GL class
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Legacy GT Spec B
GL class
guys:
as this is going to be my first MB i have few questions:
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
thanks,
as this is going to be my first MB i have few questions:
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
thanks,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
as this is going to be my first MB i have few questions:
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
Oil changes and normal repair costs are in line with other luxury car dealerships, including Lexus (though probably noticeably more than Toyota due to higher labor and parts costs).
While I think it makes sense to wait for the diesel (being a kerosene burner myself), based on extensive research done by a number of folks on this very forum you will not see the 420 in the US in the forseeable future. The 320 is quite an adequate vehicle (also as noted elsewhere here on the forum) and has in fact been rated in some cases as a better value than the 420 because of less than impressive differences between the V6 and the V8. That said, if there were a 420 here in the US, I'd dive on the sucker.
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
I hope that helps!
STP
PS There is no 450 diesel
PPS We're not all guys - right, Jen, Chicky? ... I know I'm forgetting someone else ...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: FRESNO CA
GL550
As a huge fan of my GL320, I can say there's no comparison; despite the downgrading from Consumer Reports, Toyota reliability still soars over Mercedes'.
Oil changes and normal repair costs are in line with other luxury car dealerships, including Lexus (though probably noticeably more than Toyota due to higher labor and parts costs).
While I think it makes sense to wait for the diesel (being a kerosene burner myself), based on extensive research done by a number of folks on this very forum you will not see the 420 in the US in the forseeable future. The 320 is quite an adequate vehicle (also as noted elsewhere here on the forum) and has in fact been rated in some cases as a better value than the 420 because of less than impressive differences between the V6 and the V8. That said, if there were a 420 here in the US, I'd dive on the sucker.
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
I hope that helps!
STP
PS There is no 450 diesel
PPS We're not all guys - right, Jen, Chicky? ... I know I'm forgetting someone else ...
Oil changes and normal repair costs are in line with other luxury car dealerships, including Lexus (though probably noticeably more than Toyota due to higher labor and parts costs).
While I think it makes sense to wait for the diesel (being a kerosene burner myself), based on extensive research done by a number of folks on this very forum you will not see the 420 in the US in the forseeable future. The 320 is quite an adequate vehicle (also as noted elsewhere here on the forum) and has in fact been rated in some cases as a better value than the 420 because of less than impressive differences between the V6 and the V8. That said, if there were a 420 here in the US, I'd dive on the sucker.
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
I hope that helps!
STP
PS There is no 450 diesel
PPS We're not all guys - right, Jen, Chicky? ... I know I'm forgetting someone else ...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: FRESNO CA
GL550
I was trying to not throw cold water but I'm sure you are correct. Several years ago I was interested in the V10 Touareg and DMV was discouraging so all is great now with the 550.
Last edited by LEOSOPHIE; Jan 8, 2008 at 09:30 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: FRESNO CA
GL550
guys:
as this is going to be my first MB i have few questions:
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
thanks,
as this is going to be my first MB i have few questions:
1) how is MB reliability as compared to japanese segment.
2) How much the oil changes and normal repairs cost?
3) Does it make sense to wait for the Diesel to be out in CA? I want the 420 or 450 diesel and not the 320.
thanks,
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
Thank you for the corrections in info, guys! Ugh.
S, TP
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Copenhagen, Denmark
07 GL420cdi, 07 ML63, 07 CL500 and more
As a huge fan of my GL320, I can say there's no comparison; despite the downgrading from Consumer Reports, Toyota reliability still soars over Mercedes'.
Oil changes and normal repair costs are in line with other luxury car dealerships, including Lexus (though probably noticeably more than Toyota due to higher labor and parts costs).
While I think it makes sense to wait for the diesel (being a kerosene burner myself), based on extensive research done by a number of folks on this very forum you will not see the 420 in the US in the forseeable future. The 320 is quite an adequate vehicle (also as noted elsewhere here on the forum) and has in fact been rated in some cases as a better value than the 420 because of less than impressive differences between the V6 and the V8. That said, if there were a 420 here in the US, I'd dive on the sucker.
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
I hope that helps!
