GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

I know most of us like our GL, but what's next?

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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 03:54 AM
  #1  
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I know most of us like our GL, but what's next?

Kinda curious as to whats the next purchase for all the GL lovers out there.

As I approach 40, I want something fast.

S63 is my number 1 on my bucket list but then I'd have to sell my Trackhawk.

Growing up I've always wanted the twinturbo 94-98 Toyota Supra.

I'm leaning more towards the s63 just due to the fact that no one expects to be a large sedan, fast.

As always, all opinions welcome.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 09:56 AM
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How many people, dogs, boats, RVs and suitcases does your vehicle need to carry and tow? What is your price range? What vehicle age and mileage are acceptable to you? Do you DIY maintenance and repairs?

How about a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso?
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 12:33 PM
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2007 GL450
To each his own. I'm not into having a daily driver built for speed. I would instead get an actual race car, even if only for Solo II (autocross), and keep a tow vehicle. I treated the GL like a sports car but found I enjoyed it a lot more when I used it as a truck. I bought trail tires and a full size spare.

What's next, should a rock fall from the sky and demolish my Stockholm Syndrome beloved GL? Probably a Ford F150 FX4.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 02:18 PM
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For me the Cayenne and X5 are on the radar. V/X167 is a no-go for me at this time, based on many launch problems. Read the X/V167 forum for details.

I'm hoping to achieve 200k miles on the GLE, so the next vehicle is some time in the future.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 02:48 PM
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GL63 is a very fun SUV to drive and does things a large SUV should not be able to do. Love the M157 engine and the flexibility for huge power gains. On the S class, never own an ABC equipped MB unless you have a very good warranty that specifically covers ABC.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Yup497
Kinda curious as to whats the next purchase for all the GL lovers out there.

As I approach 40, I want something fast.

S63 is my number 1 on my bucket list but then I'd have to sell my Trackhawk.

Growing up I've always wanted the twinturbo 94-98 Toyota Supra.

I'm leaning more towards the s63 just due to the fact that no one expects to be a large sedan, fast.

As always, all opinions welcome.
Since I'm one big repair away from buying something else at this point, I've got a couple of ideas. If we keep out boat, I'd need something that can tow, which probably means a X166 ML550 or whatever the GLE equivalent is. Both kids are off to college, so a third row is no longer needed, and I wouldn't mind something a little smaller. A 958 Cayenne S or GTS is a possibility as well. If towing isn't needed I'd probably get some kind of performance sedan with a GS-F high on the list. Hopefully the GL will keep going for a couple more years. I've got a box of bushings and tie rods waiting for me in the garage to replace everything in the front end of the GL which will hopefully make it drive more like a German SUV than the 1973 pickup it current feels like.

If you have any questions about a MKIV Supra, let me know, I've had one for 21 years now. Best car I've ever owned. The only thing I've had to replace were a couple of wheel bearings after a bunch of track use with wide sticky wheels/tires and the driver's side seatbelt. It is worth about 2.5X what I paid for it to boot. Car ownership doesn't get much cheaper.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 08:03 PM
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
For me?

A circa 2010 GL550 with clapped out airmatic bags for a song and a dance...

and massagy seat for my back.


Last edited by Max Blast; Nov 21, 2020 at 08:08 PM.
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Old Nov 24, 2020 | 10:29 AM
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do you have only once vehicle or the option for multiple? the gl is a family utility vehicle that is not dynamic in any trim (even the gl63 is a dog). it is comfy, safe large size sofa for soccer moms and family trips.

so, your next vehicle will be dictated by your needs, family situation and number of vehicles you can afford one way or another.

and yes- the s63 is a very capable, potent car that can be your single mode of transportation. if you live in a warm climate the only thing better is the s65.

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Old Nov 24, 2020 | 12:23 PM
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S63 with a turbo update and the S65 won't touch it. There is just much more support for the turbo 8's than the 12's. With that said, the V12 is a special engine and has such a wonderful sound, amazing low end torque, and is smooth as a sewing machine. Again, if you own a vehicle equipped with ABC, make sure you have a good warranty that specifically covers ABC. I can't say this enough after owning two ABC equipped S classes with V12's. In addition, ABC feels very artificial, to me, and disconnects you with the vehicle handling dynamics. ABC does a great job holding a vehicle flat around corners, soaking up small road imperfections, and resists any nose diving under hard braking. Other than that, I can't stand ABC equipped vehicles.

You truly want a fast MB that can haul passengers? Get the E63s and send for a tune or turbos. You'll have a comfy cruiser that will run mid to low 10's with a suspension that won't break the bank.
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 09:49 PM
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Beware of going from a practical SUV to a sedan for a daily driver. I did just that about a year ago when I sold my X5 for a 540i thinking the SUV was overkill for us DINKs. I am really liking the new 5 but after having to borrow a pickup truck at least three times for tasks the X5 could have handled and with winter Tahoe snow driving season approaching I have been looking to add an SUV as a crap hauler and winter beater. This is why I'm here...
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 10:29 PM
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When I bought the GL, I looked for a mobile with more trunk capability than my Jetta wagon, capable in winter weather, and something I would not be stuck in somewhere on a soft back road. I did not want a truck so it was either an A6/S6 Avant, Touareg 1st gen V8, or GL. The GL won because of timing, all the options I had were checked with this specimen and the price was reasonable (aka I was willing to pay it). The next vehicle will depend on what life has on the menu. I still have the Jetta and run it once in a while, for a road trip I would not hesitate to park the GL and take the Jetta, as long as we can pack everything in the hatch. The TDI fuel economy from the early 2000s is lovely! Call me cheap! lol I tend to keep cars for many years and they aren't in a hurry to part with me either. I'm lucky that way. HA!

My wife, however, would opt for the comfort of the GL, between the two. And maybe the speed, although 120 kph in a GL and 120 kph in a Jetta TDI gets you there at the same time. Well maybe a little faster in the GL, from 0 - 120. But less fuel stops for the TDI. Pit stop strategy can sometimes win the race.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 10:20 PM
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GLC 63's look interesting to me and some are already on the steep part of their depreciation curve.
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by pavulon
GLC 63's look interesting to me and some are already on the steep part of their depreciation curve.
I agree but the GLC is on the smaller size for an MB SUV/CUV. They do handle pretty good and are very quick even stock. As my dealer told me....."yeah, but you would be driving a C class." Even though it is small and a C class, I like it.
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
I agree but the GLC is on the smaller size for an MB SUV/CUV. They do handle pretty good and are very quick even stock. As my dealer told me....."yeah, but you would be driving a C class." Even though it is small and a C class, I like it.
It seems to me that your dealer is really saying "I wouldn't make as much money on selling you a C class."
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by pavulon
It seems to me that your dealer is really saying "I wouldn't make as much money on selling you a C class."
Was the service advisor. He was speaking in terms or quality and could care less if I buy a car from them; in fact, I have never purchased an MB from the local dealer.
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
Was the service advisor. He was speaking in terms or quality and could care less if I buy a car from them; in fact, I have never purchased an MB from the local dealer.
I'd rather not buy from a dealer either but without them, there would be a lot fewer used cars. Which MB does the SA drive? I could see smaller cars having significantly less room to work on stuff so perhaps that is his angle? Otherwise, I don't really care about some perception of prestige. All that said, I've never sat in any GLC so until then, my interest could quickly dissipate.

The latest generation E63s is also quite interesting to me but isn't realistically priced (yet). Unless the wagon is considered, the E63S represents a bit less utility but more of almost everything else. There are just so many great cars right now it can be bewildering.
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