Is it possible to find a "basic" ML? What I meant "basic" is one without the leather, sunroof,... and all the goodies. I have been looking around, but all the MLs I have seen got at least $5000 worth of options added on.
That's kinda nice - but now cloth is "basic". I thought for quite some time, Mercedes did not even offer cloth in any vehicle but the C-class coupe?
Bill
MB has always offered cloth but the US Dealers almost never import the basic model because the American buying public has a certain perception about what a Mercedes Benz is supposed to be. We can check with our international members and I think they can confirm that the MBs across the ocean are available in a basic configuration.
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Andy
2006 ML350
723 - Pewter, 104 - Macadamia Interior, H04 - Brown Birds Eye Maple Wood, 167 Standard Non-Sport Pkg, 317 Comfort Pkg, 318 - Trim Package, 319 - Lighting Package, 320 - Entertainment Pkg, 324 - Sunroof Pkg, 580 - Std. Climate Control, 873 - Heated Front Seats, 890 - Power Liftgate, Navigation System, iPod interface kit
Modifications:
Added: Chrome Door handle cups, MB Twin Spoke 5-Spoke 18" wheels and tires
I don't know if the dealer online ordering system has changed much, now that the ML has been in production for a while, but when I was searching for one, the dealer was basically told what to expect. In my case, I didn't have a preference for the Nav or Ent packages, but according to the online inventory system, both packages came standard with every vehicle on the assembly line (at least those in my color and seat configuration).
If your dealer is willing to show you the production status, you should be able to see what is coming off the assembly line and if it's allocated to a specific dealer. You can then have your dealer either swap for it, or request it while it's still in the early stages of production.
Your last resort would be to have your dealer put in a special order which may take months to arrive, depending on the backlog. I know I simply wouldn't be able to wait 3 (or more) months for my car to show up. I paid the extra $3k and I'm a (very) happy customer. [:D]
Having said all that, it is going to be pretty difficult to find a bare-bones ML. That very basic configuration is (probably) only for show and to tout that the base price for the car is in the low forties. You should be budgeting in the 50s if you want to keep the resale value of the car high.
We have the basic one. Took us full year waiting for delivery after putting the deposit, but that was back in 98.
We had cloths in Volvo and after 17 years of school driving and other beating they still were in good condition. MB is having good leather and even better leatherette, but leather wears out the color in the matter of 5 years and we are planning to keep the car forever.
My 1987 300 SDL with leather interior still looks brand new, except for one panel that was replaced on the drivers side because it was damaged by the previous owner. Leather wears like iron. The car has almost 200,000 miles on it.
My 1980 300 SD that I got rid of in 1996 had 221,000 miles on it and the MB Tex looked like it was new except for a little dirt on some of the panels.
I would think that either of the three choices would last as long.
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