The New Family Wagon - Mercedes ML350 CDI
Discussion
Well, with the news of another little one on the way (due March) it was time for my other half to part with her CLS350 CDI. It's been a great car, quick, economical and comfortable for nearly three years. But, it is compromised on space and only a 2+2 so with a third beast...I mean child on the way it was time for a size upgrade.
Typically, I couldn't persuade my other half to look at an estate car. She loved her CLS and likes the whole Merc feel having owned an SL350 before. So of course she took a shine to the ML.
We went on the hunt and found a chap who specialised in only MLs so to be presented with 12 to choose from ranging in age and mileage we opted for this.
It is a 2011 350 CDI so the same engine as the CLS and my S Class, has 231bhp and 400lbs-ft of torque. For a big old beast it gets to 60 just over 70 seconds but can average 35mpg. Plus despite being shorter than the CLS it is significantly more spacious. It's got 84k on the clock, a very comprehensive history and the condition won us over completely. This is also a Sport model so has a few sporty trim touches, 20" wheels and slightly firmer suspension. Plus it's spec'd with 'leather' and alcantara.
It was clean when we got it but it can never be too clean so a standard wash and then a once over with some Dodo Juice Lime Prime, just a nice easy way to get a decent shine until it's machined in the new year.
Now this may be divisive but I really fancied trying this. It's the Car Gods 54 Holy Water. I know it's Tetrosyl based stuff but seems like a comprehensive range and I couldn't resist. Let's see how well it lasts and if it beads or sheets. Certainly feels lovely and slick.
So here's the car....
Rather partial to Chemical Guys Inner Clean for the plastics and Dr Leather spray for the 'leather'.
The mats look worse in the photos than in real life. I'm tempted to replace them but they're original and ridiculously hard wearing. Plus they'll see all weathers so may keep them in for now.
Say what you like about Artico and these fake leathers, they wear incredibly well. My old E320 had it and the ML does.
Another set of over engineered cup holders that light up, which I quite like! haha
Couldn't resist giving the engine a quick once over.
So there we have it. Our new work horse and family car and very pleased with it so far. We'll likely own it for a good few years, put 8-9k a year on it and carry the family around. :thumb::thumb:
It's taller but shorter than my S! haha
Typically, I couldn't persuade my other half to look at an estate car. She loved her CLS and likes the whole Merc feel having owned an SL350 before. So of course she took a shine to the ML.
We went on the hunt and found a chap who specialised in only MLs so to be presented with 12 to choose from ranging in age and mileage we opted for this.
It is a 2011 350 CDI so the same engine as the CLS and my S Class, has 231bhp and 400lbs-ft of torque. For a big old beast it gets to 60 just over 70 seconds but can average 35mpg. Plus despite being shorter than the CLS it is significantly more spacious. It's got 84k on the clock, a very comprehensive history and the condition won us over completely. This is also a Sport model so has a few sporty trim touches, 20" wheels and slightly firmer suspension. Plus it's spec'd with 'leather' and alcantara.
It was clean when we got it but it can never be too clean so a standard wash and then a once over with some Dodo Juice Lime Prime, just a nice easy way to get a decent shine until it's machined in the new year.
Now this may be divisive but I really fancied trying this. It's the Car Gods 54 Holy Water. I know it's Tetrosyl based stuff but seems like a comprehensive range and I couldn't resist. Let's see how well it lasts and if it beads or sheets. Certainly feels lovely and slick.
So here's the car....
Rather partial to Chemical Guys Inner Clean for the plastics and Dr Leather spray for the 'leather'.
The mats look worse in the photos than in real life. I'm tempted to replace them but they're original and ridiculously hard wearing. Plus they'll see all weathers so may keep them in for now.
Say what you like about Artico and these fake leathers, they wear incredibly well. My old E320 had it and the ML does.
Another set of over engineered cup holders that light up, which I quite like! haha
Couldn't resist giving the engine a quick once over.
