axchung

When i got my GL i didn't understand why there were vents on the sunshade. Honestly i didn't like them.They didn't look appealing, none of my previous cars had those. Today i found out their purpose. Usually to use the tilt to vent you had to open the sunshade a bit. With these vents you don't have to open the sunshade at all. Cool.

tm4exc

Same on my 97 E320, but not on any of my Fords. You will find it really cuts down on the wind noise to keep it (the shade) shut with a vented sun roof.

SFML320

+1

85mm

Just remember to close the moonroof! I already left it open one night out of my garage. Fortunately it only rained mildy.

BJ021

Very cool find axchung! I stared at that one day and wondered the same thing! Those Germans are pretty smart!

BJ

ReachWest

Cool - I wondered what those vents were for too. Now I know. Nice feature.

Stumblefoot

1) Air recirculation with convenience window close.
2) Residual engine heat/ventilation.
3) Command module showing telephone reception.
4) Summer window opening feature with keyless go.
5) Door handle button that closes all windows.
6) Raising the GL 3.1" higher. (Learned this at the Vegas event)
7) Bridge between center console cup holders for tickets/cards.
8) When towing, the rear Parktronic system disengages.
9) Turn signal that when pressed up or down, signals three times.

GLDriver

Is this an additional 3.1" than the "raise" button does ?

Stumblefoot

No.

lkchris

Do you know that when towing, the GL's ESP provides trailer sway control?

tm4exc

It says it does and am looking forward to trying it. I would not subititute that feature for a trailer sway control however, if the trailer was longer than 20 feet and over 3500 lbs. Danno may have expereince with this effect.

axchung

I like that one too. Perfect when switching lanes.(Yes, some of us in NYC actually signal...)

Stumblefoot

I actually did see that one in the manual and thought that was very helpful.

We have a small Coleman pop-up camper and wonder if a separate brake controller is even necessary any longer?

tm4exc

Stumblefoot, I would say you are good without any trailer brakes up to about 1500 lbs trailer weight. I don't imagine your tent trailer weighs more than that. Given the low profile of the the load, I think you can stretch that limit to 2000lbs. You just need to be careful in the wet so that any braking you do is gradual so you don't see the trailer slipping by your right or left! This is a clip from the European interactive manual on trailer tow weights and brake systems:
"Permissible trailer load, unbraked
750 kg
Permissible trailer load, braked
(At a minimum gradient-climbing capability of 12% from a standstill) 3,500 kg
Maximum drawbar noseweight
(The drawbar noseweight is not included in the trailer load.) 140 kg"
Most large boat trailers have surge brakes as do horse trailers. Mine has electric brakes hence the need for a contoller (when I finally get the truck!) I think you are good to go the way you are.

StevethePilot

If you get four Starbucks drinks and a Starbucks cup holder, it fits almost perfectly all the way forward between the two bars of the center console, making the short trip home easier than putting two drinks up front and the trying to put two in the rear arm rest (where they're bound to fall over because real men only drink venti size!)

STP

jbondox

.

cjh.

Heck yes!

I agree, this is a great feature. Better yet is the load-leveling suspension.

Newbie_2_MB

Yup, my personal favorite! I find I try to use this when driving our Civic...oops...don't have that feature on the Civic!!

oknish

THANKS, STP, I didn't know that and always drove slow coming home from Starbucks.

The rear arm rest cup holders are actually pretty snug fitting, thanks to the German engineering. I stuck a bottle of juice in there on the way back home from Vegas and it fit in very snugly. I fully expected it to roll around but was pleasantly surprised. Will try a Venti cup next.

StevethePilot

I always thought the 550 owners had people for that kind of thing (either to make it for you at home or go to Starbucks for you)!

Seriously, those cupholders are good but with a taller top-heavy drink like a venti iced whatever (sugar free vanilla latte in my case) will take a dive around a sharp turn.

Next time we do this I've got to verify with the little woman she doesn't have anything on Sunday so I can stay and play a little longer. I didn't even get any real gambling in! (Other than the speed I set the cc at on the way home, that is!)

STP

oknish

They do. For some reason they call them as "450 people" but not sure what that means.

tm4exc

you guys/gals are funny!

scottybdiving

I go to Vegas once a year for an awards banquet. Last year, I never droped a coin for the whole trip. I had a wad of change in my pocket, that I decided to drop into the slots at the airport, on the way out. I quickly discovered that the $0.25 slots don't take quarters.