2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 13 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

• 1
• 2
• next

• Sort by: Most helpful Highest rating Lowest rating Most recent

• 4 stars

  Poor Build Quality

  by means6 on December 16, 2011

  Pros: BlueTec economy good: 27.5 MPG HWY averaging 70 MPH without cruise. Nice drive characteristics. Towing is a breeze! Bluetooth setup is a snap and the panaramic roof opens up the interior nicely. Reclining back seats are a welcomed addition.

  Cons: Poor build quality. Steering tricky at speeds in corners without cornering option. What were they thinking--no front fog lights! Xenon headlights not standard. Standard headlight are not bright enough to see the road in front of you.

  Summary: I loved Mercedes automobiles, until now. In fact, I've been driving them since 1985 (300D). My stable also included the ML, C-class, CLK, and the GLK over the years. ...

  Read more

  Summary: I loved Mercedes automobiles, until now. In fact, I've been driving them since 1985 (300D). My stable also included the ML, C-class, CLK, and the GLK over the years. The 2012 ML Bluetec makes my 7th new Benz, including the 1st and 2nd generation MLs.
  
  With that said, the 2012 ML is by far the worse vehicle I have ever driven during my tenure with the brand. After waiting a week for delivery of an en-route vehicle, my 2012 Bluetec arrived. Imagine how deflated my purchase was when it "FAILED" on the day of delivery. First was the erroneous "flat tire" warning light 10 minutes after leaving the lot. Ok, I'll give to them, it was a cold morning--yeah right, I don't think so!
  
  Nonetheless, back to the dealer for a correction. Then 1.5 hours after fixing the flat tire error, a "check engine" light emerged and the vehicle entered "safe mode" meaning the RPMs would not go over 2000 for safety reasons. This may be a good thing for the engine, but I tell you one thing; "safe mode" is not safe when you are trying to merge onto a US interstate highway in heavy traffic!
  
  After nodding in apology to my new-found, road-raged friends, me and my new ML limped back to the dealership. The new 2012 ML was sick and needed the mechanic! Restricted to stall-rest for some 3 days, someone figured it would be best to "scavenge" a part from another homeless vehicle to get me back on the road.
  
  After that, I put 4000 glorious miles on the vehicle over the next 30 days, averaging 27.5 MPH on the highway and a combined total of 25.4 city/hwy! You'd think there would be no further problems right--wrong! After only one month of driving, the "add blue" light came on, but no add blue was required. Back to the dealer again. This time, after days of dealer diagnostics and speaking with the MB techs on the phone, it was determined that a "software upgrade" was required. After the upgrade it was determined that, you guessed it, another part needed to be ordered. So after seven days of checking and fumbling around, I still don't know when my "pretty new white 2012 ML" will be re-delivered to me.
  
  For my wife and I, this is been by far the worse vehicle delivery we have ever experienced from Mercedes. Not to mention, being the laughing stock of the party. "I thought you just purchased a new Mercedes, why are you in a loaner?" Personally, since I don't recall ever having such a bad experience with Mercedes, I can only attribute the problems to Chrysler focusing on the Jeep Cherokee and the Dodge Durango, which I understand use the same MB platform in their vehicles, but are not recording any issues. As a near-parting shot, what genius decided it was ok to remove the 6-disc CD changer, even though the Command Manual still says it is standard? Every MB vehicle I've owned this millennium has had that feature!
  
  I guess one can see that I have never been more frustrated with this brand then now. I remain optimistic, as the right people are working with me. And Larson Mercedes Benz in Tacoma Washington is a great dealer with some outstanding people working there! I love them all and they are doing everything they can to help me. That in itself keeps my brain from exploding over these issues. But, MBUSA take note: they can't correct poor build quality! I think this demonstrates the poor quality expectations that result when a fledgling US auto company takes over a quality brand. In my 25-plus years of Mercedes ownership, this is by far my worse experience.
  
  How can I trust a vehicle that can't even run 20 minutes without a problem? How can I recommend a vehicle that I don't have? How can I enjoy Christmas in a loaner?
  
  What was MBUSA thinking, taking a Chrysler and re-badging it as a Benz? How disappointing to all of us loyal customers! Did they really think we wouldn't notice the quality difference...shame on them! If you are considering this vehicle, take your time and ensure you do a thourough test drive. Also, shop the competition and determine what brands have consistent quality (say, BMW, Audi, Range Rover, and Porsche.)
  
