GL Purchase questions
#1
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2004 E500 Wagon, 2000 E320 Wagon, 1963 VW Beetle
GL Purchase questions
Hey everyone, I am hoping someone on here can help me.
I am looking to replace my 2000 E320 Wagon, and I want to get a GL.
The question I have is are they all expensive to work on? I have had very little issues with my wagon, and I need a newer car with less miles, as we travel a lot.
I like the size of the GL, and I need something to be able to easily tow my 63 Beetle.
I am aware of the Air ride issues, and would change to regular shocks.
What other problems are they known for, and overall are they fairly reliable. I don't have real deep pockets, so I'm budgeted for a 2007-2009.
I know about first Generation issues, so is the 08 a better idea? Also what motor should I go for the 450, or the 550?
I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems.
I'm also considering going with an ML instead but I'm just not sure what to do.
I don't want to go broke owning anything.
I know I want my next vehicle to be a Mercedes, but that's about it.
Can someone please help me?
Thank you
I am looking to replace my 2000 E320 Wagon, and I want to get a GL.
The question I have is are they all expensive to work on? I have had very little issues with my wagon, and I need a newer car with less miles, as we travel a lot.
I like the size of the GL, and I need something to be able to easily tow my 63 Beetle.
I am aware of the Air ride issues, and would change to regular shocks.
What other problems are they known for, and overall are they fairly reliable. I don't have real deep pockets, so I'm budgeted for a 2007-2009.
I know about first Generation issues, so is the 08 a better idea? Also what motor should I go for the 450, or the 550?
I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems.
I'm also considering going with an ML instead but I'm just not sure what to do.
I don't want to go broke owning anything.
I know I want my next vehicle to be a Mercedes, but that's about it.
Can someone please help me?
Thank you
#2
Super Member
Anything can be expensive and purchasing a pre-owned car is always a crap-shoot. Sometimes you find the golden egg and sometimes you get the wool pulled over your eyes. The later (2010-2012) GL (X164) had relatively few issues.. You already know about the air suspension from the looks of it. As for the size difference in the ML and GL, it really comes down to how much room you want/need inside the vehicle. If you have people/kids that you are toting around relatively often and especially on road trips, I would recommend the extra room in the GL.. As for the differences in the 450 and 550, generally it comes down to what options you want.. The 450 is more often a base model with fewer options, while the 550 is more often pretty loaded out with options. Some people will recommend the bluetec diesel, but with the engine issues I have seen over the past many years, I would suggest against that option.
#3
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2004 E500 Wagon, 2000 E320 Wagon, 1963 VW Beetle
Thanks for the info. I definitely want the GL, for the extra space and the ability to haul more. We travel a lot and bring our camping gear with us everywhere. I just know how cramped my dad's ML can get versus their E Class Wagon. I just don't know if I want the 450, or the 550.
Is there a big difference in performance between the 450s V8 to the 550s?
Thanks for the info on the Diesel too, I was wondering about that.
Is there any other repair/maintenance issue I should be aware of regarding the GL?
Are they fairly easy to work on?
Thanks for all of your help.
Is there a big difference in performance between the 450s V8 to the 550s?
Thanks for the info on the Diesel too, I was wondering about that.
Is there any other repair/maintenance issue I should be aware of regarding the GL?
Are they fairly easy to work on?
Thanks for all of your help.
#4
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2007 GL450
>I want my next vehicle to be a Mercedes
>I don't have deep pockets
>I don't want to go broke
>I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems
Welp.
>I don't have deep pockets
>I don't want to go broke
>I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems
Welp.
#5
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2004 E500 Wagon, 2000 E320 Wagon, 1963 VW Beetle
No that's not what I meant, sorry to sound difficult. I was simply asking which one is more problematic, and If I should go GL or ML. I have had very little issues with my Eclass and I can just jump in it and go anywhere. I grew up with Mercedes so I know the quality and they can be expensive to repair. But like anything some can cost more than others. I just don't have any experience with a GL, and I know people on here are knowledgeable about them. I was just trying to get more information before I purchased one. I just wanted some advice on to which way I should go.
