Which ML to go for?

[cfoster]

Hi all, I am looking at replacing the the missus' current C class merc with something a bit bigger. I'm considering an ML around the 2012/2013 era.

Is there one particular model better than the other (no AMG on this one!) or any specific options I must look out for? For her, satnav (which I presume is on all of them) and heated seats are a must, for me its making sure i'm not going to be stuck with it come resale time!! Budget is around 20k-25k so plenty out there, although she does want it in white!!

Thanks

 

[clk320x]

Just get the highest spec on you can afford... in terms of engines it depends on your preference do you want a petrol or a diesel? We can then advise you on the best option.

 

[Mactech]

In my personal experience you should go for a car with Airmatic suspension. It makes a huge difference on this tall, heavy vehicle to give you a good balance between ride comfort (with less noise!) and handling. There are very few petrol cars, but both the 250 and 350 'wood burners' are good...just depends how much of a hurry you will be in.
Airmatic will be specced on any car with 21" rims, so you will get a good looking car too. It is now standard on the GLE 350 and I'm so glad I had it on my previous W164. It is something you appreciate every mile you drive.

 

[Mactech]

Like this one:
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML ML350 Bluetec Sport for sale in Whitstable Kent | Northover Cars

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Do you mean you don't want an AMG line trim, or a full blown AMG? P Ros ally I wouldn't dismiss either, as they sharpen the looks, and if you can find one with Airmatic then the ride will be fine even with big wheels - full blown AMGs come with Airmatic as standard too.

Personally I would look for one with a panoramic roof, especially if it has a black interior which many do. The 360-degree cameras can be very useful when manoeuvring a big car in a tight spot, but failing that a reversing camera and parking sensors will be fine.

 

[merc85]

ML420 CDI

 

[Abb]

2012/2013 is the W166, so only available as 250 & 350 diesel or 63 AMG. We have a 350 W166 in AMG sport trim and it's a really good all round car. What we did find when we were looking for a used one, they are very poorly specced as standard, even folding mirrors were an extra!
Ours has airmatic and was a definite must on our list. Like all purchases make a list of 'must haves' and 'nice to haves' and take it from there. Ours is very highly specced as it was an ex demo but I paid a premium for that (as you do), good luck with your search

 

[gbjeppm]

I have a 2013 W166 250 in AMG trim.

Its no slouch, and perfectly quick enough in my opinion for a load lugger (I have a 350 CDI E coupe so I know the V6 engine's capability), in fact I would say its surprisingly nippy.

Ours does not have Airmatic, and to be honest I have never thought that the ride is not spot on.
It has nearly 60k on it now, and apart from a water pump fixed under warranty it has not missed a beat, regularly going to France and Spain in comfort, it just eats miles.

We have Pano Roof, Comand, Folding Mirrors, Heated and Memory Seats, reversing camera, DAB, Extra Large Fuel Tank, Ambient Lighting.

I would say that Folding Mirrors, Reversing Camera and Heated seats are mandatory along with Comand. Memory is nice if you have multiple drivers. I like the extra large fuel tank, but the regular fuel tanks is fine.

They are very good cars, which don't seem to have many issues.

 

[cfoster]

Thanks all, would have to be a diesel one (not AMG being the ML63, sport packs etc are fine and preferred). Looks as though its a toss up between the ML250 and ML350... Would the ML350 have better options from factory or is just purely just the engine size?

Cheers

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks all, would have to be a diesel one (not AMG being the ML63, sport packs etc are fine and preferred). Looks as though its a toss up between the ML250 and ML350... Would the ML350 have better options from factory or is just purely just the engine size?

Cheers

Generally speaking, I've found the 350 to be slightly better specified on average, but combined with the bigger engine it means you pay for that privilege. I'd take a look at a few and see what you think.

 

[gbjeppm]

I just checked the 2012/2013 catalogue. Yes i am sad and I kept it

The 250 and 350 Sport as standard had exactly the same spec, apart from the Off Road Switch (which primes the systems for offroad driving, never knew that or needed it)

The 250 was GBP 45380 and the 350 was GBP 48490.

There is a big difference in road tax between the 2, in 2012 it was 170 vs 460.

Otherwise it was pretty much all options.

 

[Mactech]

Read Auto Trader review

Autotrader gives a fairly well balanced review.

