Chicky Monkey

I am experiencing a bit of frustration in the accessories department today.

I have another 4-6 wks to wait for my chrome wheels.

My dealer says my lighted doorsills are on backorder. Sigh.

The parts dept got my MB all weather mats in and they're covered with a waxy guck that we can't get off and so we refused them. Now the dealer says they want to give me my money back. I just want floor mats! I think he's going to try to figure out where to get them without the goo. More waiting.

On the positive side: I did order the samples from Rocky Mountain seatcovers today. Charcoal and Black.

And my chrome fins and switch plate covers are on the way so at least I'll have something to keep me busy while I wait for the other stuff...

Current stats: owned 3 wks. 1800 miles. Hundreds of dollars of gas. A husband who misses me because I'm always driving around. LOL.

lwain56

Great to hear that you are using and enjoying your GL. I believe Mercedes has recaptured the soul of their large vehicle line-up bekoning back to the days of their over-engineered S class's of the Eighties. My wife ditches her M class for my GL all the time!

HoustonRider

so how much $$$ does it cost for a 550 to roll 1800 miles?

with Diesel at $3.19 - 3.39 per gallon, I'm seeing 1800 miles for about $270 (I'm getting 600+ per tank, and its about $90 to fill up (last fillup).

Chicky Monkey

I have spent exactly $290.65 to date.

Since you asked.

HoustonRider

wow, how much is gas per gallon where you are?

Chicky Monkey

Hmmm...about $3.30-$3.40 for premium.

I only get about 15-16 mpg. Lead foot.

CommanderCody

Exactly

Dare I say I got better MPG in my GMC Sierra than I do in the GL? I could get 16-18 out of the pickup once I found the sweet spot. I know I can do better than the 14-16MPG I get now, once I learn how to drive the 550 with fuel efficiency in mind, rather than performance. I certainly didn't buy it for the fuel economy; however, If I could get a 320 that looks as good as the 550 (Fender flares, grill, etc), I would seriously consider it if/when I go to buy another MB. I honestly don't require the V8, but that was part of the package and I don't regret the extra punch

-CC

BJ021

I honestly was pretty shocked at how quick my 320 was when I first drove it. It reminded me that HP's do not make a car jump out of the gate - it's mostly in the torque and this thing has tons of that. That being said, dressing it up doesn't seem to be an issue - just money! I love the look of the 550 too - but just have no need for the big v8. I'm hoping MB has a souped up diesel verison in 2010 when the lease is up!

HoustonRider

so... I get 23mpg and you're getting about 15 or so.... and we're paying the same for gas/diesel and spending within $20 of each other at 1800 miles?

and I'm getting almost 50% better mileage than u are? lol

man, guess I should have bought a 550 instead of my 320...don't ya think?

Should be closer to $400 (at that rate of consumption)...
1800 miles divided by 15mpg = .22 per mile. 1800 miles x .22 = $396.

Chicky Monkey

Dealer put in a full tank. That makes up about $80 dollars worth of gas since we're getting it exact today. I hope that makes it close enough for you.

HoustonRider

close enough that I can sleep tonight...

CommanderCody

Speaking of the extra torque, does the 320 have the option for the off-road gearbox?

Between that and the availability of the Distronic plus, you're already selling me on the diesel.

tm4exc

What you want is the 420!

tm4exc

No ORP and then you don't have ADS which is discussed on another thread in detail. I love it. Tested it yesterday on 20 mile Camino del Cielo road overlooking Santa Barbara CA, with many potholes and fully ravaged by the heavy vehicles that fought the 260K acre fire we had a couple of months ago. My wife could not believe the supension isolation on the comfort setting. Worth every penny!

oknish

What is this I hear about Distronic Plus on Diesel? Inquiring minds want to learn more, Commander

oknish

Where in NorCal you leave to get gas so cheap? I am paying $3.60 for Mobil premium here in LA.

And, your mileage will get better as you put more miles. I now see 16 to 17 mpg regularly (on a 450, albeit).

LEOSOPHIE

In Fresno $3.55 - $ 3.65 For Top Tier Gas, Dont Use Costco, Or Mom And Pop Non Additive Gas.

Nevada Jack

$3.25 the last time I looked about a week or so ago here in LV...

Chicky Monkey

$3.47 at Safeway in Chico. It has gone up!

I'm embarrassed to say this, but I actually rarely look at the price per gallon. I figure it is what it is.

However....I do have my 5% off Costco card ready to go for the gas station our Costco is building right now. This will be the first time in my life I've ever intentionally bought cheaper gas.

CommanderCody

I got a little carried away there. I meant standard disctronic.

I almost bought a 450 about this time last year (Beautiful Capri Blue/Mac) that included this feature. I was impressed with the collision alarm and felt that would be an great system to use during freeway travel (especially during rush-hour congestion).

As far as disctronic plus goes, I don't have it in my S550 either so I can't comment on its overall effectiveness; but I figure MB may as well add it along with the new COMAND system in the 2010 model.

That's one of the only downsides to buying one of the Brabus, Lorinzer, 550 or other modified GLs with a body kit: You cannot use Disctronic technology because of the placement of the sensors. Even if the after-market "customizer" or dealer attempted to install the system on a non-standard body, I would hardly expect a precise implementation given that some key dimensions would have changed. I am not sure how much the logic behind Distronic adjusts for variations in the vehicle related to body and stance. If the constraints for these variables are tight, I certainly wouldn't trust the system to do my braking for me

CommanderCody

I agree with you about the ADS, I wouldn't want to drive a GL without it.

oknish

Don't be. It's not like looking at it will change the price I always look at it, curse it and then fill it up.

NJ - I can't believe it's $3.25 in Vegas. During the meet, I filled up at the only Mobil I could find and it was 2.99.

oknish

No problemo. I have distronic on my 450 and would love for it to be on 550 but MBUSA is thinking about it

Distronic is worth the cost though, especially, in places like LA.

CommanderCody

I just got my Chrome switch-plate covers from the guys at MYROADSTER.NET.

I don't know if Gerald monitors this forum, but I received a 3rd cover for a single window switch (thanks ). It's too big for the trunk switch, as we found out earlier, so I've got an extra that I'll mail out to anyone that wants an up close and personal, visual inspection. I don't know what else I'd do with an extra cover.

BTW, I love the chrome! NJ was right about the continuity with all of the other chrome and metal-trimmed instrumentation and controls in the GL. Instead of there just being plain window switches there on the door, they pop-out and remind you that there's even more buttons to push in the car!

Nevada Jack

When you say a third cover...is that after you did the front passenger and two rear door switches? They look great on the mac leather! Very nice images also.