  I do think in time, Mercedes will get their act together on the ML platform and it will return to being the leader of the pack.
  
  I love you Mercedes, but these issues should not happen on a $60+K vehicle. Oh!, and on more thing...who's ideas was it not to include the "off-road" package in the US ML models? If the build quality is there, do you really think ML owners are afraid to take the vehicles they are proud of off-road? I certainly would, and have in the past, but now I wouldn't be able to see where I was going!
  
  Just wanting what I paid for!,
  
  Darryl M.
  Washington State
  
  Updated on Jun 30, 2012

  UPDATE: Talk about standing behind a product and the customer! MBUSA purchased my original ML back and built me a new one. Therefore, I've taken time to test my new 2012 Blue before writing this update. My new vehicle is functioning exceptionally well. I have to say, after all these years, I was sincerely ready to walk away from the M-B brand. But the latest assistance provided by the leadership and the respectful way I was treated, made me realized why I purchased the brand in the first place.
  
  Note: I upgraded to the Intelligent Lighting System, and it is remarkable! Turn it on and forget about it! Your low and high beams come on automatically when needed, and you never have to worry about blinding other drivers, because the system knows when to adjust!
  
  Best or Nothing is the Mercedes slogan, and they have proved it to me! Thank you MBUSA for standing behind your product so well and keeping this customer happy.

  Show less

  1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 1 stars

  The worst vehicle I ever own.

  by neversummer78 on October 4, 2012

  Pros: Great gas mileage
  Very comfortable for long commute
  Beautiful car

  Cons: Poor build quality
  Lots of problem with eletronics
  Very unreliable
  Completely the opposite of what they put on ads

  Summary: I purchased my 2012 ML350 Bluetec back in November 2011. After 2 weeks, the first problem I had was car was pulling to the right at highway speed. After left ...

  Read more

  Summary: I purchased my 2012 ML350 Bluetec back in November 2011. After 2 weeks, the first problem I had was car was pulling to the right at highway speed. After left it with the dealer for about a week, they finally realized that it was bad tire which took them a few more days to get replacement. Next, I was having problem with car loosing power when driving over a long distance or for a few hours. There is no error message on the dashboard nor that the dealer can replicate. Anyway, I start documenting them on video using my phone. They finally acknowledge but still no solution for it. Along with the car loosing power, I was getting error with PRE-SAFE Inoperative error and Ad-Blue low level warning after roughly 3000 miles. Dealer was able to rectify problem with PRE-SAFE error and Ad-Blue, but they can never fix the problem with car loosing power. After roughly 5000 miles, I have to bring the car back in again for loosing power, but this time it comes with squeaking noise in the interior as if something is loose. It took dealer a week to finally fix the problem with squeaking noise and broke the front windshield in the process which they replaced. Anyway, problem with loosing power on long trip becomes more severe as the summer in progress. I will get stranded and having to shut the car down for 30 - 45 minutes to let it reset before continue driving. I was stranded on Grapevine while driving back from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The car could not pull itself up the hill, and freeway 5 was under construction without much service lane that I can pull out. I got lucky that I hit decline and got to pull out before big rig slam into my back. It will sporadically loose power on surface street too which almost landed me into a head on collision while trying to make left turn across on coming traffic because it will not move forward. I took it back into the dealer again, and they could not replicate and cannot fix the problem. Plus, they ding my car this time. I am glad that I was thorough before driving it off the service department. They agree to fix the ding for me because it was their fault. Anyway, I have reported all these problems to Mercedes USA with all the pictures and videos that I documented, but they did not review it and did not take it seriously. Currently, my car has roughly 7800 miles, and I might have to work with an attorney to get their attention.
  
  Other issues that I have with the cars are as the following:
  - Keyless doesn't work sometime: I had to walk around the car twice for it to unlock for me.
  - Loud "whoosh" noise from the back of the car when park after driving in hot weather.
  - Transmission shifting delay sometime which is probably associated with car loosing power.
  - Memory card reader not reading card: It is so unreliable like the rest of the car.
  - Unreliable lane tracking feature: May be firmware update can fix that but they haven't apply that to my truck.
  - Slight squeaking noise in the interior: I believe that poor build quality is the main contribution.
  - Faulty real time traffic information: It will show me that there are bad traffic (red) or no traffic just to see the complete opposite in person. I took pictures of that to proof that it was showing tons of traffic while there is nothing there on the road.
  
