Far From Perfect? Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec Diesel SUV

I rarely get upset about automotive reviews, but the reviewer sounds angry and frankly, biased. This was a poor review. Every paragraph was structured to attack the ML320 CDI.

My wife and I are the proud owners of two Mercedes' cars and both have the 7-speed transmission. I cannot relate to his claim of:

"The seven-speed automatic transmission M-B uses widely has had lurch-and-jerk issues."

I've never experienced these on my S550 from day one and neither has my wife (or I) in her '08 C350. Before buying the C350 I tested the ML350 and CLS500 and I didn't encounter this supposed jerking and lurching phenomena at all.

Next, this claim really irritates me:

"The diesel engine itself probably is fine — a little shy on horsepower, perhaps, but torque-rich as diesels are. "

Shy on horsepower? Is this guy for real? He even "corrects" himself and adds that the torque makes up for it. So what is he complaining about then? My understanding is that torque influences acceleration while horsepower determines more or less the speed and top speed capabilities of the vehicle.

It's funny how the comments on that side are all aimed at the reviewer and how he has "no credibility". I have experienced the new ML350 and I what he describes in his review is nothing what that car was like. The comfort was top notch, the brakes were responsive and again, the whole car was nothing like Mr. Healy claims it was in his review. Clearly, he is biased for some reason. All reviews of the ML320 CDI have been very positive. This review is too obvious a contradiction that you cannot help but wonder what he was thinking.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2008 5:59:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

maybe he got a lemon. it happens, unfortunately, for every manufacturer, even Honda and Toyota.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2008 8:00:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

with respect to my own comment above, I wonder if there was something wrong with the electronic system on this specific car. transmission lurching adn jerking along with bad suspension settings tell me something has to be amiss. I have yet to hear any other MB reviewed this way with regard to either aspect.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 11/28/2008 8:01:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I have travelled in this generation ML many times, and I disagree with this reviewer entirely. The gearshifts are smooth, take-off smooth, comfortable seats, good brakes, and a comfortable ride (more so than the X5 or Q7). The diesel engine is also responsive and quick.
His point about the headrest rear screens is irrelevant. They look a bit cheaper because they are - a whole 1300 dollars cheaper for the customer.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2008 6:57:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

What a moron.

— Mercedes (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2008 2:50:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I like James Healy's reviews and he is usually pretty balanced, but it looks like he got out of bed on the wrong side.

— 3pointstar (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2008 3:20:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1