350 bluetec or 450
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 20
From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
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.
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.
Last edited by cincy8; Mar 22, 2013 at 02:04 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
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.
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
From: Weston, Florida
2014 GL350BT
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: Central BC Canada ehhhh
'12 s550, '13 e550 vert, '13 glk 250 bt, '14 gl350 bt
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.
Last edited by hoseclamp; Apr 19, 2013 at 12:17 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: Central BC Canada ehhhh
'12 s550, '13 e550 vert, '13 glk 250 bt, '14 gl350 bt
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.
Last edited by hoseclamp; Apr 19, 2013 at 12:12 AM.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: Central BC Canada ehhhh
'12 s550, '13 e550 vert, '13 glk 250 bt, '14 gl350 bt
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: Central BC Canada ehhhh
'12 s550, '13 e550 vert, '13 glk 250 bt, '14 gl350 bt
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....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: Central BC Canada ehhhh
'12 s550, '13 e550 vert, '13 glk 250 bt, '14 gl350 bt
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
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,524
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From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Sounds like back in the "old days" ... except back then , diesel was always cheaper than ALL grades of gasoline!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 145
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Audi S5, GL350, Audi A4
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...
"
Riley was referring to this week's announcement by the Department of Revenue Services
that diesel taxes would rise per gallon from 46.2 cents to 51.2 cents effective
July 1. Under a statute adopted five years ago, the diesel tax is adjusted
annually using a complicated formula that analyzes wholesale diesel price
changes over the prior year, as well as state taxes on regular gasoline.
Last July that formula added 3.6 cents per gallon to the diesel tax rate. And
the legislature and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy added another 3 cents on top of that
last summer to help close the state budget deficit.
All totaled, the rate will have jumped 11.6 cents between this summer and
last, an increase of 29.3 percent."
"
Riley was referring to this week's announcement by the Department of Revenue Services
that diesel taxes would rise per gallon from 46.2 cents to 51.2 cents effective
July 1. Under a statute adopted five years ago, the diesel tax is adjusted
annually using a complicated formula that analyzes wholesale diesel price
changes over the prior year, as well as state taxes on regular gasoline.
Last July that formula added 3.6 cents per gallon to the diesel tax rate. And
the legislature and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy added another 3 cents on top of that
last summer to help close the state budget deficit.
All totaled, the rate will have jumped 11.6 cents between this summer and
last, an increase of 29.3 percent."
Last edited by FastMoneyPlaya; May 16, 2013 at 03:33 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
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.
