My first Mercedes
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
My first Mercedes
Hi everyone,
Newbie here. Just ordered a 2014 GL350 BT. I was lurking on this forum for a bit before we ordered our GL. Lots of great info and I think I knew more about the car than the salesman did! Even with the Biodiesel fiasco in Illinois (we are in Chicago), we still went ahead with the Bluetec. Anyway, here is the configuration that we ordered.
• Polar White Exterior
• Standard 19" Wheels
• Designo Porcelain Interior
• Premium 1 Package
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Rear Seat Entertainment
• Keyless-Go
• Parking Assist Package
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Running boards
• Anthracite Poplar wood trim
Initially, we had the Burl Walnut trim (As suggested by the dealership) but I didnt think it would look good with a Porcelain Interior. And I only knew about the Anthracite Poplar trim from this forum. MB should really make all their options more visible. Even now, the MBUSA site lists options for 2013 GL. Anyway, thats a rant for a different day.
This is going to be our first Mercedes and we are very excited.
The GL should be built around Nov, since there is the extra wait for Designo.
BTW: What does SA mean? I know it stands for dealership, but how does SA translate to dealership?
Newbie here. Just ordered a 2014 GL350 BT. I was lurking on this forum for a bit before we ordered our GL. Lots of great info and I think I knew more about the car than the salesman did! Even with the Biodiesel fiasco in Illinois (we are in Chicago), we still went ahead with the Bluetec. Anyway, here is the configuration that we ordered.
• Polar White Exterior
• Standard 19" Wheels
• Designo Porcelain Interior
• Premium 1 Package
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Rear Seat Entertainment
• Keyless-Go
• Parking Assist Package
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Running boards
• Anthracite Poplar wood trim
Initially, we had the Burl Walnut trim (As suggested by the dealership) but I didnt think it would look good with a Porcelain Interior. And I only knew about the Anthracite Poplar trim from this forum. MB should really make all their options more visible. Even now, the MBUSA site lists options for 2013 GL. Anyway, thats a rant for a different day.
This is going to be our first Mercedes and we are very excited.
The GL should be built around Nov, since there is the extra wait for Designo.BTW: What does SA mean? I know it stands for dealership, but how does SA translate to dealership?
Last edited by LoseWeightAskMe; Jul 3, 2013 at 12:30 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
Congratulations! And welcome to the club . . .
That is a nice build. I totally agree that the burl walnut does not work with the porcelain well. My only comment is one that is purely aesthetic. The 19 inch wheels seem a little puny for a car the size of the GL. What about adding the 20 inch wheels to your order?
Good luck with your wait.
Kind regards
That is a nice build. I totally agree that the burl walnut does not work with the porcelain well. My only comment is one that is purely aesthetic. The 19 inch wheels seem a little puny for a car the size of the GL. What about adding the 20 inch wheels to your order?
Good luck with your wait.
Kind regards
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
I use that heated steering wheel on cold winter mornings and would side with function rather than fashion. I think the ride is better with 19" wheels and they protect your rims better with curbs. When I bought, I did not even know there was an HK upgrade; I would have considered it. I wish I got the 2nd row seat heat, next time...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
Thanks everyone for the comments.
About the 20 inch wheels, we did consider it. When we went to the dealership and took a test drive, it was a GL450 with 19 inch wheels. Coming from an 03 Bmw X5, the ride of the GL was, how shall I put it, magical!!! I would hate to put bigger rims with smaller sidewall on the GL and ruin the ride comfort. Having said that, I do like the look of a 20 or 21 inch rims since they fill the wheel well a lot better. If we decide to go with bigger wheels, I would rather go after-market as there are a lot more color and style options.
The heated steering wheel was a "must have" option for us, so we didn't even consider anything else. We live in Chicago and the heated steering of our BMW is something that we regularly use and love.
Our rear passengers can suffer like some medieval ox cart riders without the rear seat heating... All joking aside, our 2 boys are still in their child seats and rear seat heating won't do much for them. Now I understand that leather seats were not the best choice with young kids. And we went to the dealership with MB-Tex in mind. But both my wife and I felt the MB-Tex was a bit "rough". And once I saw photos of Designo porcelain, it tugged a couple of strings in my heart and I couldn't walk out of there without getting it. Which also kinda blew our budget a bit!
Happy 4th of July everyone...
