my quick review
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Thanks guys for the warm welcome. I look forward to getting to my new GL when it arrives. I will be reading over these message boards and learning what I can. 
One question to any 2013 GL550 owners: do the 21" AMG wheels provide a similar ride as compared to the 20" GL 450 wheels? Or is the ride a bit stiffer?
Thanks
One question to any 2013 GL550 owners: do the 21" AMG wheels provide a similar ride as compared to the 20" GL 450 wheels? Or is the ride a bit stiffer?
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
The most comfort..... 18" wheels..... the least, 21" For me, the larger wheels and low profile tires are all about looks....if you drive a vehicle big miles and want the "luxury ride", then the lower profile tires ( larger diameter wheels) are going to compromise that....... any vehicle.
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MBs
its a touch stiffer- nothing you can feel-
with 18s i felt it had more body roll-
i dont feel much of a difference with 20s or 21s-
with 20s i recc using 285s instead of standard 275s- makes a difference..
on a seperate note with those who have already gotten their 450s and 550s- do any of you feel that because these are all biturbos the early morning engine start seems slightly louder than the 1st generation... today for a very breif second i heard a little tapping sound on start (not a cold start) one of my freinds whose a corvette engineer heard it and said maybe need to reset the tappers (or something like that) - i did tell him that german engines start differently than American and are always louder on start up and then simmer down- i've noticed this in MBs, Beemers and porsches - all are the same.
any thoughts from anyone? i'm thinkin of asking my dealer tomm but feel that this is normal engine sound with these biturbos..
with 18s i felt it had more body roll-
i dont feel much of a difference with 20s or 21s-
with 20s i recc using 285s instead of standard 275s- makes a difference..
on a seperate note with those who have already gotten their 450s and 550s- do any of you feel that because these are all biturbos the early morning engine start seems slightly louder than the 1st generation... today for a very breif second i heard a little tapping sound on start (not a cold start) one of my freinds whose a corvette engineer heard it and said maybe need to reset the tappers (or something like that) - i did tell him that german engines start differently than American and are always louder on start up and then simmer down- i've noticed this in MBs, Beemers and porsches - all are the same.
any thoughts from anyone? i'm thinkin of asking my dealer tomm but feel that this is normal engine sound with these biturbos..
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 481
From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
I'm wondering if MB tuned the air-shock suspension in the GL550 to compensate for the 21" wheels and tires. But only someone who owns a 2013 GL550 would know for sure.
So if you actually own a 2013 GL550 with the AMG wheels, please add your comments about the ride.
So if you actually own a 2013 GL550 with the AMG wheels, please add your comments about the ride.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
GL350 and 450 in Canada come with the same rims and tire options as standard on the 550, I have been told the 550 sits about an inch lower
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GL550
its a touch stiffer- nothing you can feel-
with 18s i felt it had more body roll-
i dont feel much of a difference with 20s or 21s-
with 20s i recc using 285s instead of standard 275s- makes a difference..
on a seperate note with those who have already gotten their 450s and 550s- do any of you feel that because these are all biturbos the early morning engine start seems slightly louder than the 1st generation... today for a very breif second i heard a little tapping sound on start (not a cold start) one of my freinds whose a corvette engineer heard it and said maybe need to reset the tappers (or something like that) - i did tell him that german engines start differently than American and are always louder on start up and then simmer down- i've noticed this in MBs, Beemers and porsches - all are the same.
any thoughts from anyone? i'm thinkin of asking my dealer tomm but feel that this is normal engine sound with these biturbos..
with 18s i felt it had more body roll-
i dont feel much of a difference with 20s or 21s-
with 20s i recc using 285s instead of standard 275s- makes a difference..
on a seperate note with those who have already gotten their 450s and 550s- do any of you feel that because these are all biturbos the early morning engine start seems slightly louder than the 1st generation... today for a very breif second i heard a little tapping sound on start (not a cold start) one of my freinds whose a corvette engineer heard it and said maybe need to reset the tappers (or something like that) - i did tell him that german engines start differently than American and are always louder on start up and then simmer down- i've noticed this in MBs, Beemers and porsches - all are the same.
any thoughts from anyone? i'm thinkin of asking my dealer tomm but feel that this is normal engine sound with these biturbos..
I also think it is a pretty loud engine overall - in a drivethru with window open - I was - is that me?? Quiet inside though!
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Thread Starter
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MBs
the 550 def sits a little lower... i think the air suspension is tuned which is why in the 550 you can select comfort/sport
as far as i'm concerned the ride is really no different compared with 20s...
i've driven a gl with 18s (1st gen), 20s and 21s- i prefer the 20s and 21s.
i think it makes more of a difference with the rim width as well- the 10" wide rims like the 21 amgs and if you can score stock 20amgs that are 10" wide i think makes a difference- now i'm told extra wide is not ideal for snow and better for dry/wet conditions though personally i feel having the rim/tire fill the wheel well is better than narrow tires or having them extend beyond the body line in any suv of this width and size-- my 2cents
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
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From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
the 550 def sits a little lower... i think the air suspension is tuned which is why in the 550 you can select comfort/sport
as far as i'm concerned the ride is really no different compared with 20s...
i've driven a gl with 18s (1st gen), 20s and 21s- i prefer the 20s and 21s.