  
  I seriously am trying to love the brand, but I do not know if I can tolerate any much longer.
  
  Good luck!

  Show less

• 7 stars

  Comfortable, yet expected more out of MB

  by MarkML350 on September 8, 2012

  Pros: Handling
  Mileage
  Comfortable Seating
  Looks awesome

  Cons: Too much of "Road Feel".
  Needs better initial acceleration.

  Summary: Driven 40000+ miles .... It's been a mixture of delight and disappointment. On highway works like charm. Efficient 7 speed trans, new for 2012 with Bluetec gives awesome performance. Navigation ...

  Read more

  Summary: Driven 40000+ miles .... It's been a mixture of delight and disappointment. On highway works like charm. Efficient 7 speed trans, new for 2012 with Bluetec gives awesome performance. Navigation is awesome. Lane control really works. Awesome lights for night driving ... with halogen lamps. Comfortable and spacious seating. Phone call quality, blue tooth all work fantastic.
  
  Yet, the so called road feel is bit too much. It's there all the time. This is really irritating. Initial acceleration needs to be improved. A/C seems to be having issues. May need a ride to the dealership.
  
  Good, wholesome but not awesome.

  Show less

• 10 stars

  Just amazing

  by macwidme on July 27, 2012

  Pros: It is a luxury car with no flaws at all it is everything I could ask for and more.

  Cons: There are not any problems I know of except for the fact that the cup holder is not heated or cooled as advertised.

• 10 stars

  Amazing car could not want better

  by alman2345 on July 27, 2012

  Pros: Fuel Economy...Second the 28mpg Hwy, Front Seats!!, Ride, Harman Kardon Stereo WORTH the upgrade

  Cons: The price is a bit much

• 6 stars

  2012 ml350 -Terrible Telephone call quality

  by apkishore on March 13, 2012

  Pros: Great ride

  Cons: Terrible Telephone call quality

  Summary: When using the bletooth to use my iPhone make/receive calls while driving, I can hear people very well but the receivers complain of too much noise and I have ...

  Read more

  Summary: When using the bletooth to use my iPhone make/receive calls while driving, I can hear people very well but the receivers complain of too much noise and I have to disconnect. Know use Bluetooth headset for calls. Took it to dealer but they are or helpful - they said they couldn't reproduce and they don't have any software updates. Absolutely frustrating!!

  Show less

• 9 stars

  We love it after 1800 miles,BUT-

  by sureshot-ajh on February 27, 2012

  Pros: Vast electronics, control safety improvement over 2009 version

  Cons: Engine hesitates on cold start, you can burn your hands on the heated steering wheel

  Summary: We've had a bunch of first and second generation ML's since they were first introduced. Our last second generation ML was 2009 Bluetec. One always griped that the ...

  Read more

  Summary: We've had a bunch of first and second generation ML's since they were first introduced. Our last second generation ML was 2009 Bluetec. One always griped that the controls, electronics, GPS were cheapened and not up to Mercedes standards. Mercedes has finally done it right. In our 2012 ML350 BTC the seat controls are on the door like normal Mercedes models, rather than on the seat bottom side. The Command system is similar to that on my 2008 S550 but better. The GPS is easy to use. The bluetooth works (there was nothing wrong with our iphones after all) and the voice activation is useful and easy to use, unlike voice activation in any of our other older Mercedes. The back up camera works and is better than my S class camera. The tire pressure monitor actually monitors the pressure rather than indicating low pressure danger. There is a spare tire eliminating the hard riding run flat tires. The ride is more comfortable, and the vehicle seems to have a shorter turning radius, its faster, gets 22-24 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, which will improve by 2 mpg once we go from winter blend to straight #2 diesel fuel (assuming our past experience with our 2009 Bluetec holds true.) BUT, the heated steering wheel overheats-you need gloves
  not because the wheel is cold, but because the wheel is hot. The spot where the left lower steering wheel spoke connects to the wheel gets hot enough on initial warm up to almost cause a burn. This was confirmed at the dealership where they found the left spoke area heated to 120 degrees F, and the corresponding area on the right to 97 degrees F. After driving about five or ten minutes, the wheel cooled to a comfortable level. A week after the problem was confirmed, a new steering wheel was supplied by MB and installed. Its somewhat better, but still not right. Our 2009 ML had a normally operating heated steering wheel as does our 2008 S550.
  
