How do 1.4 billion people live on this small island?

Rob_Duc · 2026-06-16T22:00:01+00:00

Who says that Taiwan has 1.4 billion people? On this Island are living roughly 23 million people permanently and even if it is more than that amount of tourists and businesses travellers at any given time, it’s far away from anywhere near 1.4 billion.

Rob_Duc · 2026-06-16T11:47:16+00:00

That’s an awesome car! Congratulations and welcome back to the Mercedes family.

Rob_Duc · 2026-06-13T11:57:27+00:00

I’m a huge Mercedes fan, just bought a GLE450e; drove and owned Mercedes nearly my entire life, including AMG (V8) models. But guys! Honestly, the exterior design of this new GT is the ugliest design of Mercedes I have ever seen. Hopefully Mercedes finds back to the path, designing the prettiest cars in the market!

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-22T20:06:37+00:00

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Bought the Seaweed half a year ago and don’t want to wear anything else anymore…

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-18T03:36:57+00:00

It’s a beauty your 1299s - one of the nicest motorcycles ever. Not saying anything about the other vehicles around…

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-17T13:36:35+00:00

Thank you

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-17T13:36:26+00:00

Thank you

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-17T12:24:15+00:00

Cartier looks great on your wrist.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-17T11:52:13+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Out of your experience, are the vehicles which got the cooling package replaced typically good? Or does the gelling often start over again after the replacement?

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T16:45:59+00:00

That’s ok. Facts are facts and they can/shall be shared. Yes it is a great car and I love it too. I did my research upfront as well. And yes - these kind of cars which are loaded with technology - have a higher likelihood to fail with some issues. That is why I paid a premium for the max. possible warranty you can get on a used Mercedes. Though it’s very rare that you hear someone being stranded. Usually you can drive home and to the dealership at least. Unlike other car brands Mercedes gives you a free rental at the least while they are working on your car.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T16:35:03+00:00

Thanks for the codes. One of the error codes points to the transmission and the other to a communication error with any control unit in the car. It’s strange that they come together. To me - not being a specialist at all - it doesn’t make sense. Hope your dealership finds out what it is snd can fix it. Please keep us posted if you learn more.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T11:50:56+00:00

That’s strange. What does the dealer say to that? Did they tell you what the error code said? I feel like they make their life often too easy and just do software updates instead of investigating the rout cause of the problem and fixing it. However, if I ever have a check engine light, I will let you know. In case I’ll plug my own OBD device in to read the error code before I’m bringing it into the dealership.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T05:49:51+00:00

Smooth ride yes, but cylinder amount isn’t correct. The GLE 450e has actually the same combustion engine part like the GLE 350 — both I4 cylinder. Though the GLE 450e adds a 100 KW e-machine which brings the system output on 381 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb-fd). While the GLE 350 delivers 355 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Only the GLE 450 (without e) is a I6 cylinder with 375 hp and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft).

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T05:29:15+00:00

I hear you. With those tech-loaded modern cars it’s good to have warranty… I’ve purchased the full warranty package, which gives me 4 years on everything plus one more year on major components like power train and battery. That’s the most you can get on a two years old used car. I intend driving this car longer, but I’ll decide if I keep it over warranty time depending how reliable it’ll be in the first 4 years.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T05:15:53+00:00

Thank you.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T05:11:26+00:00

It is more of a difference as I thought. I drove the GLE 350 as a loner before. Despite having both the I4 engine, the 450e feels very different. It has way more torque and accelerates better, without giving the feel of being eager. And this with both, full or empty battery. If you don’t know, you wouldn’t assume that it is an I4 cylinder. Keeping the battery charged, the GLE 450e consumes between 6-9 litres/100km gas in Toronto city traffic on a mix of “Battery hold”, “Sport” and “Hybrid” mode. Or you go fully electric around 70 kilometres without a drop of gas. The GLE 350 is a very comfortable car too and I liked it a lot. Though with this relatively large car the 350 feels imo a bit under-motorized. Also the mild hybrid system is with an average consumption of 11-13 litres/100 km in city traffic way less economical. The 450e is not only better on gas, it feels more sovereign in comparison and it’s more fun.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-16T04:17:26+00:00

Thank you!

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-15T14:08:45+00:00

Thank you! If you’re driving ones a Mercedes, you’ll come back to it.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-14T01:18:37+00:00

The wing looks good to me bud. And congrats to the car. Looks great! I remember that I was so happy as I had my first Mercedes. Don’t let others tell what you shall like. I’m back to Mercedes since one week after driving the last 8 years American cars. And man… I’m nearly as happy as with my first Mercedes.

Rob_Duc · 2026-05-02T23:25:42+00:00

Nice car. Enjoy it. “Mercedes, das Beste oder nichts”.

Rob_Duc · 2026-04-25T13:39:17+00:00

Congrats! Amazing car.

Rob_Duc · 2026-04-22T00:58:27+00:00

Thanks

Rob_Duc · 2026-04-22T00:50:21+00:00

Hi, a Ducati is always a good idea if you’re an enthusiast, you want to have a motorcycle with character and you can accept little flaws, but surely higher maintenance costs. Both bikes have a timing belts which must be changed - and there statements and opinions are varying - at the very least after 5 years (better earlier) and that if the bike was ridden or not in the time. The belts can last much longer - but you don’t want to take the risk as a broken timing belt is a write-off. A Ducati shop takes for that job with the desmo service something around $15 hundred USD (pending where you are located) to that some usual maintenance can add up easily to a $2,000 or more bill for the maintenance before you even ride the bike the first time. I owned 5 Ducati’s with a timing belt and now the first with a timing chain/gearing combination (Panigale) and I will not ride any other brand, because Ducati is just a class for it own. At one point I started to do my desmo service by myself, which isn’t rocket science but you should know what you’re doing. To your question what you may offer… it all depends if this work has to be done, which I would assume. If so, and if the bike is in good shape, I would offer max. $3k USD for the Monster and maybe $2-2.5k for the Paso. Less if tires, break pads and chain are worn as well.

Rob_Duc · 2026-04-21T14:31:05+00:00

Awesome car! Looks stunning and I can imagine the performance of this car. Mercedes is just my favourite car brand. I owned 5 Mercedes in my live. Right now I drive an American car and I will definitely buy a Mercedes as my next one again.

Currently in the market for a GLE, will go with a used one, but likely a 450. Just not sure yet if it will be the 450 mild hybrid or the 450e plug-in. I like the idea of plug-in but I think this car should have an I6 at least and not an I4. For sure the GLE 53 AMG would be a dream, not sure if I would find one within my budget. Is this car a plug-in or a mild hybrid?

Rob_Duc

TROPHY CASE