GL550 Fender Flares for GL450
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Joined: Feb 2005
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GL550 Fender Flares for GL450
Anyone thinking of this or tried it?
The front bumper appears to be different in the center but the same at athe edges; visually looks like the fenders might fit.
The rear bumper seems identical to the 450 so visually this seems ok.
These are just my observations & I would love to hear from anyone whos looked into this or tried it with success or not.
Thanks
The front bumper appears to be different in the center but the same at athe edges; visually looks like the fenders might fit.
The rear bumper seems identical to the 450 so visually this seems ok.
These are just my observations & I would love to hear from anyone whos looked into this or tried it with success or not.
Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
I have been considering the same thing...
I spent a good 30 minutes climbing in around and under a GL450 and GL550 parked side by side at the dealer... It looks like it could be done quite easily.
The mounting bolts, and trim retainers are in the same place, and it looks like the parts of the front and rear flares that are attached to the sheet metal are retained with double sided adhesive tape, and a few sheetmetal screws just inside the wheel wells.
I have not gone as far as to check on the prices of the bumper/grill assembly, the flares and the screws though... If you do this, post a write up here, and I will do the same. Although it is likely I won't be doing mine for a few more months.
I spent a good 30 minutes climbing in around and under a GL450 and GL550 parked side by side at the dealer... It looks like it could be done quite easily.
The mounting bolts, and trim retainers are in the same place, and it looks like the parts of the front and rear flares that are attached to the sheet metal are retained with double sided adhesive tape, and a few sheetmetal screws just inside the wheel wells.
I have not gone as far as to check on the prices of the bumper/grill assembly, the flares and the screws though... If you do this, post a write up here, and I will do the same. Although it is likely I won't be doing mine for a few more months.
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by DaCeptak0n
I am definitely considering this. I love the wheels for one thing but they may be a pretty penny so I'd consider the mod, one thing at a time...
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From: Reno, NV
SL500, ML350, 2 GL550's (on order)
Also, don't forget, for the bumper and fender flares, they will need to be painted to match the car before they are fitted to the vehicle. That might double the projected price.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Also think of resale or trade-in. You have a 320/450 with flares and a different bumper/grille, in other words a hybrid GL which maybe no one would want. Wait it out and if you still want the 550 looks in a year or two, order one.
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From: S. FL & MI
Currently Driving a BMW 325 Sport Wagon
Nevada Jack
I hear you loud and clear but what about us guys who want a GL 320 but want the look of your absolutely amazing GL550?
I am one of those "green" guys so I have to have the diesel but I did drive a GL 550 this weekend - amazing to say the least... I loved how your GL 550 blasts out of the hole and just keeps going!!! Great choice!
IF I get a GL 320 it will have the grille and flares upgraded - unless I can get my hands on the 420 bluetec concept ;-)
I hear you loud and clear but what about us guys who want a GL 320 but want the look of your absolutely amazing GL550?
I am one of those "green" guys so I have to have the diesel but I did drive a GL 550 this weekend - amazing to say the least... I loved how your GL 550 blasts out of the hole and just keeps going!!! Great choice!
IF I get a GL 320 it will have the grille and flares upgraded - unless I can get my hands on the 420 bluetec concept ;-)
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Nevada Jack
I hear you loud and clear but what about us guys who want a GL 320 but want the look of your absolutely amazing GL550?
I am one of those "green" guys so I have to have the diesel but I did drive a GL 550 this weekend - amazing to say the least... I loved how your GL 550 blasts out of the hole and just keeps going!!! Great choice!
IF I get a GL 320 it will have the grille and flares upgraded - unless I can get my hands on the 420 bluetec concept ;-)
I hear you loud and clear but what about us guys who want a GL 320 but want the look of your absolutely amazing GL550?
I am one of those "green" guys so I have to have the diesel but I did drive a GL 550 this weekend - amazing to say the least... I loved how your GL 550 blasts out of the hole and just keeps going!!! Great choice!
IF I get a GL 320 it will have the grille and flares upgraded - unless I can get my hands on the 420 bluetec concept ;-)
I don't think you will see a 420 Bluetec with a Vision package (550 treatment) any time soon. If after delivery you can get factory parts and have them installed and painted to match the body then you will have a unique and great diesel machine. My comment about trade-in or sale was not about not doing it but the financial implications of doing it.
Good luck...
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From: Reno, NV
SL500, ML350, 2 GL550's (on order)
Or, maybe someone will like the look and take it off your hand at an elevated price. Big fenders would look sweet.
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Thread Starter
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For some reason Mercedes decided a different look for the larger V8 in some parts of the world but not others. I merely want the fenders to enhance the look of my GL but dont want the exact GL550 look (plus, I've got distronic so changing the grill would be extremely expensive even if i wanted to do it).
The GL is such a long & sleek vehicle that the flares would enhance & balance off its proportions, at least visually. For this purpose, I'm even open to consider after market fender flares but GL550 flares would probably be a bolt-on fit.
In today's world of parts sharing & cost saving, I doubt Mercedes would've made completely different bumpers - the front appears only different in the center & the rear appears identical.
My local dealer already told me they wont fit but I'm not giving up yet
By the way, a fully loaded GL500 retails here for $116,000 & thats not due to import duty (only 5%) but due to MB pricing it differently in different markets.
Last edited by 03LX470; Oct 2, 2007 at 07:40 PM.
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From: Texas
06 CLS500
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
You have to pay the price for AMG features nish...:-))))
) and fender flares available
