GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks

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Old 03-21-2008, 08:08 PM
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Attached Thumbnails Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-boys-boarding-march-08-024.jpg   Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-boys-boarding-march-08-025.jpg  
Old 03-21-2008, 10:21 PM
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Thank you for the photo's UBRS. The car looks GREAT - I appreciate the pics. You have been very helpful - enjoy the truck.

Thanks
Old 03-21-2008, 11:28 PM
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Great pics! Thanks for sharing.
Old 03-21-2008, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by SFML320
I was just thinking if my old Thule box would mount on the OEM bars.

http://www.thuleracks.com/product_sp..._id=52&sku=668

Anyone has pictures of their box installed on the OEM bars?

No such luck, the old Thule mounts is not long enough to fit on the MB OEM wide Bars.

Went out and got the Ascent 1600 with the new quick grip mounts. Installation is pretty simple now.
Old 03-25-2008, 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted by SFML320
No such luck, the old Thule mounts is not long enough to fit on the MB OEM wide Bars.

Went out and got the Ascent 1600 with the new quick grip mounts. Installation is pretty simple now.
Here are a few of shots I took from my weekend trip.

Wind noise was very minimal. I had 4 adults and 2 kids and still was able to average 24MPG, coming down the mountain of course.
Attached Thumbnails Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-img_1814.jpg   Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-img_1816.jpg   Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-img_1820.jpg  
Old 03-25-2008, 11:55 PM
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Thanks for the pics SMFL -
Old 03-26-2008, 12:08 AM
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I saw a Silver GL with a Thule rack on it this past weekend. The box was also Silver in color and it looked really nice. With all the good experience y'all are reporting, I am thinking of getting a Thule also.
Old 03-26-2008, 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by oknish
I saw a Silver GL with a Thule rack on it this past weekend. The box was also Silver in color and it looked really nice. With all the good experience y'all are reporting, I am thinking of getting a Thule also.
I believe, they are 20% off at REI until March 31st?
Old 03-26-2008, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by ubrs
I believe, they are 20% off at REI until March 31st?
I just bought the Thule Atlantis 1800 on Amazon.com for $494, which works out to be cheaper than REI if you don't have an REI store nearby, since REI charges $71 s/h.
Old 04-01-2008, 11:47 AM
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Do any of you know if the factory crossbars on the ML are the same as the GL?
Thanks
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Old 11-17-2008, 12:30 PM
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I need one

I need one for Thanksgiving travel but I am undecided. Can someone tell how this compares to the one MB sells ? Also how is Thule Atlantis 1600 ?

Last edited by GLDriver; 11-17-2008 at 01:17 PM. Reason: more questions
Old 11-17-2008, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by GLDriver
I need one for Thanksgiving travel but I am undecided. Can someone tell how this compares to the one MB sells ? Also how is Thule Atlantis 1600 ?
I purchased the Thule Atlantis 1800 and am quite pleased with it. It's VERY spacious, attaches easily to the MB factory crossbars without tools, doesn't create a lot of wind noise, and doesn't interfere with the rear hatch. It also comes in black, which matches my GL perfectly. As I recall, the MB carrier only comes in silver.
Old 11-26-2008, 12:08 PM
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'08 GL450 (P II, ORP, Keyless Go)
Crossbars use Thule lock cores

Originally Posted by Comfy_Couch
I purchased the Thule Atlantis 1800 and am quite pleased with it. It's VERY spacious, attaches easily to the MB factory crossbars without tools, doesn't create a lot of wind noise, and doesn't interfere with the rear hatch. It also comes in black, which matches my GL perfectly. As I recall, the MB carrier only comes in silver.
I just purchased the same box you did. Additionally, I noticed that the lock core on my Thule box looked exactly like the lock cores on the keyed covers for the MB crossbar clamps, so I ordered two additional lock cores from Thule with the same core number as the crossbars. The same key now locks both the box and the crossbars, and I can only assume that the $5.00 Thule charges for a spare key is less than an MB dealership would charge.
Old 11-30-2008, 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Columbia GL450
I just purchased the same box you did. Additionally, I noticed that the lock core on my Thule box looked exactly like the lock cores on the keyed covers for the MB crossbar clamps, so I ordered two additional lock cores from Thule with the same core number as the crossbars. The same key now locks both the box and the crossbars, and I can only assume that the $5.00 Thule charges for a spare key is less than an MB dealership would charge.
Interesting. I think that is a very fair assumption. Is it a big deal to switch out the lock cores?
Old 11-30-2008, 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Comfy_Couch
Interesting. I think that is a very fair assumption. Is it a big deal to switch out the lock cores?
No. The process takes about a minute for each core. You'll need to order lock cores (with the same number as your crossbar lock cores), any spare keys needed (again, by core number), and a Universal Change Key.

