₦airaland Forum

dokyOloye:
Them get herd mentality and hero worship/ass licking behaviour well well for here.
So,a simple academic exercise of which is better in what turns out to be a poke in the eye for them.

E tire me

asamwababy:
Wonder what he is doing here.

Same person fixing pirrelli on chinese knock off rims

Lol, if they ask you now, you will say you know cars. But you cannot distinguish stock BMW rims from aftermarket knock offs . . . you will be fine.

HeavenlyBang:
Since you know so much, why ask for people's opinions in the first place? Waka jeje.

Sigh . . . typical Nairaland . . Band wagon support and butt kissing.

Did you even look at what my post was about ?

Did I ever ask for an MDX vs ML550 comparison ? that conversation came from saying " The mdx is better and has more features".

I asked for feedback from ML550 owners with extended user experience.
"Feedback" , "User Experience" , not opinion on which to buy or whether to buy.

Tell me if our roads have given you issues with the Airmatic suspension ,
Tell me how long before you needed to replace them
Tell me how reliable your turbo has been,
Tell me if the 400 hp has been enjoyable and actually useable, etc
useful feedback only a real user can give

I am irritated by the blind support on this forum sometimes, especially coming from adults.

everybody should be able to respectfully disagree or debate.

radautoworks:
It's not a spat. I just don't receive pleasure from long car comparisons about minute features that don't translate to real-world advantage.

CNET has a comprehensive review on the 2014 which is what I have. Subsequent years only improved.

And yes, it is self driving. I took a road trip to Dallas and about half of the way I just had my pinky on the steering wheel or it starts whining. It rivals the system on the 2019 Volvo xc90 that won car of the year. My best friend has that and I drive both so I know. Another feature I use and love all the time is remote start which is STANDARD on the advance package. The 18 inch split screen with almost any input you can think of is especially good for the kids. Two 9 inch screen with pretty much any input source you can think of including HDMI and it's STANDARD on that package.

Lastly, name a Mercedes, any Mercedes and we either currently have one or have had it. There is a reason we are transitioning over to Acura. We are about to buy a 2018 of the MDX for my mom because she's in love with mine. I tried to talk her into the Volvo but she wants the MDX. She currently has a maxed out 2019 Highlander but is more excited about my 2014 MDX. And yes, there is a GL series in the house.

If you are going to buy an Acura, max it out and you'll get more bang per dollar than almost any other car period. You don't max it out, you won't get it. The only thing missing is Android play and that can be after-marketed.

Lol, so they're suddenly . . . "minute features that don't translate to real world advantage",
but these features were what you originally touted as The MDx's advantage over the ML550 ?
Now clearly the 2013 MDX even lags behind the 2013 ML550 in that regard

18 inch screen abi 9 inch screen?

I dont know who would be looking to buy a N10m+ car because of 21 inch screen or input sources, when even a 2001 mdx can have those features with many after market units and android screens.

Real world value in a Luxury SUV for me are in the

Performance
Safety
Interior/ Exterior Styling
Comfort
Handling

And those are the important categories where I expected you to tell me where the MDX beats the 550 not in the screen size.
The only things you can Max out in any MDX are comfort/ convenience features , onboard entertainment and a few other "minute features like you called them. No maxing out can turn an MDX to a 550.

Mercedes has 13 different classes and over 65 models, are you sure you've had all ?

For the record, I would pick a 2008 mdx over a 2008 ml 550,

radautoworks:
it's alright. You asked for opinions I have one. Please buy what makes you happy. I'll be in my self-driving Acura with a way better system than the Mercedes. I have edited my previous responses.

Sigh, you're still not answering the question though. I'm not trying to win an argument, forums are about knowledge sharing but you're making it look like a spat because i do not blindly agree with you ?

Lane keeping assist + collision mitigation is far from autonomous driving , but if that is what you're refering to as self driving then that is one good example of the many features that a 2013 ML550 has that a 2013 MDX doesn't . . . .see my point ?

radautoworks:
You must be driving the base MDX

I've owned fully loaded version of both cars so what do I know? I currently own the 2014 MDX with advance package as well as the 2014 RDX sh-awd max package and have had the equivalent on the benz and it's not even close.

Oh, also I fix them so like I said, what do I know? Carry on.

You didn't answer my question though.
What features does the MDX offer that you cannot find on an ML550 of equivalent year? not a GLK , C Class or an ML 350. But a 550 specifically ?
That lends a better perspective to your opinion.

