dpayne7571

Hi-

My wife and I own a 2009 bluetec e320, now we want to get rid of our '07 problematic Escalade and purchase a diesel GL350.

What year did Mercedes go from CDI to Bluetec? Should we buy an used CDI or used Bluetec? I also would like to know if there were any years when beneficial changes were made that we would enjoy more versus an older model. Thanks for any help!

aeggroup

I think BlueTec started in 2009. I would not buy used, because 350 holds value very good and you not saving a lot of money on used car. If you decide to buy used - I'd sugest at least 2010 model, which has impoved command system. Good luck.

43221B

09 got the Bluetec emissions system and the new command unit. 10 got the updates to the front and rear bumper. Next year will be a model refresh for the GL (2013). If you buy a 2012 or 11 you should expect a significant discount because you are buying what will be an old model come July or August of next year. Having said that, I agree that buying used is way too expensive for a GL. There is a large export market for the diesels that keeps the used prices high. The problem with waiting until the 2013 models come out is that you might not get much of a discount off msrp.

Fourdiesel

Any GL with Blutec (urea) will NOT have a spare and WILL have 'runflat' tires and all that implies (or does not imply if you don't care). Do a search for all the discussions pro and con about runflats. 2008 and older GLs will have 18" or 19" rims and 'regular' tires stock. The designator 320 became 350 when Blutec was added.

Dann902

My wife and I just purchased a used '11 GL350 that was 11 months old and had 17350 miles on it. We still saved $11000 over similar new '11 GL350. The problem is used '11 GL350s are not too easy to find. if you can get a great deal on a new one go for it. Bluetec was added in '09. I would go for an '11 because of the updated side mirrors in addition to the new exterior changes that started in '10.

aeggroup

What do you mean when you say you saved $11K ? Off MSRP?

shadowr350

Try look for a brand new 2011 GL350 around your area and work with the dealer on the price. It's going to be a tough find especially if you have certain color and option combination that you must have, but the good thing is you can most likely get a very good deal, i mean even better deal than getting a used one.

For reference, I just bought a 2011 GL350 over the weekend for $10K off the MSRP, that's including the $4000 conquest discount.

dpayne7571: I saw that you have an Escalade in your sig, so the conquest discount applies to you also. You don't need to trade in the car, just need proof of ownership of the car with registration.

mdadgar

I got more than $11K off MSRP on a new (ordered) '11.

- Mark

aeggroup

Very possible if you use USAA discount. I don't think you can get $11K Off without it.

mdadgar

Correct. USAA was $3K when I used it. It rose to $6K not long thereafter and is apparently now lower again.

- Mark

etpos73

Where are you located?
I almost bought a '11 a week ago in excellent shape, good price. It may still be available.

hubert

By the end of september i might be selling mine 2011 GL350 bluetc with 12k miles, running boards illumination kit parcktronic rear tv's lightning package. Silver iridium with black mbtex. Will be asking around $65000. First service done...