That's all, I was just looking for some help. I wasn't trying to be difficult.
Just never owned a GL and wanted to know more about them from other owners perspectives.
That's all, I was just looking for some help. I wasn't trying to be difficult.
Just never owned a GL and wanted to know more about them from other owners perspectives.
#6
Super Member
The GL can wear out tires faster than the ML.. I truely dislike Pirelli tires and they seem to always wear prematurely on those vehicles. Once you get the vehicle, make sure the alignment is good. About the engine, the 450 and 550 are the same engine.. It's how they tuned it from the factory to give it less power output, and thats why the different number badges. I've driven and worked on hundreds of GLs and they are some of the most comfortable out there. There are occasional issues with transfer cases, but in all honesty not much goes wrong with them. Every car will have oil leaks over time. Every car will wear out suspension bushings, sway bar links or air suspension.
Just make sure all of the maintenance is up to date and just enjoy driving it.. Oil change, transmission service, transfer case and differential fluid exchanges, brake fluid flush with good/fresh fluid, some new air filters and spark plugs (depending on mileage of course).. I just always think of doing maintenance early as cheap insurance..
Just make sure all of the maintenance is up to date and just enjoy driving it.. Oil change, transmission service, transfer case and differential fluid exchanges, brake fluid flush with good/fresh fluid, some new air filters and spark plugs (depending on mileage of course).. I just always think of doing maintenance early as cheap insurance..
#7
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2007 GL450
No that's not what I meant, sorry to sound difficult. I was simply asking which one is more problematic, and If I should go GL or ML. I have had very little issues with my Eclass and I can just jump in it and go anywhere. I grew up with Mercedes so I know the quality and they can be expensive to repair. But like anything some can cost more than others. I just don't have any experience with a GL, and I know people on here are knowledgeable about them. I was just trying to get more information before I purchased one. I just wanted some advice on to which way I should go.
That's all, I was just looking for some help. I wasn't trying to be difficult.
Just never owned a GL and wanted to know more about them from other owners perspectives.
That's all, I was just looking for some help. I wasn't trying to be difficult.
Just never owned a GL and wanted to know more about them from other owners perspectives.
They're fine vehicles, but with a fair number of endemic problems that will drive you crazy and/or to the poorhouse if you don't (a) have a general level of comfort with the nature of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, (b) have a reliable independent mechanic, and (c) have a strong will to live.
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#8
Senior Member
If you are on a budget, and not using your GL for towing, then avoid the diesel GL 350 at all costs. Waaay too many expensive problems with the diesel motor.
I would not recommend swapping out the air shocks for traditional shocks on any GL - if your air shocks do die, replace them with Arnott and then you have a lifetime warranty and you get a factory ride, which is pretty good.
The later the model of X164 you can get, the more likely the kinks are to be worked out...
I would not recommend swapping out the air shocks for traditional shocks on any GL - if your air shocks do die, replace them with Arnott and then you have a lifetime warranty and you get a factory ride, which is pretty good.
The later the model of X164 you can get, the more likely the kinks are to be worked out...
#9
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 450 and 550 engines are different in the 164 GL but are the same in the 166 GL. Both are good engines, the 450 will get slightly better mileage but the 550 will give you the extra torque for better driveability. From what I've read, the difference in 0-60 between the 550 and 450 is around .7 seconds.
#11
Senior Member
I would get the GL450 or GL550 that meets your standards for a pre-owned car (do your due diligence). I would also try to set aside $1-2k per year for maintenance and repairs. My 2010 GL450 costs more to maintain than my W211 E500W4, but it's a larger car that gets more use. These are great cars and I think you would enjoy owning one.
#12
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Sorry, but in the years op is suggesting, 450 and 550 are indeed different engines. Same M273 but 450 is 4.7 liter and 550 is indeed 5.5 liters.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M273_engine
The 550 will have more masculine styling, including larger grille and fender flares and probably larger,more expensive tires. It is a real powerhouse; 450 power is entirely adequate. Much higher insurance cost too, I imagine.
