MBUSA lists the appearance package as having roof rail crossbars:

"Make a bold statement with 19-inch wheels and stainless-steel front and rear skid plates with roof rail crossbars."

Are these the same crossbars to which you attach the cargo box, or other accessory items, or are these different?

I don't live near the dealer or i would go look...

 

That is correct...

The vehicle comes standard with just the roof rails that go front to back.

The crossbars come with the appearance package and with the off-road package.

Or if you do not get either one of those packages, you can order them from the dealership.

Part Number: B6 781 2128 For the Black Bars
Part Number: B6 781 2129 for the Chrome Bars

 

I take it that Appearance Package ones are the chrome? How do the two compare-I do NOT want Escalade-type bling factor.

 

I have chrome and I think they only come on the PE. They are nothing like a cadi bling factor, they look nice...

 

I think the ones that come with the Appearance Pkg. are the black ones that match the Roof Rails.

I am still trying to clarify the Running Boards that are listed on NetStar and which ones they are. I have only seen pictures of the PE running boards which I want. There are no running board options on the BYO site, only the round chrome bars with step pads. Does anyone have or know what the NetStar Running Boards, Code 846, look like?

 

The bars that come with the appearance package are black - I have them. Impressive and secure method of mounting. I got the Mercedes ski racks as an early Christmas present - very good looking set-up with locks on both the crossbars and the ski racks!

Bax

 

CAUTION - THOSE CROSS BARS WHISTLE IN THE WIND - BAD Sounds like a freight train above the sunroof....

Sure you want them?

 

Dave,

From the pictures in your other thread... https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/175336-gl320cdi-now-have-750-miles-first-thoughts.html ... it looks like you have the Basic Carrier. This is different from the Crossbar that should come with the Appearance Package. I think that the basic carrier is a bit bulkier than the crossbars, which might explain the additional wind noise you hear.

Did you get the basic carrier in addition to the crossbars? If not, they may have given you something different than what should have come with the appearance package.

I have attached some pics for comparison...

 

Wow I learned something new everyday. I didn't realize that there was a crossbar option available. I like them much better than the basic carrier which seems very bulky.

Does anyone know the major differences? load size? etc

 

Jack, I had the same question...why in the world would anyone choose the basic carrier if cross-bars do the same thing. the carrier is SO SO BULKY! I'm just wondering if all this spec is true? Especially since i spec'd Appearance and will have these included...
(on a somewhat separate note but not really, Appearance package at just over $1000 is quite the deal to include 19" wheels, chrome plates and the crossbars)...
on a final note, I WANT MY GL NOW!!!

 

I think that there are some things that can be attached to the basic carrier but not the crossbar...

For example, the rooftop bicycle rack only works with the basic carrier....

But the ski and snowboard racks and all of the cargo containers work with either the basic carrier or the crossbar.

 

Danno

About to make a purchase -- are you sure that the newer cargo boxes work with the chrome crossbars?
thanks!!

 

You do realize that you just asked a question to someone who posted 7 years ago

But to answer your question the new cargo boxes should work with the OEM cross bars both chrome and non chrome. Maybe you can be more specific as to which box you plan on buying and then maybe someone here can chime in if they own one.

But all newer Yakima and Thule roof boxes are universal with respect to vehicle cross bars.

 

Cmarshak

Thanks for the info -- yes I realized it but was desperate to get an answer and figured someone might respond!

Have 2011 GL 450 -- bought cargo (large black) from MB b/c I worked it into deal and needed to get crossbars or basic carrier...the basic carrier seemed straightforward and to work well but if the crossbars offered a lower profile/closer to the roof option, I was willing to pay the extra 100-150.

I had all three (box, basic carrier, and chrome cross bars delivered to the dealer yesterday and am about to finish up purchase.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!