jpeardm

Curious if those wanting a 320cdi but worried about the hose problem wouldn't consider the 450instead. Is the diesel wanted for towing capacity or mileage or other reasons the gas engine can't fulfill? Just wondering, thanks.

StevethePilot

The CDI is simply a much better vehicle. It's more comfortable, more attractive, its owners are smarter and they sing well!

Seriously, the mileage and overall durability of diesel engines is what drew me to the 320. I was originally looking at the R, but its styling cues didn't interest me and even mentioning towing put the salesman into apoplexy. The ML didn't have the seating or potential cargo capacity, and while the BluTec E really impressed me, it also didn't have the cargo or seating capacity I might need.

My intention was to stay away from VW, and if you're going diesel and want modern CDI technology (or, soon, BluTec), there are few choices here in the U.S. I've owned a Benz before and liked it a lot. Few things compare. The only thing that could've taken me away from Mercedes is if Lexus offered a common-rail or BlueTec style diesel in the U.S., as my LX470 I'm replacing with the GL is still going strong after eight years and 217,000+ miles.

mbslk350

The fuel economy of the CDI is attractive. I mean, 20/25 on a 2.5 ton vehicle is hard to beat. And the purchase price is $2.5K less than a GL450 as well. (Yes, they're not discounting GL320's anymore, which reduces the financial benefit, but I agreed to a $4k discount last December, so the financial incentive is still there for me.)

Now, since I can afford a $62K vehicle, I can sure afford the premium gas to keep it filled. So it must be more than economics. This is where it gets a bit complicated. I'm not a tree hugger and have some doubts about global warming theories, but if I can burn 25% to 30% less petroleum, save money on fuel and pay less for the vehicle, then it seems like a win-win-win all the way around. I'm giving up the 0-60 time of the GL450, but I have a couple of nice little SLKs that sprint up to 60 very quickly. I don't plan to race the GL anyway.

oinick

The issue for me was the purpose for the truck. I replaced my 2006 Lexus LX 470 with a 2007 MB GL 320. The reasons:

1) The Lexus was HORRIBLE for carpooling kids to school. The rear seats are difficult to put up/down. The rear clamshell door bangs your knees everytime you need to reach into it.

2) The GL 320 has a single door with a power lift and close and third row seats that close into the floor with the push of a button. Very handy for carpooling.

3) The GL 320 is an excellent road car. It is at least as fast as the LX 470 but gets nearly twice the road mileage. My wife complained that the Lexus always seemed to need gas. With the GL 320, we have gotten 27 mpg on the highway at speeds in excess of 75 mph.

4) I did not need a primary driving car. If you do not need to carpool and the vehicle will be used around town vs. on the road, I think another vehicle might be better for you. I cannot see how a 450 would beat at 320 in any case unless you hate diesel and are a speed junkie.

I have had no problems with my GL 320 (4000 miles). I am thinking about selling my primary car (545i) since it is such a great ride.

oknish

Some of us (read those in CA) don't get the CDI choice

jpeardm

Thanks for the replies, as expected it seems there is a considerable difference in mileage between the diesel and gas. So far I am averaging 17 mpg in my 450 in mixed driving, that's probably as good as it's gonna get for me. Closing in on $4 a gallon this can add up to some $$$$ saved over time. I'm very fortunate I don't pay for my fuel, otherwise I would have considered the CDI for sure. Good luck all with the CDI and I'm sure the hose problem will be solved soon.

Nevada Jack

Mine was merely the desire to once again have a MB diesel. If they had offered the E wagon with a diesel then I would have ordered that. In it's place I went for the GL 320CDI. The CDI is a "better deal" based on the price and the mileage advantage also but that was really not a major factor.

I still like the GL and could very well end up in one by the end of the year...depends on what models are available in MY08 in the E wagon and GL lines. I feel the GL550 is overkill on power but the combination of the 7 speed with the 550 engine will be a rocket and a superb match. I am afraid the full 50 state Bluetec engine will not be available in the US until at best mid-2008 sometime.

StevethePilot

I'd sell you mine (I think it has enough miles for you to buy it) but I don't know when I'd get another one, and how much more it would cost me!

Here's to hoping the anti-diesel legislation gets squished. Or that Mercedes further burdens the car with this Add-Blue stuff so you guys can get them.

MERCFAN

I have had allways diesel cars and some V8 petrol cars. Diesel is a more realible engine, much better fuel eficiency, stonger engine, less maintenance, more durable, and in Europe with a better resale value, which will be the same in a near future in the US because of the almost $4/Galon. My GL 420 CDI now, is all of that, aside from the excelent ride I have with it which is the same with a petrol engine. Regarding polution Merc diesel engines with the particules filter have drastic lowered the polution. Allways diesel.

MDGL320

The V 10 dieselTourege had too little interior room, went to the MB dealer and decided on the GL 320. I bought my kids a diesel jetta last month and will move to an all diesel home fleet. I'll get my wife an E 320 next year if possible.

Mushroom

Mainly the price difference of 82.000$ between the 450 and 320cdi.
But the mpg factor is fairly important aswell considering a gallon of petrol here costs about 7$. The car isn't a sports-car anyway and the 320cdi feels fast enough when passing other cars etc.
But if I was living in the US I would probably consider the 450. Considering the small price gap between them.

StevethePilot

Oddly enough, it's the fact I live in the US that drew me to the CDI in the first place! Long, straight, wide roads with few stops in about 90% of the country (granted, it's a big place) meant my most efficient choice would be diesel, particulalry a modern technology diesel.

Sure, at $4/US a US gallon we're still getting off cheap compared to non-OPEC countries, but when the wife's getting nearly double the mileage of the old LX470 and can find diesel at $2.75/US gallon at some of the truck stops, it just makes economic sense to have a diesel.