03LX470

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

Danno4x4

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.

xraes

Great minds.....

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...

oknish

Somehow I don't think that changing out the front grill and adding fender flares will be cheap

Dodson

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.

Nevada Jack

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.

Jlight

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 ;-)

Nevada Jack

I read you also Jlight...:-)

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...

Dodson

Or, maybe someone will like the look and take it off your hand at an elevated price. Big fenders would look sweet.

oknish

And, in spirit of ongoing discussions elsewhere, let's beat on MBUSA for not allowing us to order a 320/450 with Fender Flares and the new Grill.

Nevada Jack

You have to pay the price for AMG features nish...:-))))

03LX470

Its not a issue of wanting to adopt a more upscale "wannabe" look & the issue isnt so much black & white either. For instance, in my case, I've got a GL500 which is more of a GL550 (same engine) but it looks like a GL450.

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.

03LX470

Never really got a chance to post my pics after the chrome roof rail install....I've gotten a lot of valuable advice & feedback on this forum...thanks guys

03LX470

HoustonRider

Hey, let me know what color and I'll mail you a GL550 for $100k...

oknish

I will as soon as MB makes the Grill (adaptable to Distronic, of course) and fender flares available