I CAN FINALLY POST IN THIS FORUM !!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
IMO since I owned both , but the easiest way to just help you here is this
G55 - brut , feels heavy , stiff suspension but very rewarding
if you move around alot in the mountains or like to off road or climb
or get dirty. Feels like a tank looks like a tank. You can opt for G500 or 550 shock and spring for comfort since you dont have the S/C
G55K - the ultimate grocery getter, feels lighter and more nimble, gas pedal is better positioned, much better instrument cluster . Will fatigue in long distances and gas mileage is the same. Feels like an animal looks like a refined tank if updated with Alcantara, bluetooth and dynamic seats. Suspension feels better ONLY because its a newer truck but its the identical parts so dont be fooled by that.
I also like the 08 better than the 09 because of the seats.
Ive had 3 so far. 03 - 08 -09
thats a quick update since ive been so dormant.
My 03 pictured above is currently for sale, and I have brand new
shocks on hand.
Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 104
Likes: 34
From: Northern Virginia
1994 E500, 2002 E320 wagon
I would love to see your Word document with the full breakdown. Also, any chance you could elaborate more on the seat differences between 08, 09 and 10. I know that in 09 the seats are ventilated and then I read somewhere that beginning in 10 the ventilation effectiveness was improved. But would love to hear more. TIA
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
I would love to see your Word document with the full breakdown. Also, any chance you could elaborate more on the seat differences between 08, 09 and 10. I know that in 09 the seats are ventilated and then I read somewhere that beginning in 10 the ventilation effectiveness was improved. But would love to hear more. TIA
Yes 09 started Venitlated seats and has a better head unit
however 08 has the best best seats because the bottom cushion is
the most refined and fluffy and in the Gs you want alll the cushion
you can get, and i didnt base this just on mine, I looked at 5 diff
08s and a few 09s and the 08 seats just do it !!
10 seats and 09 seats are same, venting just "feels" better,
If you don't care much about the cluster or alcantara , 05 started the S/C
you can save a bunch of coin if the SC is evenin the cards for you
I think ultimatly your budget will direct you
Last edited by MPOW33R; Apr 16, 2017 at 09:09 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 104
Likes: 34
From: Northern Virginia
1994 E500, 2002 E320 wagon
If you don't mind, what are your thoughts on the OEM G55 wheels? Pros and cons of the 18" and 19" versions? I prefer the 18" but have had difficulty learning about the various tire options for both. Thanks again.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 12
From: Michigan
w205 C43, 958.1 CTT
I have an unfinished word doc literally breaking down the differences
IMO since I owned both , but the easiest way to just help you here is this
G55 - brut , feels heavy , stiff suspension but very rewarding
if you move around alot in the mountains or like to off road or climb
or get dirty. Feels like a tank looks like a tank. You can opt for G500 or 550 shock and spring for comfort since you dont have the S/C
G55K - the ultimate grocery getter, feels lighter and more nimble, gas pedal is better positioned, much better instrument cluster . Will fatigue in long distances and gas mileage is the same. Feels like an animal looks like a refined tank if updated with Alcantara, bluetooth and dynamic seats. Suspension feels better ONLY because its a newer truck but its the identical parts so dont be fooled by that.
I also like the 08 better than the 09 because of the seats.
Ive had 3 so far. 03 - 08 -09
thats a quick update since ive been so dormant.
My 03 pictured above is currently for sale, and I have brand new
shocks on hand.
IMO since I owned both , but the easiest way to just help you here is this
G55 - brut , feels heavy , stiff suspension but very rewarding
if you move around alot in the mountains or like to off road or climb
or get dirty. Feels like a tank looks like a tank. You can opt for G500 or 550 shock and spring for comfort since you dont have the S/C
G55K - the ultimate grocery getter, feels lighter and more nimble, gas pedal is better positioned, much better instrument cluster . Will fatigue in long distances and gas mileage is the same. Feels like an animal looks like a refined tank if updated with Alcantara, bluetooth and dynamic seats. Suspension feels better ONLY because its a newer truck but its the identical parts so dont be fooled by that.
I also like the 08 better than the 09 because of the seats.
Ive had 3 so far. 03 - 08 -09
thats a quick update since ive been so dormant.
My 03 pictured above is currently for sale, and I have brand new
shocks on hand.
04 G55 or 06 G55k (both have the same interiors, so same as your '03)
This will be my fun/project car, so I'm not too worried about the gas mileage/comfort.
No matter the car, my plans are to update the shocks to the G550, and to maybe do the G63 look.
I'm just stuck trying to decide if i really need the supercharger since this won't be my daily. Part of me says to go with the G55k since it's better to have too much power than not enough.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
What would you do if you were in my situation
04 G55 or 06 G55k (both have the same interiors, so same as your '03)
This will be my fun/project car, so I'm not too worried about the gas mileage/comfort.
