- #145 of 178
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Re: Any updates on the 7-Speed Tranny Problems [merc1]
by tmattstedt
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Jan 12, 2007 (9:05 am)
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Replying to: merc1 (Jan 12, 2007 8:24 am)
The 7-Speed transmission of the GL is probably one of the best things about the car.
Before I bought my GL, had a Porsche Cayenne S and was constantly manually shifting in order to be in the right gear, in the GL I don't even thing about manual shifts.
Have never heard of anyone with troubles with the transmission and every test I read raves about it
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- #146 of 178
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Re: Any updates on the 7-Speed Tranny Problems [tmattstedt]
by mercara
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Jan 12, 2007 (2:21 pm)
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Replying to: tmattstedt (Jan 12, 2007 9:05 am)
I read a bunch of reports on the 2006 ML class message boards. Seemed to do with hard/loud shifting as opposed to total failure of the 7-Speed transmission. My 99ML320 had a similar hard downshifting problem. When I was coming to stop at say a taffic light, it used to downshift with a thud. Dealer changed the transmission control module under warranty and never had a problem since. I bought a Toyota Landcruiser after I sold my ML320 as the negative publicity and abysmal ratings on the JD power quality and long term dependability scared me from buying another mercedes. To be honest, I never had any major issues in the 5 year and 80K miles I had the ML320. I loved the truck. I just wanted something bigger and the G-wagon didn't have the third row seating for the kids.
The GL320 is really tempting as it has everything that I am looking for. From what I read these days, mercedes is trying hard to improve the quality by doing better testing and controls before the cars leave the factory so hopefully it should be fine.
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- #147 of 178
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Re: GL 450 vs MDX 07 vs Q7 [justg0]
by lindaaz
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Jan 14, 2007 (1:17 pm)
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Replying to: justg0 (Dec 29, 2006 10:52 am)
We are shopping for a luxury SUV and looked at the new BMW X5, the new Acura MDX and the GL 450. We have three children, one in a car seat, one in a booster seat and one that's a teenager. So we need room for all that. We don't think the X5 is a viable option since the third row seat is not acceptable for even small children in my opinion. (Also, worry that they are even safe.) The MDX's third row seat is better but still smallish and we thought the interior lacked in the luxury department with fake wood. So for us, the GL 450 seems to be the best choice. The third row seat is very good even for the teenage with the long legs.
For us the most important things was practicality. All three cars drive great. We're not off-roader types so don't care about that. We do like a smooth, comfortable ride that doesn't feel like a truck. (Hated the Lexus GX470 for that reason)
So we don't have the GL450 yet but have just finalized our decision that that is the SUV that suites our needs the best and will be purchasing one within the next month.
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- #148 of 178
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Re: GL 450 vs MDX 07 vs Q7 [lindaaz]
by mercara
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Jan 15, 2007 (5:33 am)
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Replying to: lindaaz (Jan 14, 2007 1:17 pm)
My decision was based on similar factors as mentioned by lindaaz. In addition I want to get the GL320 CDI so that I can have my cake and eat it too. i.e full size SUV with 25MPG avg milage. sweet !
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- #149 of 178
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Anyone getting the 20-25 mpg?
by dkdriver
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Jan 15, 2007 (6:12 pm)
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I wondered is the stats were turning out to be true - either V6 or V8. Does anyone have any calculations on their GL? Also, if you have the diesel, how much is that costing you? Thanks!
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- #150 of 178
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GL450 - 320 CDI - 420CDI [wopel]
by wulffman1
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Jan 27, 2007 (3:05 pm)
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Replying to: wopel (Oct 18, 2006 3:12 pm)
I am curious about the GL packaging in the US. I drove in a 320CDI at our local dealer today, didnt have the urge to actually drive it and had stopped to look at an ML500. Very comfortable I will say that. To the point, why would MBUSA bring the GL450 (4.6L 335HP) and 320CDI (215 HP)to power crazy USA, when in fuel price concious UK or South Africa you can get an GL500 (5.5L 380+HP) or 420CDI (4.0 300+ HP). Those sound much more appropriate for the US. Also the exterior spec of the GL's here in US look very basic and bog standard, a bit like an entry level ML350. Where are the extra chrome accents around the spot lights, under the side windows, optional aluminum roof rails, optional bigger wheels, lighted running board packages etc etc. I dont see these as option packages except for the appearance package which only upsizes the wheels and adds silver skid plates. Take quick look at the GL galleries on the MB UK or South Africa homepage and you'll see what I mean. Anybody know if we can expect more accessories and engine options in the future? I guess its worth noting that the GL320CDI is about $55k, but R710k in SA which is $100k, so actually perhaps I'll import the add ons be thankful they are so cheap here!
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- #151 of 178
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Re: GL450 - 320 CDI - 420CDI [wulffman1]
by jb_shin
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Jan 27, 2007 (7:13 pm)
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Replying to: wulffman1 (Jan 27, 2007 3:05 pm)
Ever since I drove diesel VW, MB and BMW in Germany, I have been waiting for more diesel selections in the US. My guess for not having more (bigger) diesel engines is the Federal Emissions Certification. However, in comparison to 5.5 L gasoline engine, their torque figure is nearly identical, while providing better MPG potential. 320 is Bluetec engine with urea injection to comply with the US requirements. MB probably does not want to spend too much money certifying yet another engine when general US population does not have very good memories of old diesels. Once it starts getting some traction and the numbers justify it, I am sure more diesel engines will become available.
BTW, the technology is moving nicely, as Honda and GM are supposedly able to meet the emissions requirement WITHOUT the urea injection as MB is doing.
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- #152 of 178
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Re: GL450 - 320 CDI - 420CDI [wulffman1]
by merc1
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Jan 28, 2007 (1:14 pm)
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Replying to: wulffman1 (Jan 27, 2007 3:05 pm)
Well you have to remember that when the GL was introduced gas was pretty high and people were generally shying away from big SUVs, but now gas prices have come back down. Mercedes just displayed the GL420 Bluetec at the Detroit Autoshow so you can expect it for the 2008 model year. The GL550 is likely too for 2008 also.
All those things you accessories are available now, I've GL450's with those things.
M
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- #153 of 178
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Spare Tire of GL450?
by ikechoi
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Jan 29, 2007 (10:08 am)
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I am in the market for GL450 and want to know whether it is possible to replace the compact spare tire to the *Full* size spare tire.
In my thought, it is completely nonsense to provide the only compact version although MB sells the *Offroad Package*. 
Is the space under the 3rd row seats big enough for the full size tire??
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- #154 of 178
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GL-550
by stumblefoot
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Apr 24, 2007 (7:51 am)
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Wanted to inquire about the new GL-550 announced for the U.S. at the New York auto show. I'm wondering if anyone has talked with a dealer yet about pricing and available options, delivery timing, etc. Any and all news appreciated!
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