 

[gIzzE]

I have to say, the 350d's have held their value really, really well.

I was looking for a new SUV back in December 2014 and I narrowed it down to a 62 plate ML350 sport in Tenorite Grey with Comand or a BMW X3, and after having 2 W163s and the W164 decided to have a go with the BMW.

The W166 ML350 already had 32k miles on it, but it was only £25k, nearly 3 years later a 62 plate with 32k mies is still the same money just about!!
That advert above shows as much.
62 plate 350s with 100k miles on them are £20k!

That would be my concern, a 62 plate car in 3 years time will be 7 years old, and an old model, if you class the GLE as a facelift it will still be an old model, and like all big SUVs when they start to fall in price, they fall hard and fast.
I think a £25k ML350 will lose the best part of £15k over the next 3 years, an £18k ML250 might only lose £9-10k.
It was the same with the W163 and the W164, so don't see this being any different.


One thing I would say, is the ML didn't get the updated Comand and colour instrument cluster until 2013, the early W166s get the older NTG4 and old style black and white cluster, which feels a bit dated now imho, it is the same cluster as carried over from things like the 2005/6 C Class, ML etc. etc.

That is the problem for the W166 at the moment, when you look at the competition from Volvo, Range Rover (2018 models with the Velar style interior etc.) BMW etc. they are feeling very dated, still lovely, but the others, and even other models from Mercedes like the new S and E Class etc. is making the GLE look archaic interior/tech wise, which is why I see a big slump in residuals coming.

As said, a 2012 ML350 was £48k and could be had for a smidge under £40k after haggling, residuals were set at £24k after 36 months, when I got a quote on that 62 plate the residuals after 3 years were set at £12k from Mercedes (due December 2017) and £13k from Lombard, which shows you were they should really be right now, for them still be be coming in at 50-55% of list after 5 years is quite remarkable, but......are the rock solid residuals about to end?

 

[Scott_F]

I believe that this is the model to go for:

 

[gIzzE]

I wasn't going to say anything, but when you can pick up a Range Rover Vogue TDV8 on a 2012 with the 4.4 engine and 8 Speed ZF box for around the same money as the ML currently I would seriously consider it.

Or a late unmolested Range Rover Sport with the 3.0 SDV6 engine if you prefer it not quite as big.

Buying new, I could see why someone would choose the ML over the RR, the fact the RR was nearly twice the price at £80,000, but right now, with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sports being about the same price.....hmmmm?

Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 SD V6 HSE (Luxury Pack) Station Wagon 4x4 5dr

 

[cfoster]

I'm a BIG range rover fan and once the E63 love affair has gone I will be buying myself a new shape one as her replacement, unfortunately the missus detests them with a passion (its the image they have unfortunatley perceive she doesn't like...).

As an example it will be something like this i'd be interested in buying her (just not from Big Motoring World!!)

Mercedes-Benz M Class ML250 BLUETEC AMG SPORT 2.2 5dr

 

[Mactech]

Well I did go down the Range Rover route a couple of years ago with a V8 Vogue. I found the ride in the Sport just too harsh.
After a year living with the RR and having quite a few expensive lights coming up on the dash, I bailed out. It was just one thing after another!
I don't remember having another car with this many issues.
Which is why I'm now back in a squeak free and well put together (in Alabama!) Mercedes ML...er ...sorry GLE.
It may not have the 'British club' feel of the RR, but it is much more technologically advanced....and it always gets to where I want to go

 

[gIzzE]

Really?
I find my Range Rover so much comfier than the MLs I have owned and my E350 estate.

I'm a BIG range rover fan and once the E63 love affair has gone I will be buying myself a new shape one as her replacement, unfortunately the missus detests them with a passion (its the image they have unfortunatley perceive she doesn't like...).

As an example it will be something like this i'd be interested in buying her (just not from Big Motoring World!!)

Mercedes-Benz M Class ML250 BLUETEC AMG SPORT 2.2 5dr

Understand, I am in Norfolk and they have a very different image to say Essex or Cheshire.

I would avoid Big Motoring World like the plague though, an absolute shambles of a dealership. Just do a search.

We had an hilarious thread on the BMW e90post forum, with the owner pretending to be a happy customer.

Big Motoring World, Independent Used BMW Cars for Sale in West Malling, Kent, Reviews