New 2011 GL350
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Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 13
From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
New 2011 GL350
Hello - we traded in our 2008 Black GL320 cdi (55,000 miles and problem free) for a new 2011 Palladium GL350 with a black interior. We debated about getting a BMW X5 diesel or a Mercedes ML diesel, but really liked the space of the GL. Our GL came with P1, P2, Lighting, Distronic, Parktronic, Running Boards, Cross Bars, Rear Seat Entertainment and Wooden Steering Wheel.
We did not have Xenon's in the last GL and can't believe how much a difference they make. We also really like the Keyless Go and the updated NAV system (still behind the times, but much better). Distronic seems neat, but have not used it too much yet. Has anyone else used Distronic?
The cross bars came installed on the GL. Does it make much of a difference with gas mileage leaving them on or should we take them off and use them when we need them?
The only option I wish we had was the Blind Spot Assist, but at least the side mirrors seem better than the 2008 GL. I assume Blind Spot can not be retrofitted?
We did not have Xenon's in the last GL and can't believe how much a difference they make. We also really like the Keyless Go and the updated NAV system (still behind the times, but much better). Distronic seems neat, but have not used it too much yet. Has anyone else used Distronic?
The cross bars came installed on the GL. Does it make much of a difference with gas mileage leaving them on or should we take them off and use them when we need them?
The only option I wish we had was the Blind Spot Assist, but at least the side mirrors seem better than the 2008 GL. I assume Blind Spot can not be retrofitted?
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 160
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From: Toronto
11 GL350 BT | 11 E350 Estate
DBV, congrats on your new GL and please post mandatory pics 
.
Regarding the crossbars, I used to have mine on all the time for the first few months too and recently I just took them off. For sure there's a slight improvement in fuel economy. It just makes sense......and now I put it back whenever I need.
Hope you many, many happy miles with your new GL just like you did with the old one.
.Regarding the crossbars, I used to have mine on all the time for the first few months too and recently I just took them off. For sure there's a slight improvement in fuel economy. It just makes sense......and now I put it back whenever I need.
Hope you many, many happy miles with your new GL just like you did with the old one.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
Just to find out what effect the crossbars have in your situation, drive a couple of thousand miles, record the mileage (mpg), take them off and drive a couple thousand more. You may or may not be able to see any difference. Expect mileage to IMPROVE as the engine wears in - up to 80-100k mi!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
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From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
Thanks - that is a good point. We will try that. Funny - I guess in our last GL diesel it was just starting to wear in.
Just to find out what effect the crossbars have in your situation, drive a couple of thousand miles, record the mileage (mpg), take them off and drive a couple thousand more. You may or may not be able to see any difference. Expect mileage to IMPROVE as the engine wears in - up to 80-100k mi!
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Joined: May 2009
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
Congratulation on your new purchase.
My car has Blind Spot Assist ..it's great feature, but I don't think it's small job to install it.
Enjoy ....
My car has Blind Spot Assist ..it's great feature, but I don't think it's small job to install it.
Enjoy ....
Last edited by aeggroup; Aug 6, 2011 at 12:05 PM.
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Retrofitting the blind spot assist would be expensive. The mirror glass is expensive and both would need to be replaced. You may need to replace the mirror frame as well to get the required wiring. Also, there is a sensor attached to the inside of the rear bumper on both sides, and then the requisite control module and programming.
Steve at MBenzNL could probably give you a quote.
Steve at MBenzNL could probably give you a quote.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 13
From: USA
2016 GLC and 2017 BMW 530xi M-Sport
Yeah - I think I will just pass on the blind spot assist. Would be nice, but I will be happy with what I have.
Retrofitting the blind spot assist would be expensive. The mirror glass is expensive and both would need to be replaced. You may need to replace the mirror frame as well to get the required wiring. Also, there is a sensor attached to the inside of the rear bumper on both sides, and then the requisite control module and programming.
Steve at MBenzNL could probably give you a quote.
Steve at MBenzNL could probably give you a quote.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 350
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From: Palo Alto, CA
2011 GL 350, P1 Package, HID headlamps, Blind spot assist, Parktronic, Wood steering wheel
Congrats. Note that you don't have gas mileage anymore - you're a diesel guy now ! 
I've had my 2011 for 5,000 miles now, and I'm averaging 25 miles per gallon overall. I hit 28 MPG in freeway driving at 65-70. Like you, I've got the "chunky" factory roof rack cross rails installed, i strap stuff up there periodically so I've never removed them.
I greatly dislike the Navigation system, the too often inaccurate real-time traffic and lame mb-assist telematics all seem stuck in 2005 - my $200 phone is vastly better at this. I do use the SD card slot and also have a memory stick in the glove box attached to the USB adapter - this gives me two times 32 GB for 64 total Gigabytes of music, which is vastly more than I can ever listen to - this is the one entertainment system feature I do like.
Like the previous poster, the blind spot assist works so well its almost magic, and agree the HID headlights are fantastic. If you watch closely and drive slowly while turning the steering wheel, you can see the light beams pivoting around to point into the direction you are steering. Great entertainment...
Did I mention the motor is smooth and the truck drives well and quietly with plenty of power. I am sure you will love it.
I've had my 2011 for 5,000 miles now, and I'm averaging 25 miles per gallon overall. I hit 28 MPG in freeway driving at 65-70. Like you, I've got the "chunky" factory roof rack cross rails installed, i strap stuff up there periodically so I've never removed them.
I greatly dislike the Navigation system, the too often inaccurate real-time traffic and lame mb-assist telematics all seem stuck in 2005 - my $200 phone is vastly better at this. I do use the SD card slot and also have a memory stick in the glove box attached to the USB adapter - this gives me two times 32 GB for 64 total Gigabytes of music, which is vastly more than I can ever listen to - this is the one entertainment system feature I do like.
Like the previous poster, the blind spot assist works so well its almost magic, and agree the HID headlights are fantastic. If you watch closely and drive slowly while turning the steering wheel, you can see the light beams pivoting around to point into the direction you are steering. Great entertainment...
Did I mention the motor is smooth and the truck drives well and quietly with plenty of power. I am sure you will love it.
