New ML320 CDI or E320 CDI Sport???

[mb4me]

Hi ppl,

Ive been reading the forums for some time and im glad ive finally registered

I just wanted to know what your opinions/advice would be between the E320 CDI sports (the new sports package) or the new to be released ML320 CDI.

Thanks!

 

[fuzzer]

Hi ppl,

Ive been reading the forums for some time and im glad ive finally registered

I just wanted to know what your opinions/advice would be between the E320 CDI sports (the new sports package) or the new to be released ML320 CDI.

Thanks!

New ML 320 cdi , its gonna be worth more when you come to sell it

 

[glojo]

Putting aside the engine size it is more a case of horses for courses. What do you want the vehicle for?

We had the 'older' ML (2004) as a demonstrator for a week because we were in the same situation. Wife thought she liked the ML, but after just a couple of days driving she elected for the E-class mainly because of the extra interior usable space.

The new ML has allegedly remedied this situation, but I would recommend you have a demonstrator on loan for as long as your local dealer is prepared to offer.

My vote clearly is for the estate, but go for the one you like.

Good luck with the decision and please let us know how you get on.

Regards,
John

 

[fuzzer]

We had the 'older' ML (2004) as a demonstrator for a week because we were in the same situation. Wife thought she liked the ML, but after just a couple of days driving she elected for the E-class mainly because of the extra interior usable space.

As far as i can remember , the ML is bigger on the inside than the W211 E class. Fair enough , the older W210 E class is bigger again inside.

I was very dissappointed with the overall interior space in the new E class estate compared with pervious ones ive had. The front seats are enormous in the new w211 which means the back seat is cramped for anyone sitting in the back and thats pretty ridiculous for the size of the car. The Boot is also a lot smaller due to the angle of the sloping tailgate purely for styling.

The only downside to the current ML is the build quality issues. This is supposed to be resolved in the new one.

 

[glojo]

As far as i can remember , the ML is bigger on the inside than the W211 E class. Fair enough , the older W210 E class is bigger again inside.

Wow! I take my hat off to you Fuzzer, your a braver man than me If my wife says the 211 has more room than the old ML then I meekly say, "Yes dear"

I must confess when I looked inside the ML I was disappointed.

In what area do you find the ML to have more space?

We totally agree with your observations about the 210 being bigger, but crazily enough the 211 on pure measurements should win. I still have the internal measurements and they do not match up to what my eyes show me.

I think I have the internal measurements of the ML somewhere so when I feel a bit better I might have a close look at them.

Bye for now,
John

 

[Satch]

I was very dissappointed with the overall interior space in the new E class estate compared with pervious ones ive had. The front seats are enormous in the new w211 which means the back seat is cramped for anyone sitting in the back and thats pretty ridiculous for the size of the car. The Boot is also a lot smaller due to the angle of the sloping tailgate purely for styling.

QUOTE]

There is supposed to be more space in the W211 than the W210 estate and maybe there is in terms of absolute volume but Fuzzer is right, the angle of the tailgate does reduce the usuable volume. It however quite astonishing how much more usuable room you get if you ditch some of the easy pack options, especially the odd shaped box that sits behind the rear seats on some models. Even so, it has gone towards being a lifestyle wagon rather than a pure load machine of old.

My dogs cannot sit upright in the E class estate (hence a Land Cruiser) but that is my fault for having two large dogs and I never intended to hauls the beasts around in the E anyway.

Is there "more" room in an ML or similar? Well it is certainly delivered in a different shape so it depends what you want to carry!

Rear seats? I have dragged hulking people around for long distances without complaint. There is quite a bit of room if the front seats are not too far reclined but it is true that the world "generous" does not come to mind.

But what do I care! The front seats are fine, there is loads of room (Self, self, self) and the car goes very well.

New ML? Well, do you actually want/need a 4X4? Different animal altogether and there is no substitute for a decent test drive in both. I disliked the old ML but people seem to think the new one is better

 

[prprandall51]

Hi MB4ME, welcome to the forum,

I cannot speak for the new ML - haven't seen it. However, I have an E extate and know the current ML well.

The most critical question is - do you need a 7 seater? If so, I believe that the new ML is not for you because (I have read, I think) that the new ML will not have a 7 seat option.

