Test Drove the 450 yesterday
03-16-2008, 03:08 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
Test Drove the 450 yesterday
I test drove the 450 at FJ LV. (Buying this as B-day gift to wife). No 320 in B on B so ended up testing the 450 B on B. Wife loves the car!
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria).
3. No squeaks or rattles at normal driving. Very impressive NVH control.
4. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
5. full size adult can sit comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be mitigated by the rear sunroof.
6. Acceptable blind spot.
7. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
8. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that.
9. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right
The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?
11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria).
3. No squeaks or rattles at normal driving. Very impressive NVH control.
4. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
5. full size adult can sit comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be mitigated by the rear sunroof.
6. Acceptable blind spot.
7. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
8. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that.
9. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right
The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
Last edited by japon; 03-16-2008 at 04:29 PM.
03-16-2008, 03:19 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55
I test drove the 450 at FJ LV. (Buying this as B-day gift to wife). No 320 in B on B so ended up testing the 450 B on B. Wife loves the car!
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria)
3. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
4. full size adult can seat comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be lessened by the rear sunroof.
5. Acceptable blind spot.
6. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
7. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that.
8. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?
Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria)
3. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
4. full size adult can seat comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be lessened by the rear sunroof.
5. Acceptable blind spot.
6. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
7. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that.
8. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right
The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
I live in Las Vegas too. Two weeks ago when I was at FJ they had 4 320 sitting in the basement along with two 550 GLs. I know they had a lot of 450s on the lot. They constantly get GLs so dont worry about the stock. I go into the basement parking lot every two weeks to check their inventory and caught my sales guy lying about how hard GLs are hard to get. FJ has the only MB dealership in Vegas so they tend to rip us whenever possible. If you are looking for a 450 you can get those anywhere for a good discount. The GL 320 is harder to deal with. I would email Utah, AZ, etc. Nevada Jack is a Las Vegas native also and buys all his MB from Colorado.
Which sales guy are you working with over at FJ. I am working with a shady veteran sales guy over there named Donald. I wont be buying from him due to catching him lying to me several times about inventory.
Last edited by TV550; 03-16-2008 at 07:38 PM.
03-16-2008, 03:27 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
Which sales guy are you working with over at FJ. I am working with a shady veteran sales guy over there named Donald. I wont be buying from him due to catching him lying to me several times about inventory.[/QUOTE]
lol about about shady car salesman. Don't you agree that is an oxymoron?
I think the salesman's name was Ric or Rob. Not really in serious buy mode whenever we are at FJ. One time the so-called director of sales said we insulted him when we offered a reasonable price offer to buy.
Yes will go out of state to buy.
lol about about shady car salesman. Don't you agree that is an oxymoron?
I think the salesman's name was Ric or Rob. Not really in serious buy mode whenever we are at FJ. One time the so-called director of sales said we insulted him when we offered a reasonable price offer to buy.
Yes will go out of state to buy.
Last edited by japon; 03-16-2008 at 11:16 PM.
03-16-2008, 03:29 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
6 Posts
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Greg Weiler 866-711-0429 They are closed on Sunday and his day off is Thursday. A straight shooter and very knowledgeable! Westminster MB just northwest of Denver.
BTW, make sure you get the lighting package to deal with your concern about lighting intensity.
03-16-2008, 03:30 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?
11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID?
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right
The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment?11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
#1 - When "emergency" braking, the car adds brake pressure for you. Compared to other SUVs I've driven, it's really good. Compared to some sedans, it requires a bit more movement and pressure for equal stopping performance. Hey, it's a monster!
#6 - There's another thread here regarding replacing the OEM/stock bulbs. I did and was quite satisfied with the results. Or go with the adaptive headlights and get the upgraded system!
#9 - That does not sound like "poor traction" but something I experience in every full-time 4WD vehicle I drive. It's sometimes called "tracking," and it's a common question. That also applies to the feeling of the truck pulling to one side or another, depending on the camber of the road.
Regarding the floor shifter - your wife's LV bag wouldn't fit in the center if that was there, eh?
Good luck, and I'm glad you like the truck!
STP
03-16-2008, 03:44 PM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
Regarding the floor shifter - your wife's LV bag wouldn't fit in the center if that was there, eh?
Good luck, and I'm glad you like the truck!
STP[/QUOTE]
Thanks NJ for Greg's number.
STP: Lol about the LV bag. What I meant was it fits inside the center console.
Yes, I will search on the posts regarding replacing the OEM bulbs.
Thanks for all your inputs!
Good luck, and I'm glad you like the truck!
STP[/QUOTE]
Thanks NJ for Greg's number.
STP: Lol about the LV bag. What I meant was it fits inside the center console.
Yes, I will search on the posts regarding replacing the OEM bulbs.
Thanks for all your inputs!
