Took delivery of a 2011 GL550. Dumped the 35d.
 

I know I am not very tolerant of car problems and issues, but I would just rather spend time (and frustration :D) with my family, friends and work.

I've had 5 X5s, and 8 other BMWs. I know I will return to BMW...I always cycle between BMW and Mercedes. Both our 2004 4.4i and 4.8is were amazing and virtually flawless. My 2007 E70 was a nightmare, the 2008 was bad and while the 2011 E70 was much better...I still did not find the reliability to be acceptable. Besides from my 3 E70s, most of my BMWs were either flawless or excellent.

I need a car that can sit for a few days, without worrying about the battery, and I need to be able to have the doors opened for 15 minutes while I vacuum the car and not worry about the battery.

Squeaks and rattles are my #1 annoyance...and all 3 of my E70s were full of them. Being fair though, the 2011 only had a few.

I just picked her up last night. 2011 GL550. Iridium Silver Metallic, Black Nappa Leather.

LOVE the ventilated seats and the best feature is the UV/Solar glass on all windows, including the windshield. Such a treat. Keyless-Go (Comfort Access) is awesome. Rear Seat Entertainment made my 4.5 year old VERY happy. The huge AMG wheels look great on the car, and while I really do not need the 3rd row seating...they are adult sized & the rear seats fold down electronically and are shockingly fast (and comfortable). 2nd row seats have separate HVAC and also roof mounted HVAC vents as well as the 3rd row passengers.

First impessions of driving are that this SUV is very, very comfortable and the Airmatic suspension is smooth as glass, and bumps and road damages are virtually unnoticed. It rides like an S-Class/7 Series SUV. It's kinda big though :) Of course it does not handle like an X5, very few if any SUVs, handle as well as the X5. But for being 7000 lbs., the GL is quite competent! 382 hp, 391 torque.

X5 brakes have a much better feel and response, but BMW brakes have always been better than Mercedes. The 7G transmission in my GL is liquid smooth and gear selection is spot on perfect.

HVAC feels at least 30-40% stronger than in the X5, and the A/C is SO quiet, even when blowing strong.

Controls are very well placed, and ergonomically the GL feels as good as the X5. Nappa leather and wood feels better than the X5, but Mercedes has always had excellent finishes.

I will miss i-Drive for vehicle settings, but the steering wheel mounted directory and the COMAND unit (center stack) is pretty easy to use, and the Navi is very easy to program and seems quite accurate.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...h100/GL550.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...100/GL5502.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...100/GL5503.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...100/GL5504.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...100/GL5505.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...100/GL5506.jpg

Congrats! It seems like just this morning that you were raving left and right about your new 35d. Lets make a bet everyone, to see how quickly he ditches the GL and gets a new Escalate!
...

3 months. LOL

I would drive a lemon'ed 2007 E70, before I bought an Escalade or a
Navigator!!!! :stickpoke

And I think the 35d is still an amazing SUV. The engine, brakes and transmission are excellent. HUD and i-Drive are awesome.

I just cannot deal with electrical issues, rattles, battery......

The GL will not be perfect, but the 4-5 people I know (2 are neighbors) who have one...love it. No problems at all, and no rattles or battery problems!!

I'm sure the next X5 (2013 model) will lure me back!!!! :)

wow. Did you trade it in? How much loss for a new 2011?

Of course I was just teasing! I really meant to say a Hummer H2. :bustingup

I decided to try a different service center (this weekend). These damn cracks/rattles are annoying but I still smile too much when I hit the gas to give up (yet)!

gl550 - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum GL

So?? I have been a member to Benzworld for like 4 years, and we have a G55 Benz. I posted pics of my new GL. Reason you needed to post my Benzworld post on our forum? Kinda odd man!

Sorry, based on the pictures the exterior reminds me of a Honda Pilot...I am sure it's better looking "in person"...

What battery problems? How many electronics are you running to drain the battery in 15 minutes? Ive had the '09 d since new, have let it sit in a -20* garage for a week without starting and not driven it for several weeks at a time. Two weeks ago it, it didnt move for a week and a half other than cranking it 4 times to move a total of 30 feet in and out of the garage to detail. Never had an issue. Maybe I'm lucky but still......