So there we have it. Our new work horse and family car and very pleased with it so far. We'll likely own it for a good few years, put 8-9k a year on it and carry the family around. :thumb::thumb:
It's taller but shorter than my S! haha
Affirmation on your purchase from me here Alex. We have a 350 CDI performing a similar job and she has proved to be a solid old bus. We picked her up at 45k miles a few years ago and have taken her to 95k without any serious meltdowns. There certainly have been failures but all solved DIY without too much drama. The car has high quality controls, a lazy but confident way of moving and seems to repel family abuse pretty well. Pretty much unbeatable value used too. How are you finding it so far?
That's really good to hear. I've heard similar things from other owners who have taken to these cars and enjoyed them or had multiple ones.
In terms of using it, we've not had a chance due to lockdown. Literally picked it up and I had a chance to give it a going over today. That's it for the time being. Got a few other bits to do on it, getting our own plate on it will be next.
In terms of using it, we've not had a chance due to lockdown. Literally picked it up and I had a chance to give it a going over today. That's it for the time being. Got a few other bits to do on it, getting our own plate on it will be next.
Not a terribly exciting update but thought I'd keep a thread of minor changes and tweaks to the car.
I couldn't accept the centre caps on the wheels. I understand the 20" wheels are part of it being a Sport model, they're actually quite smart and overall pretty reasonable condition, considering their age but the caps let them down. Nuts can be sorted another time haha
I can't be ar$ed with removing the wheels to do this so strip of Gorilla tape (sticky Velcro stips work too) on the centre cap
Mole grips and a quick yank, they're out.
Despite having part numbers and a Merc stamp on the back, I'm not convinced they're original. That said I've seen original ones tarnish, especially with the crap they spray on your car at local car washes.
So got a much simpler set to complement the wheels. I think they work better, not original but they should be fine
Fitted my other half's own plate and some number plate frames.
Has come together quite nicely. I'm eager to get a re-map but it's prudent to get used to the car, be confident it's driving right and no issues that might need looking at under warranty. Makes my S look quite short.
We have also been in quarantine ourselves so not had much opportunity to drive it. Some interesting comparisons from my other half as her old car was a Mercedes CLS350. Same engine and same power as this but obviously the ML is slower. Oddly the ML is probably more comfortable, the extra space and visibility almost makes daily use easier. The CLS is noticeably more refined, you can hear the ML is a diesel (which I suppose suits a 4x4) where as from within the CLS you'd be hard pushed to tell. The ML is clearly built to be utilitarian where the CLS is built to be luxurious despite having almost exactly the same level of features and gadgets.
Oh one positive is that having no gearstick means a concise centre console and cup holders. Quite handy that (for when you get home obviously)
I couldn't accept the centre caps on the wheels. I understand the 20" wheels are part of it being a Sport model, they're actually quite smart and overall pretty reasonable condition, considering their age but the caps let them down. Nuts can be sorted another time haha
I can't be ar$ed with removing the wheels to do this so strip of Gorilla tape (sticky Velcro stips work too) on the centre cap
Mole grips and a quick yank, they're out.
Despite having part numbers and a Merc stamp on the back, I'm not convinced they're original. That said I've seen original ones tarnish, especially with the crap they spray on your car at local car washes.
So got a much simpler set to complement the wheels. I think they work better, not original but they should be fine
Fitted my other half's own plate and some number plate frames.
Has come together quite nicely. I'm eager to get a re-map but it's prudent to get used to the car, be confident it's driving right and no issues that might need looking at under warranty. Makes my S look quite short.
We have also been in quarantine ourselves so not had much opportunity to drive it. Some interesting comparisons from my other half as her old car was a Mercedes CLS350. Same engine and same power as this but obviously the ML is slower. Oddly the ML is probably more comfortable, the extra space and visibility almost makes daily use easier. The CLS is noticeably more refined, you can hear the ML is a diesel (which I suppose suits a 4x4) where as from within the CLS you'd be hard pushed to tell. The ML is clearly built to be utilitarian where the CLS is built to be luxurious despite having almost exactly the same level of features and gadgets.
Oh one positive is that having no gearstick means a concise centre console and cup holders. Quite handy that (for when you get home obviously)
Edited by Alex_225 on Thursday 19th November 12:43
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff