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To answer your question - NO $300 is peanuts but it all depends on your area and how other dealers are dealing... Each dealer has different allotments and some have more vehicles to get off lot or "want" to move quickly...
Shop around a bit... tell us where you are located and we'll help you find a good dealer.
For an example of a "Good Deal" take the end of year 2000 models that were liquidated a few months back... you could actually buy at or below invoice due to dealer holdback incentive from Mercedes. Now that we're in the middle of the production year and there is not much news on the upcoming 2002 ML's out yet the dealers are trying to ask for full sticker. Remember in a few months we'll all be talking about the new features on the 2002 models and dealers will be trying to unload the 2001 models. I think year end will prove to be a Very good deal for those who can wait. Of course, the new features on the upcoming 2002 model such as digital climate control.. minor facelift... and what ever else might tempt. one to wait even longer. Bottom line is that the leftover 2001's will be great deals at the end of the year so don't be disappointed if you see savings of $4000 on same vehicle you would purchase now without said discount... Food for thought, to get your negotiating skills going so you can get the price down now..."A well educated customer is our worst deal" - letting the dealers know "you know" there is a change in the ML coming soon for 2002. This might give them incentive to stop jerking you around and give a good price (what ever "good" means!).
After all is said and done it is all about how much time you have to deal with "shopping." If your a lawyer or doctor with each hour spent car hunting takes $$$$ out of your pocket then it is not worth the time shopping. The new Mercedes "same price" shopping has removed a bit of profit from the dealer anyway... so at any price up to sticker the dealer is not making a killing anyway... maybe $3000. This is split between dealer, sales person, floor planning....
Good luck and let us know where you are located so we can point you in "good dealer" direction.
Frank
Didn't even consider the RX300, there's way too many on the road. The X5 doesn't have enough cargo room. The Sequoia looks (IMO) like a slightly larger 4Runner, so it wasn't considered. QX4 had a very nice interior, but has small backseat room and seemingly small legroom in the front. There is no comparison between the MDX and the ML. The MDX has tons of cargo room and rides like a minivan, not a SUV (makes sense since it is built on the Odyssey platform). The interior is somewhat plain. Plus, there's nothing to break up the simplicity of the side exterior, all sheetmetal - inviting door dings. The Denali's engine was godlike (6.0liter - 320hp). It drove and handled great, its just too stinkin' big for our us and the dash is not impressive.
The ML is *really* safe, looks great(especially with added body-colored fender flares, less minivan-ish), and drives great. We are very happy and had a great dealer experience. I wish the ML430 didn't cost a lot more, because the NAV, engine and brakes would have been nice too. But the ML320 will do just fine, and I'll add 17" or 18" aftermarket wheels down the road.
Got the following options: Cypress Green, M1, Bose, Sunroof, Heated Seats, Hitch Kit, and Body-Colored Fender Flares. First pic is up at http://scott.wilson.org/ml320/
These and other info boards are great places to add to your buying research. Keep up the informative posts!
swilsonator
Looking to get similar package in VA without giving my first born son...
Also, MB dealer installed options vary QUITE A BIT in terms of labor price between different dealers. The prices on MBUSA for those items doesn't include labor. Check around with different dealers and compare.
Although I didn't end up using them, offers from services such as LiquidPrice and Priceline immediately offered $1K-1.2K off. If you can wait till the 2002 line is almost ready to come out, you should be able to grab a MY01 at or near invoice, especially if there are manuf incentives.
Good luck...
swilsonator
I can tell you he will take very good care of you and the distance is not bad at all going to Bethesda MD...I have personally worked at HBL in Tysons 8 years of my life and can tell you they are NOT the dealer to deal with.
Call Gil Hofheimer for the best price and service - you can call him at work at 301-215-5407 or his cell at 301-674-1566. He also has a web page if you care to visit mercedessales.com. He gives a lot back to the community and is a great person which makes the deal that much better.
Tell him you know Frank Gstrein through a Mercedes Forum.
He is excellent and I can't say that about most...
Let us know if you need any more help!
Frank
Nice pictures and neat guards... where can these Cobra products be purchased... do you know price on side running boards?
Thanks - Frank
I just bought my 01 ML430 Sport from Gregg several weeks ago (my third MB from Gregg and this dealership). While I'm sure I didn't dip into Euro's holdback, it was damn close.
Hope this helps. Regards, Bill Shaw
Thanks. You can buy these at suvaccessories4less, currently it onsale for $575.00 and here is the link:
http://www.suvaccessories4less.com/stainsteelco1.html
Take care
Qui
TIA
That's just a leveling gauge to help you aim or level your headlights. Instructions on how to use the gauge should be in the manual.
Autoleveling usually only comes with Xenons where glare to drivers in front must be avoided. Sensors are placed on the rear axle which sense if the ML is level or not and adjusts the aim accordingly.
I know some who went of roading on some pretty bumpy roads with an X5 and everyone in the car felt sick cuz the xenons were just constantly autoleveling up and down ...barf
dt77
Regarding the exterior change there have been a few pictures of minor bumper changes that may incorporate fog/driving lights in the bumper as the ML55 and sport editions have... but not the same bumper as the ML55 or Sport... BUT we really don't know yet.... there was one report that production at the Vance facility had been cut for 2001 production by a couple thousand units in preparation for major changes to the 2002 product line.
You can read into that statement in many ways... any different dash components to accommodate the climate control system could be considered major to some. So this does not mean that any additional cosmetic changes will occur... but we just don't have the facts yet!!
If you think you can hold off for a bit it would be to your best advantage for several reasons...1) Once any official info. is released on the 2002 changes this will automatically reduce interest in the 2001's making them "better deals" to get them out of the dealers inventory prior to new models. 2) Mercedes may help with this by giving a dealer incentive $$$$ to enable dealers to discount as in past year end sales (i. e. buying at or a bit below dealer invoice). 3) If you wait you can see the new 2002 ML and it's changes and determine if these really matter to you. 4) It is a given that all ML's will depreciate to some extent with any significant improvement of the ML such as Digital Climate control... so by waiting you can reduce your capital investment and take advantage of year end model closeout pricing reducing your imminent depreciation.
IF you wait you will have more info. to make a better educated and informed decision.
Good Luck - Frank
However, as I stated above there may be more than one good reason to wait a bit. You might also find that a particular change for 2002 is really worth waiting for but won't have this option if you buy before you know more.
I can tell you from my personal experience - we purchase a 1999 ML430 which we love.. but!! in 2000 the interior was redesigned and included GPS..more trim appointments in line with a "high line" MB. Better sound deadening, additional side air bags for rear passengers.
My point is that there will be similar scenario with MY2002 and you might just be pissed that you did not wait if you really could have waited. Again, the pricing on MY2001 will be impacted by changes and you will serve your pocket book better to wait...
It has also been speculated that the MY2002 might incorporate side air bag head impact curtains... once again not confirmed but could be important to you and your family to wait and see.
See you - Frank
FYI... Maybe this is old news, but any of you business owners who have purchased an ML can qualify for heavy vehicle depreciations. Because the "loaded" Gross Weight exceeds 6000 lbs., "6352 on the 430 to be exact" The depreciation at 100% business use is as much as $23,000.00 in the first year alone instead of $4,900.00 in 2001 for luxury-class autos.
Talk to your tax professionals
P.S. Those MDX owners are out of luck. Oh well!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/freewaychat.html
Drew
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Tis the season. Tax time that is.
FYI... Maybe this is old news, but any of you business owners who have purchased an ML can qualify for heavy vehicle depreciations. Because the "loaded" Gross Weight exceeds 6000 lbs., "6352 on the 430 to be exact" The depreciation at 100% business use is as much as $23,000.00 in the first year alone instead of $4,900.00 in 2001 for luxury-class autos.
Talk to your tax professionals>>
...would anyone really want to depreciate at 100% business use in Year One?!? Doesn't your tax professional, advise you to depreciate at a rate based upon the useful life of the item? Otherwise, wouldn't you have to go thru the hassle of calculating the depreciation recapture, upon eventual disposal?
Good luck!
Frank
Thanks - Frank
Not much going on the ML forum... we need some scoop on the 2002 Models to get things going again...I hope by the end of March we will have more "real" info!
I think that fluorescent red sticky will definitely get people to stop ;-)
Frank:
Don't think we'll know until late May. At least that's how it's been so far...
This is actually my third and final attempt (I've run out of tape), and I still have a few small air bubbles here and there. In any case, I'll see how well it stays on and if not I'll just have to remove it and try again with tape that is less wide. The main problem is that the plastic trim piece is curved outwards and the tape, being metallic, does not like to bend. Dimensions are 52 cm, by 1.5 inches. If it doesn't work, I'll try 52cm X 3/4" tape the next time around, even though not all of the piece will be covered.
The Friday Freeways chat was fun, as always! Will you be at the Town Hall chat brake chat on Tuesday, Feb 20th (5-6pm Pacific)? It's basically Fridays Freeways style, but no trivia! Maybe the MB owners can show up and take it over ;-) ;-) Shhh...
I aligned the tag with the right edge of the left wiper blade so I can tell if there is enough room for me to get out of the cabin without problems. Since there is a support pillar in the middle of the garage, I then also know when there is enough room to open the front passenger door without having to fold in the mirrors :-) The ML's door rubstrips are used at least twice daily! An MDX could fit, but not easily (shelves on the left side); the lack of rubstrips or power folding mirrors would make it tricky to get in and out. It's rather amusing since a Ford Excursion could fit into the other (right) lot of my garage without any problems! There is far more than enough height, width and length.
If a several people (in this topic or in Townhall) would like to do a group purchase, I'm sure Poron could knock down the price. Autotoys.com has excellent DIY instructions + pictures of the 2 sensor system on an ML. I referred to these directions extensively.
Picture of the Poron system installed on the ML:
This CBC Marketplace report was actually the main motivator for me to get the reverse warning system. Have a look at the video clip of the TV, if you have the time. It's quite interesting.
WRT the Fresnel mirror, I placed mine in the same spot that David has his. Here's a picture:
Drew
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emblem on the trunk. I have been contemplating putting the V8 emblem on the c pillar, between the rear door and the rear side window, on both sides, don't know if it would look too ginchy though. Saw it on a clk and it looked quite sharp.
Took the ML430 up to VT this week, it performed marvelously, especially on the two lane roads going up the moutains. Not many passing zones, but when there were, no problem accelerating up and by the slower vehicles. The MCS worked great and was very helpful getting us around to our various destinations. I saw a few MLs,lots of Subarus and quite a few BMW SUVs, must be the chic skiers car of choice. Saw an Audi All-road, nice looking, and the new Volvo awd, looks somewhat odd. It has a stout rear profile with odd looking rear tail lights and protruding fender flares which makes the side view look very squat.
Very different than their other awd wagon.
The Fresnel mirror is a wide angle stick-on mirror. It really helps when backing up (into a parking space, or parallel parking) since you can see obstacles below the window line. Again, see my previous message for more info. Here are a few pictures though. I find that the reverse warning system and the Fresnel mirror both work well together. Whatever it below the range of the mirror, the sensors pick up.
Parallel parking
I wouldn't recommend the V8 logos on the C-pillar, but instead the front fenders on the area below the fender mounted signal lamps. I would align them up with the rubstrips on the doors. The reason why I like this area is because the MB Gelandewagen (G500 and G55 AMG) has have V8 badges there. I already have two "Elegance" badges on the very edge of my rubstrips, so adding another two badges would be overkill. But since you don't, I think the V8 badges would look good.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
target=_blank
Hope it will stay... :-) I'm happy now.
http://www.ometofu.com/ml.htm
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Now.. can someone help me a occasional/practical wireless rear cam....
I did the door handles several months ago. So far they have stayed on just fine. I've noticed several ML owners (when they're waiting in traffic next to me) looking and pointing to the sides of my vehicle. Heh heh...
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
4 matic is cool too ? ... was it expensive ?
ometofu, wow, u work quick. got that tape on just like that !, nice.
i was thining of smoking my tail lamps.
anyone done this ? there are spray paints out there that enable you to spray the outside. i think it might be illegal here in CA..hmmm...
it's also 'removable' but don't know the specifics on how it can be removed ..peel off ?
dt77
http://fullspeed.to/ml
Robert
rexconde@exconde.com