I've owned my 2007 diesel since new and it’s been very reliable, maybe an oil leak and water pump. Zero airmatic problems, one leaking rear conventional shock replaced. Diesel power is more than adequate, and my city mileage is same as 450 highway mileage.
if you want to tow, make sure the GL you find has factory fitted hitch (or previously dealer retrofitted). Adding the hitch later is basically a nightmare.
imho it would be a foolish step to “replace” the Oe suspension. For me that would reduce resale value to zero and you won’t like it in any event. Beware of independent, cheap Mercedes solutions ... there are no aftermarket vendors up to Mercedes ability. Demand for this is very limited.
on the earliest GL look for transmission problems— they may need to be thoroughly warmed up before they appear.
The quickest clue to whether a GL has HID versus conventional headlights is presence of headlight washers on front bumper, a German legal requirement with hid. No dealer anywhere will have ordered this option with conventional lighting.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M273_engine
The 550 will have more masculine styling, including larger grille and fender flares and probably larger,more expensive tires. It is a real powerhouse; 450 power is entirely adequate. Much higher insurance cost too, I imagine.
I've owned my 2007 diesel since new and it’s been very reliable, maybe an oil leak and water pump. Zero airmatic problems, one leaking rear conventional shock replaced. Diesel power is more than adequate, and my city mileage is same as 450 highway mileage.
if you want to tow, make sure the GL you find has factory fitted hitch (or previously dealer retrofitted). Adding the hitch later is basically a nightmare.
imho it would be a foolish step to “replace” the Oe suspension. For me that would reduce resale value to zero and you won’t like it in any event. Beware of independent, cheap Mercedes solutions ... there are no aftermarket vendors up to Mercedes ability. Demand for this is very limited.
on the earliest GL look for transmission problems— they may need to be thoroughly warmed up before they appear.
The quickest clue to whether a GL has HID versus conventional headlights is presence of headlight washers on front bumper, a German legal requirement with hid. No dealer anywhere will have ordered this option with conventional lighting.
#13
I don't think either GL is a good choice for anyone worried about overall reliability and cost of maintenance/repairs. Doing your own repairs can help a lot, but a Toyota/Lexus would be a much better buy. If you MUST have the GL, I think you're better off finding a used one private party sale from someone thats already fixed the common problems (ps rack leaks, airmatic, a/c compressor).
#14
Thanks for the info. I definitely want the GL, for the extra space and the ability to haul more. We travel a lot and bring our camping gear with us everywhere. I just know how cramped my dad's ML can get versus their E Class Wagon. I just don't know if I want the 450, or the 550.
Is there a big difference in performance between the 450s V8 to the 550s?
Thanks for the info on the Diesel too, I was wondering about that.
Is there any other repair/maintenance issue I should be aware of regarding the GL?
Are they fairly easy to work on?
Thanks for all of your help.
Is there a big difference in performance between the 450s V8 to the 550s?
Thanks for the info on the Diesel too, I was wondering about that.
Is there any other repair/maintenance issue I should be aware of regarding the GL?
Are they fairly easy to work on?
Thanks for all of your help.
As for the 550, you certainly don't need it for power. Also, the options that were standard on the 550 when new - and added to its price - often become free, or close to it, when they are on a used 450 - especially when talking about 2008 - 2012 models.
I bought my 2011 450 in 2022 with reasonable mileage - 79k. It was a single owner and dealer maintained. Other than normal maintenance, my only issues have been an alternator replacement and, now, a leaking front shock. No issues with the air suspension.
One somewhat common issue I have heard about (but haven't experienced) is the rear SAM blowing out due to water leaks from the rear sunroof or hatch seals. Make sure to check the area around the SAM for evidence of water leakage and/or recent repairs. Also, the battery area under the front passenger seat.