03-16-2008, 04:13 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
edmunds pricing with P1
Invoice
National Base Price MRSP Invoice TMV Price
A note about advertising fees $53,400 $49,662 $52,341
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code Change - - $529
Optional Equipment $6,400 $5,952 $6,336
P01 P1: Premium I Package $6,400 $5,952 $6,336
Color Adjustment - - -$122
Obsidian Black Metallic
Destination Charge $825 $825 $825
Total with Options $60,625 $56,439 $59,909
Not sure if I should start negotiating with this price point. Any inputs?
Thanks.
National Base Price MRSP Invoice TMV Price
A note about advertising fees $53,400 $49,662 $52,341
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code Change - - $529
Optional Equipment $6,400 $5,952 $6,336
P01 P1: Premium I Package $6,400 $5,952 $6,336
Color Adjustment - - -$122
Obsidian Black Metallic
Destination Charge $825 $825 $825
Total with Options $60,625 $56,439 $59,909
Not sure if I should start negotiating with this price point. Any inputs?
Thanks.
Trending Topics
03-16-2008, 04:16 PM
#8
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Auburn, California
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2016 GL63 & 2008 S550
03-16-2008, 05:01 PM
#9
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2007 E63
I test drove the 450 at FJ LV. (Buying this as B-day gift to wife). No 320 in B on B so ended up testing the 450 B on B. Wife loves the car!
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria).
3. No squeaks or rattles at normal driving. Very impressive NVH control.
4. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
5. full size adult can sit comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be mitigated by the rear sunroof.
That's what I thought too when I sat in the back of a GL550. Occasionally I'll feel a little sick in the back of longer SUVs/vans because of the darkness and kind of tunnel vision when looking forward. I never felt that at all when I was back there.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=#post2633037
6. Acceptable blind spot.
7. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
8. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that. No need to do your own due diligence. ALL ML-, R-, and GL-Classes are built in Vance, Alabama regardless of market.
9. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID? Did the 450 you drive have HIDs? HIDs are almost a literal night and day different.
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment? I remember reading about some GLs wandering to the right. I think it was mostly the tires that caused it. What tires did this one have?
11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
My tech take:
Pros:
1. Good handing for a big car. Drives like a car said the wife who also test drove the big LC 200 series.
2. Little to no wind noise at 80-90 mph at 215 summerlin beltway
You can actually hear jazz music on 105.7 FM (one of wife's criteria).
3. No squeaks or rattles at normal driving. Very impressive NVH control.
4. "Pleather" as the salesman calls it--is not bad at all. I bet it will last longer than full leather option
5. full size adult can sit comfortably in the 3rd row seat. The salesman assured me that my claustrophobia would be mitigated by the rear sunroof.
That's what I thought too when I sat in the back of a GL550. Occasionally I'll feel a little sick in the back of longer SUVs/vans because of the darkness and kind of tunnel vision when looking forward. I never felt that at all when I was back there.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=#post2633037
6. Acceptable blind spot.
7. Good dash ergonomics and fully adjustable seats.
8. Really surprised by the Alabama workmanship in fit and finish. Later told by the salesman that all GLs in the world are made in Alabama (Euro and asia markets)-- I will do my own DD to confirm that. No need to do your own due diligence. ALL ML-, R-, and GL-Classes are built in Vance, Alabama regardless of market.
9. Wifey's Louis Vuitton bag fits the center console (lol)
Cons:
1. Mushy brake pedal. Perhaps this is the norm in SUVs.
2. Some chassis nose dive on hard braking (60mph to 0mph).
3. Not a fan of electronic shifter. Would prefer floor mounted knob.
4. Plasticky center stack controls. Not acceptable in this class and price range. LC 200 has tons of plastic too.
5. HK sound system not really a significant change from the std. stereo.
6. I test drove at night and felt the light intensity from headlight is lacking. HID? Did the 450 you drive have HIDs? HIDs are almost a literal night and day different.
7. see #7 pro above. Although not an issue for me as I advocate buy-American, some buyers would probably go Audi or other similar brands due to this stigma.
8. tricky command menus. Perhaps would be a non-issue once you spend more time with the car and after RTFM. LC has simpler menus.
9. Poor traction with OEM tires. On the 215 beltway, some grooves on the freeway would necessitate extra steering input. This was also felt on LC 200.
10. Steering slightlly not centered. Not sure if due mostly to road conditions on 215 but it seems wandering to the right
The LC 200 did not have this problem. Is there a TSB on alignment? I remember reading about some GLs wandering to the right. I think it was mostly the tires that caused it. What tires did this one have?11. Luggage space almost gone when you have 7 passengers.
12. Sliding piston brakes as opposed to fixed piston caliper brakes. This will eat rotors and pads in no time (personal experience). Would look to upgrade to brembo big brake kit if available. Will probably help cons #1
Recommendation: A buy.
notes: What dealerships do you suggest for a good deal on the 320? We are willing to go out of state.
03-16-2008, 06:29 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
03-16-2008, 07:40 PM
#11
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55
I am a little rushed to address your points but here is a contact for the dealership I buy from.
