JimBarnhart

There isn't a clear and easy answer to the question - that's why MB sells both!

My first observation is doing any compare of a X164 to an X166 is not a fair compare (diesel or gas). The only real compare is an X166 GL350 to an X164GL450.

I've had a X164 GL450 and a X166 GL350. I don't think it's a fair compare since the X166 is so much nicer, quieter, smoother, etc.

My advice is if you plan to tow, if you like the idea of long distance between fills, if you want to reduce the number of gallons of fossil fuel you consume, then go with the GL350. Supply is more constrained to be prepared to wait or compromise on configurations.

Otherwise go with the GL450. Either way they are great vehicles.

cincy8

I find it interesting that there are so many X5 big engine owners using this forum to move to a GL.
I have a 4.8('07) and its costing me a fortune in maintenance. Our 'baby' is too big for the 3rd row but we cram her in anyway. My husband drives a newer 335xi and M3 (on sunny days).

He's resisting a move to MB but also agrees that we won't get another of this model (we had lots of non engine issues with stupid things like sunroof and door handles). I'm wary of another first model year PLUS X5 has the third seat issue.
I did love the included maintenance and found the additional contracts to 100k miles to be reasonable.

I like the quirky concept of diesel and being different and not filling up every week. I just left a message with our dealer to call if there's one to test drive. But there are none in inventory now anywhere near. We're planning ahead for 2014 model but also watching BMW. X7?

My dad had a diesel MB when I was little.

We were worried about cold but that sounds like its not an issue. So from this thread, i guess we need to think about the biodiesel issue and overall cost of ownership due to maintenance.

Thanks for sharing your thinking and experiences behind your opinions! That helps.

43221B

As far as the maintenance cost is concerned, check with whatever dealership will be servicing your GL and find out what they want you to pay for the Adblue fill/flush and the oil filter change before you buy. What I've found is that there is a wide spectrum out there in terms of pricing from dealership to dealership. One MB dealership might charge $200 to do the Adblue service, another might just include it with the oil change, and another might charge $50. Many of the dealerships will negotiate on price with you too. It might be good to have something in writing before you buy.

cookstar

BMW focuses more on sporty ride rather than comfortable, even when you compare the 750li to the S550 they are two different handling cars. When and if you get to have a test drive you will notice that it does not have any of the jittery nonsense that the x5/x6 has, the steering feel is night and day, in the X5 you have to have two hands when steering but in the GL you can steer with your pinky in any speed ( not exaggerating)
I read somewhere that for the x5/x6 you need to get a low speed handling package so you can actually steer the thing without breaking your arm.

blittle

Car buying is ( and ought to be ) an experience in getting what you want/need to make life better/nicer. This is particularly true if you are in the group of buyers that can afford to buy any one of the vehicles being talked about here. If you are in that group..... then buy what you want and enjoy it....Bearing in mind that buying an expensive vehicle that doesn't match your driving style or family needs is not real smart! I have never owned a BMW X5 but have had Land Cruisers, a Sequoia, a Toureg, and a few lesser machines, ultimately..... I just was more interested in the MB concept of comfort mixed with performance mixed with quality. My 2013 is my third GL....it is beyond the previous two in all of the categories I feel are important. If performance is REALLY important.... then, first Im not sure an SUV is the best choice but that being said, BMW probably is the best choice.......If you want a mountain goat in a tuxedo, then Land Rover is probably the best choice ( quality issues however), if you want a combination of all of that ...then, I dont think you can beat the MB GL class!

Flyingman

I have the BMW 335D and the DEF (adblue) is really a non-issue. In the beginning they had to drain/flush the system but they aren't doing that any more. If the DEF sits a long time it can crystalize, but if you drive you car frequently, say 500-1,000miles/month or so, shouldn't be a problem.

You can also buy DEF at most auto stores now. It is rather cheap, perhaps $4 - $5/gal, but I've never had to pay for it as it is inlcuded in the 50k/4yr free service.

DEF lasts about 13k miles, or an oil change interval.

No biggie and certainly no reason to consider a gas engine over a diesel.

I like the diesel because of it's higher efficiency and great torque.

I will add however that the BMW DEF system suffers frequent failures (metering pump, transfer pump, level sensors, etc...) which are handled under warranty, but don't leave you stranded on the side of the road. That may turn some folks off the diesel experience.