I agree with the rattles though. My rear seat goes through random spurts where it will rattle like crazy and then it magically goes away for a while.

To each their own, but to me it sounds like you need to justify the expense of dumping a new car because you're bored.

Bored?? I love the performance, looks, handling and features of the X5, especially the 35d. There was nothing to be bored with, but exhausted with the rattles/squeaks and recent battery/electrical issue.

Do I think the X5 looks better than my GL? YES!! The GL does drive really well, and it feels like an S-Class inside. 7000lbs of steel, leather and wood. You could hear a pin drop inside. Also for hot weather, the UV glass is amazing, and I love the cooled seats and rear DVDs for my son.

Good luck... We had a '10 GLK that we replaced with a '11 Explorer. To say we were unimpressed by the MB is an understatement (wife's). On the other hand the Explorer has exceeded our expectations; roomier, better fuel economy, technology that is light-years beyond the GLK, and a ride just as quiet and smooth.

While the GLK was well made (better than Ford not up to BMW standards), it was the way it drove. Numb steering that needed constant correcting, sluuuush box 7 speed (why 7 speeds when it refuses to downshift?), and the worst sounding V6 (no wonder it's a lame 90 degree design) this side of a Chevy Astro van.

Our Mercedes looked and drove like a pint size German Buick...boring!

Realizing this is a site for SUVs (ok ok SAV), it is also a BMW site...driving enthusiats should reign here, and my friends MB SUVs are dull, dull, dull!

Please also don't be so arrogant to not consider US. We had an Aviator that was sophisticated, that was remarkable and did everything very well!

My 2012 X5 35i M-pack is arriving Friday...and look forward to the upgrade from my 135.

I like the paddles on that GL! They're done the proper way, not like the stupid pull-towards-you to upshift and thumb-push-away to downshift on the X6.

Congrats. Sorry to hear about all of your issues. I got my seat fixed quickly by BMW. i have to agree with the above poster, after having a MB, I have to say it was so boring, that I traded it in (after only 4 months, 8000 miles, and a huge loss) for a Cayenne Turbo. I loved my CTT, but it went out of warranty, and since gas prices went through the roof, I figured going back to BMW or the x5d. Glad I did. When I want speed, I use my 996TT or my wifes Cayenne S. I guess, I am not a MB guy. Porsche or BMW, but not MB.

Congrats... i did the same but went GL350. Each vehicle has its own pluses. But when you can't depend on a 70K vehicle after being parked a week, then you need to do what you need to do whether that means flipping it or having the dealer resolve it - if they can.

as I said in the other thread... and as others have chimed in similarly - MB is a really nice Honda. ;)

Good luck with the GL550. Hope it does well for you.

I simply could not stomach 14 mpg 'combined'.... it's not the money, I fill two of my cars with 100 octane...just the pointlessness of the proposition.

Everyone has their personal thresholds for hassle, features, etc... lets hope this works out for you

Did they lemon the X5?

NO WAY they lemoned the x5 over rattles...

I hope it works well for you. Cheers.

You're definitely missing the point here: no, you're not lucky...most of us have no issues with our X5, which is precisely why Deutsch decided to dump his 35d due to the unfortunate circumstance of having to deal with an electronic issue, however minor or major it's perceived.

The GL550 imo has a much better presence than an X5, I know because I drooled over one in the showroom b/4 picking up a CLS 550 a couple years ago.

Better luck in the GL, Deutsch, and enjoy the new ride :thumbup:

He had potentially the electrical draw issues, which is a known BMW design/engineering defect. (It is really a PITA issue- not every car has it, BMW has no idea why, and diagnosis requires Herculean efforts to demand service do their job) However it did not seem like there was enough time since his first report for this to be a lemon issue.

Rattles surely could be a lemon issue- for example in CA if they take over 30 days out of service.

These kinds of threads are funny... on the one hand the thread starter wants to take a last shot at the company that 'did them wrong' and prove to them that they lost him as a owner.

