dsunnym1

I seen three GL550's today (two different dealers)
all had running boards of course but two were finished in brushed stainless steel
including the one I am considering.... then the last one finished in chrome??
I cant understand why some were in SS and another in chrome when this was not a offered option?? of course the chrome looked the best IMO
I wish the one I am suppose to buy had the chrome finish!!


Anybody know the deal with this??

Blk04cobra1

You have two options for "running boards"...

1. Tubular steel side step bars= $1,061
2. Side running boards= $1,088

Both the ML and GL need side rocker panels in 2008 for the running boards to fit, these are $192 from the dealer.

Most people do not know about the "other" option, the one's ive seen have the side running boards, not the tubular side steps. Hope this clears up a few of your questions. If you like one more than the other, negotiate with your dealer to get the one's you like.

dsunnym1

All three had running boards not sidesteps,
the diff was two GL's had stainless finish boards
and one had the chrome finish ??
this what I am confused about

BlownV8

Both chrome and stainless are offered by Mercedes.

dsunnym1

But why would they give some 550"s chome and some SS
was not a option according to the win sticker ,, botht trucks equip the same
with same win sticker

Dodson

This is very interesting. I have ordered 2 GL550's, and was told the running boards were standard. There were no options for this. I like the look of the chrome, and I assume that is how they will come.

I hope they don't show up with stainless.

dsunnym1

Exactly!!
the running boards are standard equip for the 550!!
but why are some shipping with Crome and some with SS??
2 out of 3 I seen had SS including the one I'm considering!!

Something is not on par here

Dodson

You should ask the dealer with the SS. See what's up with that. Tell him you don't think it should come with SS, since that was not an option. I have only seen chrome, even on the 450's. Maybe he could swap them out for you.

dsunnym1

one dealer told me there a option on the 450
but he does not know why some 550's are coming this way??

Stumblefoot

I hear you Dodson.

BlownV8

The dealer can order them with the standard running boards, stainless, or chrome. Stainless is the most expensive option of the three.

dsunnym1

thx for the answer.....

i would think the chrome would be more them the stainless??

BlownV8

The stainless ones are almost double the cost of the chrome ones. Stainless is a more expensive metal than chrome coated mild steel.

BruNo

my dealer sent me stepboards for a GL, it was a "mirror finish". my ML has a "matt brushed aluminum finish"

Nevada Jack

As far as I can remember the only available selection on the NetStar was Code 214, Running Boards. There was no option for Chrome or Stainless Steel.

Perhaps MB made a running change on the line to substitute one for the other and what we are seeing is the intermix of the change? I have asked about this and will try an obtain an answer.

Blk04cobra1

I was just looking over the DOG and stainless steel side running boards are STANDARD on the GL550. There are no options to have "chrome" or any other running boards from the factory. My only guess is that the dealer swapped them out or had them chrome plated.

Stumblefoot

Ignorant question on my part, but was does the acronym DOG stand for?

Dodson

This is very interesting. Yesterday, I met with the dealer and went over the paperwork for the 2 GL550's that I ordered. I didn't see anything on them about different kinds of running boards, or the finish, and the dealer didn't know anything about it. It just seems that it is all part of the standard equipment, although I didn't see any DOGs running around while I was there. I hope the chrome comes on mine. now I am worried!

gordongl450

Seems like it is printed version of what is on Netstar with some explanantions about stuff.

Gordon

Stumblefoot

Dodson... dsunnym1 received his 550 and posted some pics over at; https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/207988-got-my-550-ya-baby-ya.html.

I asked him about the material of the running boards and his response is below.