#15
Super Member
W210 wagon vs GL
Well since we had had 5 210 wagons and 2 GL’s, 3ML’s.. I am in a good spot to advise or at least tell you a few experiences. First IMO and many others the W210 E320 is one of the best MB’s ever designed. To get 26-28 MPG with just about zero headaches in a beautiful handling car in dry, wet or snow!
Then comes the SUV’s first I tow a Dog trailer and hunt all over the place putting on thousands of miles… The 7 speed will never ever be as reliable as the older 5 speed.
2nd the air suspension is the only way to go to handle these heavy beast plus the spring ride is not trouble free.
3rd IMO stay away from the turbo motors.
4th For towing by specs the diesel on paper is great BUT it is not setup like a Sprinter van with the oil cooler on the outside of the engine NO MB out it in the valley under the manifold … Horrible design and nothing but leaking trouble .
5th 450 vs 550… both of my GL’s have been 550’s
I personally like the 500’s and have had them in SL’s and ML’s.. much more trouble free.
6th if you are sold on a GL-164 I would buy the lowest mileage one I could find ( just bought a few months ago with 75k miles)… still had a bunch of stuff to do but totally rust free and solid front end steering components and joints.
7th good luck and we are here to help with what we can! Be prepared to buy a good OBDII analyzer and more.
8th transmissions … I would buy a 2011-2012 and definitely stay away from 2007-2008… also read up about Vin numbers and what engines to stay away from in certain years because of non hardened parts… Mercedes is not the Built in Germany company it once was!!!
Then comes the SUV’s first I tow a Dog trailer and hunt all over the place putting on thousands of miles… The 7 speed will never ever be as reliable as the older 5 speed.
2nd the air suspension is the only way to go to handle these heavy beast plus the spring ride is not trouble free.
3rd IMO stay away from the turbo motors.
4th For towing by specs the diesel on paper is great BUT it is not setup like a Sprinter van with the oil cooler on the outside of the engine NO MB out it in the valley under the manifold … Horrible design and nothing but leaking trouble .
5th 450 vs 550… both of my GL’s have been 550’s
I personally like the 500’s and have had them in SL’s and ML’s.. much more trouble free.
6th if you are sold on a GL-164 I would buy the lowest mileage one I could find ( just bought a few months ago with 75k miles)… still had a bunch of stuff to do but totally rust free and solid front end steering components and joints.
7th good luck and we are here to help with what we can! Be prepared to buy a good OBDII analyzer and more.
8th transmissions … I would buy a 2011-2012 and definitely stay away from 2007-2008… also read up about Vin numbers and what engines to stay away from in certain years because of non hardened parts… Mercedes is not the Built in Germany company it once was!!!
Last edited by vesiadog; 06-27-2024 at 12:14 PM. Reason: wording
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#17
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Loved my GL until it started leaking like a sieve. Mechanically, it was one of if not the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned but was totaled by water intrusion. If you can afford it, I recommend going to the later bi-turbo V6 X166. Avoid the 2013/14 GL450 and all 550's as the engines have a high rate of failure do to a cylinder coating they used. If you do buy an early 450 or 550, put aside money to have the engine sleeved.
#19
Hey everyone, I am hoping someone on here can help me.
I am looking to replace my 2000 E320 Wagon, and I want to get a GL.
The question I have is are they all expensive to work on? I have had very little issues with my wagon, and I need a newer car with less miles, as we travel a lot.
I like the size of the GL, and I need something to be able to easily tow my 63 Beetle.
I am aware of the Air ride issues, and would change to regular shocks.
What other problems are they known for, and overall are they fairly reliable. I don't have real deep pockets, so I'm budgeted for a 2007-2009.
I know about first Generation issues, so is the 08 a better idea? Also what motor should I go for the 450, or the 550?
I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems.
I'm also considering going with an ML instead but I'm just not sure what to do.
I don't want to go broke owning anything.
I know I want my next vehicle to be a Mercedes, but that's about it.
Can someone please help me?
Thank you
I am looking to replace my 2000 E320 Wagon, and I want to get a GL.
The question I have is are they all expensive to work on? I have had very little issues with my wagon, and I need a newer car with less miles, as we travel a lot.