(Might I comment that BMW loves him? He did buy a new car, which is all they really want... and now he will no longer be a thorn in their side.)

The other issue with these threads is the compulsion by us that remain owners to belittle his choice or question his motives, etc. Hard to resist. :stickpoke

I'm dying to know in 'real dollars' what such a decision cost the OP. What is the market price on the ML (incentives all in, $500 over invoice, etc) minus the trade value on the 35D... idle curiosity really, ultimately who cares?

:thumbup:

Good luck, glad you found something that suited you better. I'm surprised you were that patient with 3 E70s. For us it only takes one to say "never again".

Thanks everyone, for the mostly nicely comments :) I'll miss the BMW brakes and great mpg, but the GL, since it's 2007 introduction, has been a pretty solid car in the Mercedes lineup!

Yes, not as sporty as the X5, but the GL550 looks pretty damn hot and aggressive in person!! Yeah, the front end looks better than the rear!! :)

Enjoy in good health. Maybe we will catch you when the 3rd gen x5 comes back around.

Can't say I care for the look of the Merc- and that's an awfully expensive vehicle. You probably took it in the shorts on your x35d if you traded it in.

Best of luck with the MB, hope it's everything your looking for!

Anyone else notice how OP is avoiding answering, or even acknowledging, all of the financial-related questions? No harm, no foul. It's just funny that OP hasn't even declined to answer and just ignores everyone's inquiries on the subject.

Must be OP took it right up the butt on his trade...? (teasing, of course)

wow! If you have to coin to do it, why not? Sometimes, peace of mind is priceless (cue mastercard ad)

When I had my last Mercedes, all I kept thinking of was when to get rid of it and get a BMW. I felt like I was on the dark side of the force. I just love the handling, sportiness, and fuel economy of my X5d. Enjoy your ride and see you back soon (next X I bet).

Read the thread, OP had electrical issues.

Sorry, not bored as in with performance, but bored as in "I need a new car after 1 year because I'm not happy." Like I said, to each their own, but for me, I'd put up with a few rattles rather than take the loss monetarilly.

Congratulations on the new GL. You touched on something that has irritated me with every BMW I've ever owned since 1995 - weak and noisy A/C.

The X5 has definitely been the best of the bunch when compared to my 325i and 330i, but still can't hold a candle to pretty much any other manufacturer out there. I wonder what BMW does differently with their A/C from everybody else? Whatever it is, their engineers sure are stuck on it.

Not avoiding, just exact financial questions are personal. It's not like someone asking how much under invoice you paid, or what was the lease or finance rate!

Yes, I put a little money down to get out of the X5. My Mercedes dealer, whom we have a very good relationship with...the Manager's kid and my kid go to school together, they are on the same soccer team, we all hang out together, etc, etc. gave us the best deal they could. They actually gave me Mercedes Employee discounts and Mercedes Employee financing rates. We have bought 10-12 Mercedes from them since 1997.

What money I lost on the trade, they discounted the new GL quite a bit (they "said" they discounted the GL more than any other GL they have ever sold..blah, blah, blah :) ). My lease payments are only a little more per month, and my AAA insurance only went up $10 for the ENTIRE year!! The only noticeable big change will be my fuel bill. The GL550 mpg is about 12-14 city and about 15-18 highway. So obviously the 35d is much more economical!!!

So, I wouldn't say I took "it up the butt" on the trade. The down payment I put to get out of the X5 felt like "sanity" money to me. I was at the point where I resented the X5, and didn't want to drive it. So that was a total waste of money, having a car sit in the garage, that made you mad!

I've already told myself the next X5 will be way better than the E70, and BMW will have perfected all the electrical/battery issues and the interior will be much better, in terms of rattles, squeaks and poor plastics :D

So yeah...I am pretty sure when the new X5 debuts, I'll wait 6+ months for the first batch of "launch edition" problem infested X5s to pass, and then I will be trading the GL for a new X5. Until then....I will just cruise along in my 7000lb mammoth GL, with hopefully no issues!!