No matter the car, my plans are to update the shocks to the G550, and to maybe do the G63 look.
I'm just stuck trying to decide if i really need the supercharger since this won't be my daily. Part of me says to go with the G55k since it's better to have too much power than not enough.
04 G55 or 06 G55k (both have the same interiors, so same as your '03)
This will be my fun/project car, so I'm not too worried about the gas mileage/comfort.
No matter the car, my plans are to update the shocks to the G550, and to maybe do the G63 look.
I'm just stuck trying to decide if i really need the supercharger since this won't be my daily. Part of me says to go with the G55k since it's better to have too much power than not enough.
Between an 04 and 06 for "fun" id go with whatever is cheaper .
To be more accurate id need specs and conditions etc BUT me
personally if you can steal an 06 for "fun" the 06 with SC should
ring the bell but then again depending on price you can have alot of
fun in the 04 with the money you save from the 06 again it depends
on the difference for sure.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 13
2005 G500
DRLS
Since I can not post the link, here is the item #
eBay item number:131419423809
Seller was amazing, since my paint code is 744 an older silver
and my absolute favorite color on the G, he painted the shrouds for
me and sent them within 10 days. Fitment perfect, paint quality 9.9/10.
In his kit he supplies the module to control the DRL LEDs, LEDs color, style,
size and shape are 100% OEM Match. I searched a ton before buying these.
eBay item number:131419423809
Seller was amazing, since my paint code is 744 an older silver
and my absolute favorite color on the G, he painted the shrouds for
me and sent them within 10 days. Fitment perfect, paint quality 9.9/10.
In his kit he supplies the module to control the DRL LEDs, LEDs color, style,
size and shape are 100% OEM Match. I searched a ton before buying these.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
2005 G500
Howdy all !! Finally got my hands wrapped around my dream !!
Picked up a 2003 G55 Designo w. 67K Miles.. MINT
Silver on Black with Blue Stitch
81 Year old owner, drove about 5k miles a year, dealer serviced
you name it , its got it !! Im elated .. I do wish it was supercharged
but the truck smells and looks new and i stole it so Im happy
and not looking back at all. Just got it back from MBZ of Walnut Creek
and all they had to say was " sunroof drain clogged " so I had them
fix that and also a note saying "keep an eye on rear main seal"
I own a 99 Arctic white C43 designo -
Past Ive had 1 w209 E500 , w211 E55 and w211 E63
and this w463 just shuts sh*t down,
I have a hard believing I'm awake when I pop into the garage.
Parts I have ordered already-
Depo Projectors
3 bar grill
Square to Oval fog light mod
Headlight Shroud with DRL LED Strip
Smoked markers
Next step is
Brabus front springs -1"
G550 Shocks
22" Brabus wheels (i really enjoy them)
Better sound system (comand 2.0 sucks w211 command 50 was so much better)
Back Up Camera
- done !!
Happy to hang amongst you others and hope to ask a million questions
and have everyone tell me "search" =)
Here is the monster -
Picked up a 2003 G55 Designo w. 67K Miles.. MINT
Silver on Black with Blue Stitch
81 Year old owner, drove about 5k miles a year, dealer serviced
you name it , its got it !! Im elated .. I do wish it was supercharged
but the truck smells and looks new and i stole it so Im happy
and not looking back at all. Just got it back from MBZ of Walnut Creek
and all they had to say was " sunroof drain clogged " so I had them
fix that and also a note saying "keep an eye on rear main seal"
I own a 99 Arctic white C43 designo -
Past Ive had 1 w209 E500 , w211 E55 and w211 E63
and this w463 just shuts sh*t down,
I have a hard believing I'm awake when I pop into the garage.
Parts I have ordered already-
Depo Projectors
3 bar grill
Square to Oval fog light mod
Headlight Shroud with DRL LED Strip
Smoked markers
Next step is
Brabus front springs -1"
G550 Shocks
22" Brabus wheels (i really enjoy them)
Better sound system (comand 2.0 sucks w211 command 50 was so much better)
Back Up Camera
- done !!
Happy to hang amongst you others and hope to ask a million questions
and have everyone tell me "search" =)
Here is the monster -
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
g55
I didn't personally wire them so I'm not exactly sure - mine turn on at ignition per OEM wiring diagram . however they came with the shroud and the LED strip plus a little junction box for each side so that when you turn your headlights on the LED strip dims down by 60%. And back to 100% when Head lights are switched to Off .
i want the DRLs to light up when ignition key is ON, so side marker or parking lamp won't work.
Some people with G500 suggested to connect to aux pump in the engine compartment, either directly, or to trigger a relay, but the aux pump power on my G55 is not continuous hence unusable for that application.
Any suggestion to an alternative way ?
I'm open to wire a relay from something on the engine compartment which is hot when key is on, and get power and ground directly from the jump terminals.
