zhan

so, i'm looking at a GLK250 diesel and to me it is a great car.
some questions before i dive into the deal, if someone can help it'd be great.



its a 2014 base model, and if i forego the 2 major packages (prem 1 and multimedia), can i still retrofit backup camera with the existing command system?

also, since the dealer is working on the deal for me is discounting on its existing inventory, and the base model has no options obviously, and i'd like to have parktronic retrofited. they said it'll cost me $1295 to retrofit the parking sensors. is this a legit deal?

can i buy the retrofit kit and do it myself or have my mechanic do it for less?

also, if i were to lease the car, which credit bureau do they do the hard pull from?
i just checked with amex credit secure and have 729 on experian and 750 for transunion, but my equifax score is showig signs of attrition from recent hard pulls...

glayfan40

Anything aftermarket on an MB will be quite costly and would present warranty ramifications on related components....just something to keep in mind.

Are there any other vehicles nearby your location which include the options you want and that the dealer would be willing to swap in? That would be the best option IMHO.

fabbrisd1

1) If no multimedia - then you do not have COMAND - you will have Audio 20 system - and for that no MB/available rear camera upgrade to my knowledge

2) I am not aware of a MB upgrade parts kit for Parktronic

3) Your credit score is fine - well above MB requirement to qualify for best tier lease

Please understand that factory installed options are the most affordable way to have those particular features you want most - don't compromise that if you want to drive happy for the term of your 2-3-4 year lease.

zhan

yeah, but if i want the backup cam, it requires prem1 + multimedia... which add up to around 6000 dollars extra...
i dont really want/need pano roof and 80 gig navigation...

glayfan40

This is simply another typical case of "you gotta pay to play" with these German luxury vehicles.

You might want to wait a little for the 2015 X3 diesel that is coming out later in the year. With BMW you can at least pick the "Driver Assistance Package" (~$900 if I remember correctly) a la cart without bundling other expensive options.

I don't have the Multi pkg on my GLK250 either because of the same rationality. To look on the bright side, I got real good at gauging when I'm about to bump into somebody when parallel-parking because of it

zhan

yeah, my dealer is giving the lease to me for a great deal
it definitely wont happen with the x3 diesel

glayfan40

Fantastic deal indeed! What was the MSRP and lease terms if you don't mind me asking?

zhan

30 month and msrp is around 40500?

bop11

You don't need the MB packages for what you are asking. There are aftermarket back up camera system, some even show in the rear view mirror. Parktronic type aftermarket is also available as are systems that warn of people in your blind spot. The last two require drilling in the bumpers but not hard and cheaper than the dealer option is you don't mind a little work. Most Auto Audio places have them or look on the NET. I have seen all of these mentioned in this bulletin board. The MB packages are just nicely integrated.

Eyesncars

Keep in mind that with a lease you are paying only 50% of the cost of the factory installed options if the residual is 50%. It will probably be cheaper to lease a loaded car than a stripper with options put in after that you pay full cost for.

ashwats

Is it possible to install aftermarket stuff in leased vehicles without incurring any penalties?

rmfnla

Retrofitting is a great way to waste a ton of time, possibly screw up your car (or void your warranty), and often spend more money than if you'd just bought the car you wanted in the first place.

Take your hand off your heart, choose what you really want (not what you think you should settle for), and drive with your head held high!

balticgreen

A leased car is not your car to modify and you contractually cannot do so. You generally can install genuine MB accessories but retrofitting aftermarket backup cameras and parking sensors is a definite no. Can you "get away with it?" Maybe, but it's a gamble. Can you also get reamed? Yep, sure can.

Red flags are waving all over the place. You're leasing (#1) a base car (#2) that falls short of what you actually want (#3) because the options you want are too expensive (#4) and you're making max security deposits (#5) just to get a payment in the 300s (#6)? I don't say this to be mean, but it sounds like you're reaching to drive a Mercedes.

That said, even if you purchase the car outright with cash, I still would not buy something that falls short of the options you want and try to retrofit them. Buying an expensive car that you don't want will be an expensive mistake. So, if you can't afford the Mercedes you want, drive an inexpensive car with good resale value (think: Honda) while you save money for the Mercedes you want.

NVGLK

Mercedes Benz is not for everybody. Oriental cars are cheaper to own but not as prestigious as European cars.