Our 2004 X5 4.4i, 4.8is and the 2010 750i had actually pretty decent A/C. But my 325i, 330cic, 330i, M3, M6 and 750Li had really crappy A/C. They were loud, yet weak and not very effective.

On the test drive with the GL550, one of the first things that I noticed (comfort wise) was how cold and stong the A/C felt...yet quiet, even and non-obtrusive it was. Very impressed. Range Rover, IMO, is almost even better than Mercedes with HVAC. It is virtually silent, yet so strong and consistent!!

OK, NO WAY they lemoned it over rattles, interference from the comfort access, and battery drain.

Congrats! You have to go with whatever you enjoy the most. Sounds like you worked out a good deal and didn't get hosed on the switch. Kudos.

Congrats on the new ride and enjoy. I'll 2nd the Land Rover AC comment above. The AC on our LR3 could have cooled a small house quickly and quietly.

dutch1oooo can certainly afford the $$$ lost, 12 new Benzs in 14 years, other high end toys like the G55 AMG, RR Supercharge........ man I wish I roll and live large like him!!! I mean who really needs to have 3 top of the line SUVs in the garage at the same time?? YOU ARE MY IDOL!

Fair enough and good luck. Again, I was only teasing you because you "left us."

Good luck. If it keeps you sane then go for it. IMO sounds like you go through a lot of cars---the more cars you go through the more chances you are going to have that one or more will have issues just based on numbers--kind of like dating ;).

With all the cars I've owned, I would never question someone for trading early and often. When I traded my 2011 35i for a 2012 35i the trade was 9K under what I paid for it. When I traded a 2010 35d for the 2011 35i the trade was 7K under what I paid for it.

Hope you like the MB. If you can afford it, life is too short to not enjoy yourself.

Good luck.

LOL Of course NO ONE needs 3 big SUVS, but....

On my 30th Bday...the actual day, I had a major & severe accident. The Paramedics, police and insurance company all agreed had I been in a small car, I would have been killed on impact (was in a 2004 X5 4.4i). Since then, I drive X5, ML, GL, G, S-Class and 7 Series. I'm freaked out with low, small cars...especially cabriolets. The accident has done some major mental scarring, and I just have this "tick" that I must have a big and very heavy car!!

:iagree:100%

And THANK YOU!!!

Bye-Bye!!:yawn:

You are indeed lucky.

Ouch - I couldn't stomach losing that much money. Unless I had an endless supply of money. I'd rather put that into my bank account.

Umm, everyone loses money on depreciating assets. If my trade in after a year is 9000 less than purchase, that was about a 15% depreciation and hardly more than my 5 year loan payment. So really it's close to a push.

I wasn't expecting a forum with people buying 60K+ cars to be concerned with my or the OPs financial issues. I've lost far more on my house over the last 4 years than I have on my cars for my entire life.

You are trading in at the height of a new car's depreciation curve. But this is a topic all to itself --and it's beating a dead horse as there are many threads about the topic of trades, finance vs. lease, etc.

:iagree: :thumbup:

Hey man.... Good choice.... I used to have a brabus v12 gl... I loved it . Ferraris and Lambos didnt know what hit them... Lol. Great car man... Enjoy...
:)

2011 X5 35d
 

Have had ours since October. Now have 16,600 miles. No problems at all. Did first service while I waited in coffee lounge. Of course we had issues with our '09 35d, but we took a chance and ordered a new one and pleased so far.

I wish you good luck with your new car. I have to say though, I like the X5 you gave up much better than the new ride. The GL looks a little too mini-van/R-class-ish for my taste. It does have more room than the X5, but I have ridden in the 3rd row of a GL and I personally wouldn't want to be back there for more than about 20 minutes tops. I like the sporty stance of the X5. The GL does have road presence with the 20+ inch wheels, but it is an Escalade type presence. Not sure that is a good thing.

