Which options to order
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Joined: Jan 2014
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Bmw
Which options to order
This forum has been so useful in reseraching the GL 450. We are leaning towards getting one for our next family car and if we do will most likely order it to get all the options we want. I have two boys ages 2 and 4. So after reading on here it sounds like I should not get EZ Entry due to the headrests (they haven't made any changes recently, correct?). This is what we've configured so far:
GL450 in Lunar Blue with Almond Beige MD Tex
-Lighting Package
-Lane Tracking Package
-Parking Assist Package
-Premium 1 Package
-Panorama Sunroof
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Trailer Hitch
-Illuminated Running Boards
Please let me know if I'm missing anything! We're trying not to let the price get too much higher than this. I was curious about the MB Tex wrapped dashboards? Is this something we can/should add? Also I'd like to have the rear climate control for the backseat, but my husband doesn't think it's worth the money, thoughts?
Thanks again!
GL450 in Lunar Blue with Almond Beige MD Tex
-Lighting Package
-Lane Tracking Package
-Parking Assist Package
-Premium 1 Package
-Panorama Sunroof
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Trailer Hitch
-Illuminated Running Boards
Please let me know if I'm missing anything! We're trying not to let the price get too much higher than this. I was curious about the MB Tex wrapped dashboards? Is this something we can/should add? Also I'd like to have the rear climate control for the backseat, but my husband doesn't think it's worth the money, thoughts?
Thanks again!
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
This forum has been so useful in reseraching the GL 450. We are leaning towards getting one for our next family car and if we do will most likely order it to get all the options we want. I have two boys ages 2 and 4. So after reading on here it sounds like I should not get EZ Entry due to the headrests (they haven't made any changes recently, correct?). This is what we've configured so far:
GL450 in Lunar Blue with Almond Beige MD Tex
-Lighting Package
-Lane Tracking Package
-Parking Assist Package
-Premium 1 Package
-Panorama Sunroof
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Trailer Hitch
-Illuminated Running Boards
Please let me know if I'm missing anything! We're trying not to let the price get too much higher than this. I was curious about the MB Tex wrapped dashboards? Is this something we can/should add? Also I'd like to have the rear climate control for the backseat, but my husband doesn't think it's worth the money, thoughts?
Thanks again!
GL450 in Lunar Blue with Almond Beige MD Tex
-Lighting Package
-Lane Tracking Package
-Parking Assist Package
-Premium 1 Package
-Panorama Sunroof
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Trailer Hitch
-Illuminated Running Boards
Please let me know if I'm missing anything! We're trying not to let the price get too much higher than this. I was curious about the MB Tex wrapped dashboards? Is this something we can/should add? Also I'd like to have the rear climate control for the backseat, but my husband doesn't think it's worth the money, thoughts?
Thanks again!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
The three zone HVAC is divided between left and right and the third zone is the back seat... Not the third row. I highly suggest it.
Distronic cruise is fabulous... Especially for heavy traffic.
The lane assist is a pain in the butt. If you can't keep the car straight... You need to work on your skills. It can be quite obtruisive as it actually puts the brakes on and steers the car off the edge lines on the pavement.... But every time you have to adjust your position for a cyclist or crap in the road... Bang! There it is. I turn mine off.
The pano roof is fabulous and makes the car very open feeling inside.
Have never used the parking assist.
Surround view is surprisingly helpful... I use it all time when parking.
Pre safe brake is a must... It has saved me twice.
Keyless go...
Harmon Kardin sounds ver good... Forget the mbrace stuff.
Hope this helps... But what you should do is just break down and get a 550! It has most of the goodies... Or buy a CPO 550 if money is tight.
Distronic cruise is fabulous... Especially for heavy traffic.
The lane assist is a pain in the butt. If you can't keep the car straight... You need to work on your skills. It can be quite obtruisive as it actually puts the brakes on and steers the car off the edge lines on the pavement.... But every time you have to adjust your position for a cyclist or crap in the road... Bang! There it is. I turn mine off.
The pano roof is fabulous and makes the car very open feeling inside.
Have never used the parking assist.
Surround view is surprisingly helpful... I use it all time when parking.
Pre safe brake is a must... It has saved me twice.
Keyless go...
Harmon Kardin sounds ver good... Forget the mbrace stuff.
Hope this helps... But what you should do is just break down and get a 550! It has most of the goodies... Or buy a CPO 550 if money is tight.
Last edited by cyclrder; Jan 26, 2014 at 09:23 PM. Reason: Forgot to mention
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2014
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Bmw
I think I misunderstood the third zone option- so this isn't just a temperature control in the back but it's also air/heat vents for the third row? So without it the third row doesn't have its own air/heat? Thanks again!
