Power lift gate, useful or just a useless gadget?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 109
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From: San Jose, CA
2002 BMW 330i, and GL 450
Power lift gate, useful or just a useless gadget?
Lately, I have come to the realization, that the power lift gate is more of a useless gadget than anything else. It is almost annoying. At first, I thought it was a cool feature, but the more we use it, the more useless it becomes. It is especially annoying when one is in a hurry, and we forget to throw something in the trunk. To have to stand there waiting for the gate to open and then slowly close, in my opinion, is a waste of time. I much rather have just a manual tail gate. Anyhow, just thought I'd vent.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 292
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From: Las Vegas, NV
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
I am in the same camp with you especially since mine works right about half the time and it is really annoying when it does not. In my opinion, the power lift gate is geared more toward appealing to women. I base that on my wife's comments as it being an almost must option.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 857
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
Sorry guys, have to disagree...i have fallen for the power liftgate feature and it's nice not to have to get one's hands dirty when closing---
I hear what you're saying about the speed, especially if you're holding something heavy and waiting on it to open, however, it's worth it in my book...
I hear what you're saying about the speed, especially if you're holding something heavy and waiting on it to open, however, it's worth it in my book...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 252
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From: Central PA, Jersey Shore
'16 S550, '03 & '15 GMC Sierra 1500, '17 C300
I got used to the auto-close feature in our S550. If you do not like fingerprints and handprints on your vehicle, then the autoclose feature is a nice to have. I do not know what the incremental cost of this feature is, but in the long run, it differentiates MB from other manufacturers. As one gets on in years (I'm 53), these features will resonate in our minds when making purchase and lease decisions later in life.
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 138
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From: West Virginia, by way of NYC
2010 S550, '10 Road glide, '10 Sportster "48"
Sorry guys, have to disagree...i have fallen for the power liftgate feature and it's nice not to have to get one's hands dirty when closing---
I hear what you're saying about the speed, especially if you're holding something heavy and waiting on it to open, however, it's worth it in my book...
I hear what you're saying about the speed, especially if you're holding something heavy and waiting on it to open, however, it's worth it in my book...
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 164
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From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
Two-year old in one arm, bag of groceries in another, light drizzle ... power lift gate works for me. As far as waiting for it to close, I've found if you press lock on the key fob after you hit the close button, you can just walk away. No waiting necessary. The gate closes, the car locks, all is right with the world.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
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From: N. Illinois, USA
2021 GLS450, 2015 E250BT 4Matic, 2007 GL320CDI, 2005 SLK350, 2001 SLK320
With keyless-go, you can close the tailgate and lock the vehicle with one press of one button. This is a great feature! Hardly a useless gadget.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 487
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2007 ML 500
Lately, I have come to the realization, that the power lift gate is more of a useless gadget than anything else. It is almost annoying. At first, I thought it was a cool feature, but the more we use it, the more useless it becomes. It is especially annoying when one is in a hurry, and we forget to throw something in the trunk. To have to stand there waiting for the gate to open and then slowly close, in my opinion, is a waste of time. I much rather have just a manual tail gate. Anyhow, just thought I'd vent.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
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From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
With 3 large dogs on leashes pulling me towards the vehicle, I'm very thankful for the power lift gate. I can click it & get it open by the time the Three Stooges are ready to leap into it.
I do wish the rear window either popped open like on my Expedition or rolled down like on the 4runner. Although, my 3 dogs have become very good at "stay" while I take off their leashes & then close the lift gate using the auto close feature.
I do wish the rear window either popped open like on my Expedition or rolled down like on the 4runner. Although, my 3 dogs have become very good at "stay" while I take off their leashes & then close the lift gate using the auto close feature.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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r 320cdi
Lately, I have come to the realization, that the power lift gate is more of a useless gadget than anything else. It is almost annoying. At first, I thought it was a cool feature, but the more we use it, the more useless it becomes. It is especially annoying when one is in a hurry, and we forget to throw something in the trunk. To have to stand there waiting for the gate to open and then slowly close, in my opinion, is a waste of time. I much rather have just a manual tail gate. Anyhow, just thought I'd vent.
Also useful for when operating on highways as I have a specially adapted vehicle.
Used correctly anyone will see see the advantages of the auto tailgate.
Here is a hint, let your wife stay home and try lugging that shopping around....soon change your viws.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 362
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From: Minnesota
2008 GL 320 CDI Black/Black
Occasionally it is a pain to wait for it to open when you are in a hurry - but the benefits far outweigh the few negatives. I have not had any issues with mine at all. Mostly it's been very nice to have, especially with the hands full...which seems to be often!
Keeping finger prints off the back is a nice benefit, especially with a black GL!
Keeping finger prints off the back is a nice benefit, especially with a black GL!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 109
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From: San Jose, CA
2002 BMW 330i, and GL 450
I still fail to see the usefulness, but some of you are making a good case. However, if your free hand is able to press a button, then that same free hand, is able to pull the tailgate open
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Dallas, TX
GL320 CDI, SL550
Power Liftgate is great
I think the power liftgate is great. Does it really slow anyone down? I like how it will go up and down with the button on the key or the button on the drivers door. It is a great feature and part of what makes the GL a lux truck! 
BTW, Danno4x4 - I was at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin last weekend - just cannot get enough Guinness!
BTW, Danno4x4 - I was at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin last weekend - just cannot get enough Guinness!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by ubrs
However, if your free hand is able to press a button, then that same free hand, is able to pull the tailgate open
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
The power lift gate is a pure luxury to me. I like it but I would rather have had a remote start. That is the single most useful option I have ever had on a vehicle, since power windows. I use my remote starter almost every day, especially when there are people loitering in front of my truck. LOL
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I think the power liftgate is great. Does it really slow anyone down? I like how it will go up and down with the button on the key or the button on the drivers door. It is a great feature and part of what makes the GL a lux truck!
BTW, Danno4x4 - I was at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin last weekend - just cannot get enough Guinness!
BTW, Danno4x4 - I was at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin last weekend - just cannot get enough Guinness!
Oh, wait - on topic. If you've a case of Guinness in your hands with the key fob in one, you wouldn't be able to lift the gate with one of your hands without setting the Guinness down - very dangerous, as some ostrich may take a pint or two! Or perhaps some waterfowl. Or a monkey. It's happened, I seen it wit me own two eyes, I haf!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
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From: .
08 GL450
It's slow for a simple reason : so passersby can get out of the way in case you open or close it blindly from the driver's seat !
I'm sure speed was determined not by their engineers but by their product liabilty attornies.
I'm sure speed was determined not by their engineers but by their product liabilty attornies.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 25
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From: Iceland
2007 GL450 PE
Never owned a SUV with a power liftgate before - after having it on my GL450 I would say that the benefits outweigh the downsides - I agree that a seperate window opening on the rear would have been nice.
The only time it won't close for me completely is when ice and snow is sitting on the bumper here in snowy Iceland.
Orn
The only time it won't close for me completely is when ice and snow is sitting on the bumper here in snowy Iceland.
Orn
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 139
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2008 GL450 / 1999 ML320
The power liftgate is one of my favorite features. I particularly like the lock button (I have keyless go) which allows a single button touch to close the liftgate and lock the vehicle. I walk away and watch the lights flash to confirm that the GL is secure - great.
