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Can I convert the front end of a GL450 to a GL550?
I'm thinking of buying a GL450. I love the vehicle, but now that I saw the GL550, I love the front end of that one. I can get a used GL450 for roughly $30k used, but the used GL550's are going for upper 50's, so you can see why I would rather go with the 450. The engine doesn't matter all that much to me, because it's for the lady, not myself. So, has anyone here attempted this conversion, and if so, what are we looking at for parts needed, cost, etc?
won't be cheap. Fender flares are $2k painted/installed, bumper, grille, and hood are different as well.
If you like the looks of the 550, just get one.
I didn't realize the hood was different also. Thought it was just the Grille, bumper and flares. Either way, it's still a 30k difference between the 450 and 550, so if it cost me $5-7k I'd still be ahead in the deal.
I think it is doable and I don't think you will have to change the hood. It does appear that not only will you have to change the grill and bumper but alot of the stuff behind the bumper as well. I'm not sure if you are looking to do the fender flares but I have seen a GL on YouTube that has just the 550 front end and honestly, I think it might be my favorite look. The GL in the video is a GL500 or something and it is some sort of Eastern European or Russian new car review. Apparently they are sold like that in other parts of the world. Just find a good paint shop.
I didn't realize the hood was different also. Thought it was just the Grille, bumper and flares. Either way, it's still a 30k difference between the 450 and 550, so if it cost me $5-7k I'd still be ahead in the deal.
Find a rear-ended GL550 in a junkyard, preferably in the right color, and buy the front-end pieces you need at a fraction of the new price. Have them painted if you want to and still come out WAY ahead of buying them new from the dealer or, as you noted, trading up.
I didn't realize the hood was different also. Thought it was just the Grille, bumper and flares. Either way, it's still a 30k difference between the 450 and 550, so if it cost me $5-7k I'd still be ahead in the deal.
You will have to put wheels and tires as they will get lost in the flared fenders so you will be looking at over 10000 and still not have the horsepower, ads, cornering fog lights, chrome roof rack, chrome side trim, probably hid lights. The fuel mileage is no worse with the 550 so if you are financing use this conversion money to make a larger monthly payment and get the 550.
And there's really no guarantee that it's going to be a bolt-on change. I remember someone else wanting to do this a few months ago, and while he ended up not following through, I would definitely do some more research on the bumper mounts, etc. before moving forward.
Well, I am actually now thinking of trying to find a GL450 with front end damage for cheap, so I have to change the parts out anyways. Checked with the dealership today. I would have to get the entire front bumper (cover, reinforcement, etc), grille, and flares. I have run across some out there that have light front end damage for as low as $22k. As for wheels and tires, that was already on the list of things to change right off the back. I'm not a fan of the 18's that come stock on most of the 450's. I'll probably go with 22's. Thanks for all the input. Hopefully I'll be picking one up here soon and have some pics of before and after. I just have to find the one that has everything I want.
Well, I am actually now thinking of trying to find a GL450 with front end damage for cheap, so I have to change the parts out anyways. Checked with the dealership today. I would have to get the entire front bumper (cover, reinforcement, etc), grille, and flares. I have run across some out there that have light front end damage for as low as $22k. As for wheels and tires, that was already on the list of things to change right off the back. I'm not a fan of the 18's that come stock on most of the 450's. I'll probably go with 22's. Thanks for all the input. Hopefully I'll be picking one up here soon and have some pics of before and after. I just have to find the one that has everything I want.
You must be possessed? A wrecked 450 posing as a 550 is going to be worthless in the future.
And there's really no guarantee that it's going to be a bolt-on change. I remember someone else wanting to do this a few months ago, and while he ended up not following through, I would definitely do some more research on the bumper mounts, etc. before moving forward.
i tried terribly, bought the parts(Bumper, grill and supporting parts), tried and returned (they took it since i know the guys in parts shop). It is not worth it. It is not bolt on conversion.
my advice, add the chrome strip (3rd chrome strip look) under the grill for 20-40 bucks (from ebay), it simulates almost like 550.
i tried terribly, bought the parts(Bumper, grill and supporting parts), tried and returned (they took it since i know the guys in parts shop). It is not worth it. It is not bolt on conversion.
my advice, add the chrome strip (3rd chrome strip look) under the grill for 20-40 bucks (from ebay), it simulates almost like 550.
Also skid plates ,chrome fogs, flares, and wheels. If you need to be stimulated buy the 550.
hood is not different, only need the bumper assembly's and fender flares, we sell the front & rear bumper set (complete) for $5000 shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states. fender flares are around 1000 for the set but are a bit hard to find, Mercedes is on back order for them but are available overseas and can be shipped for around 200 usd.
NEW COMPLETE MERCEDES 12-15 GL63 AMG SPORT REAR BUMPER COVER w/ AMG EXHAUSTS
UPGRADE YOUR GL TO LOOK LIKE A 2015 GL63
WE ALSO HAVE THE COMPLETE MATCHING FRONT BUMPER
we a do a few of these in stock they will not last long, please email if you would like to inquire about a different color , or we may be able to remove certain parts to lower the overall price if you do not need this full assembly
(WE DO NOT KNOW IF IT WILL FIT YOUR CAR, THAT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY)
color - Diamond White (799 color code)
WE ALSO HAVE OBSIDIAN BLACK IN STOCK
BRAND NEW OEM , NEVER INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE
FULLY BUILT BUMPER COMPLETE ASSEMBLY
CONDITION : BRAND NEW UNIT NEVER INSTALLED , MERCEDES BENZ ASSEMBLY LINE REJECT DUE TO TINY PAINT NICKS (2 OR 3 ONLY ON THE ENTIRE BUMPER). (THATS WHY YOUR SAVING OVER $4000). ONE VERY MINOR HAIRLINE CRACK ON ONE OF THE TABS (SHOWN IN LAST PIC) . THE CHROME STEP PLACE IS PERFECT AND WE REMOVED THE PROTECTIVE FILM ONLY FOR PHOTOS, REFER TO THE PHOTOS OR ASK FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FOR ADDITIONAL CONDITION DETAILS.
OVER $5000 WORTH OF PARTS IN THIS BUMPER, YOU WILL NEVER FIND A FULLY BUILT UNIT LIKE THIS. CALL THE DEALER AND FIND OUT HOW MUCH EVERY PART ON A BUMPER IS GOING TO COST YOU.... $5000 +
NEAR COMPLETE REAR BUMPER ASSEMBLY
Includes all PDC (parktronic) sensors & all PDC wiring
included rear bumper grilles (LEFT , CENTER , RIGHT)
Included the reflector lights & bezel housing
included the matte chrome undercarriage cover (no center tow hitch cover)
Included both LEFT & RIGHT AMG dual exhaust tips (over $1300 by them selves)
Included the LEFT & RIGHT BLIND SPOT DETECTION MODULES (over $1400 for the pair)
Included tow hook covers
COMES WITH WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTOS, NO MORE , NO LESS !!!
12-21-2010, 01:37 PM
