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The North American version of the G63 equipped with option 996 may explain the mystery of why it will likely sport a lower mount BB, not unlike its Euro G63 cousin, vs/ the G550 which does not offer option 996. The Euro G63 BB has a beautiful (IMHO) low mounted BB, likely due to its 996 front camera, part of a 360 degree camera system. Even the G500 model in Europe has a front camera. We've all seen the awesome videos of Euro “bullbarless” G500’s and G63's climbing up 45 degree inclines, whilst the driver happily uses his front camera to see what the hell is in front of his vehicle. Apparently, while the US (make that, North American) G550's front motion sensor is able to “get by” with the new style bull bar somewhat blocking it, the lack of option 996 for US G550 may suggest there is just too much blockage for the camera to work properly with its new bug eyed style BB. Kind of sucks that, for at least the time being, the US G550 does not offer option 996, that would probably force the BB to the bottom of the vehicle’s front fascia, so the camera would have a full unobstructed view, ala the Euro G63 with this option. I personally really dislike the look of the G550’s new style bug eyed BB. Reminds me of Subaru BB's, with their universal dual bug eyes! If I had not quite yet hit the tipping point in switching my order from a G550 to the G63, for me, this was the last straw. I'm there now!
Last edited by JetRanger; Nov 1, 2018 at 03:01 PM.
Yet is the lower BB installable on a G63 without it being ordered from the manufacturer ? Meaning will the lower bushguard fit without disrupting camera or sensor features on the 63?
Only time will tell, but I doubt you will be able to order a US G63 without a BB in the first place. The issue becomes as to what happens if you order a US G63 without option 996: Will it deliver with the bug eyed upper mount BB, like the G550, or will it have the lower mount BB, even without any front camera? Who knows...
To take this a step further, if you do not order 996 on your G63, and you subsequently decide to change to the lower mount BB, will this require a bumper change out (if even possible) to support this mount? Then there is the issue of the G63 pertinent firmware, no doubt required to support the front camera, and whether you could even add the camera option at a later date.
Man, for sure, whatever the hell option 996 costs, I plan to spec this for sure, as I definitely want a front camera, let alone I really hate the bug eyed BB. JMHO and YMMV, of course.
Only time will tell, but I doubt you will be able to order a US G63 without a BB in the first place. The issue becomes as to what happens if you order a US G63 without option 996: Will it deliver with the bug eyed upper mount BB, like the G550, or will it have the lower mount BB, even without any front camera? Who knows...
To take this a step further, if you do not order 996 on your G63, and you subsequently decide to change to the lower mount BB, will this require a bumper change out (if even possible) to support this mount? Then there is the issue of the G63 pertinent firmware, no doubt required to support the front camera, and whether you could even add the camera option at a later date.
Man, for sure, whatever the hell option 996 costs, I plan to spec this for sure, as I definitely want a front camera, let alone I really hate the bug eyed BB. JMHO and YMMV, of course.
Parking Package option 996 on the G63 is "Parking Assist PARKTRONIC with 360 Camera" vs/ G550 EZ7 and EZ8, ”PARKTRONIC with rearview camera.” Sadly, 996 is not available on the G550. It merely has a front “sensor” warning system beeper that you are about to hit that light standard, etc.
The awesome apparent unintended cosequence of 996 is you get the cool looking low mount BB. I’d guess that even more so impressive than the coveted Kardashian inspired mandatory “AMG G63” badge of wealth is its exclusive low mount BB, which will broadcast for miles ahead a G63 is approaching! WhooHoo!
The problem with the current G63 badging is ppl can’t tell it’s a full blown 63 vs/ just a standard G550, until they get up really close and personal, and can see and read the coveted AMG badging. This problem will now be solved with the exclusive low mount BB, at least in the US, where the richierichie peeps like to flaunt their wealth.
Last edited by JetRanger; Nov 1, 2018 at 04:41 PM.
I have no idea, I am waiting to see just as you are. I did go to my dealer three months ago when the MB Rep brought in a Matt Gray 2019 G63 for people to look at and it had the small BB on it. It was my belief that it had all the options on it but I am not positive that it had 996. I am hoping they come with the small BB, time will tell.
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