I would love to get Bluetec, but the fact that it does not have a spare is the major turn off for me. That's why I'll be getting GL450. I plan to use it on long trips and good luck trying to find a new run flat tire over the weekend somewhere away from big cities. If you only drive around town, this should not be a problem though.
I would love to get Bluetec, but the fact that it does not have a spare is the major turn off for me. That's why I'll be getting GL450. I plan to use it on long trips and good luck trying to find a new run flat tire over the weekend somewhere away from big cities. If you only drive around town, this should not be a problem though.
Indeed, this is one of the things I liked about getting the 2008 - it doesn't have BlueTec, but it does have a full-size spare.
Dhgl320, I suggest you recheck your spare tire as it will likely only be slightly larger than a doughnut..... 2008 GL320's don't have full size spares.
Dhgl320, I suggest you recheck your spare tire as it will likely only be slightly larger than a doughnut..... 2008 GL320's don't have full size spares.
The European GL320 does not have run-flats in 2009.
(almost no cars do - they seem to have died a death here)
They do have a 'Donut' spare (quite a large donut to be fair).
You might be able to factory order a GL320 without the run-flats.
Dhgl320, I suggest you recheck your spare tire as it will likely only be slightly larger than a doughnut..... 2008 GL320's don't have full size spares.
WHAT?! The salesman told me it was a full-sized spare!
Just kidding - sorry for the typo folks - I was thinking one thing, and typed another. It is indeed a temporary spare.
In Europe, FWIW, you can have a tailgate-mounted full-size spare.
Thats correct - but you cant have a trailer hitch with the boot mounted spare.
I would check carefully regarding specs - If a vehicle is available in any territory with a spec it is usually possible to order that spec for factory pick up. Speak to MB USA.
Of course, factory pick up means Tuscaloosa County in Alabama for the GL, ML and R Class
The reason I know this is that we bought US Spec vehicles in the past (One VOLVO, one BMW) and had them delivered in Europe (Belgium as it happens).
It is common for ex-pats to buy cars when abroad with their home country specifications and ship them home when their tour at offshore locations comes to an end.
As to speak with someone in Tax-Free or Off-Shore sales at MBUSA
Shipping cars around the world costs a LOT less than you might be thinking.
USA to UK for about £(uk)600
PS: Of course that all seems like a major PITA if you just dont want RunFlats... Speak to your dealer, tell him your going to import yourself from offshore unless he de-specs the run-flats and offers the wheel carrier... see how far you get. Ask yourself - in this climate - how many GLs is he shifting? How far will he push to get you what you want?
Last edited by jjhplus9 : 07-08-2009 at 02:14 AM.
Reason: Post Script
Don't want to sound all negative, but there is not way to remove the run-flats from an 09+ bluetec unless your willing to run without a spare.
The rear tire carrier is not an approved product in the US. A US dealer will not sell you one as it's not in his catalog. You could buy and import the parts from another region and then have a bodyshop paint and install it for you.
The phone apparatus could use more volume and the navigation screen is archaic. Nevertheless, for brute force and enormous size, the GL450 is a completely satisfying motoring instrument.
If your are in a phone call on the phone/bluetooth system, you can turn up the volume knob on the Comand/radio to hear the phone call better. Also, you increase the earpiece volume on your phone on the side or front of your phone.
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