After 2 months of research and price study, yesterday I just pulled the trigger on '09 GL320 (silver/black, P2, heating, appearance pkg, hitch, pre-wiring for rse) msrp $71,145. I got exactly the color & options I wanted (heating package is rare), and didn't have to accept features I don't need (such as $1850 rse). I live in NYC metro area and this was the only vehicle within 250mi radius equipped thus. Build date was Nov'08. If I order a specific GL320 today, the next earliest factory build would be in mid-April, for likely June delivery. Assuming 2010 is set for July release, my guess is anyone wanting a specific '09 must order by Feb...

Negotiation pretty much begin at 7% off MSRP (supposedly dealer invoice) for GL320. My guess is dealer holdback is at least 4% because I have seen 11% off MSRP for both '09 GL550 and GL320 (actual dealer quote, not hearsay). You could likely negotiate $1500 and 7% off MSRP (of approx $70k) but that depends on dealer situation and particular color&option. $2000 plus 7% off MSRP would be a steal this month. This is all based on the fact MBUSA is not offering cash discounts this month.

Bottom line is the shopper can wait month-to-month for factory discount, but risk having to settle for limited vehicle color & options (majority are black and white exterior). Also leasers should keep in mind as the model year winds down, the residual lowers... in a lease, you want low cap cost, low money factor, high residual.

My 36month 7500mi/yr MBfinancial lease was 0.00028 money factor (yes 0.67% interest), 54% residual, 7% tax. no trade in. Inception $1752.66, $821.59 month, plus actual NJ title/reg cost, $38,418.30 residual.

Yes, I probably could have held out for lower vehicle price, but the 0.67% interest lease was too good to pass up. I secured 4.75% 6yr loan outside of MB Financial, but this lease deal was better whichever way I calculate it (I intend to keep the vehicle, but should the reliability falter, I have an exit). And also, the dealer (pm me for salesman: good guy, very aggresive style but willing to do what it takes) agreed to freight in my vehicle from another dealer over 200mi away. my local dealer asked for $1000 freight!

This board has given me so much knowledge, I just wanted to contribute, not brag or seek assurance on my deal. My best advice is to find out exactly which vehicle you want with what options, physically visit at least 1 local dealer, but phone at least 3-4 other dealers. Ultimately, I found my best deal over the phone. Just talk to any salesperson. If you don't their negotiating position, give them your phone# or email and excuse yourself. They'll call you if they can make a concession. Salespersons are all professionals and not there to waste your time, or theirs. Good luck in your search!

 

Looks like a nice deal, and a nice truck.

It is hard to get a unit without a bunch of useless stuff, so you are lucky you found what you wanted. I had to order mine, as every single unit in town had RSE, and although it is overpriced, it's not much in the overall price of the unit, I did not want it, and was willing to wait.

 

Congratulations....let me be the first to tell you to publish pictures on the sticky thread.

 

I also live in the NYC metro area and am inching towards getting the 2009 GL450 vs waiting for the 2010. We have a baby coming in late June/early July and moving to the burbs then.... so would love to have it before all that but based on what you wrote... I suspect it will be hard to get a 2009 custom (I also want only certain things) for that June-ish time frame. Also, seems the financial deals for a lease may not be optimal for such a late year acquisition.

BTW... I am interested in RSE but from what I am learning, the MB RSE requires both screens to view the same content as opposed to my current dealer-added system for my 2008 E350. Is this true? If so, is that why you might get the prewiring but not purchase the RSE from MB?

Congrats again... I would also be inerested to hear peoples opinions on color and how hard it is to maintain from cleaning perspective... white vs black vs other. Would get silver but already have it in the E350 and want something different...

 

Congrats on the upcoming baby. We brought our first son home in a 2 door car and now marvel at how we did it. SUV's height make it very convenient to put the infant seat in and out and the room in back makes it a lot easier to carry all the paraphernalia around.

MB RSE does not require same content to be viewed on both screens. Each screen has it's own independent inputs that can be used to view content independently.

For interior, I would recommend Black. Easy to clean and hides dirt/scuffs, etc. easy.

All the best.

 

Thanks for the advice. When you say the RSE has separate inputs, does it come with two DVD players (or allow use of the front 6-CD/DVD content) or does it merely allow one to plug in separate inputs via the AUX?

Also, what is your opinion on exterior color with respect to upkeep? Thanks!!!

 

I drive off road every day for work, and my recycled asphalt drive is prone to a little dust. White is by far the easiest and can get pretty dirty before it shows. Silver used to be horrible about oxidizing, but on my last truck after 220K, never hand waxed once, it looked excellent when I sold it. Apparently they have the oxidation thing figured out and the clear coats do wonders. Therefore, the silver was very easy, also. Of course black is the hardest as are all dark colors. I would think pewter would be pretty good as well. I just can't have a color that, when I drive down one dirt road, it needs to go for a wash.

 

I think it only comes with one DVD player. However, I am not sure if the 09s allow you to play a DVD from the in dash CD changer. I am sure someone with an 09 can comment. I do know that both monitors have their separate inputs which allow you to plug in external devices as needed.

I have Black exterior and I get it cleaned every 2 weeks. I am happy with it but then again I live in SoCal where it doesn't rain or snow Black looks great when clean but gets dirty in a heartbeat. I would recommend a hard look at metallic colors, especially red.

 

Thanks for all the advice... I am now mainly looking at White (or possibly metallic Red). s/w delaer: 2009 can play from front DVD so can view separate content.

 

I just purchased an 09 ML320BT. My first white car. RSE does support using the front DVD player and rear player on seperate screens. The system is very feature rich. Hopefully by next week my eight year old will have mastered all features so I don't have to provide tech support at 65 mph!