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
Actually…..the whole thing is "confusing" …. in MB world, 2 zone is the driver and then the passenger is zone 2 ….. if you do not have 3 zone then whatever you set for zone 2 ( the passenger front) is what is deliverd to the vents for the 2nd row folks. 3 zone means that the 2nd row folks can set their own and whatever THEY set is delivered to the 3rd row which only has vents if you order the 3 zone package! 
Thread Starter
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Bmw
Thanks for clarification blittle!
Cyclrdr: thanks for your reply. Is distronic only for highway driving? We didn't think we'd use it much since I mostly drive around town. I didn't want keyless go since I'm afraid my toddler might try to start the car without a key.
What is pre safe brake? And does surround view camera come with the parking package? Maybe I'll drop lane assist for one of these others. Unless we could get an excellent deal on 550 think we'll stick with 450.
Thanks!!
Cyclrdr: thanks for your reply. Is distronic only for highway driving? We didn't think we'd use it much since I mostly drive around town. I didn't want keyless go since I'm afraid my toddler might try to start the car without a key.
What is pre safe brake? And does surround view camera come with the parking package? Maybe I'll drop lane assist for one of these others. Unless we could get an excellent deal on 550 think we'll stick with 450.
Thanks!!
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
Distronic is good to have BUT expect your fuel economy worsen a tiny bit as the car revs the vehicle higher than you would normally do, Ive noticed this on all MB's actually.
Keyless go would only turn on the vehicle if your foot is on the gas pedal, if the key is outside of the vehicle even 3 inches away from the front driver side window the vehicle can not be started, I tried this yesterday and was pleasantly surprised!
Three zone climate option is good but very very loud. My suggestion is always to get all the options you want IF your purchasing/financing and to get the minimal options if your leasing, just my 2 cents.
Keyless go would only turn on the vehicle if your foot is on the gas pedal, if the key is outside of the vehicle even 3 inches away from the front driver side window the vehicle can not be started, I tried this yesterday and was pleasantly surprised!
Three zone climate option is good but very very loud. My suggestion is always to get all the options you want IF your purchasing/financing and to get the minimal options if your leasing, just my 2 cents.
Last edited by cookstar; Jan 26, 2014 at 10:07 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
Since you have heated steering wheel, I suggest heated rear seat option. Keyless go is great to have specially when you are holding your two yr old. 3 zone climate control is really nice to have.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
yes 3 zone adds the following additional vents:
2nd row ceiling vents
2nd row side vents on the pillar by the rear doors
3rd row ceiling vents
without the 3-zone, these additional 6 vents are non existent
2nd row ceiling vents
2nd row side vents on the pillar by the rear doors
3rd row ceiling vents
without the 3-zone, these additional 6 vents are non existent
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
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
Remember... With a pano roof... You are adding more heated glass.. Get the 3zone system. I have to be honest... It isn't like the heating system blasts hot air out anyway...but I'm currently driving a 2 zone ml350 loaner... And it is no better! Am not sure about the summer months and AC but would expect that more vents are always better.
Tonight... When I pulled my sleeping 5 yo out of the car... I simply touched the door handle and the car locked. +1 for keyless go!
I use the distronic on country back roads where the speed limit is 45mph... It works flawlessly.. The ML350 loaner doesn't have it and it sucks! one of the first "I can't live without it" behind key less go options that I have seen in a long time.
One other thing... I have had 2 back surgeries over 20 years and my wife throws her out regularity... The difference between the standard seats and the super adjustable ones is astounding. We can drive the 102 miles each way to the country house each weekend and not mind it in the GL63 (or our old GL550 for that matter).. But the loaner ML with the standard seats will hurt your back if you are sensitive. I'm not saying that they are terrible... But once use to the better seat... It is never going back.
Steph, seriously, if you are buying and not leasing... Find a CPO 550.... You get the cheap financing and the 100k warranty. I realize the smell of a new car is great... But 15k in your pocket or the ability to own a more complete package is hard to pass up. I've always bought CPO from MB...but this time I had to have a "new" car and a AMG... Looking back, I could have saved $38K and been 92% as happy as I am now!
PM me directly if you wish.
Tonight... When I pulled my sleeping 5 yo out of the car... I simply touched the door handle and the car locked. +1 for keyless go!
I use the distronic on country back roads where the speed limit is 45mph... It works flawlessly.. The ML350 loaner doesn't have it and it sucks! one of the first "I can't live without it" behind key less go options that I have seen in a long time.
