Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A) Consumer Reviews
Traded in 2010 Infiniti FX35 for 2012 Mercedes ML350
Miss my FX35! After Infiniti, ML350 feels like a big bulky bus - plush and comfortable yet a bus. There is nothing fun or sporty about driving it. The engine is powerful and the car drives well but it's just lacking that sporty feel you get from driving FX. On the plus side, visibility is a lot better than FX and the cabin gets a lot more light. On the down side, my 4 yo keeps pointing at Honda minivans and yelling - look, that's Mommy's new car. The backup camera view is fuzzy compared to Infiniti - don't know if mine is defective or that's how it is. Not too thrilled with my purchase so far but hope it will grow on me.
An brief unbiased review
Pros: *Very nice fit and finish for the exterior and especially, the interior. *Smooth ride, quiet cabin, no vibration noises. *Excellent Harmon Kardon sound system *Good driver all around visibility. *Good head room and leg room. *High resolution command or navigation screen that maintains readability even with sunlight shining directly on it. *Quick and effective blindspot warning system(a must have option) *Bluetooth connectivity is easy for the use of phone and audio devices. Cons. *Average performance: engine works hard for acceleration, heavy car feel during quick maneuver. *Time consuming use of the MB command controller(address entry for navigation)
- ML350 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,49967 mi away
- ML350 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,22271 mi away
- ML350 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $11,991129 mi away
Solid and Competent SUV: 2012 MB ML350 4MATIC
This is my first MB SUV, purchased in 1/16 with 27,000 miles from a non-MB dealer. It has the 302 hp gas engine, 4MATIC all wheel drive, Premium 1 package, and I replaced the original Continentals with Michelin Premier LTX’s in 8/16. I also added splash guards and a class three receiver hitch and electrics so I may tow a small boat and use a bicycle rack. So far it has met my expectations (reliable, decent fuel economy...low 20’s around town and up to 26 mpg on road trips, quiet cabin, comfortable seats, good acceleration, decent handling for an SUV, good maneuverability, and feels very solid on the road. This vehicle can hold up to five people and their luggage comfortably. The luggage area is especially well designed, with excellent capacity, and is easy to pack. The ergonomics work well for me (6’5”) and my wife (5’7”), and I appreciate the programmable front seats. It took some time to adjust to the Command system, but I find it very easy to use now. It is expensive to maintain every 10,000 miles, so I purchased the MB maintenance package at a 30% discount to regular maintenance prices and a MB extended warranty up to 75,000 miles. I also joined the MBCA which rewards you with up to a 10% discount during servicing (more than pays for itself quite quickly with the discounts). The original owner replaced the front shocks under warranty early in their ownership. So far, my only need for warranty service was for a malfunctioning driver side shoulder belt mechanism. At my 50,000 mile maintenance (just completed), I had my rear brakes replaced (rotors and pads @ $750). I am satisfied with this vehicle and would consider purchasing it again. Given the new safety features available now, I would add blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, and dynamic cruise control. I would also select the OEM tow package for the electronics and increased tow capacity.
My 1st MBZ
This is my 1st MBZ purchase. I have always wanted to own a MBZ SUV, but I'm not the typical client. It took several weeks to find exactly what I wanted, at a price I could afford. This car drives like brand new!!! Steering is perfect, the ride and comfort inside is perfect! It handles well and has plenty of acceleration. I'm extremely impressed with the overall design and fit on the interior. The bench rear seat can easily seat 3 adults, with plenty of legroom. Overall this is a very fun and comfortable car to drive.
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2012 MB ML350 4Matic Nine Year Review
Purchased the vehicle in January, 2016 from a non-MB dealership with 27,500 miles on the odometer. I am the second owner. My first experience with the ML model was when I was given use of a loaner when our Sprinter was in for service at the dealership. Being 6’5”, I was impressed by how comfortably I fit and the ergonomics of the vehicle were perfect. The ML felt very planted and competent at all speeds, and we appreciated the quietness, versatility, and safety of the vehicle. My wife is 5’8” and we both appreciated the programmable front seats. When we needed to replace our prior vehicle, I was able to find our ML 350 4Matic for a decent price. I purposely chose to purchase it slightly used (one owner, low miles, three model years later) to minimize the effects of depreciation. I have used different dealers and independents for maintaining our vehicle and pretty much work between two of them now. Both have proven trustworthy and competent. In our nine plus years of ownership, I have added about 55,000 to the odometer and have maintained it per its schedule. Outside of regular maintenance, the only issues encountered so far are wear on the outside left side of the MBTex fabric on the driver’s seat, and the driver’s side upper shoulder harness adjuster (repaired under warranty). If I were to replace our ML, I would likely go hybrid for better mileage, and would include a factory hitch, blind side monitoring, auto cruise control, and the other safety features included in newer vehicles. I would consider purchasing a slightly used vehicle again. We have been very satisfied with this vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value