JimBarnhart

As any of the regular readers know, I've been researching biodiesel impacts here in Minnesota. The net is there is risk that may or may not turn to reality. Reality could be engine issues, or reality could be a significant drop in local resale value.

My dealer and I have a good relationship and they are offering essentially $500 over invoice plus my fleet discount (so total of $1500 under invoice) on a 2014 build. What's your opinion on that price?

I haven't decided yet to pull the trigger, but here's what I'm thinking for a 2014 build.

Base: 2014 GL450 $64,550

Paint: Obsidian Black $720
Appearance Package $1340
Lighting Package $1390
Panoramic Roof $1090
Illuminated Running Boards Included in pkg
Designo Auburn Brown Leather $4800
Anthracite Poplar Wood $160
Heated Steering Wheel $250
3 zone climate control $1450
P1 package $3680
Multicountour seats $1100
Ventilated seats $570
Heated 2nd Row Seats $620
H-K Sound $850
Keyless Go $650
Driver Assist Package $2800
Parking Assist Package $1290
Trailer Hitch $575
mBrace $280
Destination $925
Special Order $250
Heated Windshield washer $105
Soft Close Doors $400
MB tex wrapped lower dash $300
Black headliner is standard on designo auburn leather right?

Total: $90,145

Any advice on the build?

Thanks in advance

PkB2014

Looks like almost all the options. Might want to think of moving into a GL550 at that $90k mark since it comes with a lot of options as standard. I personally can do without the Designo leather costs, but that is a pretty color and will look great. Good luck.

JimBarnhart

Yes, I like mine heavily configured. I build a GL550 as well. A comparably equipped 550 is still about $8,000 more, and I think about the only thing I get is a modified exterior around the bumpers and more horsepower. Anything else?

One more question, anyone have any experience with splitview?

chanaar

Look amazing! I wish I had gotten the cold weather package. This past winter in MN was killer...

cadetdrivr

Very minor point: isn't the MB-tex wrapped lower dash already included with Designo?

baobay

+1 on the GL550

PkB2014

By ordering this late, there is a chance of it flipping to a 2015 MY. If that happens the GL450 would get a V6 whereas the 550 will still have the V8 as it does for 2014. That would be a possible concern for me. The horsepower/torque difference in MY2014 can be made up with a simple ECU tune, so it might not be a big deal for those willing to go that route.

I was told the split-view is not so great on the GL since the screen is so small. Split-view on the S-class is better because the screen is pretty large. But I have no personal experience.

JimBarnhart

Thanks, I have told the dealer I won't accept a 2015. My reason for moving is because of biodiesel impacts to my engine, I'm not interesting in a new 2015 V6.

I have heard the same thing on splitview and decided not to get it as a result.

Ah_gl450

+1 on the GL550. And don't you get the ACS and ADS with the GL550?

wamochi

+1 on the GL550!

the AMG styling is what tipped me on the 450 vs 550 this time on the X166. that alone is worth $3000-$4000 at least in my book.

my MSRP was $90240 - i did not want pano, heated items (i'm in so cal), or designo (kids).

but i wanted almost everything else. the price has gone up unfortunately, and they've added charges to some items that were included. but you get heated/cooled cupholders in 2014

JimBarnhart

Keep the comments coming!

Anybody have an opinion on the price?

fabbrisd1

Jim,

A couple of things ---

1) All MY2014 production orders are "locked down" - meaning all production has been booked, and each of those production orders have been locked - in this color combo Obsidian/Designo-Auburn there are a NO dealer inventory units (not sold to customers) however in Auburn/Black leather there are a select few nationwide production slots for that combo not for customer orders that your dealer might secure - but may not be your exact feature/build list on the rest of the features/options

2) Specifically on the MY15 "GL450" - this configuration of the twin-turbo V6 has been internally announced to have same-hp/same-torque of MY14 GL450 V8 - hiowever production of the MY15 GL"450" will roll-out a bit later than MY15 GL350 (pending Federal approval) and MY15 GL550.

