baldmike73

Gents,

I am about to go in and place an order on a GL - here in lies the problem - do i get 350 or 450?

Said and done similarly equipped the 350 is about 1800 less -

can you help me decide? I am going to push for $1500 over invoice less other incentives if possible as the salesman is quite motivated to get our order in queue.

Any and all help is appreciated:

Here is the build
2015 GL450 or 350 - base
Color 149 - Polar White
P01 Pkg - Premium 1 Package
319pkg - Lighting Package
3222 pkg - Appearance Package
933pkg - Lane Tracking Package
996pkg - Parking Assist Package
550 - trailer hitc
810 - harman/kardon sound
843 power easy entry
872 heated rear seats
U09 mb-tex lower wrapped dash - mb tex wrapped upper door panels, and contract stitching
105 almond beige/mocha mb-tex
H09 - open pore brown satin ash wood trim

Thoughts?

PkB2014

If you are using the trailer hitch a lot (actually pulling a trailer, etc.) the diesel is probably the way to go. It's cheaper and it gets better MPG as well. Otherwise it doesn't really matter. I'm not sure the 450 is even needed in the line-up anymore (does it do anything better than the other models?). I guess it's just there if someone doesn't want diesel for whatever reason.

Looks like a nice build. Enjoy!

JimBarnhart

The MY15 has a new V6 engine for the GL450. See some of the threads for info on that.

I agree that pulling is probably more suited to the diesel. Of the block 0-60 impressions get a GL550, or a 2014 GL450 with the V8.

francotse

if you like on/off road package, GL450
eco stop/start function, GL450
0-60 acceleration, GL450
no decent diesel, GL450
dual exhaust tips, GL450


if you want great gas millage, GL350
resell value, GL350
trailer enthusiast, GL350

baldmike73

that is the problem - we can't find any 2014's with the color/options we want.

there are a few dealerships that have BT's in stock already so may try and drive a 14 or 15 and if i don't like take a leap of faith on the 15 with V6TT and don't know the tuning ability - which is the only thing i am a bit worried about - flip side is i like the idea of being able to tune the V8 bi-turbo and get crazy gains -

such a conundrum!!!

JimBarnhart

Have you tried searching yourself on autotrader.com? See if you can find a 2014 configured how you want. I did a quick search and found 112 white 2014 GL450's.

I'm going to guess the white interior will be difficult to find.

aeggroup

+1....

I just ordered GL350, it takes 3 months to get..

baldmike73

3 months - our dealer said early September -

baldmike73

yes i have looked, but still haven't be able to find everything - most cars on the lot are pretty minimal when ordered -

43221B

If you are special ordering you should add ADS. It is a relatively low cost option and definitely firms up the suspension in sport mode which the X166 needs.

Dalema

The new V6 450 has caused quite the conundrum. I wonder if it will push people up to the 550, or just to a different brand.

Personally, the only reason I could see to getting the 350 would be if you tow. You definitely need to drive the 350, 450, 550 back to back (if you haven't) - I think that would make the decision for you.

Btw - like your build.

Also sent you a PM.

ovul82jazz

We have had our '14 350 since the end of May now - Its hard to know how it could be a whole lot better. The engine is quiet, very smooth and fuel economy and enviro footprint outstanding. The beast is a torque monster par excellence and cruises beautifully. It is particularly outstanding in the mountains - the turbos pass a semi anywhere anytime uphill and on the flat - for perspective, my other car is a Porsche. I'm impressed with the 350 and love the diesel.

baldmike73

appreciate the feedback - the car will be mainly for my wife and she said "i don't drive fast" to which i just laughed and walked away so just want to make sure the care has enough go for her otherwise i will be hearing about it - LOL -

going to drive a BT today - and hopefully will be ordering quickly after that

Max4Speed

I was in a similar boat as you but between 350 and 550. Really wanted diesel since we do a lot of road trips but didn't see that big of an advantage. Ended up ordering a 2014 GL550. Good luck! you can't go wrong at all. The only bad part about both the 350 and 450 is the appearance is so blah.

Also it is wife's truck so pretty similar to what you are looking for

baldmike73

headed to one of the local dealers today and thought they had a 350 to drive and once i got there it was sold, but did get to drive a 14 450 and must say i was very impressed. it was a CPO car with little to no options, but the fact remained that it drove quite well - now i need to find a BT to drive tomorrow -

i get the appearance thing, but it is an SUV and with the appearance package it brings it up a bit to more modern - the 550 is sweet, but if i can find a 14 450 and a "tune" then hp is where i am most interested in - the hunt continues

baldmike73

drove the 15 BT and think i am heading that way - was quiet and smooth and tons of torque - and think resale will outweigh the gas engine -

and looking at the build sheet -

removing - 996pkg - Parking Assist Package
adding - almond/mocha leather

thanks for all your help with opinions and feedback - hopefully a tune will come out for BT in the next year or so

PkB2014

I personally think the parking with surround view package is worth it.

aeggroup

+1....

baldmike73

really = why? sell me? share with me what i am missing.

BlownV8

Make sure you get the extended warranty on the diesel. They seem to have a lot more issues than the gassers the repairs can be very expensive. Yes, mileage is better and resale will be better than the 450. If you need examples of the diesel issues, go to the x164 board.

aeggroup

For the last 15 years my family have owned and leased about 10 cars all together (MB's) with leather and MB-Tex. Personally to me - there is no difference between them. MB-Tex is very easy to clean, requires minimum maintenance and looks brand new after 5-6 years of ownership. If you want to have ventilated seats - you have no choice but to go with leather. On the other hand- we live in NYC and parking sensors and surround view are more important for my wife (she's the primary driver of GL).

JimBarnhart

I'll admit I haven't been following the X164 forum for quite awhile now. I remember there being some issues with the 320CDI, and of course there's been some issues with fuel quality, but I didn't realize there were issues with the 350 Bluetec. I guess I'd better go take a look at that forum again. Anything in particular?

43221B

Leaking oil/gaskets, timing chains, scr system problems/sensors, sudden and unexplainable loss of power on the freeway and the list goes on. If you lease you are fine. These problems seem to start after 50k miles.

PkB2014

I found the surround view and all the parking sensors that come with it is very helpful for maneuvering such a huge vehicle into parking areas. Plus it looks cool on the screen.

baldmike73

LOL - that is funny - we had the previous GL and my wife can drive it like a mini - plus we have had many other SUV - Tahoes, Yukon Denalis, QX, and GL so i appreciate the perspective -

leather is out - still on the fence of gas vs bt - damn i hate the big decisions - worst case if we don't like it we don't buy - easy peasy - lol

Brabus tune for BT is $2795 - not worth it for 50hp and 60tq