GL550 Fender Flare Conversion (Step-by-step w/ pics)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
GL450
GL550 Fender Flare Conversion (Step-by-step w/ pics)
Got the parts from one of the forum members. Part #s are as follows (Please verify w/ your parts guy):
Front Bumper Flares
L 164 884 5722
R 168 884 5822
Front Fender Flares
L 164 884 5922
R 164 884 6022
Front Fender Brackets
L 164 884 6122
R 164 884 6222
Rear Bumper Flares For 2007-2009
L 164 884 5122
R 164 884 5222
OR
Rear Bumper Flares For 2010
('10 bumpers have noticeable edges/lines)
L 164 884 0123
R 164 884 0223
Rear Fender Flares
L 164 884 5322
R 164 884 5422
Rear Fender Brackets
L 164 884 5522
R 164 884 5622
Before:
After (before 15mm spacers (YMMV)):
After w 15mm spacers:
Here are the pieces painted and laid out:
Here's one of the fender brackets w/ the 3M tape applied:
3M Tape used:
The trick is to first mount the pieces then pull back the tape backing as you go along:
Fender bracket installed:
(Notice the holes in the bumper you'll need to drill for the bumper flares.)
Same 3M tape applied to the back of the flares:
Use the same technique to mount the flares by first positioning the flares then slowly pulling the tape backing:
The fender flares are secured by 3M tape on the top and screws on the bottom to the fender bracket. The bumper flares are secured by 3M tape on the top and nuts from the back of the bumper to plastic bolts on the bumper flares.
For the bumper flares, the challenge is to correctly measure the holes. I did this by simply putting some dough or putty on the back of the bumper flare where the plastic bolts protrude out. Then position to the bumper leaving a mark where to drill. You will need to drill a larger hole so there will be some "play" allowing you to correctly position the flare.
For those that don't want to drill your bumper, you can break off the bolts and mounting tabs from the bumper flares, secure the flare to the bumper using 3M tape on the top half of the flare and rivet the back edge of the flare to the back edge of the bumper (inside the wheel well.) Actually, if I had to do it again, this would be the route I would take.
It took me about 20 min for the bumper flares because of the drilling and repositioning of the flares. The fender flares took about 15 min each.
Front Bumper Flares
L 164 884 5722
R 168 884 5822
Front Fender Flares
L 164 884 5922
R 164 884 6022
Front Fender Brackets
L 164 884 6122
R 164 884 6222
Rear Bumper Flares For 2007-2009
L 164 884 5122
R 164 884 5222
OR
Rear Bumper Flares For 2010
('10 bumpers have noticeable edges/lines)
L 164 884 0123
R 164 884 0223
Rear Fender Flares
L 164 884 5322
R 164 884 5422
Rear Fender Brackets
L 164 884 5522
R 164 884 5622
Before:
After (before 15mm spacers (YMMV)):
After w 15mm spacers:
Here are the pieces painted and laid out:
Here's one of the fender brackets w/ the 3M tape applied:
3M Tape used:
The trick is to first mount the pieces then pull back the tape backing as you go along:
Fender bracket installed:
(Notice the holes in the bumper you'll need to drill for the bumper flares.)
Same 3M tape applied to the back of the flares:
Use the same technique to mount the flares by first positioning the flares then slowly pulling the tape backing:
The fender flares are secured by 3M tape on the top and screws on the bottom to the fender bracket. The bumper flares are secured by 3M tape on the top and nuts from the back of the bumper to plastic bolts on the bumper flares.
For the bumper flares, the challenge is to correctly measure the holes. I did this by simply putting some dough or putty on the back of the bumper flare where the plastic bolts protrude out. Then position to the bumper leaving a mark where to drill. You will need to drill a larger hole so there will be some "play" allowing you to correctly position the flare.
For those that don't want to drill your bumper, you can break off the bolts and mounting tabs from the bumper flares, secure the flare to the bumper using 3M tape on the top half of the flare and rivet the back edge of the flare to the back edge of the bumper (inside the wheel well.) Actually, if I had to do it again, this would be the route I would take.
It took me about 20 min for the bumper flares because of the drilling and repositioning of the flares. The fender flares took about 15 min each.
Last edited by PorscheTT; Sep 27, 2010 at 02:38 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
Great post!
