[Petersennik]

I currently driving an ML 320 CDI, Year 2007.
I am planning on changing the ML 320 for a ML 63, Year 2008.
I wanted to know the Pros & Cons of an ML63, having
no experience.

How about the running cost & spares for the ML 63?

I would really like to get you thoughts & suggestion on this topic, so that I can make my mind up on buying the ML63.

 

[altamonte]

I have both an '08 CDI and an '09 AMG. So here goes.

ML63 - FAST! Mileage - 11-13 mpg - 13 on the highway at a steady 73.
CDI - not so fast - but mileage is 22-23 in the city, 30 on the highway at a steady 73.

ML63 - anything breaks - the dealer automatically charges 75% more - I'm kidding - but it certainly feels that way.

At least on the '09, no towing package - as it interferes with the AMG specific rear valance. Could probably have something custom made up - but then the only thing worth of towing behind an AMG is a Donzi - eh ?

When driving the AMG people assume you a) want to race, b) have money.

ML63 - foot on throttle - grin ! ML-CDI foot on throttle - who - me ?

ML63 sits about an inch lower at stock height than a CDI - I notice there are things which I don't clear (curb stops) that the CDI easily goes over.

If you get the wrong tires on the ML63 - it will eat them in 12,000 miles. Even though the ML63 has vehicle specific hubs with different pick-up points, the camber is still off - so the tires wear very fast. Especially the stock Conti UHPs. Try Conti DWS - I've had good luck with those - of course they are $300 per tire - but what the heck - they look tough.

The seat side bolster on the AMG is both good and bad - good - it holds you in on fast turns; the bad - it's a hump to get over when you enter and leave.

The "C" transmission mode is where you spend daily drives - it then starts off in second gear, shifts earlier. Much more reasonable for daily use. Just switch back to "S" when you're ready to race that Boss Mustang.

I don't know - not ready to give up either one. The ML63 is quite frankly a dinosaur, but a fun one - an adrenalin rush for sure.

 

[Petersennik]

Thanks for infor & break down of ML 320 vs Ml63, will help me make a decision.

Lastly, what is your experiences on regular Spares required for the ML63, please let me know.

 

[altamonte]

I think having a regular spare beats run-flat tires any day. I've only had one flat in the last 35 years, and the mini-spare worked just fine. I'm sure it would for the ML as well.

I did take the spare out just to look at it and measure it - weighs about 40 lbs or so, is a LOT more skinny than the tires on the car, comical actually, but it is properly load rated and does measure the correct diameter so the 4-matic won't go nuts. I've driven an ML with run flats - and hands down, I'd not have run flat tires because I consider the ride on run-flat tires to be plain awful. I know it's a compromise - I'd rather carry the 40 lbs in the trunk.

I guess if I had to do it over, I'd still have the CDI for long trips simply because of the fuel mileage, and all around practicality, and have an AMG CL instead of the SUV. The AMG engine sounds are just sooooo sexy and as I've already said - just touch the throttle and it wants to go.

AMG for sure like - two SUVs, not so much sense - you might be just the shove for me to reorganize the garage. If you want, I'll sell you my '09 for mid $50's -16,500 miles give or take. It has two somewhat unique features - it was ordered with the euro alcantara sport seats instead of leather (no charge option though blue-book wants $750 less for car built that way), and it has a painted bumper brace (again euro) instead of a black bar. And I put Brabus wheels on it at a cost of $5K. Otherwise a full boat AMG with everything checked out by dealer just before warranty expired - including replacing the two front airmatic /ADS struts (about $8000 worth !!!) on basis of tech bulletin - nice dealer mine.

Send me a PM if interested. I drive the AMG about 200 miles per month on weekends mostly - and as I already stated above - I'd turn around and get an AMG CL, keeping the CDI SUV. The CDI gets 1500 miles per month by comparison - parked at the airport during the week where I would not park the AMG.

So there - you know exactly how I feel. The AMG around town with it's lightning reflexes, the CDI for trips with it's mileage. If I could only have one ... well I'm glad I don't have to choose. It would be like having to marry one girlfriend and give the other one up. Sigh !

Aw heck - now I'm vacillating again = the ML-AMG is so much easier to get in and out of than a CL.