gollard

Hi,

looking into purchasing a 320GL, but my wife "loves" the 550 so much more - are there any aftermarket kits available for the "wider" stance etc.?

thanks in advance

MB Fanatic

Just get the 550, you will always regret not getting the 550. I guess you could always buy the 320 fully loaded and then modify the ECU via Kleemann.

gollard

Actually I was a bit unclear - she loves the GL550 look a lot more compared to the 450/320 optics. Especially the chrome accents that come along with the GL550. The MPG is what is steering us towards the diesel, but after driving the 550 yesterday - I know what you mean.

MB Fanatic

If your sole purpose is a full size SUV with awesome gas mileage, the Gl320 CDI is it. I will even say forgo the looks, sure the 550 looks meaner and better IMO but the 320 looks amazing with the right packages and color/tint.

Anyway you go, good luck and wait for the 2009 models IMO. The updated electronics alone are worth the urea injection system.

JDT1

If the chrome accents turn you on (like they did me), get the 320 CDI for the mileage, and add the chrome through aftermarket purchases. It gives you the best of all worlds. I ordered my 320 with chrome wheels, chrome door handle inserts and the chrome (stainless) skid plates. After taking delivery, I switched out the plastic rear bumper plate for a chrome one, added the chrome hood aero wings, and changed out the black plastic fog lamp covers (and lamps) for the chrome ones. Although I haven't done it, I understand you can switch out the roof rails and the trim around the side windows in favor of chrome. I must admit that the 550 front grill is superior looking to that of the 450/320 (which isn't too shabby), but you have to draw the line somewhere. You'd still be thousands ahead after making all of these changes.

Good luck in making your decision.

Fifth Ring

I don't know for certain, but I assume the stance is a different wheel/tire package and add-on fender flares. You might be able to just upgrade the wheel/tire package without the fender flares. To keep it legal, the tires need to stay under the fender. Maybe you could ask a dealer to put a 550 wheel on the front of a 320?

I did this with my old A6. I got wheels from an A6 4.2 (which has fender flares integrated) and the wheels/tires fit perfectly. Visually, it was the tires that created the "stance" not the fender flares.

gollard

thanks for all the responses!

I found out that all the chrome accents are available - but the chrome roof rails and fender flares will require a more involved installation.

The front grill would certainly be a bit overkilll and not an option.

Took my wife to the dealership last night and they happened to have a black GL550 sitting right next to a black GL320 - - argh I think she really really wants that 550, because she still seemed very hesitant...