i think it makes more of a difference with the rim width as well- the 10" wide rims like the 21 amgs and if you can score stock 20amgs that are 10" wide i think makes a difference- now i'm told extra wide is not ideal for snow and better for dry/wet conditions though personally i feel having the rim/tire fill the wheel well is better than narrow tires or having them extend beyond the body line in any suv of this width and size-- my 2cents
as far as i'm concerned the ride is really no different compared with 20s...
i've driven a gl with 18s (1st gen), 20s and 21s- i prefer the 20s and 21s.
i think it makes more of a difference with the rim width as well- the 10" wide rims like the 21 amgs and if you can score stock 20amgs that are 10" wide i think makes a difference- now i'm told extra wide is not ideal for snow and better for dry/wet conditions though personally i feel having the rim/tire fill the wheel well is better than narrow tires or having them extend beyond the body line in any suv of this width and size-- my 2cents
Thanks for the comments. Do you own a 2013 GL550? If so, what colors and options did you select?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
the 550 def sits a little lower... i think the air suspension is tuned which is why in the 550 you can select comfort/sport
as far as i'm concerned the ride is really no different compared with 20s...
i've driven a gl with 18s (1st gen), 20s and 21s- i prefer the 20s and 21s.
i think it makes more of a difference with the rim width as well- the 10" wide rims like the 21 amgs and if you can score stock 20amgs that are 10" wide i think makes a difference- now i'm told extra wide is not ideal for snow and better for dry/wet conditions though personally i feel having the rim/tire fill the wheel well is better than narrow tires or having them extend beyond the body line in any suv of this width and size-- my 2cents
as far as i'm concerned the ride is really no different compared with 20s...
i've driven a gl with 18s (1st gen), 20s and 21s- i prefer the 20s and 21s.
i think it makes more of a difference with the rim width as well- the 10" wide rims like the 21 amgs and if you can score stock 20amgs that are 10" wide i think makes a difference- now i'm told extra wide is not ideal for snow and better for dry/wet conditions though personally i feel having the rim/tire fill the wheel well is better than narrow tires or having them extend beyond the body line in any suv of this width and size-- my 2cents
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
Thread Starter
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MBs
used paddle shifters for first time today - i really like them on the 1st gen too-
waited 1200 miles to use them on the 2013... pretty impressed with pull, exhaust acoustics and shifts. seems a little more smoother and sporty than the 1st gen..
also sport vs comfort: seems that it lowers a little in sport mode- i'm not sure if the transmission shifts a little differently too but i noticed quicker shifting (though i would think it'd be longer shifts, then again i didnt really punch it) and yes suspension def feels more different/sportier and 'feel the road more' also the steering felt a little more, just a touch stiffer, to improve handling- makes me want to recheck my order sheet again- i mightve gotten active curve (dont really remember all the specs and options- i know you'd think you remember all of them!)
first set of pirellis for me in a loooooong time- def like the grip and handling (i prefer michelins and though not a fan of continentals i did start liking them a little bit more with one of our recent cars) but honestly i'm impressed all season pirellis- only 2 options with amg 21s for any gl- pirelli or conti and my dealer too prefers pirellis...
waited 1200 miles to use them on the 2013... pretty impressed with pull, exhaust acoustics and shifts. seems a little more smoother and sporty than the 1st gen..
also sport vs comfort: seems that it lowers a little in sport mode- i'm not sure if the transmission shifts a little differently too but i noticed quicker shifting (though i would think it'd be longer shifts, then again i didnt really punch it) and yes suspension def feels more different/sportier and 'feel the road more' also the steering felt a little more, just a touch stiffer, to improve handling- makes me want to recheck my order sheet again- i mightve gotten active curve (dont really remember all the specs and options- i know you'd think you remember all of them!)
first set of pirellis for me in a loooooong time- def like the grip and handling (i prefer michelins and though not a fan of continentals i did start liking them a little bit more with one of our recent cars) but honestly i'm impressed all season pirellis- only 2 options with amg 21s for any gl- pirelli or conti and my dealer too prefers pirellis...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
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From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
staza, you are certainly qualified to respond to the question of ride quality of the GL550 since your brother owns a 450 and you own the 550. Do you notice any difference when both are in the normal mode?
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MBs
not really sure why all new GLs have standard bulbs and no leds for brake lights- i presume 14s will have led brakelights like all the other models-
as far as the engine sound goes the 450 and 550 are both loud- sound exactly the same in idling- not sure yet if exhaust note is different on both- though i wanna say its probably the same.. front DRL LEDs are different on both..
as far as the engine sound goes the 450 and 550 are both loud- sound exactly the same in idling- not sure yet if exhaust note is different on both- though i wanna say its probably the same.. front DRL LEDs are different on both..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
not really sure why all new GLs have standard bulbs and no leds for brake lights- i presume 14s will have led brakelights like all the other models-
as far as the engine sound goes the 450 and 550 are both loud- sound exactly the same in idling- not sure yet if exhaust note is different on both- though i wanna say its probably the same.. front DRL LEDs are different on both..
as far as the engine sound goes the 450 and 550 are both loud- sound exactly the same in idling- not sure yet if exhaust note is different on both- though i wanna say its probably the same.. front DRL LEDs are different on both..
