bobbymatthews

Has anyone purchased either of these vehicles in the last 2 years and would like to comment on there experience.
I have an Ml63 currently and need more space. How is the reliability and overall pros and cons of these vehicles.
Anything specific i should look for when leasing.
Thanks in advance....

FastMoneyPlaya

I have a 2011 ML350 Bluetec. I love the fact that I get ~22mpg combined with the diesel engine (usually 25-27mpg on the highway). The power isn't as good as a 450, but it's adequate for a big, 7 passenger vehicle that I use to haul family and stuff around in (8.8 seconds 0-60). The main thing I don't like is the COMMAND system which is a POS - especially for a $65K vehicle. But I use Google Navigation on my Droid since it's so much better than any car navigation system available. The runflat tires also suck. But otherwise my wife loves everything about it. And I figure I save about $1500 a year in fuel over what my old POS Land Rover did (about 14mpg).

jchochla

My uncle just got rid of his '09 ML63 AMG and is looking to get the new one.
I was looking at the GL550 & 350 at my time of purchase...and ended up buying the GL 450 because the power is about the same as the 550, with much better gas milage. My sales rep gave me a GL550 for the weekend, and i think i went through 3/4 of the tank to my cottage and back, given that my GL450 will only take around half a tank, maybe a little less. I tow 2 SeaDoo jet skis with it also. Sometimes i feel like there's nothing behind me when I'm cruising 75-80mph on the freeway.

From what I've heard, most people buy the GL350 if they tow heavy loads, because the torque is crazy.

I hope this will help with your decision!

bobbymatthews

How was your uncles reliability with the ML....is your gl reliable. Any issues so far

jchochla

His ML was great. He hit 30k on it and decided to sell it. He didn't have any issues with it really. I know once his navigation went out, but other than that it was good.

My GL has also been pretty reliable. It a 2010 and I've hit 21K on it. The dealer replaced a bushing in the right front tire and in the steering column, because i couldn't avoid this one pot hole while driving on the freeway. I also am considering getting another set of tires. The stock ones are s%@it. They make the ride very uncomfortable. I will probably just get a set of the 2010+ GL550 wheels and put some summer tires on them. Ill leave the stock ones for the winter, given that the winters are pretty bad here in Michigan.

aggst1

Last weekend I traded both my R500 and ML350 for a 2011 GL450 with P2 fully loaded. Didnt need two cars anymore since I also have a company car.
I test drove a GL350 diesel but I thought it was too slow coming from a dead stop and being used to a V8 from my R500 I wanted a similar performance level. The GL450 delivers that performance and even more (336 HP as opposed to 306hp for my R500). Yes it burns more fuel than the diesel but for my type of driving (less than 10k miles per year mostly city driving) the diesel made no sense for me. Can't help you with too much more other than the fact that GL drives quite different than the R and ML even they are all sharing the se platform. As far as reliability I suspect it will be on par with both R and ML minus some motor issues reported with the V6 motors in these models during earlier years of production.

Good luck on your search

aggst1

Also regarding leasing a new one, keep in mind a new redesigned model for 2013 is due by summer so I would assume 2012 prices will be discounted somewhat.

troymir350

Same as above post, we have had an R, and ML, and 2 different GLs. I guess we don't hang on to them long!

We went from the R that we absolutely loved but wanted something a little smaller (never understood why the Euro short wheelbase can't be sold here), to the ML Bluetec. The ML was not big enough for us and the GL fits the bill perfectly.

Now for my opinion of the diesel: it's awesome if it fits your lifestyle ok. As the above post indicates, I think if you drive a lot of miles and mostly highway or if you tow the diesel has advantages. Performance wise I'll take the V8 overall. The diesel is just a little more relaxed, but the next gen Bluetec (new ML) could fix that issue. The concerns about water in the fuel, adding winter treatments in cold weather, and the typically dirty pump locations were a little "off putting" for my wife also. The diesel is great technology, and there will be arguments that are valid for both opinions, but I suggest spending some serious test drive time in both versions and thinking about how you drive and what you value.

Coming from an ML63 to a GL Bluetec will likely seem like your driving a real slow ship that takes a while to make your way. But you'll be comfortable while on your journey. The GL450 was my way to go.

43221B

Unless you can get a really good deal on a 2012, I would wait a few months for the redesigned 2013. The diesel will have more power off the line which in my opinion it really needs.

The past 5-6 months the price of premium/reg unleaded has fallen significantly compared to diesel (at least where I live). This is also effecting the resale value of the diesels. Look up the resale difference between the 09 320 and 450 on Edmunds.com. There isn't much of a difference. When I bought my 320 Bluetec (which has the same engine as the 350) there was an $1800 tax incentive and the resale on the diesel model was better by 3-4 grand. Add to that, I was saving over $800 a year on fuel. I could easily accept the Turbo lag. Now however, when I am pumping diesel that is $0.70 more a gallon than regular, that turbo lag is a lot more irritating.

I plan on replacing my 320 in about 12 months with another GL and right now I'm on the fence as to which engine I will buy. It will come down to what fuel prices do between now and then and how much the additional HP and torque benefit the new model's acceleration.

There is also talk that for 2013, the current 450 V8 engine will be replaced by the 302 HP V6 found in the new ML. If that is the sad case, choosing the diesel will be an easy decision.

aeggroup

The market for Diesel/Gasoline works like two way street.
There is a winter diesel - which is more expensive than summer diesel.
There is a summer gasoline - which is more expensive than winter gasoline.
That is why you see that big difference in prices. Wait till April - it will be upside down.
I’m too concerned about resale value of GL diesel, but looking at used E class (2006-2008 models) – I see it holds value much better than gasoline version.
Good Luck.

43221B

I hear what you are saying and I know those factors exist but the past two winters there hasn't been this big of a price gap between gas and diesel. I understand that part of the problem is an ever expanding diesel demand worldwide. Europe already has more vehicles on diesel than gas. The rest of our planet understands that diesel fuel contains about 30% more energy per unit/volume and therefore less of it needs to be used to accomplish the same task. Our politicians refuse to allow new refineries to be built therefore the supply is not keeping up with demand. I am a huge proponent of diesel but I will not pay the same amount per mile to drive a vehicle that is significantly slower.