The pictogram instructions that come with the Thule box don't make it very clear, but if you look at the pictures, the key that matches the current core is the one that is rotated back and forth, then turned to 45 degrees and removed. You then insert the Universal Change Key into the core, and pull out the key, with the core still on it. Take the change key out of the old core, put it into the new core, and insert the new core into the housing at the same 45 degree angle. Pressing a fingertip against the face of the new core to keep it in place in the housing, remove the change key, then insert the matching key for the new core (or, your MB crossbar key) into the lock, turn back and forth, then use as normal.

Cores: http://www.thuleracks.com/product_lo...rue&type=thule

Spare Keys: http://www.thuleracks.com/product_lo...rue&type=thule

Universal Change Key: http://www.thuleracks.com/product.as...9&sku=853-1251
Old 12-01-2008, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Columbia GL450
No. The process takes about a minute for each core. You'll need to order lock cores (with the same number as your crossbar lock cores), any spare keys needed (again, by core number), and a Universal Change Key.

The pictogram instructions that come with the Thule box don't make it very clear, but if you look at the pictures, the key that matches the current core is the one that is rotated back and forth, then turned to 45 degrees and removed. You then insert the Universal Change Key into the core, and pull out the key, with the core still on it. Take the change key out of the old core, put it into the new core, and insert the new core into the housing at the same 45 degree angle. Pressing a fingertip against the face of the new core to keep it in place in the housing, remove the change key, then insert the matching key for the new core (or, your MB crossbar key) into the lock, turn back and forth, then use as normal.

Cores: http://www.thuleracks.com/product_lo...rue&type=thule

Spare Keys: http://www.thuleracks.com/product_lo...rue&type=thule

Universal Change Key: http://www.thuleracks.com/product.as...9&sku=853-1251
Thanks for this info.
Old 12-03-2008, 01:33 PM
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Thought you might want to see what a packasport carrier looks like (http://www.packasport.com/). System I have is great for skiing equipment and has a slimmer profile, so can actually fit into a garage with 7'2" clearance with suspension in sport mode. Build is strong fiberglass so it is a little heavy, but quality build looks nice on top of GL.

I was able to use my old Thule racks with new Thule GL mounting adapters. I recently got 2 pairs adult skiis, 1 snowboard, 2 pairs kids skis, 6 pairs boots and a baby jogger up there!
Attached Thumbnails Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-imag0399.jpg   Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-imag0401.jpg   Thule Atlantis Cargo carrier on factory racks-imag0400.jpg  
Old 12-17-2008, 01:06 PM
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Has anyone tried to fit snowboards next to the cargo box?

I don't see Yakima having a product to hold snowboards or skis on the trailer hitch anymore
Old 12-17-2008, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by slim nicky
Thought you might want to see what a packasport carrier looks like (http://www.packasport.com/). System I have is great for skiing equipment and has a slimmer profile, so can actually fit into a garage with 7'2" clearance with suspension in sport mode. Build is strong fiberglass so it is a little heavy, but quality build looks nice on top of GL.

I was able to use my old Thule racks with new Thule GL mounting adapters. I recently got 2 pairs adult skiis, 1 snowboard, 2 pairs kids skis, 6 pairs boots and a baby jogger up there!
That used to be the biggest pain not having enough clearance to enter parking garages with these things on. Nice to know there are lower profile products out there.
Old 12-17-2008, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by SFML320
Has anyone tried to fit snowboards next to the cargo box?

I don't see Yakima having a product to hold snowboards or skis on the trailer hitch anymore
I found these:

http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=9&sku=575
Old 01-04-2009, 03:04 AM
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Originally Posted by SFML320
Turns out the Thule brackets aren't big enough for the factory crossbars. Has anyone tried the Yakima "universal" brackets?

http://www.yakima.com/racks/ski-rack...wderhound.aspx
Old 01-23-2009, 11:51 AM
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Greetings all,

I would like to get an Atlantis 1800 (Thule model) for our 2008 320CDI but I do not have the Mercedes crossbars. (only standard side rails)

Is there a Thule part# for the crossbars? (I suspect they may cost less than the MB $425 crossbars)?
Old 01-23-2009, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by jdbassman
Is there a Thule part# for the crossbars? (I suspect they may cost less than the MB $425 crossbars)?
The crossbars are made by Thule but the part numbers reference back to Thule Europe. US dealers (MB or Thule USA) don't have access to them. I learned that when I tried to find replacement parts for the plastic cover at the bar ends.

You can find the cross bars on ebay for about $200 once a while.
Old 01-23-2009, 08:08 PM
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My only regret was that I wish I had purchased the 2100 instead of the 1800.
Old 01-26-2009, 12:03 PM
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I just picked up the Thule Atlantis 1800 today in silver to match our silver 320cdi... remaining decision on the Benz vs. Thule crossbars

Does anyone have the 450R or 450 crossrails on their GL with pictures?


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