I totally agree with you, that the E70 X5 has a more sporty stance. The 550 version of the GL looks pretty hot too (and not in an Escalade way :stickpoke) LOL

I have given the E70 THREE chances. I am/was a very loyal BMW customer, and truly loved the E70. I bought from my dealer's first batch of 2007 E70s (I know, I know...big mistake being a brand new model). My 2007 3.0si was an electrical nightmare and full of countless squeaks & rattles. BMW bought it back from me.

Waited a year, still loving the look of the E70. Bought a 2008 4.8i. While "somewhat" better than my 2007, still an electrical mess. Battery issues, warning lamps, headlight failures constantly, squeaks, rattles, etc.. This time BMW refused to buy it back.

I took a THREE year E70 break, and had to have another one. Couldn't wait to get my hands on a 35d. While it amazingly went 6 months with NO problems, that changed right around then. Battery issues, ridiculous driver seat problems, losing memory seats, radio, satellite, i-Drive settings, etc...

So, I think I was very patient and very generous with BMW to "get it right". I know there are some very, very lucky E70 owners that have NO problems. That is awesome, and I really wish that was me...I still drool over the way an E70 with sports package and 20" Style 214 wheels look.

I know the next generation X5 (2013/2014) will look incredible. I hope BMW gets the next X5 right. I would have no problem returning to BMW...they just have to make some big changes!

Oh...and I am not delusional. I know EVERY auto manufacturer has problems and issues. I owned 3 Mercedes MLs, and all 3 were pretty crappy (the 2001 was the absolute worst, the 2008 better and the 2009 the best of the 3). I do not expect my GL550 to be perfect...no car is. Well, my 2006 & 2007 Lexus RX400h suvs were perfect, but mind numbingly boring to drive and own!! It just seems that the E70 X5 has more problems and issues than a lot of other models, especially high-end expensive models. My last 2 BMW Service advisors told me that the last 7 Series (2002/03 to around 2006 model years) and the E70 are the 2 most problematic BMWs in modern BMW history).

We've owned many E Classes, G Classes, C Classes, S Classes that were almost flawless...so here's hoping the 3 pointed Star rewards me with headache free ownership!! :)

The GL is a Soccer Mom Wagon. Plain and Simple. The X5 is too, but I would say 50/50 around here. The GL is more like 95/5. Also not a fan of the Alabama made Mercedes. Hey, I am not saying its bad vehicle, just a totally different experience than the X5. If it makes you happy, Great !!

It's amazing how much it looks like my Toyota Highlander from the outside. Congratulations on your new vehicle Deutch, you have certainly had your share of problems with the E70, so it's completely understandable that you are going in a different direction for a while. I'm sure the next model will attract you back, but unless BMW makes some major changes to it's QA section, the same issues will plague the next model as well.

There is a certain arrogance at BMW, unlike any I've experienced with any other manufacturer. Customers have been complaining about all of these issues for years, and they have done very little to fix the problems. They listen much more to their own engineers than to their customers.

Despite all of this, I simply cannot resist their spectacularly performing/looking vehicles. BMW has almost a cult like following, and no amount of QA issues will keep them from maintaining their irresistible allure for those lucky few who can afford to step into their works of art.

For decades I've been looking forward to the one day that I could actually afford one, and now that the day has finally arrived, no amount of QA issues will keep me from driving my new X5 off the lot. It seems, like nothing else, that "I've finally made it!"

Deutsch, I hope you will continue to lurk around the forum, and continue to offer your advice and vast experience with the X5. Enjoy your new vehicle!

Also not a fan of an Alabama made Mercedes, but it's not any worse than a South Carolina built X5!!! :stickpoke :D :nanana:

Marauder...Danke. Hab' doch Spaß und Freude am Fahren mit deinem neuen X5!! Bist du noch im Frankfurt? Du hast einen Toyota Highlander in Deutschland? Da gekauft, oder von der USA gesendet?

Thanks! Yes, I am in the USAF, stationed near Frankfurt. I learned German over the years of being stationed here. I find it so ironic that Germany has to import their own cars from the States. :). I sometimes wonder if they wouldn't have had fewer problems with them if they were German made? I actually sold the Highlander already, and it was actually a terrific people mover which gave me no problems over 4 years!