ML63 AMG vs ML420CDI buying advice

[jsuk66]

Hello to the Forum, very nice to have found you

We drive currently a M3 and RR Sport V6 Diesel. My friend wants to get rid of the M3 as he doesn't like it anymore, he prefers to sit high in a 4x4.
But I like a sporty car with power and a bit of noise. So I was looking at a Porsche Cayenne but gave up after reading reviews, looked at other 4x4s and ended up looking at the M-Class which sounds very good. Money is not really the main issue in terms of buying and service, but my friend likes saving on petrol (he seems to be obsessed at times )
I like the look of the AMG and of course the power, the 420 doesn't seem to be bad either. I was thinking of converting the AMG to lpg as we do a lot of driving to Germany and I do something for the Enviroment.
Any thoughts?

 

[st4]

Heart=AMG head=420cdi.

The AMG car will guzzle fuel and will retain less value, + cost more to buy than the diesel. But it will go faster and sound better.

Why not buy an SLK350 for you, and a used ML320cdi for you.

I'd forget the LPG idea, the government are going to close the tax breaks on LPG in the future, duty on it is on the rise.

And I really doubt the conversion will save the planet. CO2 isn't a major pollutant. It may save an oil field or ten though....

 

[jsuk66]

Why not buy an SLK350 for you, and a used ML320cdi for you.

Thanks for your answer

It has to be a 4x4, easier for my friend to get in and out.

 

[st4]

Are going from 2 cars into 1. You have an RR sport and an M3 between you and your friend?

They can have the ML and you the SLK?

If your going for 1 car that has to tick all the boxes i.e. nice sound and 4x4 the AMG will be the car for you.

 

[jsuk66]

Are going from 2 cars into 1. You have an RR sport and an M3 between you and your friend?

They can have the ML and you the SLK?

If your going for 1 car that has to tick all the boxes i.e. nice sound and 4x4 the AMG will be the car for you.

Yes, we will be going from 2 cars into 1

 

[st4]

You'll be saving on running costs etc by consolidating two cars into one. The AMG isn't such a bad idea

Best advice is to for a test drive and test both models. If the petrol head inside you can tolerate the V8 diesel go for that, if you are thinking you;ll be soul searching with the 420cdi, go for the AMG.

Would a slighly used ML500 not be a better bet. Cheaper maintancence + insurance than the ML63. Massive purchase price difference, and still a big V8 under the bonnet

 

[type49]

Why not go for the 420CDi with a brabus full MB warranty mapping chip. Boosts BHP to 350 but more importantly, torque is boosted to 590 lb/ft - 110 more than the 63.

 

[st4]

Why not go for the 420CDi with a brabus full MB warranty mapping chip. Boosts BHP to 350 but more importantly, torque is boosted to 590 lb/ft - 110 more than the 63.

Sounds cool, but will it sound + handle etc as well as the AMG car? Will it feel as "sporty" as the ML63 (well as sporty as an ML can ever be). MB give you a 3yr unlimited miles warranty, with Brabus you get 3 years 60k miles (whatever you hit 1st). IIRC

I'd go for the 420cdi over a 63amg, actually I'd go for the 320cdi and save some cash....

 

[Mark A]

Any fresh thoughts on this one.

I'm looking at buying next month to replace my Lexus Rx-350. Heart says 63, head says 420. Anything to watch out for on either.

Mark