JimO'B

How do you like the GL? I'm thinking of getting out of my LR3 lease...I really miss the fun of driving a sedan (I've had 3 and 5-series, never a MB but am looking at E350 and 5-series), but I know I will miss the space of the SUV. I haven't driven the GL yet but all the press I've seen has been positive, saying it drives like a sedan. Your (or anyone else's) thoughts? Thanks

Barry45RPM

Not for USA cars. In areas where its called Linguatronic, it has many more features than in the US where it is called VCA (Voice Controll Accessory)

DerekACS

For Canadian MY2008 Bluetecs, there will be NO adBlue urea system on board! I have been told that it will be added for MY 2009. No confimation yet on whether adBlue will be part of the US E320 Bluetec for 2008.

Despite the smaller front brakes, according to Car & Driver, the Bluetec E320 stopped one foot shorter (70 - 0) than a CLS 550 !!!! Up here, there really is no difference in price between Bluetec and E350, once you equalize the options for both.

Also in the Bluetec's favour is the the price differential between diesel and premium gas; diesel being cheaper by about 27 cents per litre ( diesel $1.03/lt v's prem gas $1.30/lt.). If you calculate the difference over a year using the Transport Canada fuel consumption figures, the Bluetec will cost approx. $1200 less per year to drive, based on 20,000 kms or 12,000 miles of annual driving.

BudC

There's also a huge difference here in Arizona as well as some other states like California. That hasn't always been true since it wasn't too long ago that diesel fuel in the Phoenix area cost more than Premium.

In any case, it's too late for me to change now. If I lived in Canada or California, the BlueTec would have been an easier choice to make.

Underwhelmed

JimO

We love our new GL - It is why I looked at the E550. I've been a BMW guy for years but don't like the direction they are headed. Our GL is superior to our X5 in every way except handling at the limit (who does that in an SUV anyway?). Now, there is only 1000 miles on the GL so far so we'll have to see about reliability.

DrRx

Are you really able to track the progress of your ordered vehicle? If so, how is that done??

I, too, just ordered a 2008 E350 Sport with Premium package, which will also be built the same week as yours (2nd decade of June). Delivery here in the Toronto area is expected for last week of July or first week of August.

BudC

One of our posters (Konigstiger) provided this link http://www.2wglobal.com/www/customerCentre/index.jsp which should let you track your car. You will need to get the VIN number and name of the ship from your dealer and then you can use the SCHEDULES and CARGO TRACKING facilities at that site.

I think I might have misspoke. My car may be produced this week. Those of us who have placed orders for 08's need to keep each other up to date.

DerekACS

[QUOTE=DrRx;2245461]Are you really able to track the progress of your ordered vehicle? If so, how is that done??
QUOTE]

Suggest you contact your dealer who will have a Purchase Order # for your car. He is able use this # to track your car's progress from the factory to the dealership.

BudC

I've been checking ships departing Bremerhaven and there is a ship called the Atlantic Conveyor that departs Bremerhaven on 16-June and arriving in Halifax on 01-July. There is another ship called the Atlantic Companion that departs Bremerhaven on 23-June and arrives in Halifax on 8-July. Cars built the next couple of weeks headed to Canada should be on one of those ships.

It appears that my car will be on a ship called the Manon that departs Bremerhaven on 22-June and arrives at Port Hueneme, CA on 16-July. I expect to get my car the third week of July.

I believe cars destined for Florida will be going to Baltimore.

BudC

I had my salesman print out my P.O. to verify they got the order correct. The P.O. Number will be on that but what we need is a VIN number. The dealer should be able so supply it after the car is built.

DerekACS

As soon as your car starts production, the VIN should be available to your dealer.
Thanks for the shipping info. I'm hoping that my car makes it on to the Atlantic Conveyor.

BudC

Unless your car is put on the slowest train in Canada, you should have it before I get mine.

DerekACS

Well, the rail trip is sluggish and could be made even slower if the Indians carry out their threats to block the CN Rail lines at the end of June.
Once my Bluetec gets on a rail car, it can be tracked via GPS right across the country.
Once vehicles leave Halifax, it takes about 7 - 10 days to reach Vancouver, then up to another week getting off the rail car, through the prep centre and on to the dealer.

jimm

Just wondering .. how long does the actual production of a MB take?
One to two hours, or is there paint drying for a day or two, etc?

I’d love to see that assembly line but know that I'll never make it to
Europe.

I also wanted to see Corvettes being made in Bowling Green, Ky, but
that trip won’t be made either. Many guys buy their vettes and take
delivery there - and tour the factory - etc. Then drive their new cars
home. That would be nice.

jimm

==========

On Order: 08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,
Parktronic, Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut,
Split rear seat, Rear mud flaps

BudC

Derek, are the wheels you ordered an option in Canada and are they chrome plated? Do they look like a 17" version of the standard 16" BlueTec wheels?

DerekACS

Yes, the 17" Allmach 5 twin-spoke alloys are a dealer supplied option from MB; part # B6 647 4374 (8J x 17ET38). No, these wheels don't look at all like the current stock Bluetec 16" alloys. The Allmach's have a polished finish with very classy and sporty styling. They are ilustrated in the Canadian 2007 E Class brochure, page 4. If you go to www.mercedes-benz.ca , you can download the E Class brochure.
For 2008 , the Bluetec will come with 16"- 7 spoke alloys; I believe that the part # is B6 647 1831. My dealer will be swapping the 16" OEM Michelin MXV4+ tires for Michelin Pilot Alpins (225/50 x 16") for winter driving and installing the ContiProContacts on the Allmachs for three seasons.

BlackHammer

whatever you end up with congrats on the car!
TK

BudC

Very nice! Frankly, I like the standard wheels that are on the E350 in Canada as well. I should see if MBUSA has some Info on the 2008's.

Nope, nothing on the 2008's and the only optional wheels are chrome plated which I personally don't like.

Barry45RPM

I have a buddy on the floor of Caddy's Hamtramc Assembly plant & he tells me that it takes about 2 1/2 shifts to assemble a Deville Start to finish. Bear in mind that certain sub assemblies are pre assembled & sent to the line ready for installation. (The whole dash for instance, with the cluster & radio, heater controls etc reach the line already in the dash. The dash pad is slapped on later.)

BudC

I wonder if that's the old Dodge Main plant in Hamtramick. They must have closed up the Cadillac-Clark plant because that was a really dangerous neighborhood.

Back in the day when I lived in Detroit, Dodge bodies would come down through a hole in the second floor and there would be two husky guys sitting there with big rubber mallets who would whack away on those bodies if they got hung up. Typical UAW quality control in those days.

DerekACS

Bud, I agree with you on chrome wheels. IMO, they turn a beautiful, classy MB into a pimpmobile. The less chrome on a MB the better IMO.