The Advance , Tech , Entertainment , Navigation and Sport Packages on the MDX have just minor differences that mainly cater to certain comfort and entertainment priorities.
Mine is a Tech Package.

I believe to objectively compare two cars requires more than just saying A is better than B (which is largely personal opinion), the idea would be to say WHY & HOW A is better than B .

If design figures and test ratings show that the 550 betters the MDX in the categories I mentioned earlier, HOW then does the MDX better the 550 ?
I'm very open to learning. I'm a big MDX fan remember. But a spade is a spade.
I don't own a workshop or fix cars but my background is in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Tech Engineering Option specifically). Even though my love for cars has nothing to do with that.

radautoworks:
The MDX is better. You'll lose a lot of features going to the Mercedes plus you'll spend more on maintenance and repair. Nobody @me please. The arguments you guys get into over cars I no get energy.

Lose alot of what? Lol, I beg to differ.
Features like what ?
The MDX is anything but feature packed. As far as value for money and fun driving go I cannot fault her, but advance tech? Mba. The 550 blows her out of the water.

I'm not even trying to compare the 2013 MDX to the 2013 ML550. they're not in the same class if you ask me. I'm just looking for hands on experience with owning a 550 locally. Which I consider an upgrade from the MDX.

Interior styling/ luxury and exterior styling - 550 wins
Performance - 550 wins
Crash/ Safety ratings - 550 wins
Advanced Tech features - 550 wins
Handling - both great
Fuel economy - A V8 Biturbo cannot possibly be expected to have the same as a naturally aspirated V6. More power mens more energy consumption. The 550 doesn't even do too badly in comparison to the MDX

Reliability and local availability of parts are my primary concern about the 550

nakoks:
No be wah,its what balloon shocks have caused.

Lol,
I think there are non airmatic options

bizzle2:
I need concrete feedback guys. I'm a Die hard Acura fan gradually tiptoeing into MB territory. I have ridden the MDX for over a year and I'm spoilt on excellent handling and impressive performance. But my hunger is leading me to an SUV with AMG like "umph" .
If you own or have extensively ridden a 2012/ 2013 ML550 . Please share your user experience on
Ride quality, handling
Throttle response
Turbo issues etc

Na wa , ML550 users no dey this thread ?
appears to be quite unpopular

HeavenlyBang:
Hmmm. I'm not sold on turbocharged engines either but the M278 is widely considered to be very solid.

Depends on what you want at the end. The 350 is a 302 HP 3.5L V6, I believe. Not bad, but a lot less powerful than the 550.

Yes the 350 has about the same hp as a 2nd gen MDX which i currently drive, so I'm wondering if that's going to be any different an experience. while the 550 is +100, but then . . is the extra 100 worth dealing with a turbo, this I also wonder.

I need concrete feedback guys. I'm a Die hard Acura fan gradually tiptoeing into MB territory. I have ridden the MDX for over a year and I'm spoilt on excellent handling and impressive performance. But my hunger is leading me to an SUV with AMG like "umph" .
If you own or have extensively driven a 2012/ 2013 ML550 . Please share your user experience on
Ride quality, handling
Throttle response
Turbo issues etc

HeavenlyBang:
I am NOT a fan of BMW V8s.

Buy a 2012 ML550 instead. Should be about the same price, while being a far more loaded car. Comes with the M278 4.7L Bi-Turbo V8 pushing 400+ HP and almost 450 lb-ft of torque. That's the car you want. If you want more power, you can get a tune for about 200k that takes it to almost 600 HP.

There are plenty of MLs from that generation around already, so parts shouldn't be an issue. All CLS550's also use that engine, so you shouldn't have any issues. Very solid engine either way.

have you had any experience driving one?
I'm reading information on the throttle response being laggy from poor throttle calibration.
,would you pick a 350 over a 550 of the same year (2013) if they cost the same? Considering having to worry about about the Turbo.Never owned a turbo charged vehicle

Benekruku:
Hello, who has an hands on experience with MB ML550

Durability, performance and prone problems

Did you finally pull the trigger on the 550?

DonBrad:
Hello Chief, I am considering getting an Acura Mdx too. will really appreciate any advise from you and if we could chat outside here cause
i do have a few questions you're in the best position to help answer.

Thanks.

I look forward to your response

Hi, i no longer have access to the email address attached to this account.
You can email bluebird.redfire@gmail.com

$500 AGC needed. Physical cards only

Eldemmi:
I beg to differ, use the Tyre recommended pressure of your car not that of Tyre..
i.e always follow the information on ur vehicle pillar sticker regarding Tyre pressure irrespective of Tyre brand u buy.