I haven't explored much about the MB Adblue system and track record.

hoseclamp

I'm right in the dilemma myself, was told '13 350's can't be done with amg pkg and 21" wheels for the rest of the year but they will honour the price and same build with a '14, so now I'm rethinking while I have time maybe a gasser would be the way to go. Waiting to hear if there are particular service items that can hinder me where I live if I have the diesel, I'm 500 miles from the closest dealership. A gasser needs plugs filters lubes, I don't care about fuel costs, I want to make sure I buy the right vehicle for how far I live from the dealership.

hoseclamp

To clarify I have the resources for all maintenance for either, it's in case there's something fussy or Mercedes only. My e550'stays in the summer house in Kelowna so it's close by, the s550 will travel back and forth to the area frequently, the gl will only be down south seasonally in the June-aug time frame so I don't want to have extra travels. And fuel quality for the seasons is not an issue either, arctic fuels make it here and in the tanks long before its needed.

Mbenz260e

I seem to always argue for diesel vehicles but in your situation I may go for the GL450. Unfortunately had a 2009 BTC which required quite a few extra visits to the dealer due to the AdBlue system. knock on wood no problems with my '12 or '13 BTCs but I do see it has increasing your risk of failure. Also if the car will be sitting for a while when at a different house that may be more problematic for diesel fuel and DEF. Still if I were you I'd still be on the fence. I am assuming you don't need this vehicle to tow since you have an F450?

hoseclamp

Good info, thank you! Yes towing is not a factor since that will be done with my work truck. The most the gl would do is tow my trophy fisher to and from the lake about once or twice every couple years. After some good discussion we decided to stay with a diesel, considering mpg differences and Km's travelled every year, adds up to 2,000 liters of fuel saved a year with a diesel. Cost is no concern, wife is really focusing on carbon footprint. The seasonal ride is the e550 convert. My s550 would also be since I don't want to run it in the winter. The gl is all year all the time. Man I love these German machines. Awesome.

Mbenz260e

Good choice!

hoseclamp

Sorry works out to about 1000 liters less per year less consumed with a diesel over the gasser. Pretty substantial IMO.

hoseclamp

Still haven't decided btw, talked myself back into chaos again. One question I'm trying to get answered with right fuel thin oil and huge **** battery will the diesel fire up at the air port after a week of -40c/f, no block heater plugged in. This is important, my 6.7L ford diesel passed this before I bought it, all other vehicles have passed and been through it at least once. I know a 450 with 0w40 Mobil and a huge battery will do it, but will a diesel....

JimBarnhart

I haven't subjected it to that test, but I've never heard of a Mercedes diesel having a problem with cold. My 2001 Dodge Cummins diesel only had to have a block heater once, my 2006 has never had an issue.

hoseclamp

Gets funnier now too. I find out Benz doesn't support remote starts, bloody hell. So now I need to find out fob function distance etc to see if I can get some run time from inside the house

cookstar

manual states fob distance

JimBarnhart

It does warm up pretty fast in the cold, so might not be too big of an issue.

hoseclamp

Ok I'll check manuals of the e and s class. Thx

JimBarnhart

I filled up my GL350 today and noticed that the price of diesel is now cheaper than premium gas by 10 cents a gallon. Just another perk to a lower fossil fuel impact.

thebishman

Time for the summer blends.

JimBarnhart

Yes, summer blend diesel, and then there's some scare of two refineries in Chicagoland doing some upgrades and not running at full capacity creating a stir. Today diesel is 24 cents a gallon cheaper ($3.93 vs $4.17)

blittle

Sounds like back in the "old days" ... except back then , diesel was always cheaper than ALL grades of gasoline!

FastMoneyPlaya

In CT, the state tax on diesel is 50 cents a gallon vs 25 cents a gallon for gasoline. I'm not really sure what the rationale is, but it doesn't make any sense...

JimBarnhart

Sure does Brad, we have now eclipsed that milestone this week. Diesel is still at $3.93, 87 octane gasoline is $4.09, $4.19 in the MSP area. $4.29 for 91 octane.

Mbenz260e

I think the rationale is diesel vehicles tend to be commercial and heavier, therefore harder on the roads so should be taxed higher. Screws us in diesel passenger vehicles.