2 questions...
1. what brand of spacers did you use and have you had any high speed issue when driving?
2. what brand of wheel is that and how is the quality?
I need to put 20 inch winter wheels and tires on my GL550 ... and I am thinking about putting either ML AMG wheels on or possibly aftermarket knockoffs.. all of them will need spacers to look correct on my truck.
Thanks for the awesome post and any insight.
2 questions...
1. what brand of spacers did you use and have you had any high speed issue when driving?
2. what brand of wheel is that and how is the quality?
I need to put 20 inch winter wheels and tires on my GL550 ... and I am thinking about putting either ML AMG wheels on or possibly aftermarket knockoffs.. all of them will need spacers to look correct on my truck.
Thanks for the awesome post and any insight.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
GL450
1. The spacers are billet aluminum from H&R and are hubcentric specific to Mercedes. No wobbling issues. Here's how to determine the correct size spacers:
- Make sure the tires are at proper pressure.
- Take a plumb bob line and drop it from the fender through the middle of the wheel to the ground. Measure the distance from the bottom of the tire to the bob. This is how much spacer width you'll need.
- If you try to bring the top of the tire flush with the fender, because of the negative camber, the bottom of the tire will stick out way past the fender and will look like those low riders. OK if that's the look you want.
2. The wheels are AMG knock offs from http://www.eurotechwheels.com (also DBA as http://www.usarim.com (for some reason, their site is down today)). The quality is as good as any other after market wheel vendors IMO. They specialize in European cars (BMW, Merc, Audi) and are based in San Diego. The price was right at $225/wheel!
I went w/ the 22s vs. 21s because of the limited tire choice and exuberant price of the 21s. I can get a 22" tire for about $150, albeit not high performance, but who's kidding themselves? This is an SUV not a sports car. I don't need sticky Michelins that lasts only 7K miles.
- Make sure the tires are at proper pressure.
- Take a plumb bob line and drop it from the fender through the middle of the wheel to the ground. Measure the distance from the bottom of the tire to the bob. This is how much spacer width you'll need.
- If you try to bring the top of the tire flush with the fender, because of the negative camber, the bottom of the tire will stick out way past the fender and will look like those low riders. OK if that's the look you want.
2. The wheels are AMG knock offs from http://www.eurotechwheels.com (also DBA as http://www.usarim.com (for some reason, their site is down today)). The quality is as good as any other after market wheel vendors IMO. They specialize in European cars (BMW, Merc, Audi) and are based in San Diego. The price was right at $225/wheel!
I went w/ the 22s vs. 21s because of the limited tire choice and exuberant price of the 21s. I can get a 22" tire for about $150, albeit not high performance, but who's kidding themselves? This is an SUV not a sports car. I don't need sticky Michelins that lasts only 7K miles.
Great post!
2 questions...
1. what brand of spacers did you use and have you had any high speed issue when driving?
2. what brand of wheel is that and how is the quality?
I need to put 20 inch winter wheels and tires on my GL550 ... and I am thinking about putting either ML AMG wheels on or possibly aftermarket knockoffs.. all of them will need spacers to look correct on my truck.
Thanks for the awesome post and any insight.
2 questions...
1. what brand of spacers did you use and have you had any high speed issue when driving?
2. what brand of wheel is that and how is the quality?
I need to put 20 inch winter wheels and tires on my GL550 ... and I am thinking about putting either ML AMG wheels on or possibly aftermarket knockoffs.. all of them will need spacers to look correct on my truck.
Thanks for the awesome post and any insight.
Last edited by PorscheTT; Sep 27, 2010 at 11:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
GL450
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
07 GL450
OP
Could you please post some pics of the side of the gl before and after the install.
I have been considering this upgrade since we got our gl450. It just looks like its missing 'something'.
We don't have running boards, and we keep our roof rack cross bars on for the Thule. But it still doesn't look quite the same.
I need tires, so I may consider your wheel/tire combo too, as I found 20" Hankook Ventus tires for $146/ea
Thanks in advance,
ysgi
Could you please post some pics of the side of the gl before and after the install.
I have been considering this upgrade since we got our gl450. It just looks like its missing 'something'.
We don't have running boards, and we keep our roof rack cross bars on for the Thule. But it still doesn't look quite the same.