  Problem 2, as reported in other CNET reviews, on a cold start, the engine smothers and hesitates on acceleration about 3 or 4 times, for the first 1 1/2 blocks after backing out of our driveway. Overnight air temperature in the garage ranges between 20-34 degrees F. Perfectly smooth sailing after that and absolutely no problem after starting the car when its warm. We never had this problem with 2009 ML diesel. I'll bet they will find a software fix for this problem. Although neither of these problems are major, they are annoying, but I have faith that MB will figure out how to fix them, and if I complain enough, they will fix them. Overall, they have finally made the ML a "real" Mercedes, and we think we are going to love it.
  
  Updated on Feb 28, 2012

  A somewhat annoying characteristic of the vehicle is the repositioning of the turn signal and cruise control levers, so that the turn signals are now the top lever instead of the mid level lever, reversing their traditional MB position. As we have a 2003 SL55 and 2008 S550 and switch vehicles frequently, we most be on guard not to signal a turn with the cruise control lever. In addition, you can't see the red l.e.d. that illuminates on the end of the steering wheel position control lever with the new design. But no matter, if its on the overheated wheel will soon let you know. On the other hand, the radar activated "blind spot" avoidance signal in either mirror is a great safety innovation which should be made standard equipment in ever car on the road today.
  
  Updated on Mar 9, 2012

  As suspected, a software upgrade was issued for the cold start engine management issue on March2. The upgrade was performed and the cold start engine hesitation has been eliminated. I believe the software revision is not a recall, but will only be done if the owner complains of the problem.
  
  Updated on Mar 9, 2012

  As suspected, a software upgrade was issued for the cold start engine management issue on March2. The upgrade was performed and the cold start engine hesitation has been eliminated. I believe the software revision is not a recall, but will only be done if the owner complains of the problem.

  Show less

• 7 stars

  LOVE My ML350 BTC, BUT Have ISSUES Too!!

  by ssimmerman on February 20, 2012

  Pros: Fuel Economy...Second the 28mpg Hwy, Front Seats!!, Ride, Harman Kardon Stereo WORTH the upgrade

  Cons: Issues....

  Summary: Traded my '08 MB E320 BTC with over 106k miles on it for the ML, and from DAY one when I pull the ML out of the garage in the ...

  Read more

  Summary: Traded my '08 MB E320 BTC with over 106k miles on it for the ML, and from DAY one when I pull the ML out of the garage in the morning it BOGS under initial acceleration between 7-16mph. It does it once, and then is good to go unless the car sits for extended periods of time (like a full day at work). The driver's side seatbelt rattles too. Returned the car to the dealer about three weeks out making sure it didn't cure itself or get worse, and after keeping the car three days, the dealer told me the problem was UNFOUNDED with the exception of the seatbelt that they fixed. Next morning.....BOG!!! I started taking a video of the tachometer seizure and e-mailing it to my MB Service writer on a daily basis. Two days out, the seatbelt started rattling with slight tension on it. Just cleared 4000 miles and guess what, that is right, the AD BLUE warning light came on. The car is currently back at the dealers of which they have finally confirmed the BOG but have no idea what is causing it.
  
  On the upside, I do love the drive of the car, the fit and finish of the car with the exception of the seatbelt, and the MPG. I travel slightly over 100 miles a day round trip, and if traffic is heavy keeping my speeds down around 55mph, I will actually pull 32-33mpg on the computer. Typically on my daily commute traveling 70-75mph, I hold anywhere between the 27-29mpg on the computer.
  
  Hopefully they can right the car out as my E320 didn't have a single issue until after 90k.

  Show less

• 8 stars

  Great improvement and performance to prior years

  by lopuihank on February 9, 2012

  Pros: They have improved the ride and steering is sporty. It is not driving a BMW but for a luxury SUV it is pretty good. The increased horsepower is a welcome edition. It is one of the most comfortable cars and traveling long distant is a pleasure.

  Cons: It is expensive and adding all the features and options will add $20k to the base price. There is definitely some good options like the premium 2 package with keyless go start. I also like the backup camera and the navigation system.

  Summary: If money is not an issue, the car is amazing and fun to drive. If you are looking for a sporty SUV, you'll need to find something else.

  Summary: If money is not an issue, the car is amazing and fun to drive. If you are looking for a sporty SUV, you'll need to find something else.

• 7 stars

  I want to buy this car in 2012

  by gabriel_baciu on December 9, 2011

  Pros: I want to buy this car in 2012

  Cons: I want to buy this car in 2012

• 1
• 2
• next

See pricing