I'm in central Illinois but the car I like is up near Chicago. I'd like to negotiate most of it over the phone because once I drive up there I'm going to pretty much have myself committed to buying something that day.

Koenig1

Being what is.. USA cars... you have a choice of the 4banger or V8. The 4banger was not for me! When I tried a 6diesel, that was fine. I then looked around outside of where I live (local dealers were too pricey, and didn't have what I desired). Found one advertised 250kms away. All negotiations were done by email and phone, with the final acceptance once viewed/'touched'. Last thought, maybe a used dealer has an 'ugly one for sale', go over and test drive it just to get a feel for it.
GL