About the 20 inch wheels, we did consider it. When we went to the dealership and took a test drive, it was a GL450 with 19 inch wheels. Coming from an 03 Bmw X5, the ride of the GL was, how shall I put it, magical!!! I would hate to put bigger rims with smaller sidewall on the GL and ruin the ride comfort. Having said that, I do like the look of a 20 or 21 inch rims since they fill the wheel well a lot better. If we decide to go with bigger wheels, I would rather go after-market as there are a lot more color and style options.
The heated steering wheel was a "must have" option for us, so we didn't even consider anything else. We live in Chicago and the heated steering of our BMW is something that we regularly use and love.
Our rear passengers can suffer like some medieval ox cart riders without the rear seat heating...
All joking aside, our 2 boys are still in their child seats and rear seat heating won't do much for them. Now I understand that leather seats were not the best choice with young kids. And we went to the dealership with MB-Tex in mind. But both my wife and I felt the MB-Tex was a bit "rough". And once I saw photos of Designo porcelain, it tugged a couple of strings in my heart and I couldn't walk out of there without getting it. Which also kinda blew our budget a bit!Happy 4th of July everyone...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
E63S, G63, S600
At the very least, add harman/kardon. The standard audio system is awful.
Almost comically so- until I remember this is a $70k car.
Almost comically so- until I remember this is a $70k car.
Last edited by yamanote; Jul 4, 2013 at 03:01 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
Wow really?!!!. Audio System is that bad? I will have to look into an upgraded H/K then. Seriously, the S Class of SUV's don't have a decent audio system as standard? 
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: SC
2014 GL350
Regarding the wheels, I had always assumed I would go for the 20" ones, but there were a couple reasons I went with the 19s: firstly and most important I don't think those 20s look any better than the 19s and then a few reviews noted that the ride quality was noticeably better with the 19. Now if they offered the amg style package in the US with those 21s - I'd be all over that.
On the designo I was likewise smitten with it and had to have it even though it was more than I wanted to spend. Having kids too though, I went for the Auburn brown mostly for the ability to keep it looking cleaner (and it was pretty much a tie for me between Porcelan and Auburn).
On the audio I went with the HK (~850). If they had an audio upgrade in the $2k range I would go for that, but the B&O was too much for me.
On the designo I was likewise smitten with it and had to have it even though it was more than I wanted to spend. Having kids too though, I went for the Auburn brown mostly for the ability to keep it looking cleaner (and it was pretty much a tie for me between Porcelan and Auburn).
On the audio I went with the HK (~850). If they had an audio upgrade in the $2k range I would go for that, but the B&O was too much for me.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
OK, ok, ok. So what's so bad about the standard audio system? I think it sounds fine. Maybe I am just not that particular. Now, I don't play it very loud and many times I even listen to the AM news station. Seems like when I listen to the iPod, it sounds good. Sorry to all you audiophiles, but some of us just don't focus on perfect musical sound when driving.
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
OK, ok, ok. So what's so bad about the standard audio system? I think it sounds fine. Maybe I am just not that particular. Now, I don't play it very loud and many times I even listen to the AM news station. Seems like when I listen to the iPod, it sounds good. Sorry to all you audiophiles, but some of us just don't focus on perfect musical sound when driving.
Wellllllll.....gotta chime in on all this..... Preface first : just my opinon! Have owned 3 GL's since 07: first two standard audio, my new 13: HK and it is "better" with respect to clarity overall and richness of the base specifically. Would I want it any "better?" Nope..... maybe if I was 25 to 40 yrs old I would think differently and be able to really notice another step up ....but now....nope! On the wheels...... the first GL had 18's, the second 19's, test drove a 2013 with the 20's and knew that I DID NOT want the 20's even though I liked the look. The larger the wheel the harsher the ride ( because of the lower profile of the tire ) the greater the potential for damage to the wheel, and the less capabillity in snow, these are issues that depend upon where and how you drive of course. All that being said......buy what you want, but know what you are buying!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Just trying to be helpful .. and to maximizew your value and your enjoyment of your special order GL350BT
1) Porcelain can be a issue with denim transfer dye - and can be a issue with children, as compared to super-sexy designo black
2) Ordering Designo Interior with the "normal leather" heated steering wheel is a choice you may want to revisit
3) Heated rear seats is a "rarer" option, and with Desgno you again may want to revisit your decision
4) Especially with factory rear entertainment, your best option choice again is to add Harman Kardon,
5) The ride on 20's is even smoother than 19's... and the 20's fill the wheel wells much better visually
Why stop 10% short ?
