CE750

Help me make the case to the wife... She wants to also look at the X5 and the latest XC90, but being a CDI owner REALLY like the economy of the diesel.

What kind of deals are to be had on these? or are they too hot to deal on? Would I be better off to wait until close to year end you think?

Also, what are the MUST have options besides the built in entertainment system for the kids and the DVD-Nav?

jpeardm

No comparison to an XC90, apples and oranges IMO. There's a thread with opinions on the X5 down the page a bit. Has she test driven the GL? Good luck with your decision.

CE750

We're going down to test drive in a couple of days.. I wanted to be armed with any info before we go. I'm most interested in whether they are flexible on the pricing of the CDI's or not? I recall when I bought my E class CDI it was pretty hard to get much off..

jpeardm

There's some very savvy 320 guys here, I'm sure they'll offer some info. I have a 450 so I'm not in touch with pricing on the diesels. Options are tough to give advice on, I personally love the active lighting and contour seats as "useful" options, the appearance package is just that, adds some subtle bling that the Gl can handle. There's debate whether the 3 zone a/c is necessary - probably good idea in hot/humid climates with rear passengers, I didn't get Distronic as not necessary for me in slow commuter traffic, Off road is also a needed or not option. Yes, RSE is a kid must, I went for the wood steering wheel and running boards. Of course it all adds up $$$$ pretty quick so budget comes into play at some point for most of us.

oknish

CE750, not sure where you are located but supply on 320 has been a bit tight and so deals can be made but maybe a grand or two off MSRP. I too, like jpeardm, have a 450 so what I said before is based on my readings here. There is a OB with Mac interior 320 loaded with everything at the Westminster MB in Denver They might make you a deal.

And, really, there is no comparison with X5/XC90/GL. 3rd row in GL is better by far and you still have room for stuff with 3rd row up. GL's drives more like a car and interior beats other hands down.

What are your priorities?

cjh.

The GL is defiantly a better choice, yes I am a bit biased. As far as options- Premium 1, Bi-Xenon Curve Illuminating headlights, Dual screen DVD, Sunroof, and possibly rearview camera.

Dtextransplant

I have a XC90 and just purchased a GL450. There is no comparison between the 2 SUV's.

If you would like, PM me and I will have my wife talk with yours.

CE750

thanks for the input guys... We are going to go look at them soon, and we're also going to look at the X5. From what I'm seeing from their website, it looks quite nice too.. however no diesel which is a big minus for me.

Oknish, our single biggest priority is safety.. followed by build quality (where Volvo is failing poorly these days), and cool factor (features)

Nevada Jack

CE750...how are you doing. Give Greg Weiler a call in Denver at 866-711-0429 and ask him about my GL320CDI I cancelled the order on. It is loaded! He may be able to do something for an old friend of NevadaJack...:-) I bought my S550 from him and they are a great dealership.

How are things in Phoenix?

oknish

I can't speak for X5's safety since I have no idea about it. GL has the legendary German "tank" like build as well as side airbags (including 3rd row) and, IMO, scores pretty high on safety. Also, MS's crash sensing (or presafe or whatever they call it) is also rated pretty high.

GL definitely has a good build quality especially the interior fit and finish. Based on my experience with the transmission and 320's blown hose, I wouldn't call the build quality to be excellent, just yet.

Cool factor is subjective but, IMO, GL does have that "oomph". It catches your eye on the road and the hood bulges and fender flares are just right. It is understated but I like that. If you are looking for cool gadgetry inside then that's different. It has all the gadgets but they are not as "cool" as ones you would find on a Lexus or Acura. However, all the gadgets do work as advertised so that's gotta count for something

oknish

So you saying you're friendship is old? Or is CE as old as you?



Just kidding and you know it. Good to see you still gracing us with your wisdom.

Nevada Jack

LOL nish... CE is younger than I am but knows diesels...his 211 diesel is unique!

MDGL320

My GL 320 CDI is the 2nd diesel purchased this year. I also bought a new 2006 VW Jetta TDI. So far my GL (build date 5/23-27/07) is running great with good mpg. Keep in mind that in January 2008 all diesels must meet 50 state emission standards. This means more emission complexity and decreased mpg.This is the reason to buy now and the current gas pricing is keeping GL diesels close to MSRP. I bought mine fornm a dealer whose owner I know who said this was the best deal ever: 2K off.

Newbie_2_MB

I have a 450 and live in a state where new 320's can't be sold, so I can't comment on pricing.

