Mercedes ML

[ugene425]

Hi there to all the Merc ML owners!

I am looking at buying one of these for my family with a budget of approx £10k. It would be only used once/twice a week so it would be doing under the 12k annual mileage. It would probably do a couple of long journeys a year (Scotland/Devon etc). I am leaning towards the 320 CDI engine so it can move when it needs to!

What year was the model which had Bluetooth fitted as standard? As I know the earlier models (2007) do not have it fitted!

Is there anything else I should be looking out for when buying one? I would like Xenons and sat nav. However the latter is probably very outdated now in comparison to Google Maps on your phone?

Any tips or suggestions would be most welcome.

Thank you for your help!

[J4CKO]

Don't worry too much about Bluetooth, just buy an Android replacement head unit, they all have it and are much better than ten plus year old Merc original fit stuff, I got one for my CLS off EBay for £185 and fitted it myself, gives you loads of new features and any Android app you can think of, took half a day or so to fit.

[ugene425]

J4CKO said:

Don't worry too much about Bluetooth, just buy an Android replacement head unit, they all have it and are much better than ten plus year old Merc original fit stuff, I got one for my CLS off EBay for £185 and fitted it myself, gives you loads of new features and any Android app you can think of, took half a day or so to fit.

Thank you, sounds a good tip! Can I ask if the Merc does not have the standard sat nav unit fitted but just the cd head unit, will the size still be the same to fit a new Andriod head unit?

[Utterpiffle]

I run an E-class of similar vintage, and can vouch that the satnav is terrible! I have the 2016 CD, and it still so outdated. Have always relied on co-pilot on my phone, which is a super application.

I guess j4cko is referring to one of these type units?:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ancluu-Android-Player-Mer...
I've been putting off buying one, as I read mixed reviews, however, I really do like the concept of having modern navi, bluetooth connection to the car and ability to stream Spotify directly from the dash screen. @J4cko - I don't suppose you have a thread somewhere on your install? Also be interested to read your thoughts on these.

I currently run one of these for my bluetooth phone/streaming requirements:
http://www.dension.com/automotive/products/car-mul...
It's a bit clunky, as it tricks the stereo into thinking it is accessing the cd changer, but it does do what it says on the tin, and links nicely with the steering wheel buttons. An expensive option new, but I got this second hand off German eBay.

Edited by Utterpiffle on Friday 19th May 10:50

[Swampy1982]

Check the tyres when buying it, thats the only tip I can suggest, else if all 4 need replacing you are going to need 15%-20% more budget!

[monoloco]

you can get a MB phone adapter which plugs into the small compartment in the cover of the centre arm rest and gives you hands-free bluetooth connection. Don't know if you can still get them new but but a quick hunt on Fleabay shows a handful on sale for anything between £30 and an extortionate £180. I flogged the one I had for a previous car and got about £20 for it around five years ago.

[J4CKO]

Utterpiffle said:

I run an E-class of similar vintage, and can vouch that the satnav is terrible! I have the 2016 CD, and it still so outdated. Have always relied on co-pilot on my phone, which is a super application.

I guess j4cko is referring to one of these type units?:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ancluu-Android-Player-Mer...
I've been putting off buying one, as I read mixed reviews, however, I really do like the concept of having modern navi, bluetooth connection to the car and ability to stream Spotify directly from the dash screen. @J4cko - I don't suppose you have a thread somewhere on your install? Also be interested to read your thoughts on these.

I currently run one of these for my bluetooth phone/streaming requirements:
http://www.dension.com/automotive/products/car-mul...
It's a bit clunky, as it tricks the stereo into thinking it is accessing the cd changer, but it does do what it says on the tin, and links nicely with the steering wheel buttons. An expensive option new, but I got this second hand off German eBay.

Edited by Utterpiffle on Friday 19th May 10:50

Yep

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Pleased with mine, only complaint is the radio reception but apparently can be improved easily enough.

Flogged the oem one to a bloke in Estonia for £350 so ended up with a better system and in pocket