Peternovi

I am looking at 2 different models. Black R350 with lighting package or a whit e R350 with review camera and areo package but no lighting. Is the Lighting package that big of a deal?

mbslk350

Hard to answer this question. Once you use HID lights you'll never go back. If you've never had HID lights, then you won't miss them because you won't know what you're missing. Rear view camera is a safety feature and a must-have (IMO) if you have small kids.

Or you could do what I did. Order a car with the exact options you want, and then there are no tradeoffs. But you have to wait for it.

Peternovi

The Black car doesn't come with alot of bells and whislte. The white one comes with just about everything.

RDriver

The white one got PPII with almost all options except distronic, keylessgo, and airmatic. I fortunately found and bought an R320 since March with the PPII and Bixenon lights. I love everything that comes in the PPII as well as the Bixenon lights.

In my opinion, you need not to consider the black one if it doesnt have at least PPI and Nav system in addition to the Bixenon lights. The white one with PPII is much nicer (power tail gate, pano roof, HK sound, Nav system, memory seats, rearview camera, UV glass, etc).

Money aside, the white one is an easy choice. You should get a larger % discount with the better equipped white car. Regardless, work the dealer hard on the discount. No problem of getting at least 10% off, work a little harder you can get 12 - 15% or more . . . MY '07 is coming to an end. Look around and there should be a lot of '07 Rclass on the lots. MY '08 cars will show up at the dealers in August and the incentives are coming if not already happened.

Hope this helps and post what you'll end up with. You'll love it once you own one.

Peternovi

That helps TY

jprescott

The one thing that bothers me about our R500 is that it is very long and has alot of blind spots. It is difficult getting out of parking spots because I'm afraid of hitting what's behind me. Can't explain why it's worse than our old expedition. Either way, based on the unusual lengh/ width I think a rear view camera needs to be standard for this car for saftey.

Peternovi

Thanks. I went with a white r350 with the P2 package. Picking it up next Friday.

RDriver

Congratulations, great choice.

I would have done the same thing. The P2 has so many good features such as Navigation, Memory Seats, Parktronic, Rear Camera, etc. that easily outweighs the Bixenon lights. Plus P2 cars are rare, most cars are equipped with just the P1. Did you get a good deal? What state are you in?

You'll love the new ride.

jprescott

I'm happy for you. P2 is big and white is the new hot color. Our black R is already looking aged after 8 mos.

Peternovi

I am in NY. The price of the car is 55K. It has the P2 plus the chrome package and the areo package. I am going to put aftermarket rims on, since stock is 17" I am looking at 22" but not sure since. I dont want it to look like a kids car. This is my first Mercedes. I currently have an FX45 which I love but want something different. I am looking at a rim called Verde (madonna). Just incase you were interested.

Regards

RDriver

Peter - Congratulations.

I know about Chrome Package, but Aero Package ??? Post some pics if you have taken them already. I really like to see pics of your car, since I also have a White car (Mac interior).

Wow, 22" rims are huge and may not go well with a White car, especially if they are shiny chrome wheels which you should rule out. Chrome wheels usually go better with dark colors (eg. black) to show contrast from black exterior and dark tinted glass.

Ask the dealer about adding OEM fog lights. Cars equipped with BiXenon headlights also come with fog lights. But fog lights can be a dealer installed on non-Bixenon cars.

Peternovi

I have attaced a picture of the package. I would appreciate whoever knows alot about rims to reply to this post. I wanted to know if I go with 22" will it change the performance drastically?

RDriver

I dont know much about large wheels, but you'll need to go back to the OEM 17'' wheels and tires for winter (ice, snow) driving conditions, especially in NY. Save those.

Peternovi

Hey R,

What do you think of these?

Peternovi

or

Peternovi

or

Peternovi

these

RDriver

Peter - Thanks for asking my "very limited" opinion on big wheels. I really dont know much nor can offer much but have a few consideration points for you:

1. avoid shiny chrome finish, ie. go with brushed aluminum finish
2. wheels with larger spokes / smaller number of spokes are better (than skinny spokes / large number of spokes)
3. if possible swap/maintain the three-star MB logo hub on the wheels (this gives the original MB look, and therefore less kiddy-car look)
4. remember to swap the tire pressure sensors
5. keep the OEM wheels/tires for winter conditions

Sorry I am not wheels savvy and have no recommendation/suggestion. Check out this link on the other forum from a poster who put 20" on his GL. 22" are available. I like his wheels much more than the chrome ones. He got them for good price and he is in PA. These are Mandrus Regenmeister wheels which have polished finish:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/gl-c...ew-wheels.html