One other thing... I have had 2 back surgeries over 20 years and my wife throws her out regularity... The difference between the standard seats and the super adjustable ones is astounding. We can drive the 102 miles each way to the country house each weekend and not mind it in the GL63 (or our old GL550 for that matter).. But the loaner ML with the standard seats will hurt your back if you are sensitive. I'm not saying that they are terrible... But once use to the better seat... It is never going back.
Steph, seriously, if you are buying and not leasing... Find a CPO 550.... You get the cheap financing and the 100k warranty. I realize the smell of a new car is great... But 15k in your pocket or the ability to own a more complete package is hard to pass up. I've always bought CPO from MB...but this time I had to have a "new" car and a AMG... Looking back, I could have saved $38K and been 92% as happy as I am now!
PM me directly if you wish.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
The pre safe will apply brake pressure beyond your application based on radar. When the vehicle senses an impending collision. It works.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 50
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From: Miami Beach
'14 MB GL550 Diamond White/designo Porcelain/Black Leather w/ Bang & Olufsen BeoSound
I agree with those who are suggesting a CPO GL550 or 450, whichever you like. You'll save money & get a fantastic warranty!
The SUV is not too large so 3 Zone heat/air is not necessary but it does take a few minutes for anyone in the 3rd row to get comfortable. Our previous SUV had remote start that in cold winter temps, automatically turned on the heat full blast & heated seats. Hot day, air conditioning full blast & ventilated seats turned on while the car remained locked. We loved it! Our GL550 does not have remote start but if I hold down the unlock button on the remote, the Windows all open, allowing the hot stagnant air to escape. It's better than nothing.
Keyless Go is without question, a must. Unlock your car (every door incl rear hatch), start your car, lock your car without touching your keys. If you're discounting the car in a rush, after you lock your car (by touching the door handle), you can hold down the lock buy-in on the remote to close the windows & sunroof, while you walk away. Much better feature than the keyless go in our Lincoln.
Lane assist...it's awkward cause it's different but when it saves us from going off the road, I'll be glad!
Our car is loaded with everything except curve assist & off road package. I love it!
You know, there is nothing about our SUV I don't like. As with anything, you've got to familiarize yourself with the new/different system but it's wonderful!
The SUV is not too large so 3 Zone heat/air is not necessary but it does take a few minutes for anyone in the 3rd row to get comfortable. Our previous SUV had remote start that in cold winter temps, automatically turned on the heat full blast & heated seats. Hot day, air conditioning full blast & ventilated seats turned on while the car remained locked. We loved it! Our GL550 does not have remote start but if I hold down the unlock button on the remote, the Windows all open, allowing the hot stagnant air to escape. It's better than nothing.
Keyless Go is without question, a must. Unlock your car (every door incl rear hatch), start your car, lock your car without touching your keys. If you're discounting the car in a rush, after you lock your car (by touching the door handle), you can hold down the lock buy-in on the remote to close the windows & sunroof, while you walk away. Much better feature than the keyless go in our Lincoln.
Lane assist...it's awkward cause it's different but when it saves us from going off the road, I'll be glad!
Our car is loaded with everything except curve assist & off road package. I love it!
You know, there is nothing about our SUV I don't like. As with anything, you've got to familiarize yourself with the new/different system but it's wonderful!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Miami Beach
'14 MB GL550 Diamond White/designo Porcelain/Black Leather w/ Bang & Olufsen BeoSound
How so? I'm really curious what's hot you so wind up about it. We had our hands on one that had it & the off road package but MSRP was $114,600 & they didn't want to discount more than $600 so we passed till we found ours at MSRP $108,550 & saved almost $4K.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65
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From: 704
2018 e63 wagon, R8 GT, 991 GT3, Golf GTI, Jetta GLI
I like it because it makes this heavy truck drive more stable with less body roll when turning. It makes the truck feel one or two sizes smaller due to the better handling. It's an expensive option but worth every penny. Wouldn't buy another GL without it.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Miami Beach
'14 MB GL550 Diamond White/designo Porcelain/Black Leather w/ Bang & Olufsen BeoSound
I didn't drive the one we didn't buy long enough to really notice. I'll have to consider it in 3 yrs when we get a new one. Thanks & enjoy!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 762
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From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
My 2014 GL550 has all options except B&O and rear seat entertainment. I must say they're all necessary! :-) I haven't driven a GL without Active Curve, but I must say I can toss it around curves and it's about as flat as my S and SL. Designo leather is great but crumbs and dirt get stuck in the perforated holes making it look bad, and it's really hard to get the crumbs out of there.