When I say conform accordingly I don't mean inflate your tyre to 51psi , I mean take note of the specs and factor them .
Pressure recommendation on my MDX is 32 psi, but I have my tyres inflated to 35 psi , even though the max inflation pressure for my tyres is over 50 psi.

Manufacturer recommended pressure serves as the minimum for me while the max pressure for your tyre is the Max treshhold . . . As you move from min to max you trade grip and lifespan for comfort.

The factory spare tyre is inflated to 60 psi by the way

jidobaba:
Available.

Long time bro hw you been.
I need $400 AGC let me know when you get any

Gentlelife50:
Speed demon

100

KINGreignn:
Who drives an AMG in Comfort mode?
Switch it to Sports mode bro....

Good morning Sir how's your day going?

Lol, it's a screenshot from a review Video.

Going great thanks. Happy Corona Holiday

HeavenlyBang:
Only AMG I'd be interested in is the C63, and it's a bit too expensive for me rn. Plus every Tom, Dikk, and Harry drives a W204 around here.

C63 AMG, P31 package specifically..... next dream car. Such an underated beast. Best bang for your buck Merc.

The mere sight of the Speedo gives me goosebumps

dasphinx1:


Bros, why you no create thread for this DIY na

I will, just haven't had the time

KINGreignn:
Though, I am an audiophile, but my craze no reach your own. One headache I avoid is rewiring and rerouting of factory wirings for cars. In more complex cars, you'd get frustrated easily trying that. I recall a friend trying to do custom audio system in his Lexus. Mehn, the guy wept badly.

Lol , e no easy. But if you do adequate research and you're handy and tech savvy, you'll do fine. As long as you're ready to strip your vehicle down.

Small example

AgentGoat:
Please how much is the jbl portable Bluetooth speaker?

150 dollars at the time, its a little less now

AmuDimpka:
In cars ...I would go for Bose ! Benz is what is it

In homes I would go for bang and okufsen

Lots of recent Model Mercs have Harman Kardon Audio


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMXWpfKRrWU

KINGreignn:
Nice setup you got, for you to lay hands on infinity mid-range and Rockford fostgate sub shows you're a real hard core audiophile.

Thanks we dey try .
buying was the easy part, doing the install was the real headache.
took almost 3 days ( couple of hrs a day) to complete. Including sound deadening.But it was worth it

Bypassing the factory Amp for this car meant running fresh speaker wires from each speaker to the head unit,
powering the sub meant running a lead from the engine bay to the sub enclosure in the trunk, and so many other quirks.
I'll gather the energy to create the process thread one day.

AmuDimpka:
BOSE beta sound system is standard in Mercedes cars from 00 models

Personally Bose reputation precedes them...just like Bang and Olufsen or maybe Nippon

This is one person's opinion.
It also states "factory sound system".
Most factory sound systems are budget . Just something to complete the car. If you want better, you have to look outside.
I have NEVER driven with factory setup for up to two months

HeavenlyBang:
Since this is cartalk, I'm using you're talking about premium car audio systems. At their very best:

Mark Levinson is number one.
Then Bang and Olufsen.
Then Harman Kardon.
Then Bose.

ELS is probably better than Bose.

Copy That

KINGreignn:
On most cars having BOSE as their audio system, I find the bass in BOSE over boosted and it distorts the natural sound because it is distorted. You can't get the pure sound and this is annoying. It's mostly for loud metallic rocks and hard core Hip hops.

But on Harman Kardon you get adequate levels of bass and also it gives a more natural surround sound especially with their pro logic 7. The system filters it's sound to suit a variety of music genres and speech.

CC: bizzle2, you're an audiophile, come speak about this.

Lol, harmon kardon tuning is definitely not in class with Bose. Premium brands in the world use Harmon Kardon for a reason.
the stock setup in my car was a 10 speaker Bose system. The sound was manageable at best. I got rid of everything including the headset and kept only the tweeters..
My current setup is a Kenwood DDX9904s, two infinity kappas 62.11i ( Harman Kardon) in front and two JBL GTO629s in the rear, with a rockford fostgate sub.
Current sound is.... hehehe.
The only Portable Bluetooth speaker I own and have ever owned is the JBL Charge 4. So I guess that shows where my loyalty lies

Terribly Miss My Old Wheels , We Turned Quite a Few Heads Together

Now it's.. Pedal to The Floor, Look The Devil In The Eye