GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

New to me GL350... Upgrades? Pics! Advice?

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Old 03-11-2017, 12:48 PM
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New to me GL350... Upgrades? Pics! Advice?

2012, mint condition. 700+ miles to a tank highway? Very cool.

1) HID's. The main thing this one doesn't have. For 2012, led daytime running lights became STANDARD, but the lighting package is still optional it seems, so this one doesn't have it, so no HID, but has the led running lights. Looking for best way to add a kit that gives no errors and will update this thread later when I find the right none. If anyone else has found a kit that works, let me know.

Also, the little bulbs in the headlights closest to the grille, they are a dingy YELLOW color. Need to change these.

2) Stereo. No Harmon Kardon option. What can be done to make this sound better without going crazy. I assume you can't replace the in dash unit for a newer one, as you'll lose all the command stuff?

3) Running boards. I like the stock, but maybe there are some better choices with leds and something that looks better? Thoughts? pics?

4) Roof. Cross bars? Iv'e seen these on the GL and love the look it also adds. If anyone has them or wants to sell theirs, let me know? Don't fee like getting from dealer.






Just a Drake video




Last edited by Jason B; 03-11-2017 at 12:54 PM.
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StradaRedlands (04-11-2017)
Old 03-11-2017, 02:24 PM
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Welcome to MBWorld and grats on your pickup.

With regards to item 1, you'll need H7 HID conversion kit. We carry top end Morimoto HID conversion kit that will be plug and play canbus. Your inner parking light will use our 194 wedge LEDs, also canbus configured. Shoot us an email at aznoptics@gmail.com or PM us here and we can get you set up
Old 03-13-2017, 12:42 AM
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X166 gls450 2017
[QUOTE=Jason B;7081205]2012, mint condition. 700+ miles to a tank highway? Very cool.

1) HID's. The main thing this one doesn't have. For 2012, led daytime running lights became STANDARD, but the lighting package is still optional it seems, so this one doesn't have it, so no HID, but has the led running lights. Looking for best way to add a kit that gives no errors and will update this thread later when I find the right none. If anyone else has found a kit that works, let me know.

Also, the little bulbs in the headlights closest to the grille, they are a dingy YELLOW color. Need to change these.

2) Stereo. No Harmon Kardon option. What can be done to make this sound better without going crazy. I assume you can't replace the in dash unit for a newer one, as you'll lose all the command stuff?

3) Running boards. I like the stock, but maybe there are some better choices with leds and something that looks better? Thoughts? pics?

4) Roof. Cross bars? Iv'e seen these on the GL and love the look it also adds. If anyone has them or wants to sell theirs, let me know? Don't fee like getting from dealer.




/QUOTE]

Honestly instead of spending money on cosmetics you should focus on some of the known issues, get it checked for any leaks underneath, oil cooler seals, transfer case driveshaft seals, timing chain stretch, ad blue heater, air suspension and struts etc to name a few
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Jason B (04-10-2017)
Old 04-10-2017, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AZN Optics
Welcome to MBWorld and grats on your pickup.

With regards to item 1, you'll need H7 HID conversion kit. We carry top end Morimoto HID conversion kit that will be plug and play canbus. Your inner parking light will use our 194 wedge LEDs, also canbus configured. Shoot us an email at aznoptics@gmail.com or PM us here and we can get you set up
Just an update, ordered the above from AZN Optics. Low beam and high beam hid kit, led wedge bulbs for parking lights, all 5,500k, and led footwell lights.

Also, these rims going on soon, custom powdercoated inners matte grey, 22x10.5.

Old 04-11-2017, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Jason B
2012, mint condition. 700+ miles to a tank highway? Very cool.


4) Roof. Cross bars? Iv'e seen these on the GL and love the look it also adds. If anyone has them or wants to sell theirs, let me know? Don't fee like getting from dealer.
Factory crossbars look good, but they have an arched profile that makes them a poor choice if you want to throw a surfboard or a few sheets of plywood on top.
If you actually want to use the crossbars to carry anything, consider an aftermarket product with straight crossbars that extend beyond the roof rails. Thule makes a pretty quiet one, but pricey. Others are cheaper, but may add some wind noise.
Old 04-11-2017, 08:34 PM
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With those 22s say goodbye to your steering rack, quiet magic carpet feel ride and possibly your front shocks. You have Been warned. Every +2 wheel upgrade on the x164 has resulted in rack and some of them have blown front shocks. And yes- I have seen a few. The factory 21" for the 550 is even pushing it. You have been warned.
Old 04-11-2017, 08:49 PM
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I've run 22" wheels for over 150k miles. No problems here but they are forged and very light.
Old 01-10-2018, 12:40 PM
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These pics do no justice! It's now Satin Pearl White, new wheels, lighted door sills, etc. It's stunning in person.










Last edited by Jason B; 01-10-2018 at 01:43 PM.
Old 01-10-2018, 08:35 PM
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2012 GL350
Originally Posted by Jason B
These pics do no justice! It's now Satin Pearl White, new wheels, lighted door sills, etc. It's stunning in person.









Very nice. Looks good. I had 22x10 on my 2012 gl350 for 115k miles. No issues.
Old 01-16-2018, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Knowlegeable1
Very nice. Looks good. I had 22x10 on my 2012 gl350 for 115k miles. No issues.
Nice. Yea, rides incredible still.






Last edited by Jason B; 01-16-2018 at 01:37 PM.
Old 01-17-2018, 01:12 AM
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2012 GL350
Great pics! The white came out awesome.... I want to try a 23" or maybe even a 24" wheel on our "new" to us 17 GLS450.... 22's look great, but want a new look for our new ride. Keep up the good work!
Old 01-17-2018, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Knowlegeable1
Great pics! The white came out awesome.... I want to try a 23" or maybe even a 24" wheel on our "new" to us 17 GLS450.... 22's look great, but want a new look for our new ride. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Yes, those are actually 24's in the pictures. It just amazes me how great the ride is.
Old 01-17-2018, 11:36 AM
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2012 GL350
Originally Posted by Jason B
Thanks! Yes, those are actually 24's in the pictures. It just amazes me how great the ride is.
Nice. I went back and realized they were different rims than you originally posted... What is the offset and what size tire are you running? Any rubbing issues?
Old 01-17-2018, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Knowlegeable1
Nice. I went back and realized they were different rims than you originally posted... What is the offset and what size tire are you running? Any rubbing issues?
Nope. 275/35 Offset +35 offset for GL. Fits perfect, fills the wheel wells perfect. Compliments everywhere I go from young to old.
Old 01-18-2018, 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Jason B
Nope. 275/35 Offset +35 offset for GL. Fits perfect, fills the wheel wells perfect. Compliments everywhere I go from young to old.
Nice! Ill keep you posted when i pull the trigger and get wheels.
Old 01-19-2018, 09:44 AM
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GL350 2012
The white pearl is a wrap ?
Old 01-19-2018, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by drakecoldwinter
The white pearl is a wrap ?
Yes. Avery Satin Pearl White.

Same as this:
​​

Old 01-28-2018, 03:51 PM
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Some more pics:
Old 04-03-2018, 11:42 AM
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Still love this truck, best riding suv out there so far...

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