Overall, whoever it talking at your dealer - as of today May 15 - may not understand these constraints...

43221B

Fabbrisd1:

How long have the MY2014's been "locked down"? I was told that I secured a custom order over this past weekend for a MY2014 450. I made a minor change to the order on the 14th and was told that the order was going to be locked down at any time but my change was accepted. Am I getting a straight story? I was very clear that I did not want the 2015 because of the V6 and was assured it was a 2014 I was ordering.

I too do not want the 3.0L gas engine.

43221B

People are giving Jim the +1 on the 550 so I guess I'll be the contrarian. I think the 550 is a great looking vehicle but personally, I like the way the 450 looks with the appearance package better than the 550. The 550 looks more like a sporty crossover and less like a SUV to me. That is not to say a sporty looking crossover is a bad thing, IMHO I just prefer to have a vehicle that looks more like a traditional SUV than the 550 does. Despite being the same height, the lower overhangs on both of the bumpers make the 550 look lower to the ground than the 450. That's just not my thing on an SUV. I still find it a very good looking SUV though.

JimBarnhart

Well after much debate and thought I've decided to stay with the diesel. I bought my diesel 18 months ago because of the diesel. I feel bad that I now have to consider risks of owning it, but I'm going to trust that the Mercedes is the best engineered and will tolerate bio-diesel.

Thanks for all your advice.

aeggroup

Congratulation. This is very wise decision. Enjoy your GL350.

fq1

Jim, congrats on a wise decision! A quick question: what kind of fleet discounts are available to people. How does one qualify for fleet discounts? Thanks!

JimBarnhart

I qualify through my employer. I seem to remember that AMA members can get the fleet discount, USAA members get a discount. I'm sure there are others.

cookstar

I love my diesel, when I got my 08 GL320 the diesel was about 20 cents a litre cheaper than regular gasoline, this has changed and 90% of the time diesel costs more than regular gasoline as of 2013 till now. Even with that being said I would keep the diesel, I just got a loaner C300 gasser and its terrible, I could not imagine going back to gas. I also had a c250 coupe gasser and GLK250 Diesel as a loaner and I red lined that car after each stop but the needle did not drop a bit, in comparison the c250 dropped a whole needle spot on the gauge.

blittle

Jim…. First, I think staying with what you have is the right decision given all that was said and indicated here. Second, isn't great that we have this forum and the issues that we can discuss in an intelligent and helpful manner!

Finally…. as you know, I have moved up through the original 07, then an 11, and now my 13 …. all 450's. I have always been a fan of diesel, and MB in particular, but the regulations or lack there of regarding fuel have made me stay away ….. now, MB is going with a 6 in the 450….that will be a "NO" for me. My next one ( if there is one ) will be either the 550 or the 350 diesel…… I plan to sit with my 13 450 for quite while and see what develops….its been a fantastic machine and I'm willing to run with it to at least the 50k mark on the meter.

JimBarnhart

I agree. I wanted to post here as a gut check. Everyone is very helpful. I finally decided my situation would require a "double fail" As an engineer I always prepare for single fails but spend less time on double fails. In this case I'd have to have engine problems (which based upon history is unlikely) as the first failure. Then I'd have to have an issue with MBUSA not covering the repairs (which is perhaps more likely given corporate profit objectives) as the second failure. I considered that Illinois has been B11 for years now and the forums aren't filled with biodiesel engine issues.

My sense of urgency was for exactly the same reason, I don't think I'll ever want the V6 GL450, so my window of opportunity to order a 2014 was short and now has gone.

fq1

Thank you so much for the response!

btcus

Are you saying the only option for a 2015 GL V8 is a 550? There is no option for a V8 in the 450? I have an order that I am planning on putting in this week depending on any responses. Thanks in advance for the incite.

cookstar

2015 V8= 550 or 63

PkB2014

There is only a V6 for the GL 450 for 2015. Check with your dealer before ordering. If they don't confirm this then check with a different dealer or MB directly. Only V8 is in the 550 and the AMG as previously stated.