Advice wanted from W251 R Class / X164 GL owners

[A-AvantGarde]

Hi all,

This is a bit of a long post, I was hoping on some help whilst I think aloud!

I'm now seriously considering either a W251 R Class or a X164 GL. Budget is to be confirmed but I'm thinking of upto £15k for an R or up to £25k for a GL

Firstly, what I really would like is if anyone knows of any links or has a spec sheet / price list for either model for anything between the 2006 & 2008 model years.

Any real world practical experience of either model would be useful too - any common failure points etc.

For the R Class, I am tempted with an R500 (but appreciate it's probably not a wise choice!)
For the GL most likely a GL320 CDI but I'd consider a GL420 CDI

Whilst we don't really need 6/7 seats a versatile vehicle would be more useful with two kids (both under 5). Coupled with a change of job which means my 5 Series will be going back and I'll be taking a car allowance. Also my commute cuts down from a 24 mile round trip to a 6 mile round trip.

An E Class Estate would seem an obvious choice but SWMBO isn't keen on the rear facing child seats.

I'm seriously considering cycling to work too, so business mileage is likley to be very low(ish) however we do make frequent trips around the UK to visit family & friends and ocassionally into Europe. Annual mileage won't really exceed 12k miles.

Spec is however very important.

For the R Class, I really want; heated seats, a panormaic roof, COMAND and the rear entertainment system. I prefer the look of the earlier 6 seat configuration with the large central arm-rest. The AMG kit is a nice to have as I feel it improves the look of the pre-facelift R.

Whilst I really prefer the all leather interior, the sport model R (which many of them appear to be) is Artico (or leather) with Alcantara. Only the SE models have full leather. Colour wise, I'd prefer black or tansanite blue (ideally with beige leather). However most of the higher spec examples I've come across are either Silver or Lazulite blue.

For the GL, most already appear to be reasonably well equipped. I belive Xenons are standard as is COMAND and all appear to have leather. Again heated seats and the rear entertainment system are a must. Anything else is a bonus. Colour wise, black is the preference, otherwise steel grey (not sure what it's called) but not silver.

I've included a few links of various cars that fit more or less what I'm looking for.

R Class examples:

Silver R500
2006 Mercedes-Benz R Class R500 SPORT 5DR AUTO PAN ROOF REAR DVD SAT NAV 5.0

Silver R500 (this one has been on the market since at least Feb 2012 & possibly since Christmas 2011)
2006 Mercedes-Benz R Class R500L SPORT VERY HIGH SPEC/PAN ROOF/DVDS 5dr

Lazulite Blue R500 SE
Mercedes-Benz MERCEDES-BENZ R500 L Glasgow Approved Used Car Search


GL examples:

GL320 CDI (they've just cut 1k of the price of this one)
Used Cars - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI Black

GL420 CDI
Used Mercedes-benz Gl Class 4x4 Gl420 Cdi 5dr Tip Auto | Joe Ludd Specialist Cars Ltd

GL320 CDI (although I said not silver for the GL, we've previously bought from this guy and they're great to deal with)
Used MERCEDES-BENZ GL CLASS 3.0 GL320 CDI 5d AUTO 222 BHP / VAT QUALIFING Estate Used Prestige and Performance Car Dealer in Essex, London, Austin Owen

Thanks in advance, any insight / help / guidance is appreciated. Watch this space - who knows I may just decide to lease an E220 Executive SE Estate instead!

 

[Dr-Nab]

The X164 GL is a great car, I've got a MY10 350CDI which is great but well refined, smooth (despite 21" alloys), comfortable, quiet, looks commanding, never struggles in any bad weather, heavy snow etc pretty much everything I'd want from a 4x4. You may find it difficult to get one with the OEM rear seat entertainment system, was a fairly expensive option, I've not seen many cars with it but it is good for the passengers at least. Heated seats are standard, as are xenons and COMAND as you've already stated. The "panoramic" roof is a nice touch, makes the cabin more airy.

Airmatic works a treat as well between sport and comfort modes can really tell the difference between them, try and get an extended test drive in one over a weekend from a main dealer, they should play ball with it.

Fuel consumption isn't great but can easily get mid to late 20's mpg on a run. It's not the quickest car but then it isn't meant to be there's the 420/450/500 for that.. performance is more than adequate for real world driving though. Parking, it is a real pain to park appropriately in some car parks because of the length of it but with patience as well as parktronic and reversing camera its not so tricky.

As far as reliability/problems.. aside from the blueefficiency gearbox hesitation which was cured by an update for the 'box software it has been solid.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

As far as reliability/problems.. aside from the blueefficiency gearbox hesitation which was cured by an update for the 'box software it has been solid.

Cheers Dr-Nab, the models I'm looking at are pre-Blue Efficiency so hopefully that doesn't apply!

As for the rear seat entertainment, agree it's a rare and very expensive option. However I've managed to find a few with it, you'll see a few in the links above. Quite a few also have aftermarket DVD installs, although I'd much prefer the OEM fitment.

