I've been lurking for some time now, thinking of a new ML diesel. I have had a 2002 E Class Wagon 4 matic. The kids decided they wanted it, and we went looking. The only reservation I have had about the new M is the cargo space in the rear. The wagon was longer and wider. We found a 2006 with 13,000 miles, certified with way more options than we would have ordered and decided that saving $14,000 over a new one would tell us in two years if this was the vehicle for us.
We bought it 1 week ago, put 2,000+ miles on it over the Holiday and I have to say, it impressed me more than I thought it would.
Very quiet,comfortable, no issues, smooth shifting and great visibilty.
Mileage varied between 21.9-24.2.
This is a very nice ride.
I'm proud to be an ML owner!
Storage in the rear was somewhat tested, but not to the extreme yet. Maybe we have been carting too much around!
I've been lurking for some time now, thinking of a new ML diesel. I have had a 2002 E Class Wagon 4 matic. The kids decided they wanted it, and we went looking. The only reservation I have had about the new M is the cargo space in the rear. The wagon was longer and wider. We found a 2006 with 13,000 miles, certified with way more options than we would have ordered and decided that saving $14,000 over a new one would tell us in two years if this was the vehicle for us.
We bought it 1 week ago, put 2,000+ miles on it over the Holiday and I have to say, it impressed me more than I thought it would.
Very quiet,comfortable, no issues, smooth shifting and great visibilty.
Mileage varied between 21.9-24.2.
This is a very nice ride.
I'm proud to be an ML owner!
Storage in the rear was somewhat tested, but not to the extreme yet. Maybe we have been carting too much around!
Wow--impressive mileage. I've never got more than 21 taking it easy on trips. Of course, my recent jaunt to Eastern Oregon (720 mi. round trip) I kept it at 80-85 most of the time (computer avg. at 73) and got just over 17 mpg. (ac on). With kids I can see how you may be space challenged-it's the perfect size for my wife and me on trips.
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<B>Greg</B> Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
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<B>2006 ML350</b> - Pewter/Charcoal Alcantara/Aluminum; Packages: Comfort, Lighting, Entertainment, Appearance, Airmatic, Sunroof; Options: Nav, Sirius, hitch, heated seats, power liftgate, roof rack; Mods: ML500 skid plates, ML63 20" wheels.
<B>2001 BMW M3 Coupe</B> (5/01 prod.) - Titanium/Cinnamon w/ many mods.
I made the same decision as you and feel this ML is the best vehicle I've ever owned.
But like Greg W, I've never gotten much over 21 mpg. Further, I had a W163 ML320 before this ML and never got over 20 mpg notwithstanding the fact there were others on this board claiming 24+ mpg.
I drive the car like an old lady so it's not my driving. Just curious what fuel mileage other owners have realized.
Insofar as cargo space is concerned, there's a ton. It's incredible how much can be loaded into the rear of my ML with the rear seats down. As much as a pick-up truck.
The speeds were 74-76. This is about 3-4 mph less than I will normally drive. We were also bringing back from Iowa a 1994 124 wagon with 178,000 miles in 98 degree weather on Labor Day. 850 mile trip and I was not wanting to stress the old one too much. The wagon burned no oil, no leaks and took 1.5-2 gallons less each fill up!
So, I will have a wagon when I need one.
My concern with cargo is not with all seats down, just when all are up. But, as empty nesters, it will be fine.
I have a new 2007 ML350. I usually do a 35 mile trip (one way) to work each day, mostly highway and I usually average between 22.5 - 24.2 mpg each way.
On highway with A/C the best mileage we got per the computer was 22 mpg. I'm not sure if it's the same calculated manually. I tell my wife to zero the trip odometer everytime she gets a full tank But she does Not.
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2006 ML350, Pewter, Black Leather, Navi, Sunroof, Trim Package, Entertainment Package, BBE Maple Wood, Rear Side Airbags, Trailer Hitch, Heated Front Seats, Power Liftgate.
I think that the speed travelled at does makes a difference. Unlike the joy of ripping up the freeway in California without too much to worry about, Australia caps freeway speed mostly at 100 km/hr = 60 mph = painful. The police and speed cameras churn out some decent fines so I lock the cruise in at around 105 km/hr.
I've got a relatively new 320 CDI 2007 model and find that the mileage converts for pure highway driving at between 26 to 28 mpg. Last weekend headed up the snow and had an average 9.0 ltr/100 km for a 500 km round trip which is just over 26 mpg. And, that was with roof racks and a set of skis (plus a couple of decent overtaking bursts to feel the turbo kick in and remind me that there is a lot of fun I could be having......)
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