We really don't drive it hard, it is not really a car that feels good trying to drive it "sporty". Hearing that little engine rev up trying to move this tank is dreadfull.
I just should have done my research better before buying, I looked at the window sticker and it is rated at 15 city and 18 highway. The small print notes that city average during test drive ranged from 10 to 16 MPG. So I guess my expirience at 12 - 14 MPG is just normal.
I am just simply very disapointed by the huge consumption and little performance. I guess it is better to buy the ML500, at least there will be some power with probably similar fuel economy. The 250 mile range is what really gets me angry, since we have to go and get gas every two to three days.
This car has just been a bad expirience since the very beginning. When I got it it was vibrating horribly and the dealer said that was from sitting too long and it would go away. It sure didn't go away and I had to bring it in again. Then I complained about the gas pedal making strange noises and the dealer stated that's how they are. A week later the gas pedal got stuck in open throttle position. I had it towed back to the dealer. Aparently the pedal assembly was screwed up by initial assembly and is now fixed. Now the car still vibrates a bit and upon close inspection the front tires have developed a "saw tooth" profile, so yet again the car is going to the shop...
I miss my 180000 mile ten year old S320, it never had a problem...
Sorry for the rant...