The 3rd row in the X5 is only usable for small children. With the 3rd row down, there is very little room back there. I didn't even get around to test driving it when I saw how little room there was with the 3rd row down. I have big dogs & needed room for them in the back. I couldn't get 1 of my dogs in the back of the X5, let alone 2 or 3 of them.

hiddenvalue

If the third row seats are one of your priorities, GL is the one to go. The third row in X5 is a joke.

CE750

Jack, so nice to hear from you pal! Long time no hear! BTW.. , buy my wife made the switch from Nikon to Canon.. got the 5D and just ordered the 1D Mk III.. she love the low light response much better on the Canon's, although the body build quality isn't quite up to Nikon..


As for the original topic.. WELL... And I hate to say it as I'm sure some will think I'm trolling or creating flame bait... BUT... we ordered the X5..

We like a lot of things about the GL.. the interior size, the diesel, and the MB name.. but quite honestly, we found the BMW far more exciting, and the build quality to be more "German".. The GL seemed more like a Lincoln or Cadillac killer... made for that market, and that type of buyer.. the exterior styling more "truck" like and the body style more conventional. We looked at the ML and the R, but it was no comparison to he new X5.. We opted for a 4.8i with pretty much all the options.. some of them completely useless, but I had to have them.. like the Technology package and the Head's Up display.. but the best part was that 4.8i V8.. sounded awesome, and you really felt the 350hp.. the sports package also made the thing handle as well as any BMW or MB sports sedan.. SURE, the back seat is hardly useful for anything more than a kid, and the rear DVD player shares a single screen, but even then that came with wireless headsets.. over all we found the BMW to be more "technologically" ahead.. more "gee wiz" stuff, and the interior construction was just a bit more like I'm used to with the E class..

On a side note (and you'll like this one Jack).. I tried to convince the wife that for about the same money we could get an S550 with the basic options and it would probably be every bit (if not more) as safe as any SUV... but she wouldn't but!

oknish

hey CE750 - congrats on the new ride. I am sure you chose what met your needs and tastes. Happy motoring

CE750

Thanks.. and that's really what it comes down to. Taste.. They're both fine German engineered, safe SUV's.. just different. I'm just glad to be done with the mundane Volvo.. I really think they've slipped a lot since my first Volvo (a 1997 960).

MB Fanatic

Congrats Sam.

I am happy to say that with about 3K miles on the S80 its going solidly. Its a great car and it feels like Volvo has stepped up its game big time.

jpeardm

Hey, no flaming necessary, that's a nice ride! You'll have fun with that gas pedal.....and then you'll need those brakes which are just incredible too! Best of luck!

Nevada Jack

Hi CE...good move on the Canon 5D and MkIII...great bodies. With her talent she will get her moneys worth in quality images.

Sorry to hear you went BMW but it does have some nice features and is selling well so I hear. I still prefer the GL and the MB feel but you got one nice SUV and will enjoy it I am sure.

Good move on the S effort...it is really a true MB in every sense of the word and I could not be more pleased with it. However, I am still looking for a SUV or wagon with diesel capabilities and will see what the market reveals in the next several months. Enjoy the X5....

CE750

Volvo got A LOT of complains about the prior S80 from loyal 960/S90 owners.. especially about the turning circle.. so I hear they REALLY took that to heart and tried to make new S80 everything the older one should have been. Enjoy it....

Jack, I agree, the S has it all... If I had one, I doubt I'd ever want to drive anything else in my garage.

MB Fanatic

Oh yes the new S80 handles like a dream, turns on a dime, and has a rock solid interior. All the panels fit nicely and very tightly. I do wish the door handles were a little larger, but otherwise the features are just amazing.

I particlarly enjoy the Blind spot feature as it has saved me a couple times from merging into the next lane. Brakes are very phenomenal and can bring the car to a stop very quickly with no fade. The sound system is very nice, Dyn-Audio really worked hard to get this baby to sound right.

The headlights at nightime are much better than the E's Bi-Xenon setup. The Volvo just does a better job of getting more light onto the road and is quite comparable to the S Class headlights.

All in all Volvo has a solid winner and that V8 is the best feature, the car is a real rocket.

CE750

incase anyone is still following this thread, or interested.. here is the new X5

http://web.mac.com/sjsamaha/iWeb/Site/BMW%20X5.html

jpeardm

Very nice interior, looks good in white and I'll bet it screams! Impressive front disc brakes too. Have fun!