Closing in on a 2011 G550 - any advice?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
1998 E320
Closing in on a 2011 G550 - any advice?
Hey everyone,
Wow it's been a few years since I was active on MBWorld, and I'm glad to see all the activity!
After a fairly long search, we've found a 2011 G550 with ~80k miles that we're hoping to add to the collection. It'll be a fun weekend car while we have a GLS and W211 for daily use, and I wanted to find out if there were any issues or red flags to look for to prevent headaches down the road. They seem to be solid trucks (minus the rust issues some people have).
Wow it's been a few years since I was active on MBWorld, and I'm glad to see all the activity!
After a fairly long search, we've found a 2011 G550 with ~80k miles that we're hoping to add to the collection. It'll be a fun weekend car while we have a GLS and W211 for daily use, and I wanted to find out if there were any issues or red flags to look for to prevent headaches down the road. They seem to be solid trucks (minus the rust issues some people have).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 75
From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
I think you got it - get it professionally inspected and make sure it’s as rust free as possible, it should be good. Seeing as you have a 211 e55 you are used to having to budget some annually for repairs and maintenance.
you'll enjoy it. I love the naturally aspirated G550 - probably one of the best sounding G at lower revs compared to the turbo models.
you'll enjoy it. I love the naturally aspirated G550 - probably one of the best sounding G at lower revs compared to the turbo models.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
1998 E320
I think you got it - get it professionally inspected and make sure it’s as rust free as possible, it should be good. Seeing as you have a 211 e55 you are used to having to budget some annually for repairs and maintenance.
you'll enjoy it. I love the naturally aspirated G550 - probably one of the best sounding G at lower revs compared to the turbo models.
you'll enjoy it. I love the naturally aspirated G550 - probably one of the best sounding G at lower revs compared to the turbo models.
Posting pics once it comes in!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Make sure the dealership checks:
.
BTW, the 2011 has no trailer hitch nor is there a provision for one. Hope you don't need one.
.
- All stored codes within the StarSDS/Xentry system
- Center drive shaft boots for cracking/tearing or excessive play in the CV joints
- Front/Rear drive shaft U-joints
- Swipe seals for excessive grease which may indicate a bad CV boot
- Transfer case shift motor - stored codes with Star system?
- Differential locks for full functionality
- Pinion seals for leakage
- Transfer case seals for leakage
- Front drag links (rubber boots fail)
- All four windows for proper up/down operation with no noises
- The stereo sub-woofer and all four door speakers (they work hard on a G)
- Rust, especially on the spring perches and shock mounts.
BTW, the 2011 has no trailer hitch nor is there a provision for one. Hope you don't need one.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
1998 E320
Make sure the dealership checks:
.
BTW, the 2011 has no trailer hitch nor is there a provision for one. Hope you don't need one.
.
- All stored codes within the StarSDS/Xentry system
- Center drive shaft boots for cracking/tearing or excessive play in the CV joints
- Front/Rear drive shaft U-joints
- Swipe seals for excessive grease which may indicate a bad CV boot
- Transfer case shift motor - stored codes with Star system?
- Differential locks for full functionality
- Pinion seals for leakage
- Transfer case seals for leakage
- Front drag links (rubber boots fail)
- All four windows for proper up/down operation with no noises
- The stereo sub-woofer and all four door speakers (they work hard on a G)
- Rust, especially on the spring perches and shock mounts.
BTW, the 2011 has no trailer hitch nor is there a provision for one. Hope you don't need one.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
1998 E320
Hi all -
Took a little longer on the update, but here she is! The first 2 projects were replacing the front turn signal light units (since they were pretty oxidized) and polishing up the rear tail light lenses with a Mother's Power Ball and some headlight compound.
Before:
After:
Here's polished vs. unpolished:
Looking to paint the rear skid plate this afternoon to add an extra layer of rust protection to bring the rear back to life.
Took a little longer on the update, but here she is! The first 2 projects were replacing the front turn signal light units (since they were pretty oxidized) and polishing up the rear tail light lenses with a Mother's Power Ball and some headlight compound.
Before:
After:
Here's polished vs. unpolished:
Looking to paint the rear skid plate this afternoon to add an extra layer of rust protection to bring the rear back to life.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
1998 E320