However, if you do not need 7 seats, it seems to me there is plenty of room in both vehicles for most people's requirements. You'd need to be lugging around serious amounts of luggage to fill either vehicle (without the third row of seats, of course - otherwise neither holds much luggage).

This would then leave a fundamental question concerning which sort of vehicle you think suits you - 4x4 or 2WD estate.

All I can say is that I think the current E class estate to be a fine vehicle - very comfy and well equipped, fast and frugal. I fully anticipate that the new ML will also be a corker with economy being its only really waek point against the estate.

Residuals are likely to be stronger on the ML initially - though there may already be a waiting list for the vehicle and it will be those at the top of the list who benefit from the strong second hand values.

Good luck whichever you choose.

Philip

 

[mb4me]

Thanks for the replies but I would like to point out that its not the E class estate were looking at, its the saloon, lol

We have had the W210 E class and we currently have a W211 so this time we thought we'd have a look at the new ML which has been getting great reviews. Test drive still to come in about 2 weeks as the car has still not been launched.

Size isnt a factor really. We just need 5 seats and the ML and E both offer 5 seats. Ive looked at the dimensions of the ML and E class and the ML is 2,3cm bigger in legroom, kneeroom, headroom etc. ML would be something different to what we have been purchasing in the past.

I tried to spec both up and the E class sport comes to about 38,500 and the ML comes to about 42,500. 4k price difference but I suspect the ML to retain more value after 2 years right???

Thanks,
MB4ME!

 

[glojo]

Thanks for the replies but I would like to point out that its not the E class estate were looking at, its the saloon, lol

Just as well we asked. So it looks like the larger, new ML actually has 2cm of leg room over the E-class.

The saloon or the ML?? Sounds like you are looking at the pure styling, and not at the four wheel drive capabilities. Forget depreciation, buying any new vehicle is going to see oodles of depreciation, go for the one you like the look of and feel 'right' sitting in. Both vehicles have a very good reputations for holding their value, and would look nice in any driveway.

If you were looking solely at depreciation I would like opinions on whether a 320CDI estate holds its price better than a 320CDI saloon, but who cares? Those that want the saloon will not look at an estate and vice versa.

The new ML sounds like an excellent vehicle and certainly well worth a test drive.

 

[fuzzer]

Just as well we asked. So it looks like the larger, new ML actually has 2cm of leg room over the E-class.

The saloon or the ML?? Sounds like you are looking at the pure styling, and not at the four wheel drive capabilities. Forget depreciation, buying any new vehicle is going to see oodles of depreciation, go for the one you like the look of and feel 'right' sitting in. Both vehicles have a very good reputations for holding their value, and would look nice in any driveway.

If you were looking solely at depreciation I would like opinions on whether a 320CDI estate holds its price better than a 320CDI saloon, but who cares? Those that want the saloon will not look at an estate and vice versa.

The new ML sounds like an excellent vehicle and certainly well worth a test drive.

It should do .. In the olden days , E300 Diesel estates were like gold dust.

 

[prprandall51]

Hi MB4ME

If you are looking at the Sport, you presumably want a precise-handling vehicle. After all, it comes on 18" rims and with the sports springs.

But the ML will be a comfort-oriented drive (it can't be anything else, weighing in at 2.5 tonnes with a high ride height ). I would anticipate it rides somewhat similarly to the current E on comfort springs.

These two choices seem somewhat at odds with each other.... Hard to comment on, really!

 

[Flash]

If u go for the new M Class then expect problems/glitches as it will be a newly released model... and all newly released models are affected by this. With the W211 they should by now have sorted most of the glitches out by now so should be trouble free.

 

[mb4me]

Were gonna go for the ML if it's as comfortable as the E class and drives and handles almost like a saloon car.

Spoken to retailer who says he's got one coming in speced up @ £49,000 but if factory ordered earliest is January but he'll try his best to make it before the new year...

 

[mb4me]

If u go for the new M Class then expect problems/glitches as it will be a newly released model... and all newly released models are affected by this. With the W211 they should by now have sorted most of the glitches out by now so should be trouble free.