You are ordering the very best luxury interior that Mercedes has to offer - understand that as compared to Designo black super-sexy feel , the Porcelain color/dye process makes the Designo a bit "stiffer" than super sexy black..
1) Porcelain can be a issue with denim transfer dye - and can be a issue with children, as compared to super-sexy designo black
2) Ordering Designo Interior with the "normal leather" heated steering wheel is a choice you may want to revisit
3) Heated rear seats is a "rarer" option, and with Desgno you again may want to revisit your decision
4) Especially with factory rear entertainment, your best option choice again is to add Harman Kardon,
5) The ride on 20's is even smoother than 19's... and the 20's fill the wheel wells much better visually
Why stop 10% short ?
You are ordering the very best luxury interior that Mercedes has to offer - understand that as compared to Designo black super-sexy feel , the Porcelain color/dye process makes the Designo a bit "stiffer" than super sexy black..
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
Got it.
Well, I guess this gives me a reason to get a new one. I am thinking a 2018. By then, I expect the options list will be exceptionally impressive. This time I bought one that was already built. Next time, it will be fully customized, no doubt about it.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
I didn't go with designo for a couple of reasons. First, I couldn't find to many on dealer lots with leather nevermind designo. Seems to be custom order only. I have young kids and the Designo didn't seem like a wise choice, especially for the premium. Is all that rationalization. Probably but I'm sticking with it for now
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
I agree with you. Next time it will be less impulse and more planning. Custom ordered.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
I decided to do the HK stereo upgrade based on the comments here. Just called the dealership and put the request through. They said they will make the change in the next few days.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
Since the pricing is not out yet for the 2014's, the dealer could not give me a pricing either. I will list it once the dealer confirms the price with me. Pics will be up as soon as I have the GL, which should be sometime in November. Hopefully it won't be delayed further than that. The 4 month wait is already killing me!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
E63S, G63, S600
OK, ok, ok. So what's so bad about the standard audio system? I think it sounds fine. Maybe I am just not that particular. Now, I don't play it very loud and many times I even listen to the AM news station. Seems like when I listen to the iPod, it sounds good. Sorry to all you audiophiles, but some of us just don't focus on perfect musical sound when driving.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
Thanks to all the talk on this forum about the Rear Seat Headrest issue, I went to the dealership yesterday and removed the Easy-Entry option from my build. I had originally ordered it since it was part of P01 package. And even though the option was removed from P01 for 2014, the dealership had added it to my order. I got them to take it off. It was hard for me as I liked the easy Entry option and after seeing it in action, I really wanted it. Guess safety and comfort of my kids are more important!
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2014 GL350BT, 2014 CLA250
Good news everyone. Picked up my MY14 GL350 today. The interior and exterior looks really nice. So glad that we went with Designo.
For the pricing, I bought the car at invoice price. The dealership really gave me a good deal. Plus, I got $2000 off as part of the fleet discount through my work. MSRP was $78,580 and I got the car for $71,839.
One thing I noticed was that the transmission didn't feel as smooth as the GL450 that we test drove. The shifting was not jerky, but didn't feel as smooth. Is it a diesel thing? Also there was a slight mechanical whining noise that was coming into the cabin. I am not sure if it is the engine or transmission. Only happened during light acceleration. Under heavy acceleration, it doesn't seem to be there. Anyone with a GL350 care to chime in?
For the pricing, I bought the car at invoice price. The dealership really gave me a good deal. Plus, I got $2000 off as part of the fleet discount through my work. MSRP was $78,580 and I got the car for $71,839.
One thing I noticed was that the transmission didn't feel as smooth as the GL450 that we test drove. The shifting was not jerky, but didn't feel as smooth. Is it a diesel thing? Also there was a slight mechanical whining noise that was coming into the cabin. I am not sure if it is the engine or transmission. Only happened during light acceleration. Under heavy acceleration, it doesn't seem to be there. Anyone with a GL350 care to chime in?
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 15
AMG GT R and GLS 450
I agree- the transmission is not quite as smooth as our 09 GL Bluetec, especially when downshifting. However, the overall ride is much improved. Also, the interior is much better than our previous GL.