STP
PS There is no 450 diesel
PPS We're not all guys - right, Jen, Chicky? ... I know I'm forgetting someone else ...
Oil changes and normal repair costs are in line with other luxury car dealerships, including Lexus (though probably noticeably more than Toyota due to higher labor and parts costs).
While I think it makes sense to wait for the diesel (being a kerosene burner myself), based on extensive research done by a number of folks on this very forum you will not see the 420 in the US in the forseeable future. The 320 is quite an adequate vehicle (also as noted elsewhere here on the forum) and has in fact been rated in some cases as a better value than the 420 because of less than impressive differences between the V6 and the V8. That said, if there were a 420 here in the US, I'd dive on the sucker.
Another option, of course, is to get a (gently) used 320 (needs more than 700 or so miles, I believe) for your California driving experience, which is a bit difficult to do but again in my opinion much worth the added efficiency of the diesel engine. You'd also be taking the relatively first-year depreciation of the vehicle and therefore getting more truck for your buck.
I hope that helps!
STP
PS There is no 450 diesel
PPS We're not all guys - right, Jen, Chicky? ... I know I'm forgetting someone else ...
I've raced a couple of ML320 cdi on the autobahn and they def. couldn't keep up.
But the economy in the 320 i far superior, but then again I have a very heavy right foot.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Regarding the difference between a GL320 and 420, I've tried both, and there's no comparising, the V8 diesel has a brutal amount of torque- where as I find the V6 is more smooth in its power-delivery.
I've raced a couple of ML320 cdi on the autobahn and they def. couldn't keep up.
But the economy in the 320 i far superior, but then again I have a very heavy right foot.
I've raced a couple of ML320 cdi on the autobahn and they def. couldn't keep up.
But the economy in the 320 i far superior, but then again I have a very heavy right foot.
STP
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
I have said it before. The diesel is what brought me to MB as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon, CA
2008 GL450
That's the beauty of democracy and freedom to choose. I'm sure we based things not only on reliability...but performance, styling, etc. How funny would it be if we all selected things by reliability only...we would all buy the same things including vehicles. 
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Copenhagen, Denmark
07 GL420cdi, 07 ML63, 07 CL500 and more
I don't understand your legislation, the 420cdi with the particel-filter (or what ever it's called in english) hardly pollutes and you get loads of power with a good fuel economy. Why not sell it, or is it MB-usa who doesn't want to?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Mortenmol, I can assure you that if/when MB USA decides to release the GL 420, there will be a lot of interested folks. Although I am very happy with the power and acceleration of the 320, coming from a 7800 lb truck. Where are they built, anyway? It would really $uk if they were built here and all shipped to EU. My dealer told me that 75% of the 320's were shipped to EU.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Copenhagen, Denmark
07 GL420cdi, 07 ML63, 07 CL500 and more
Yes, then you would regret selling it like I do. I don't regret buying the GL, but I wish I had found a way to keep the Excursion with the 7.3, and not even a door ding. I'll really regret it in about 20 years when it would be a cool vehicle to cruise around.
Mortenmol, I can assure you that if/when MB USA decides to release the GL 420, there will be a lot of interested folks. Although I am very happy with the power and acceleration of the 320, coming from a 7800 lb truck. Where are they built, anyway? It would really $uk if they were built here and all shipped to EU. My dealer told me that 75% of the 320's were shipped to EU.
Mortenmol, I can assure you that if/when MB USA decides to release the GL 420, there will be a lot of interested folks. Although I am very happy with the power and acceleration of the 320, coming from a 7800 lb truck. Where are they built, anyway? It would really $uk if they were built here and all shipped to EU. My dealer told me that 75% of the 320's were shipped to EU.
And you're missing out...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Yes, then you would regret selling it like I do. I don't regret buying the GL, but I wish I had found a way to keep the Excursion with the 7.3, and not even a door ding. I'll really regret it in about 20 years when it would be a cool vehicle to cruise around.
Mortenmol, I can assure you that if/when MB USA decides to release the GL 420, there will be a lot of interested folks. Although I am very happy with the power and acceleration of the 320, coming from a 7800 lb truck. Where are they built, anyway? It would really $uk if they were built here and all shipped to EU. My dealer told me that 75% of the 320's were shipped to EU.
