2012-2015 ML350

[Earthboundmisfit]

Hi all, I'm on the look out for a ML350 ideally. Although i haven't driven the 250, i prefer the idea of the 6 cylinder version in the 350.

I have some questions that hopefully some of you kind folk can answer for me.

Is there anything that i should specifically look for in terms of spec?

Was there a facelift during '12-'15?

I'm guessing its worth trying the 250 as they seem a lot more common. Due to my inability to bring myself to buy a car in any other colour than Black (dont ask, i'm a bit weird), I'm already very limited for choice. Maybe looking at 250's will open up a lot more to look at.

Thanks

David

[Seb27]

Hello,

the ML went through a model year change (not a facelift as such) in mid 2014, meaning late 2014 registered cars onwards should all have the greater level of standard specification.

A car before this (12 - mid 14) is actually a fairly poorly specced car as standard. Although most you will find will be the 'AMG Sport' trim, things such as folding mirrors, heated seats and Bi-Xenon headlights were not standard. The standard Sat Nav was also the rather small Becker Map Pilot option.

Therefore, if you are buying a pre model year change car, make sure it has the specification you require, a large number will have been chosen with the above features and more, but there are many standard cars out there.

The model year change gave you the following that was not standard on the pre model year change:

Heated Seats
COMAND Sat Nav with bigger screen and voice activation
Intelligent LED lights
Tyre pressure monitor
Folding Mirrors
Privacy Glass
20" Alloys (the standard 19s were dropped)

If you find a model year change car (late 14 onwards) with the 'Premium Pack' you will get even more:

Memory seats
Rear Camera
Running Boards
Pan Roof


The 'Premium Plus' pack then gives you on top of all this:

Keyless
Ambient Lighting
Harman Kardon Stereo

All of the above were stand alone options on a pre model year change car, meaning knowing exactly what one has can be tricky! The later cars are easier to understand, you either have a standard one, a premium or a plus. There are then some stand alone options that some may have (21 inch wheels, tow bar, different leather, radar cruise, airmatic suspension etc).

The 250 engine is a little more common and a little less thirsty and is not under powered, but neither is it as smooth and punchy as the 350. The 350 is ideally the one to go for as they aren't hugely more expensive now.

If you need any more help let me know

[Earthboundmisfit]

Seb27,

Wow, thanks for such a detailed response. Great info which will come in very useful.

Thanks again

David

[st4]

The engine is unreliable - I've owned 3 V6 Mercs and all of them fired warning lights. Issues range from clocked manifolds, adblue sensor problems, oxygen sensors. Older higher miles ones are known to stretch their timing chains but merificully I was spared that - but not a set of six replacement injectors.

Make sure it changes gears right, I've lost track of how many 7 speed cars I've driven that have had problems with shifting.

In short - they're junk. They're refined for a diesel but massively unrefined compared to any petrol. Buy a Lexus RX450h if you want a reliable, spacious and comfortable family SUV.