I need tires, so I may consider your wheel/tire combo too, as I found 20" Hankook Ventus tires for $146/ea
Thanks in advance,
ysgi
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Ohio
2014 slk55 amg, 2011 gl350, lambo gallardo, 800hp supercharged viper
OP
Could you please post some pics of the side of the gl before and after the install.
I have been considering this upgrade since we got our gl450. It just looks like its missing 'something'.
We don't have running boards, and we keep our roof rack cross bars on for the Thule. But it still doesn't look quite the same.
I need tires, so I may consider your wheel/tire combo too, as I found 20" Hankook Ventus tires for $146/ea
Thanks in advance,
ysgi
Could you please post some pics of the side of the gl before and after the install.
I have been considering this upgrade since we got our gl450. It just looks like its missing 'something'.
We don't have running boards, and we keep our roof rack cross bars on for the Thule. But it still doesn't look quite the same.
I need tires, so I may consider your wheel/tire combo too, as I found 20" Hankook Ventus tires for $146/ea
Thanks in advance,
ysgi
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 16
2018 E63S
Based on the info below, I found a kit part number: B66036230 but was wondering if its the 2007-2009 version or the 2010+ version. Anyone know? If its not the 2010+ version, anyone have the right part number (for the kit)?
Front Bumper Flares
L 164 884 5722
R 168 884 5822
Front Fender Flares
L 164 884 5922
R 164 884 6022
Front Fender Brackets
L 164 884 6122
R 164 884 6222
Rear Bumper Flares For 2007-2009
L 164 884 5122
R 164 884 5222
OR
Rear Bumper Flares For 2010
('10 bumpers have noticeable edges/lines)
L 164 884 0123
R 164 884 0223
Rear Fender Flares
L 164 884 5322
R 164 884 5422
Rear Fender Brackets
L 164 884 5522
R 164 884 5622
Front Bumper Flares
L 164 884 5722
R 168 884 5822
Front Fender Flares
L 164 884 5922
R 164 884 6022
Front Fender Brackets
L 164 884 6122
R 164 884 6222
Rear Bumper Flares For 2007-2009
L 164 884 5122
R 164 884 5222
OR
Rear Bumper Flares For 2010
('10 bumpers have noticeable edges/lines)
L 164 884 0123
R 164 884 0223
Rear Fender Flares
L 164 884 5322
R 164 884 5422
Rear Fender Brackets
L 164 884 5522
R 164 884 5622
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 7
From: New York
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
To PorscheTT:
You mention that the bumper pieces are mounted on double tape and screws that go from the inside of the bumper. By any chance do you have the part number for the screws?
You mention that the bumper pieces are mounted on double tape and screws that go from the inside of the bumper. By any chance do you have the part number for the screws?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
GL450
Honestly, you can go to any hardware store and get some standard screws...They'll look like this. The OEM ones has a Torx head. You can simply use the more common Phillips screw. Hope this helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 7
From: New York
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
I wasn't talking about those. The flare pieces that go on the bumper have nuts that you screw on to hold them in place. This is te nuts that I want the part numbers to...? If anybody has?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
GL450 CLS500
I noticed in the 14th picture you posted that the label on the rear right flare has a color description of "Obsidian Black". Do the parts come painted from MB? I assumed that they would be in some form or primer.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
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GL 350 BTC, Audi S5, 996 Turbo
I'm having a heckuva time ordering these parts online. If you use getmercedesparts.com it doesn't recognize the part numbers, and their diagrams are such that I don't know that I'm ordering the right stuff. Any suggestions?
I can order locally, but the prices are terrible.
I can order locally, but the prices are terrible.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 7
From: New York
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 7
From: New York
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
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R350
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 55
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From: Sf Bay Area
2000 ML430, 2008 GL550, 2008 F250 Superduty, 2007 VW Jetta
looks great. do you have parts numbers for the spacers? or can you tell me if the spacers comes with longer lug bolts or are they the "bolt spacer to hub THEN bolt wheel to spacer" type?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
They have bolts that screw directly into the hub and then you use your original lug nuts to bolt your wheel to the spacer.
I believe mine are 25mm...will check when I am back in the country.
I believe mine are 25mm...will check when I am back in the country.
