BenzPappa

sak335 " My issue with the solution above is that I open the rear hatch ALL THE TIME"
Absolutely true ! THAT is really annoying for me any time, I have to admit. However ( and that doesn't make it any better ) the OEM solution is exactly the same, only that opens in opposite direction and look a bit sexier than mine. All very good points you made. As I have been told, run-flats can only go for a max of 80 miles, and at a max speed of 50 MPH at best. Ungodly expensive for how they ride. Honestly - I am open to any suggestions for making this (a) look better (b) have a spare - is a must (c) sexier look - without having losing an arm and a leg to M.B. stealership.

sak335

Install one of these, and toss the spare inside. Done.

lkchris

The tailgate mount is illegal for USA due to "escape" requirements.

The reflectors we have low on the bumpers become lights on those models.

lkchris

Here is the page from EPC showing the carrier.

There is probably more to the story, e.g. different tailgate struts and/or motor, etc.

EPC doesn't have capability that I'm aware of to find all parts applicable to an option code.

If there's a "kit" part number somewhere it will be in an accessories catalog for European dealers and I think only someone from there would have knowledge of that and whether dealer retrofit has ever occurred

lkchris

Check Thule or Yakima or trailer supply folks for a receiver hitch mounted spare tire carrier.

BenzPappa

First of all, THANK YOU for this info. In months, you were the 1st person to come up with such details and very precise part numbers.
Now ,looking at this assembly, the complexity of it, I can only say that the Germans are either insane or lazy a@@ .... Why in the world can't ( or won't ) they do a regular spare like every one else, is beyond my comprehension. No excuse for that in my opinion. But what do I know ... , right ?
Onto the question with top carrier - that is pretty hard for a short(er) guy or gal. That tire is about 40 lbs ( I am talking about full tire like mine ). I would be found dead on the roof, before I would be able to get it down from there. At least my contraption can be removed in 10 min, entirely - by one person and 2 wrenches.
Honestly, I feel better after I have seen the OEM carrier here. Mine doesn't seem so "alien" anymore .
But, just for kicks I will try to find out a price and a best estimate for installation.
My MB experience some how tells me that is in 5 or 6x more expensive than mine ( yeah, is sexier at first look, I'll admit that ).

lkchris

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Car...rt/C31006.html

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Cargo/Ro...RM-195225.html

BenzPappa

I have looked at both carriers, mentioned below, and I see 2 potential issues with them.
Let's start with the 2nd one: that would be way too big for a GL and would definitely block your rear windshield. It is good for really offroading but not every day use. However I still can't picture it on a GL.
The fist one is a fixed, real fixed spare carrier, which has to be in the way of the rear door to say so. Again, could be ok when going offroading, but can't picture it for everyday use.

Now, going back to the OEM carrier, which you posted here - I got some prices from all over the place ( some dealership still can't price it ). So in all, by now I have reached about 3500$ in parts alone. Will try to find out a price for install, and if the bumper must be modified, changed, which appears to be the case.

eric_in_sd

Jeepers creepers that's some serious coin.

For those talking about putting it up on the roof: Have you lifted a tire & wheel lately?

Pro tip: Get a plug kit, pliers to pull a nail out, and a 12V air pump.

angelglo

I agree with this. I have a plug kit in every car. most leaks are from nail holes but what was said, it wont plug a 1" hole. That is a special kind of problem. If if it is just a common nail/screw, it can most likely be done at home since the nail will hold the air until you get home.

eric_in_sd

Hydraulic bottle jack, plug kit, pliers, 12V compressor ... you'd be on your way before the AAA truck would even show up.

Guy I met off-roading claimed to have patched a torn tire with four plugs in a row.

BenzPappa

I got some updates on the OEM solution and pricing:
- first, you can’t buy all the parts in one place, and most have to come from overseas.
- so far the OEM solution ( for converting a US model ) are upwards of 5k$ - no is not a typo
- pricing for installation here would be also astronomical if I provide all the OEM parts – I was quoted anything from 1500 – to 3000
So, for me there are a few takes and lesson learned on this:
- the beauty is in the eye of the beholder: is my solution the prettiest or the ugliest ? I still don’t know. But then who can definitely be an “art” critic on this realm. While I gave it the best shoot for the money, time will tell if people will really like it or hate it. Meanwhile I have viable solution without mods to the vehicle – I am not going to start fixing flats on the side of the road; I will change one if I have to, but … not fixing it.
- MB are lazy bums and cheap skunks for not putting a spare when there is enough room there; besides they manufacture a spare for this model !
With that being said, I want to thank you all for very honest and good info, suggestions and critics to this minor item.
Wishing you all a great day.

BlownV8

Could you relocate the adblue tank? Maybe a custom tank on the left rear of the vehicle between the interior and the body shell. Think behind the left rear tire in the space right behind the tail light and storage compartment.

angelglo

Do they not come with a spare tire for any of the gl350s?

BenzPappa

In theory, yeah...but there are 3 things that stand in my way:
1) there is a sort of a cross member (some sort of reinforcement ?) in that area, which apparently may be in the way of the spare; then, can you imagine the cost and the unexpected issues ? as much as I like tinker with these things, that is a no no ...
2) I am still under CPO warranty, and they could not see a better opportunity to blame everything on that and drop my warranty asap...
3) I am too old for this @#it .... really; nice or ugly, good or bad, I do have a solution for now.
I get your idea, and that would be real elegant. But, I am not going that route. After all, I am an imported redneck

BenzPappa

Unfortunately, no. Not only the GL, but most of the models don't.
Is a nice way for MB to shave off a few $$ ( of course, for their benefit ) and keep the same price or more

lkchris

Check out item #10 here
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=36_1449