I like the size of the GL, and I need something to be able to easily tow my 63 Beetle.
I am aware of the Air ride issues, and would change to regular shocks.
What other problems are they known for, and overall are they fairly reliable. I don't have real deep pockets, so I'm budgeted for a 2007-2009.
I know about first Generation issues, so is the 08 a better idea? Also what motor should I go for the 450, or the 550?
I just want something that I can trust to jump in and go on a long road trip with, without any problems.
I'm also considering going with an ML instead but I'm just not sure what to do.
I don't want to go broke owning anything.
I know I want my next vehicle to be a Mercedes, but that's about it.
Can someone please help me?
Thank you
That said, an MB, like any luxury branded vehicle, is going to be more expensive than average to repair. First, simply because of the brand name and second because they are more complex than the average car. A third factor is, it seems MB and other luxury brands go out of their way to design the vehicles with the idea that their type of buyer is able and willing to pay more for ordinary repairs/maintenance. Maybe that's why the GL's air filters are inaccessible without removing an engine compartment brace.
The "if you have airmatic, it will fail" and "your rear SAM will roast due to water leaks" are both over-exaggerations and far from givens. Why spend the money to replace the airmatic because someday it might fail? You would be in effect paying in advance for a repair that was never needed, plus lose all the benefits the airmatic provides. Sure, some people (even mechanics) will get on here and tell you about how many airmatics they have had to replace on GL's. So? What percentage of the GL population have they worked on?
My 14 year old GL with about 148,000 miles on it just recently experienced an airmatic shock seal leak. I had the two front assemblies replaced with quality parts by an independent for $1,000. I hardly consider that a "problem" on a 14 year old vehicle. Other than that, I have had no significant repairs.
My advice is buy one with age reasonable miles. Very low mileage may suggest the owner felt the vehicle was unreliable, it has a lot of issues, or it simply wasn't driven enough to keep it in proper working order.
These car enthusiast sites can get you paranoid.
#20
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
I take exception to the over exaggeration on the water leakage. Keep in mind I owned my 2007 GL from 2007 until a few years ago when it was totaled due to the water leak with close to 300k miles. It is not at all overstated and is very real. I posted on the site when it happened and there was no bigger champion of the platform while I owned the vehicle. I had replaced the front and rear SAM before and thought I was at fault for leaving a window down. Insurance covered the repair bill as it just about totaled the car. Well, one night we had a particularly bad rainstorm. Maybe like 6 or 8 inches overnight. Woke up to my windows down, headlights on, and the vehicle smoking. Turns out the water got in the SAM, the windows rolled down, and the car was severely flooded and the electronics were fried. As stated, it happened before, but I thought I had accidentally rolled down the window and forgot about it. The second time, I knew I did not have a window rolled down. After that second flooded car, I knew that I had not left the window down the first time. Car totaled by insurance and GL63 was purchased in its place.
#21
I take exception to the over exaggeration on the water leakage. Keep in mind I owned my 2007 GL from 2007 until a few years ago when it was totaled due to the water leak with close to 300k miles. It is not at all overstated and is very real. I posted on the site when it happened and there was no bigger champion of the platform while I owned the vehicle. I had replaced the front and rear SAM before and thought I was at fault for leaving a window down. Insurance covered the repair bill as it just about totaled the car. Well, one night we had a particularly bad rainstorm. Maybe like 6 or 8 inches overnight. Woke up to my windows down, headlights on, and the vehicle smoking. Turns out the water got in the SAM, the windows rolled down, and the car was severely flooded and the electronics were fried. As stated, it happened before, but I thought I had accidentally rolled down the window and forgot about it. The second time, I knew I did not have a window rolled down. After that second flooded car, I knew that I had not left the window down the first time. Car totaled by insurance and GL63 was purchased in its place.
#22
Super Member
water issues
Better to be aware of potential problems and look into thank instead of blindly finding out your GL could be garbage from water!!!!
