GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

I didn't order distronic or RSE...your thoughts?

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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 11:28 PM
  #1  
x-ALI-x's Avatar
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'07 GL450
I didn't order distronic or RSE...your thoughts?

I have a GL450 on order. I need some help, I ordered pretty much every option. I didn't order Distronic or RSE:
1) No to distronic; because highways around DC are not as open (somewhat congested), because I take the metro to work, and I figured $3k is too much.
2) No to RSE; because I don't have any kids, I will be the driver most of the time, and $2k+ is not worth an option I will rarely use.

Thoughts and recommendations please...
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 11:38 PM
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I would have ordered those options. They are "cool toys" and I love "cool toys". They also add to the resale value.

If you felt they werent needed, then they werent needed However, I think you should have asked for opinions before not after ordering the vehicle.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 06:56 AM
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2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
Options VERY rarely add to the resale value...
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by docutech
I would have ordered those options. They are "cool toys" and I love "cool toys". They also add to the resale value.

If you felt they werent needed, then they werent needed However, I think you should have asked for opinions before not after ordering the vehicle.

I can still change my order, no problem. Thanks docutech
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by x-ALI-x
I have a GL450 on order. I need some help, I ordered pretty much every option. I didn't order Distronic or RSE:
1) No to distronic; because highways around DC are not as open (somewhat congested), because I take the metro to work, and I figured $3k is too much.
2) No to RSE; because I don't have any kids, I will be the driver most of the time, and $2k+ is not worth an option I will rarely use.

Thoughts and recommendations please...
I would have ordered the Distronic...it is a good safety factor. It may not add to the resale value but could make it a feature which would make it easier to sell on your own. It cannot be added after-market so you only have the opportunity to do it now.

As far as the RSE...I did not order it for exactly the same reasons you state. RSE can always be added after-market if you feel you want the feature.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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I have distronic and love it. The true value comes in on long trips. Less stress and fatigue.

I have the RSE, but I have two small kids and we watch moves and play PS2 while the wife drives.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by carpersn
Options VERY rarely add to the resale value...
There is a lot of truth to that, but in the real world if a buyer is in between two cars the one with more options might have an edge. Also if most people don't order a particular option, like distronic, it can make the car stand out from the others for someone who wants that like me.

About not ordering Distronic, if you never drive in light to moderate highway traffic you probably won't miss it, but if you do any road trips or have had it before you will miss it. It is a great feature but it really allows to much space between you and the car you are following, and people are constanly cutting in.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 08:09 PM
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I have Distronic as well. Even though you may not use the "automatic speed control" part of Distronic, keep in mind that Distronic includes another subsystem that helps prevent collisions. Even when Distronic is disabled, a collision avoidance system is still fully functional and will warn of an impending collision by beeping at you and red flashing indicator. IMO, this alone makes Distronic worth the $3150. That being said, also keep in mind that the "automatic speed control" part of Distronic can not be disabled while using cruise control...not that that would matter.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by MBGLGuy
...a collision avoidance system is still fully functional and will warn of an impending collision by beeping at you and red flashing indicator...
Just curious, if the automatic speed control is on, will this automatically reduce the speed and eventually stop the car if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop?

I pass'd this distronic feature thinking that it is like another cruise control like feature ( I hardly use CC while driving unless I am in a freeway where I can see no cars infront of me). But your comments sounds interesting, like this distronic feature could prevent rear ending automatically?

If this feature still requires manual attention I dont regret I passed on it. I know I am expecting a 'Airforce One' kind of feature , but pl reply if that is true.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by mvenki
Just curious, if the automatic speed control is on, will this automatically reduce the speed and eventually stop the car if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop?

I pass'd this distronic feature thinking that it is like another cruise control like feature ( I hardly use CC while driving unless I am in a freeway where I can see no cars infront of me). But your comments sounds interesting, like this distronic feature could prevent rear ending automatically?

If this feature still requires manual attention I dont regret I passed on it. I know I am expecting a 'Airforce One' kind of feature , but pl reply if that is true.
No, Distronic on the GL will not stop the car...step up to the S or CL with Distronic Plus and yes, your car will be stopped. Why they couldn't offer the newest systems on all cars is beyond me.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 03:36 PM
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Just wondering...will MB be offering the RSE a retrofit option in the future?
I know they have the single center screen as an accessory, but am wondering about the dual screen RSE.

Wolfgang- any idea?
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by carpersn
No, Distronic on the GL will not stop the car...step up to the S or CL with Distronic Plus and yes, your car will be stopped. Why they couldn't offer the newest systems on all cars is beyond me.
MB has always integrated new technology from the top down generally. I am sure the Distronic Plus is more complex and entailing two different radars can not just be transfered to the existing models. Also, it eliminates the need for bumper sensors like now used for Parktronic. The next round of SUV's and the E will probably get the Plus system...but not facelifted versions or models already in the marketplace like the GL.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by x-ALI-x
Just wondering...will MB be offering the RSE a retrofit option in the future?
I know they have the single center screen as an accessory, but am wondering about the dual screen RSE.

Wolfgang- any idea?
Most MB dealers already have aftermarket RSE installs with the screens integrated into the headrests.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 09:02 PM
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07 GL450,
the heavily optioned cars prop up the values of the no-frills units like mine. Thanks in advance.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by MBGLGuy
I have Distronic as well. Even though you may not use the "automatic speed control" part of Distronic, keep in mind that Distronic includes another subsystem that helps prevent collisions. Even when Distronic is disabled, a collision avoidance system is still fully functional and will warn of an impending collision by beeping at you and red flashing indicator. IMO, this alone makes Distronic worth the $3150. That being said, also keep in mind that the "automatic speed control" part of Distronic can not be disabled while using cruise control...not that that would matter.
Another feature about the distronic that is worth mentioning is that it does not permit the vehile to speed up when going downhill, no matter how steep it is. It will apply the brakes and keep the vehicle at the set speed.
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