Problems with a new model is a possibility but most of the electronic stuff being used in the ML is the same as the E class so I think there shouldnt be too many problems.

 

[glojo]

Problems with a new model is a possibility but most of the electronic stuff being used in the ML is the same as the E class so I think there shouldnt be too many problems.

You are both contradicting yourselves?

Both of your choices are using a completely new engine and gearbox combination. The electronics have evolved on the 211 but now you have less electronic gadgets but are paying more for the car.

We are already reading about problems with the 7 speed gearbox being fitted on the new 350 engine, so once the new 320CDI 3ltr V6 gets coupled to it we might again be reading of more of the same?

Don't forget this is a completely new V6 engine, I always said that we were being used for research and development on the electronic side, now we will see how this new combination settles in to the fold.


John

 

[prprandall51]

Were gonna go for the ML if it's as comfortable as the E class and drives and handles almost like a saloon car.

The current benchmark in this market is the X5 (that market being: 4x4s that handle like a saloon car). Although it is very impressive for a 4x4, it does not handle in any way like a saloon car. Your best hope is to specify the hardest available springs and the lowest profile tyres. Then it handles like a 4x4 with very hard suspension to help it round corners. It will keep up with a saloon car but it will terrify the driver in the process.

But, when you say "handle" are you talking about ride or handling? To achieve saloon-like handling (as in the previous para) you certainly aren't going to get saloon-like ride quality. To get saloon-like ride, you will have very poor handlng.

If I were you, I wouldn't order one on the back of a salesman's description of how it is going to handle or ride. I strongly suggest you wait and test-drive one.

Also, the £49,000 car sounds like a classic dealer-spec special - typical of the cars they order for which they know there is going to be a high demand or waiting list. This car is going to have every useless extra imaginable to rack the sticker price up. The dealer knows he / she will shift it to someone keen for a Day One car but that car will lose all of the extra cost in depreciation back to the level of a normally-specced car on Day Two. This is fairly standard procedure for car dealerships. Heated steering wheel and rear phone fitment, anybody?

You will notice they didn't offer you a car specced up at £42,000

Anyway, I am sure the new ML will be fantastic, if 4x4s are your thing.

Philip

 

[Dieter]

Hi MB4ME,

To find out more about new ML click here :

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=52

These are comments from Americains who own and have driven the car . not from people who have just read about it.

There are a few minor problems (but as usual they (americains) are doing the troubleshooting ).

In general the new ML appears to be a great improvement over the old ML in all areas (drivability/build quality etc. etc..) and I believe demo models should be hitting show rooms next week :bannana: .

You make your choice (based on available data and personal preference) and you part with your cash.

Enjoy whichever car you choose.

Cheers,

 

[glojo]

These are comments from Americains who own and have driven the car . not from people who have just read about it.
,

Hi Dieter,
Nice to speak to you again, have things changed recently, or are the Americans still only talking about the ML-320CDI??

I am surprised to see that you say they are already owning and driving the vehicle this thread is about, namely the new V6 diesel.

Thanks for the update as Mercedes-Benz USA don't list the vehicle. They start at the 350 petrol

Regards,
John

 

[mb4me]

Once again thanks for the replies, im getting some good info.

The 7G tranny has had good reviews and bad, well not bad but not 100% satisfactory reviews but im hoping that by now or by the time we get our ML it will be sorted.

Which brings me on to the point that we've decided to go for the ML If the test drive doesnt prove good or we are not satisfied then we shall opt for the E class.

I shouldnt really have mentioned handling, lol, b,coz as good as a 4X4 may handle its not going to handle like a saloon. The main thing is that its got to be as comfortable as the E class and easy to drive.

Will be going to the dealer tomorrow or thursday. I cant see any discount being offered but hope to get a good deal (as close as selling private) on the E class and get stuff like mats and other accessories free...

Any ideas what a 53 reg E320 CDI with about 30,000 miles (yes, I know thats a little high ) will be worth selling private?

Will keep you updated....thanks again
MB4ME!

 

[mb4me]

Oh and I agree the £49k ML is not realy worth it. It will definately loose all its value of 10k worth of options. The car has about 4k worth of options that we dont even need so yeh, waste of time that one...