Mortenmol, I can assure you that if/when MB USA decides to release the GL 420, there will be a lot of interested folks. Although I am very happy with the power and acceleration of the 320, coming from a 7800 lb truck. Where are they built, anyway? It would really $uk if they were built here and all shipped to EU. My dealer told me that 75% of the 320's were shipped to EU.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Plus it's the cost of certifying a drivetrain in the USA versus whether MBUSA thinks it will recover those costs.
Yes, all Mercedes engines are built in Germany--as was explained to us when I toured the V gasoline engine factory in Unterturkheim in 2006. The engineer/guide was happy to point out that no more Audi engines were built in Germany. It's Mercedes policy and a goal to continue German production of engines.
When the UK's Mercedes Enthusiast magazine and others as well test the GL420CDI, they usually complain about the poor fuel economy. It's still viable in that market because diesel is cheaper than gasoline, which of course it often isn't here.
http://www.autocarmagazine.co.uk/Car...20-CDI/222178/
It's clear USA marketing arms are quite timid as regards diesels, recently again evidenced by the BMW announcement it's only going to offer diesels in 3 series and X5s, i.e. not in 5 or larger series.
I'm convinced Mercedes doesn't believe it can sell diesel as anything but economy and something less than 25 mph in a GL won't impress.
It's also likely Mercedes and BMW feel Americans don't equate diesel and luxury, either, meaning the V8 isn't likely to arrive in the S-class, even moreso making the USA market seem small for this engine.
The drivetrain certification cost problem apparently also explains why the off road package is only available on GL450s in the USA. It's standard equipment with any engine in the UK.
Yes, all Mercedes engines are built in Germany--as was explained to us when I toured the V gasoline engine factory in Unterturkheim in 2006. The engineer/guide was happy to point out that no more Audi engines were built in Germany. It's Mercedes policy and a goal to continue German production of engines.
When the UK's Mercedes Enthusiast magazine and others as well test the GL420CDI, they usually complain about the poor fuel economy. It's still viable in that market because diesel is cheaper than gasoline, which of course it often isn't here.
http://www.autocarmagazine.co.uk/Car...20-CDI/222178/
It's clear USA marketing arms are quite timid as regards diesels, recently again evidenced by the BMW announcement it's only going to offer diesels in 3 series and X5s, i.e. not in 5 or larger series.
I'm convinced Mercedes doesn't believe it can sell diesel as anything but economy and something less than 25 mph in a GL won't impress.
It's also likely Mercedes and BMW feel Americans don't equate diesel and luxury, either, meaning the V8 isn't likely to arrive in the S-class, even moreso making the USA market seem small for this engine.
The drivetrain certification cost problem apparently also explains why the off road package is only available on GL450s in the USA. It's standard equipment with any engine in the UK.
Last edited by lkchris; Jan 9, 2008 at 12:25 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
2008 F-250, 2007 GL450
I pulled this from MB UK site:
320CDI 0-62: 9.5, top 130MPH, 224 Hp, 376lb-ft
420cdi 0-62: 7.6, top 143MPH, 306 HP, 516 lb-ft
Keep in mind they also said the GL450 would do 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. None of the car magazine track tests could perform it this slowly. So take these with a grain of salt. Looks like their 320 is tuned a little different too.
And, interestingly their GL500 – the only V8 gas motor - is chipped to top out at 149 MPH. The US gets cheated again!
320CDI 0-62: 9.5, top 130MPH, 224 Hp, 376lb-ft
420cdi 0-62: 7.6, top 143MPH, 306 HP, 516 lb-ft
Keep in mind they also said the GL450 would do 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. None of the car magazine track tests could perform it this slowly. So take these with a grain of salt. Looks like their 320 is tuned a little different too.
And, interestingly their GL500 – the only V8 gas motor - is chipped to top out at 149 MPH. The US gets cheated again!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
I can remember the 1970s when all the 450SLs came with VR-rated tires and when they wore out (quickly) they all got Sears Roadhandler whitewalls.
