I'm a new MB owner who just picked up a 08 ML350 a week ago. This is my first MB and love everything about it. I also own a BMW 3series for 4 years now and also love it.
When I purchased my BMW, I enjoyed upgrading the BMW with aftermarket accessories. And there are many places online to do that.
Now that I own a MB, it's hard to find places that sells aftermarket accessories for MB. Additionally, I've noticed that topics on the forum that relates to aftermarket upgrades are usually ignored and do not get replies.
Are MB owners and BMW owners different? Is there an age, race, gender, or personality difference between the two groups? Are MB owners not interested in accessorizing their cars?
What are the differences between MB and BMW owners?
I think that most of the "tuning" enthusiasts can be found in the C-class forum, as that vehicle lends itself to that crowd.
I find that Mercedes owners are a refined bunch, and in general, the final Mercedes product that rolls out of the factory is why they are buying it in the first place.
I consider MB to be more upscale than BMW, which is a more common brand. That’s why you see 1 MB for every 3 BMW’s on the roadways.
MB exudes a certain panache that is not found in BMW’s. When you squint, a BMW could pass for any other Japanese sedan, however when a Mercedes goes down the road, you know without question it is a Mercedes-Benz.
Not sure I agree 100%, but I would second the idea that the folks buying an MB aren't buying to tune it, really. Not sure if it has anything to do with being refined (because I certainly don't consider myself "refined"), but I like nice cars and don't want to tinker to have a nice vehicle that performs well and is a bit classy.
Further, I think cosmetic "tweaking", as sammin eludes to, does tend to debase the panache of a vehicle. I see what Kleeman and Brabus are doing to MBs and kind of cringe. They look kinda trashy. I could buy a Honda and put obnoxious plastics on it, too .
Quote:
Originally Posted by sammin
I think that most of the "tuning" enthusiasts can be found in the C-class forum, as that vehicle lends itself to that crowd.
I find that Mercedes owners are a refined bunch, and in general, the final Mercedes product that rolls out of the factory is why they are buying it in the first place.
I consider MB to be more upscale than BMW, which is a more common brand. That’s why you see 1 MB for every 3 BMW’s on the roadways.
MB exudes a certain panache that is not found in BMW’s. When you squint, a BMW could pass for any other Japanese sedan, however when a Mercedes goes down the road, you know without question it is a Mercedes-Benz.
Hello mk330ci, I'm in almost your exact same boat. We own a 2006 BMW 325xi and just bought a 2008 ML350, a couple weeks ago.
I dunno, but for some reason, I really don't have the urge to do much to my ML350, compared to all I wanted to do to our 325xi(not that I did much, but there was always something that was intriguing). Maybe it's because I view the ML350 as a luxury car, which I just want to enjoy, vs our 325xi which I viewed as a sports car, which I always wanted to get just a little extra out of.
BMW focuses on being "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and they do a great job of tuning their cars accordingly. I wouldn't call that less refined, just another driving style. Similarly, Lexus is not more refined for making their cars more comfort oriented. These companies are intentionally catering to different crowds of people. Around where I am, it's a tie between BMW, MB, and Lexus, it's just different people driving them.
If I had to stereotype everyone, BMW owners that I know tend to be more interested in handling than comfort and amenities. Lexus owners tend to focus mainly on comfort. MB owners tend to want decent performance and handling without sacrificing around-town comfort.
As regards modification, I will alter my vehicle's appearance IF it looks like it came from (or did come from) the factory. However, I won't do anything under the hood because I don't really need any more performance. (Am I sounding like my stereotype?) Performance mods are harder to find because it is probably not as much of a priority for most MB owners.
__________________ 2000 ML430
Chrome grille, tailgate latch, logo on rims, instrument cluster rings - K&N air filter - Ate brakes - projector style lights w/xenon bulbs - white LED lights on licence plate - handpainted pinstripe - designo Java Shift Surround - brushed aluminum roof rails
I consider MB to be more upscale than BMW, which is a more common brand. That’s why you see 1 MB for every 3 BMW’s on the roadways.
MB exudes a certain panache that is not found in BMW’s. When you squint, a BMW could pass for any other Japanese sedan, however when a Mercedes goes down the road, you know without question it is a Mercedes-Benz.
MB exudes a certain panache that is not found in BMW’s. When you squint, a BMW could pass for any other Japanese sedan, however when a Mercedes goes down the road, you know without question it is a Mercedes-Benz.
I owned since 2 month ago an BMW X3 3.0D full options.
The main difference is that my new ML 420 CDI is really full options.
I don't have anything to add. No retrofits, nothing. It's complete.
Offcourse I want to add new Brabus brakes, but that's all.
I'm a new MB owner who just picked up a 08 ML350 a week ago. This is my first MB and love everything about it. I also own a BMW 3series for 4 years now and also love it.
When I purchased my BMW, I enjoyed upgrading the BMW with aftermarket accessories. And there are many places online to do that.
Now that I own a MB, it's hard to find places that sells aftermarket accessories for MB. Additionally, I've noticed that topics on the forum that relates to aftermarket upgrades are usually ignored and do not get replies.
Are MB owners and BMW owners different? Is there an age, race, gender, or personality difference between the two groups? Are MB owners not interested in accessorizing their cars?
What are the differences between MB and BMW owners?
I also own a 3 series Bimmer and a ML and a E and.... I tend to agree with sammin and bocabenz - the product usually comes somewhat complete and MB buyers are usually happy with the product the way it is. The more popular upgrades are mostly cosmetic - wheels, bumpers, lights, etc. There's usually enough power to do the job. The Bimmer, on the other hand, just begs to be driven, and driven hard, thus the need for aftermarket upgrades. I'm performance driver in the Bimmer or my Z, but a more tamed driver in the ML or the E. It's an interesting observation!!!! Not even an AMG version needs tuning. Notice that most tuners of the M class have failed woefully to deliver a daily driver out of an aftermarket tuned ML!!!!!!!!
__________________
1989 300ZXT - mine
A pair of running shoes
A 18Hp lawn mower
2 Mountain Bikes
350Z - will be mine when @ 300+HP and 3-Car Garage
It appears that maybe the M-class is not the right vehicle to upgrade with aftermarket accessories.
I perceive M-class owners as family guys and gals that are not interested in speed or power. The M-class is already a fine vehicle that doesn't need extras to make it look better.
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