Will try to get to view some cars at the dealers to get a feel for the two back to back and then hopefully I can focus the search.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


I've on and off beeen looking at the R class for a while now. Similar situation to you with two young kids, need to be able to tow and do trips to Europe.

I would not get the 500 in the R class or GL (if they do one?)

You will have trouble shifting it as you and I have noticed some 500 models are for sale for Months and months. Also probably 20mpg on a good day loaded up.

I prefer the LWB R class, and would go for a 320CDI although currently having an E class estate that does 40 plus mpg even now and my limited miles (around 7K a year) I'm not sure I could go back to 25 - 30mpg... I used to get that out of a ML I owned and it becomes a pain watching the fuel guage go down so quick.

As you have said not many at all have the OEM rear dvd's but an add on kit (neat headrest job not clip on screens) could probably be added for not a huge amount? I also like the full roof as I have a sunroof now and it just feels more 'open'. In the GL I think this is two sunroofs?

Also when does the Reg change for the £400 tax, ok a small thing maybe but if a month or so makes a difference worth checking?

If I could get my head round the not so good fuel In ALL honestly I would have a GL, being semi sensible I would have the R320Cdi LWB but what I will probably go for is the new E class estate S212.

Your probably used to 45mpg at least from your BM and it DOES become a pain watching it drop unless your private miles are covered by a fuel card?

My brother opted out of the car scheme for one car but son went back in after realising how much it cost to run..however he does 50K - 60K a year and any car you buy loses too much in that time.

Happy looking though.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Hello

I would not get the 500 in the R class or GL (if they do one?)

You will have trouble shifting it as you and I have noticed some 500 models are for sale for Months and months. Also probably 20mpg on a good day loaded up.

Yep they do a GL500 too (although I certainly wouldn't consider one of those - the R sort of makes sense ) As you say though, wouldn't have any luck selling an R500 in a few years time.

I prefer the LWB R class, and would go for a 320CDI although currently having an E class estate that does 40 plus mpg even now and my limited miles (around 7K a year) I'm not sure I could go back to 25 - 30mpg... I used to get that out of a ML I owned and it becomes a pain watching the fuel guage go down so quick.

As you have said not many at all have the OEM rear dvd's but an add on kit (neat headrest job not clip on screens) could probably be added for not a huge amount? I also like the full roof as I have a sunroof now and it just feels more 'open'. In the GL I think this is two sunroofs?

Also when does the Reg change for the £400 tax, ok a small thing maybe but if a month or so makes a difference worth checking?

End of March 2006 is when it changed, a couple of the R500's I've linked above were registered 1 week before the cutover date, one of them a number of months later. The higher rate of road tax for the R500, IIRC is £460

The R320CDI does make sense if I could find one with a higher spec (like most of the 500's). The GL is really growing on me, although I think all of them are in the higher tax bracket as I think it came out later in 2006?

If I could get my head round the not so good fuel In ALL honestly I would have a GL, being semi sensible I would have the R320Cdi LWB but what I will probably go for is the new E class estate S212.

Your probably used to 45mpg at least from your BM and it DOES become a pain watching it drop unless your private miles are covered by a fuel card?

My brother opted out of the car scheme for one car but son went back in after realising how much it cost to run..however he does 50K - 60K a year and any car you buy loses too much in that time.

Happy looking though.

You're right about the fuel economy, the BM does low 40's. I'm used to worse with both the W203 and previously having an ML320 (petrol). Losing company car tax is the other benefit, we'd probably also even the mileage out a bit more between the W203 (i.e. use it more than we do now) and whatever I get next.

 

[bh13coupe]

Dont let the rare oem dvd system get in the way of your search, I have a nextbase aftermarket system which is more flexible (ipad platform, different film option on left and right players, sd card inputs) and it can move from car to car.
Economy wise I recently did 550 mile trip to le mans and managed to use 1 tank of fuel. Best mpg was low 30's at 80mph on cruise control. The cabin was virtual silent even with the continental cross patch run flats on 19" rims. I ama fan of the R Class and do not regret buying it. I would expect the same from a GL ownership. Either car is an awsome bit of kit.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I can't really add much more than what the others have said, but...

I would buy the GL420 CDi, because to me it is the complete vehicle; V8 diesel, high spec as standard, 4x4, after the G-Wagen I think it's a proper misters car.

I've flirted with buying a GL over the past few weeks, but I can't quite come to take the capital out of my business to lavish twenty large on one.

Whatever you decide on, please keep is updated because I'm very interested in how you get on.

 

[Peter DLM]

There will be a GL in my life at some point in the next 12 months. If I can't swing a new shape 2013 X166 model then it'll be one of the last X164s from mid '11. I love 'em.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Dont let the rare oem dvd system get in the way of your search, I have a nextbase aftermarket system which is more flexible (ipad platform, different film option on left and right players, sd card inputs) and it can move from car to car.
Economy wise I recently did 550 mile trip to le mans and managed to use 1 tank of fuel. Best mpg was low 30's at 80mph on cruise control. The cabin was virtual silent even with the continental cross patch run flats on 19" rims. I ama fan of the R Class and do not regret buying it. I would expect the same from a GL ownership. Either car is an awsome bit of kit.

