Prefo

NJ, Amazing photos - shows nice details of the vehicle. MB should hire you to take photo's for their brochures, your pics are better than what's in the brochures

sraj

Agreed. If anything, they are even more impressive from a distance, where the perspective emphasizes their proportions.

By the way, are the chrome door handle guards a DIY item?

sraj

German automotive design has come a long way...they even put a cup holder on the engine!

AsianML

LMAO

It may just be that I'm weird, but I think larger cross-drilled brake rotors would complete the badass part of the wheels.

oknish

Hey Jack - an inline image is the one you paste in the message instead of attaching it. So, for context, look at images Brian posted earlier in this thread and notice that only thumbnails are displayed and once you click the thumbnail image, you then see the full image in a new window. Compare that to your posts that have full image in the message itself which is typically called inline image.

And, it was really weird in that I was not seeing any images you had posted. But now I see them all and did see how one of those even got included in my reply. Even the forum software can't handle a GL 550

oknish

I couldn't agree more. The way those spokes "rise" from the outer part of the rim (just below the tire) has such oooomph. Gotta see 'em to really appreciate them.

cc5731478

[QUOTE=Nevada Jack;2416323]The AMG rims have to be one of the key features of the GL550. Pictures do not do them justice.

Agreed! I wasn't a big fan of the rims until I saw them today in person!

Nevada Jack

Yes on the door handles but I had the dealer do it for me...no charge. They are a snap in, tape install so I understand.

Nevada Jack

LOL on the cup holder...yes they are slow to adapt to US needs....

Nevada Jack

Agree with you strongly on this matter. Should have been drilled and increased the size for a mean, mean look.

Nevada Jack

Got you now...I always post the images on my web site and then use the [img] post process. Makes it easier to view them without clicking to another screen. And I can post as many as I want at one time.

Nevada Jack

Thanks...I am open to MB for any offers of compensation they would care to offer for all the images and exposure I give their products...:-)

Nevada Jack

I shot this a few minutes ago with the external flash. I am getting close to finding the right combination for interiors. The wheel should be lowered and aligned but I did not have the keys in my PJ's...:-)

sraj

I really like that black interior. Very classy. We went with Macadamia because black gets quite hot in the summer here, and also the lighter interior feels a bit more open. Obviously, it's going to be tougher to keep clean.

Nevada Jack

I have always favored beige interiors and had ordered the mac, but to get delivery earlier I had to take the black. But after I saw it and see how it looks I am pleased with it.

I do notice that the interior is warmer when parked in the sun with the Blue Glass as opposed to the IR Glass in the 320/450 and my S550. I may consider tinting the 1st row side windows some but not as dark as the Privacy glass.

oknish

Believe it or not, Raj, but even with Black interior my GL has not felt hot even when we reached 115. I do use a good sunshade but my li'l Prelude (may she RIP) used to turn into an oven but GL gets warm. And, that A/C kicks major behind too.

Didn't think of how the lighter interior would make it feel more open but I see what you are saying. However, with 2 young 'uns, Mac or Ash in my car would have been Black anyways Just ask BoxBoss. He gave us a ride and I am certain he is still cleaning the scuff marks.

oknish

Hold your breath too while you're at it. Aren't you lucky that MB lets you drive one of their vehicles and even <gasp> let you photograph it??? Don't push it.

sraj

That's great, Nish. Do you have IR glass by any chance?
Purely subjective I'm sure.

Nevada Jack

You got that right...forgot who I am dealing with...:-)

oknish

I don't. But I know that those who do have it do swear that it helps keep the cooler. Hope the Blue sports glass provide more cooling than the regular glass.

Nevada Jack

I tried to do a google search on Tech Laminate and/or Tech Temperlite and do not come up with too much. It appears to be a laminate safety spec and is made in a variety of glass and colors.

In my opinion right now the glass is not very heat resistant, provides minimum UV/IR protection if any and was a cost saving move by MB to not provide IR glass. Their PR that the "Blue Glass" provides a "sporty look" is pure BS...it's all about bean counters doing their thing. They offer a Flagship model of the GL and decide to save a few bucks on cheaper glass! I am open to a different opinion or perspective as well as someone who knows the difference in the glass specs.

sraj

Jack, do you know if the Mercedes IR glass covers all windows, or only forward of the privacy glass? I was also hoping that I might approach the effects of the IR glass by laminating the front passenger windows.

Nevada Jack

The 550 does not have IR glass raj. All the windows in the 550 are Tech Temperlite and the windshield is Tech Laminate. There is a logo of the maker I think but I cannot identify it. They are graded E6 which I thinks pertains to the e value of the glass.

I also intend to probably have the front passenger area tinted....

sraj

What I meant was, do GL's that DO have IR glass have the IR layer on the privacy glass as well as forward windows? Perhaps IR lamination is not needed with the privacy tint, in which case I might be able to simulate the IR glass by adding the appropriate film to the front passenger windows. Hope this makes sense, and sorry about the confusion.

IluvS500

what happened to the headlamp wash button?