#23
Of course. I'm not suggesting otherwise. I was simply pointing out that the posts that suggest if you have/get a GL, your Airmatic will fail and/or your SAM will be killed due to water leaks. Yes, these are known trouble areas. But to make it sound like most of the GL's will experience them is a huge exaggeration. Reported incidents are less than 3 per 100. I'm not saying that is a great stat. But it certainly ain't 50/50 or anywhere close.
#24
I agree with Elbeau here.
Mine hasn't suffered water intrusion or caught fire, neither has his. That's two to one so far. Your evidence is anecdotal, not statistically valid. It is a problematic area that can/should be inspected and rectified. They made and sold hundreds of thousands of these cars globally. There's probably a thousand of every make/model ever made that have leaked water or caught fire. The problem is not limited to the GL, nor Mercedes, and it is not guaranteed to happen to every single GL.
Yes, the airmatic will go eventually. But suspension is a wear part and typically has a life span of 100-150k miles. Plenty of people out there driving around with dead conventional shocks that have no idea because their ride height hasn't dropped as the spring is holding it up.
Parts are cheap but labor isn't. If you can't change a shock, water pump, alternator etc then there is a good chance it'll get expensive when something breaks. But that goes for every car. If that is the case, leasing and trading is more suitable. Stuff goes bad with age, no matter what it is.
Mine hasn't suffered water intrusion or caught fire, neither has his. That's two to one so far. Your evidence is anecdotal, not statistically valid. It is a problematic area that can/should be inspected and rectified. They made and sold hundreds of thousands of these cars globally. There's probably a thousand of every make/model ever made that have leaked water or caught fire. The problem is not limited to the GL, nor Mercedes, and it is not guaranteed to happen to every single GL.
Yes, the airmatic will go eventually. But suspension is a wear part and typically has a life span of 100-150k miles. Plenty of people out there driving around with dead conventional shocks that have no idea because their ride height hasn't dropped as the spring is holding it up.
Parts are cheap but labor isn't. If you can't change a shock, water pump, alternator etc then there is a good chance it'll get expensive when something breaks. But that goes for every car. If that is the case, leasing and trading is more suitable. Stuff goes bad with age, no matter what it is.
Last edited by GL500 x164; 08-08-2024 at 08:37 AM.
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Elbeau (08-08-2024)
#25
Super Member
Parts are cheap?
I agree with Elbeau here.
Mine hasn't suffered water intrusion or caught fire, neither has his. That's two to one so far. Your evidence is anecdotal, not statistically valid. It is a problematic area that can/should be inspected and rectified. They made and sold hundreds of thousands of these cars globally. There's probably a thousand of every make/model ever made that have leaked water or caught fire. The problem is not limited to the GL, nor Mercedes, and it is not guaranteed to happen to every single GL.
Yes, the airmatic will go eventually. But suspension is a wear part and typically has a life span of 100-150k miles. Plenty of people out there driving around with dead conventional shocks that have no idea because their ride height hasn't dropped as the spring is holding it up.
Parts are cheap but labor isn't. If you can't change a shock, water pump, alternator etc then there is a good chance it'll get expensive when something breaks. But that goes for every car. If that is the case, leasing and trading is more suitable. Stuff goes bad with age, no matter what it is.
Mine hasn't suffered water intrusion or caught fire, neither has his. That's two to one so far. Your evidence is anecdotal, not statistically valid. It is a problematic area that can/should be inspected and rectified. They made and sold hundreds of thousands of these cars globally. There's probably a thousand of every make/model ever made that have leaked water or caught fire. The problem is not limited to the GL, nor Mercedes, and it is not guaranteed to happen to every single GL.
Yes, the airmatic will go eventually. But suspension is a wear part and typically has a life span of 100-150k miles. Plenty of people out there driving around with dead conventional shocks that have no idea because their ride height hasn't dropped as the spring is holding it up.
Parts are cheap but labor isn't. If you can't change a shock, water pump, alternator etc then there is a good chance it'll get expensive when something breaks. But that goes for every car. If that is the case, leasing and trading is more suitable. Stuff goes bad with age, no matter what it is.