Thanks, wow, that's impressive economy for such a big vehicle. How many litres does the tank take?

In terms of the DVD system, it's sound advice. I actually have something similar in the 5 series, I have the BMW Universal system:

Parts and Accessories | Cooper Cobham - Cobham | Authorised BMW Dealer

This only allows one DVD to be played on both, although I think they can both read SD Cards. The BMW system is quite neat with it's quick release brackets, they can also be used out of the car. I just prefer the cleaner look of the OEM system. I have been tempted with iPad type solutions, but that's additional expense yet again...

 

[Deleted member 37751]

There will be a GL in my life at some point in the next 12 months. If I can't swing a new shape 2013 X166 model then it'll be one of the last X164s from mid '11. I love 'em.

Well you have saved up enough 'save the world' points with your 200mpg Smart car to enable you to drive a 25mpg monster...

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I can't really add much more than what the others have said, but...

I would buy the GL420 CDi, because to me it is the complete vehicle; V8 diesel, high spec as standard, 4x4, after the G-Wagen I think it's a proper misters car.

I've flirted with buying a GL over the past few weeks, but I can't quite come to take the capital out of my business to lavish twenty large on one.

Whatever you decide on, please keep is updated because I'm very interested in how you get on.

I like your thinking SPX, top man!

When I saw this, I thought what a lot of car for the money...

Used Mercedes-benz Gl Class 4x4 Gl420 Cdi 5dr Tip Auto | Joe Ludd Specialist Cars Ltd

Some reviews even suggest better fuel economy on a long run as the engine is less stressed and lower reving than the 320. Part of the draw of the R500 for me is the fact that it's a V8. The GL420 appears to be the best of both worlds

 

[Peter DLM]

Well you have saved up enough 'save the world' points with your 200mpg Smart car to enable you to drive a 25mpg monster...

Haha, I can't get more than 46mpg avg from this feeble 71hp one I'm having to drive it at full throttle to get it to move. The 84hp Turbo one could use its 'nice' midrange to get itself out of roundabouts easily and achieve 50mpg+ all day long.

I achieved 33mpg out of the 3,000 mile old GL350 over the Jubilee weekend. Not so bad for its guargantuaness.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Any man that doesn't want 306bhp and 516lbs/ft in his life is probably a woman underneath.

 

[Peter DLM]

Any man that doesn't want 306bhp and 516lbs/ft in his life is probably a woman underneath.

Indeed. It's a nice motor Undoubtedly.

The 265hp one didn't feel that much feebler actually, and can be chipped up to near the V8's output. Of course you can also chip/ramp the V8

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Haha, I can't get more than 46mpg avg from this feeble 71hp one I'm having to drive it at full throttle to get it to move.

I've got visions of you in a Faulty Towers sketch, getting out of the car and hitting it with a tree branch screaming "go faster, you bloody thing".

I drove my dads 2.0 TDi A6 the other day (with him at my side) and felt like I was thrashing the living daylights out of it to get anywhere...

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Haha, I can't get more than 46mpg avg from this feeble 71hp one I'm having to drive it at full throttle to get it to move. The 84hp Turbo one could use its 'nice' midrange to get itself out of roundabouts easily and achieve 50mpg+ all day long.

I achieved 33mpg out of the 3,000 mile old GL350 over the Jubilee weekend. Not so bad for its guargantuaness.

My thought process is partly because of your post showing the GL that got me thinking about them. I've had the R in mind for a while, but the change in circumstances (job location & car allowance etc) seem to make it feel like it may work for me

I've now also managed to get hold of the brochures for both the GL & the R.

Does anyone have access to a price list for either model for any year from 2006 to 2008?

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Haha, I can't get more than 46mpg avg from this feeble 71hp one I'm having to drive it at full throttle to get it to move. The 84hp Turbo one could use its 'nice' midrange to get itself out of roundabouts easily and achieve 50mpg+ all day long.

I achieved 33mpg out of the 3,000 mile old GL350 over the Jubilee weekend. Not so bad for its guargantuaness.

That's the Smart out of the question then I guess? I had also thought about the £99 lease deals you see on those as a little 'get around' car.

 

[Peter DLM]

It does feel like that from the inside actually having to bury the throttle mid roundabout so by the time it's changed down I'm lining up the exit to try and prevent holding everyone up down the next straight. This is more fun than manually selecting 3rd on the approach by double tapping the shifter backwards

 

[Peter DLM]

That's the Smart out of the question then I guess? I had also thought about the £99 lease deals you see on those as a little 'get around' car.

The Turbo one is acceptable. Avoid the 71hp MHD one at all costs. The 51hp CDi can be chipped up to respectable levels so that might work though I've not tried one.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I'm off to torture myself by looking at GL's on AutoTrader now, see you in a short while...