Hi folks,
Im in the market again for a new GL320 cdi. I had purchased a new 2008 model in may 08 , Black on black, loaded , really nice GL. WAs getting 24.5 mpg average on a trip just done @ 6500 kms.

Last week will driving the GL, my wife got hit front passenger side by a lady driven car running a red light. Air bags blew open and luckily my wife got away with only a couple of scratch from the airbag opening. Good front end protection on these SUV.

The insurance company wrote off the car as the front end damage was too extensive.
Im back on the market for a new GL, im wondering if I should wait for the 09 model with bluetec engine.

My dealer offered me the same price as I paid for a new 08, about $7200 discount with MB rebates. He has located 7-8 units that are avaiable in the area. I have to decide between another black, white or silver. I liked the red but cannot locate any.

My question, should I wait for the 09 model with bluetec engine?
any other change in 09 I should know about?

would this engine be has a good milage or more costly to run long term?
I appreciat your inputs.

marc

 

The '08 has the exact same engine.

Difference in '09 is presence of extra emissions systems on the exhaust pipes. If anything this will decrease fuel economy but it's certainly nothing that will increase it.

These cost you your spare tire and the create the requirement for runflat tires.

 

Absolutely no reason to get a Bluetec. Less horsepower, no spare, added complexity of Adblue...I'm sorry, but this is a no brainer...

 

Other than the concerns about no spare, the '09 offers a lot of improvements and features to consider. The additional option of ADSII is one of the most important ride wise. The others are later generation COMAND, better location of the DVD drive, etc. Take a close look at the '09 packages before you leap.

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/251873-2009-gl-order-guide-subject-change.html

discussion of the 09 features.

 

Its probably worth mentioning that the 09 is better for the environment than the 08, and it might actually qualify for a tax credit as well...

 

tax credit amounts 2009 ML320 BlueTEC: $900 2009 R320 BlueTec: $1,550 2009 GL320 BlueTEC: $1,800

 

Hello,
currently in the market for a 09 or 08 GL. What kind of pricing are people getting for the 09. I went to my local dealer and was offered 09 at invoice + 1500 and 08 at MSRP - 11K. Also offered lease rate at $849/36months/5K down. What do you think? I am in the NY area if anyone has a dealer that can get me a better price please let me know.

thanks.

 

I dont know,
I hate to not have any spare tire as I would need to switch to 18" snow tires in winter and I dont think these are available in run flat. And no garage around would have a spare to replace these. Have you priced run flat tires anyway??


Also to get the heated seat and gps, premium pck and bi-xenon I would have to spend over $10k in options vs about $6k for the 08.
Im in Canada and the option list might be different, on the 2008 my options were:

$3500 for premium pckg- includes nav gps, heated steering and back seats and electric trunk,
$1675 for bi-xenon
$750 for running boards.

are these the same package in the US ?

The bigger mirrors are a plus as the 08 GLs have a big blind spot.
The chrome roof rails and skids plates at $1200 are cheap and niceeee.


I dont care for the Bluetec as this diesel is as clean as anything I see around.

cant find any red 08 around, it looks really nice. Lots of silver and blacks, decision...

thanks for the response,
Marc

 

If you can get a 2008 get it. I would rather have the spare tire than runflat. I absolutely despise them. I have had them on other vehicles. They do not ride well. Have to be replaced if you get a hole.
The 2009 does have some nice upgrades.

 

There is a PDF in the the thread link I posted with the MY08/09 changes in USA package content and pricing. Nevada Jack makes very good point in pointing out the real value in upgraded features and newly available options.

I dislike the run flats *a lot*, but note that prices are coming down. Availability is probably still the biggest sticking point. I do wonder if the arimatic suspension will mitigate some of the run flat "experience.

Bluetec may give you some cover from future environmental policy (read:extortion) by the govt:a carbon tax or the contrived diesel equiv. I'm hoping MBUSA will get rolled over by the Greens and allow B20 biodiesel to be used in the '08 with in the warranty period. Such is life when industrial policy is made by liberal arts majors vs.. chemists and engineers.

 

Marc,

It's too bad you're in Canada, because I just noticed the dealer where Nevada Jack and I bought our 550's has a red 320 in stock. Probably not worth going through all the extra hassle of buying in the US and bringing into Canada, but you can see the vehicle here; Red GL 320

Good luck with your decision.

 

Bluetec does nothing for carbon emission, just NOx, which is only a pollutant if you happen to live in a hot, dry place that has inversions (read California), as it contributes to photochemical smog.

Bluetec has nothing to do with the environment per se, but everything to do with what the California Government thinks is good for the environment.

That being said, you do already get a break of $2,000 of green levy you don't have to pay on a gas GL, so it would seem that Canada is for now thinking the right way about this...

PS: the option pkgs are not the same in USA. We get more individual choice, but also more standard content, ie: Comand, trailer hitch, etc.

 

Have you seen the prices on replacement runflat tires.... Glad I picked up a 2008.

 

Not having any luck in finding any 2008 GL320 with the options I want.
Im retinking about ordering a 2009, my dealer offer one to me at 4.5% discount under msrp with a late october / early nov 08 delivery. I like the new upgrades but still thinking about those runflats tires.
Can someone tell me if the GL 320 09 use the same bolt pattern as the 08 if I wanted to get some 18 in wheels for winter wheels? there is a lot for sale on ebay.

anyone afraid of the bluetec in these?