RJC

So all that trim that is covered and stitched is tex not leather...even w/amg line?

GregW / Oregon

RJC

Great more plastic. My S550 coupes were both covered with leather never issues with sun and I live in S FL

beth22

I was thinking that since the U38 leather dash/beltlines option didn't list a restriction that it could be substituted for mbtex. I'm still hoping that will change.

GregW / Oregon

Okay, U38 is a new one on me. It is not in the dealer guide issued earlier this month. Did you see it on your dealer's NetStar system? What was the cost?

RJC

That sounds encouraging

beth22

The dealer sent me the code, said that it was available, but not with the tech package. I don't want to give up the tech package, of course.

GregW / Oregon

GregW / Oregon

I thought this X5 promo was pretty clever:

JoeMa

Greg, the link doesn't work (for me).

GregW / Oregon

Corrected.

RJC

Should not matter...

beth22

Cool video. I considered the x5 before going back to default Mercedes choice (current car is 2018 gle 4 matic I will be trading in).
It was a close second choice.

JoeMa

That is a clever promo. I've always likes the look of the X5 but prefer Mercedes focus on comfort and amenities. My best friend owns a 2009 X5 with the V8 and says it is his last BMW due to several issues that left him sitting on the side of the road a few times. But to each his own and as I said, they make beautiful looking vehicles and have a faithful following. Our GLS purchase has been a very good experience and the Mercedes dealership has treated us great.

Ron.s

JoeMa

I wouldn't disagree with anything you said Ron. I've never owned a BMW so I can't speak to their quality from personal experience. I test drove and and wanted to lease a BMW 735i back in 1986 but the wife said no way when I told her how much the monthly lease would be (it was beyond our means at that time but I wanted a BMW). I've test drove several X5's through the years but again, the ride was always just to firm for our liking. When the X7 hits the local dealerships I plan to take a test drive to see how it stacks up to our GLS. The 2020 GLS should prove to be interesting as well. As for Audi, I like the looks of their SUV's (a lot) but their interiors don't fit my eye. And after all, the interior is what we see 90% of the time.

GregW / Oregon

I think the attached from Consumer Reports is what you were thinking of. There is also this: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings...le-luxury-suvsDoes anyone remember the balance shaft sprocket issues with the W164 (and others with the M272 engine)? I do - required pulling the engine on my '05 ML. Before that were transfer case issues with my W163 '97 ML after warranty (mostly covered). And recently a leak in my '12 ML transfer case, partially covered by goodwill). My '01 BMW M3 required rod bearing replacement. My '08 M3 had throttle body actuator failures (after warranty, but covered). With the complexity of cars these days, even the best manufacturers have problems - the important thing is how good the dealers and manufacturers are at covering them. I feel both Mercedes and BMW have been very good in this regard. I have stayed with BMW for my sports sedans and Mercedes for my SUVs for the last 3 generations of each. I find the familiarity with each is a big factor in my comfort, rather than hopping from brand to brand and each has pleased me in their own way.

Ron.s

beth22

Since my order is in, but with time for changes, I'm still undecided about the wheels. The ones I like most are the RWB 21's that require the night package. Right now my second choice is the 19in R26 (standard). I think the GLE looks great with and without the night package. My question is the benefits/drawbacks of 19,20 and 21. Any thoughts? With my previous order I didn't even give wheels a thought. The 19 in. wheels are in my order at the moment.

RJC

This is a big vehicle that's now even bigger...21's at the very least...wheels are like shoes...a beautiful Chanel suit will look terrible with the wrong shoes

GregW / Oregon

Good analogy, RJ. IMO, 20s were just right on current vehicle, but this one is bigger. I think 19s will look way too small; 20s should be the minimum you should consider. I went with the RWAs since I want the AMG Exterior. But, I personally like the 21" R77s best (will be less $ than the RWBs) . IMO the R26 & 50Rs are ugly designs. All the 21s are staggered with huge rears, so of course tire replacement cost will be higher (with smaller selection), but minor consideration over the life of the vehicle. Any will function fine, so it mostly comes down to what you like the looks of.

If you are undecided, you might go to the German Configurator, since US one is not online yet, (https://www.mercedes-benz.de/passengercars/content-pool/tool-pages/car-configurator.html/carconfig?rccVehicleModelId=167159&rccNationalSale sType=000#wheels) and try different wheels. You can enlarge the exterior view and spin it to look at all angles.

beth22

Ok, played around with the German configurator. I really really like R77 and RWB. My husband only likes the R77. Great looking either way.

GregW / Oregon

No bad choice there. Now if we had access to the 22s it might be tougher.

beth22

Well, there's still the ouch of 1700.00 extra on a car that's already getting up there (leather, all the tech, etc). But, I will probably keep this one for a while (the 2018 I have only arrived this past May), so I hope to get it right.

GregW / Oregon

$1,750, but who's counting! The RWBs are probably more. At least where you live you don't need dedicated Winter tires.