Greg Weiler 866-711-0429 They are closed on Sunday and his day off is Thursday. A straight shooter and very knowledgeable! Westminster MB just northwest of Denver.
BTW, make sure you get the lighting package to deal with your concern about lighting intensity.
Greg Weiler 866-711-0429 They are closed on Sunday and his day off is Thursday. A straight shooter and very knowledgeable! Westminster MB just northwest of Denver.
BTW, make sure you get the lighting package to deal with your concern about lighting intensity.
03-17-2008, 12:48 AM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Welcome to the board, japon, and good luck with your search.
You have summed up the pros pretty well. As far as your cons -
1. This has been discussed before but not sure how big a deal it really is.
4. At least GL's "plasticky" center stack controls look nice
Jokes aside, I don't think that is really the case.
5. Seems to be the consensus.
6. Definitely get P2 which includes HID lights.
7. It has been consensus that GL's fit/finish are really excellent and even mags have noted this.
8. Once you get hang of the soft keys, it is not that bad.
11. With 3rd row up, I can still fit a stroller, grocery bags and some smaller bags. So, while it is not as cavernous as some other SUVs, it does have decent room.
You have summed up the pros pretty well. As far as your cons -
1. This has been discussed before but not sure how big a deal it really is.
4. At least GL's "plasticky" center stack controls look nice
Jokes aside, I don't think that is really the case.5. Seems to be the consensus.
6. Definitely get P2 which includes HID lights.
7. It has been consensus that GL's fit/finish are really excellent and even mags have noted this.
8. Once you get hang of the soft keys, it is not that bad.
11. With 3rd row up, I can still fit a stroller, grocery bags and some smaller bags. So, while it is not as cavernous as some other SUVs, it does have decent room.
03-17-2008, 11:20 AM
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Not sure how much they'd be worth in the lights of Las Vegas, but living in rural Minnesota I really love the corning headlights with the upgraded HID bulbs.
03-17-2008, 11:26 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
Regarding your evaluation of the car. I completely agree that the HK sound system is not very good (there are others in this forum that will defend it). Regarding the shifter, I did not like it at first but have actually grown to like it. I really don't mind the brake pedal and the car stops very well for something as big as it is and alot better than other SUV's I have owned. Regarding dealership options, if you were going to get a 450 or a 550 I would highly recommend going to Southern California to get it (there are 20+ dealers). It sounds like you are going to get a 320 so I would consider Jack's guy. You might want to consider getting pricing from an out of state dealer and then taking it to Fletcher Jones. That's what I did and although they would not match it exactly they got close enough for me. My thought is that buying it at FJ will pay off if something major goes wrong. I really like there service department so far.
03-17-2008, 01:44 PM
#15
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Scandinavia
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI, '93 SL300 24V
I for one can actually defend the HK system ... IMO it's better than the HK in the '05 RR I had. Maybe the stereo system in the GL's delivered i Europe is different than the system in the US GL's, this I don't know, but all tests I've read over here praise the sound of the HK system.
03-17-2008, 02:18 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spicewood, TX
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
I think perspective comes into play with the HK. It exceeds our needs, especially in a diesel SUV.
I would also recommend the PII package. I didn't want it but the vehicle I located had it. Now I am glad it did. The lighting package and the IR glass that comes with the rear AC is great.
I would also recommend the PII package. I didn't want it but the vehicle I located had it. Now I am glad it did. The lighting package and the IR glass that comes with the rear AC is great.
03-17-2008, 05:05 PM
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
The PII package with the upgraded HID lights is great, especially with the bi-zenon's. The high beams will light up signs and give oncoming traffice a "sun burn" a 1/4 mile away.
03-17-2008, 05:49 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 942
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'16 528i MSport
I think the xenon lamps are stupendous. The braking can be a bit mushy but our MDX was like that also so it must be a AWD thing...
Personally, I like the open center without the gear knob there...
About the price, I believe we got ours from $250-500 above invoice and that was some time back when the car was fresh out on the market. Now, you should work with invoice
Personally, I like the open center without the gear knob there...
About the price, I believe we got ours from $250-500 above invoice and that was some time back when the car was fresh out on the market. Now, you should work with invoice
03-17-2008, 06:03 PM
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by BeanCounter
Regarding dealership options, if you were going to get a 450 or a 550 I would highly recommend going to Southern California to get it (there are 20+ dealers).
You are going to get a much better deal on 450s then on 550s.
03-18-2008, 09:08 PM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Japon,
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
03-18-2008, 09:14 PM
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
6 Posts
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Japon,
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
Buy it! It looks great and I would not be without it...:-)
03-18-2008, 09:55 PM
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
Japon,
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
03-18-2008, 10:05 PM
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300D
03-19-2008, 12:29 AM
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
When you order your GL, be sure you plan to budget money for an option that is a complete waste of your money... illuminated door sills. The cost will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment of such a waste of money.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
I'm sure other owners can chime in too that have the sills.
